Bong Go thanks Iglesia ni Cristo for support amid political turmoil

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Friday, 21 March, extended his gratitude to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for its firm stance amid political tensions following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Go praised the religious group for advocating peace, unity, and the upholding of legal principles.

The INC, through spokesperson Ka Edwil Zaballa, linked recent protests and public unrest to the government’s failure to address earlier appeals for national reconciliation and stable leadership.

“Nang mag-rally, ang panawagan ay kapayapaan, pagkakaisa at unahin ang problema ng bansa. Hindi pinakinggan ng kinauukulan kaya nangyari ‘yung mga nangyayari ngayon,” Zaballa said, referring to the INC’s National Rally for Peace held on 13 January 2025.

("When the rally was held, the call was for peace, unity, and prioritizing the country's problems. The authorities did not listen, which is why these things are happening now.")

The demonstration, which reportedly gathered around 1.8 million participants nationwide, opposed impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte while promoting national solidarity.

Zaballa also underscored the INC’s position on Duterte’s arrest, stressing the need for legal processes to remain free from political manipulation.

“Kung ano ang tama at kung ano ang nasa batas, ‘yun sana ang pairalin. ‘Wag pilipitin. Hindi sumasang-ayon ang INC sa anumang hakbangin na hindi sang-ayon sa batas. Sinumang Pilipino ang may ginawang paglabag sa batas, dito dapat litisin. Nagtitiwala ang INC sa integridad at kakayahan ng hudikatura. Pairalin ang katarungan.”

("What is right and what is in the law should be upheld. Do not twist it. The INC does not agree with any actions that go against the law. Any Filipino who has violated the law should be tried here. The INC trusts the integrity and capability of the judiciary. Let justice prevail.")

Senator Go acknowledged the INC’s message, stating that it reflects the sentiments of many Filipinos who may be apprehensive about expressing their views.

“Maraming salamat po sa suporta at pagmamahal sa Pilipino,” Go said. “Sa ganitong panahon ng kaguluhan at pagdududa, napakahalaga ng mga boses na naninindigan para sa batas at kapayapaan. Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino at ipaglaban ang interes ng bayan.”

("Thank you very much for your support and love for the Filipino people." "In times of turmoil and doubt like this, voices that stand for law and peace are extremely important. Let us prioritize the welfare of Filipinos and fight for the nation's interests.")

Go, a longtime aide to Duterte before becoming a senator, reaffirmed the importance of the country’s judicial institutions in addressing national concerns.

“Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay pagkakaisa at pagkilala sa proseso ng ating batas. Kaya muli, nagpapasalamat ako sa INC sa pagiging matatag at patas sa paninindigan,” he stated.

("What we need now is unity and recognition of our legal processes. That is why, once again, I thank the INC for its steadfast and fair stance.")

The senator expressed optimism that justice and peace will prevail, calling on Filipinos to prioritize the rule of law over political discord and retribution.