The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reminded politicians to avoid being “epalitiko” or scene stealers during religious gatherings.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia made a statement as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) mount a huge rally on Monday.

“Isang pagsasama-sama para sa Pananampalataya at pagkakaisa po ito. Kasapi po tayo sa kapatiran ng Iglesia sa kanilang napakabuting hangarin (This is a gathering for faith and unity. We are with our Iglesia siblings in their good intention),” Garcia told reporters.

“Hindi dapat sinasamantala ng ilan para sa pansariling kapakanan. Iwasang maging epalitiko (It should not be taken advantage of by some for personal gain. Avoid politicking),” he added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expects up to one million attendees at the INC's National Rally for Peace at the Quirino Grandstand.

Sagip Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, a prominent INC member, said the rally advocates for peace and unity amid political tensions.

“I think the INC wants to send a message across the nation that peace is a factor in achieving development and progress in this country,” Marcoleta said in a television interview last week.

The rally takes place amid political tensions, with at least three impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives following legislative inquiries into her alleged misuse of confidential funds.

The INC announced on its television network last month that it opposes calls for the impeachment of Duterte.