The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Tuesday mounted its strongest public defense yet of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, warning that it would not stop demanding accountability over alleged corruption in government even if the lawmaker is prosecuted and jailed.

Before an estimated 14,500 supporters gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument, the religious organization denounced what it called "selective justice" as reports swirled that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file plunder and graft charges against Marcoleta over alleged undisclosed donations totaling P75 million.

In a statement, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala insisted the church was not opposing the rule of law but what it believes is the law's uneven application.

"Hindi tutol ang Iglesia ni Cristo sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Pero tutol kami sa pagbaluktot sa batas lalo na kung ang layunin ay para pagtakpan ang katiwalian," Zabala said.

He argued that Marcoleta—who has figured prominently in Senate investigations into alleged irregularities involving multibillion-peso flood-control projects—was now facing criminal prosecution while officials allegedly implicated in those inquiries remained free.

"Isang injustice ang selective justice at hindi kami mananahimik sa harap nitong napakalaking pagyurak sa katarungan," he added.

Political rally

Although organized around support for Marcoleta, the demonstration quickly transformed into a broader political protest against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.

Political commentator Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz accused the administration of silencing whistleblowers and critics, telling supporters that public frustration had reached its breaking point.

Former presidential adviser Jacinto "Jing" Paras echoed the call but emphasized that organizers were seeking a constitutional—not revolutionary—change in leadership.

"Hindi kami nananawagan ng karahasan, kudeta, mutiny o rebolusyon. Nananawagan tayo ng pagbabago sa liderato sa pamamagitan ng proseso ng Saligang Batas," Paras said.

Paras later appealed to Vice President Sara Duterte to remain "on standby," arguing she should be prepared to assume the presidency should a constitutional vacancy arise.

Former Quezon City representative Mike Defensor also addressed the gathering, accusing the National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman of being used to pursue political opponents while overlooking other corruption allegations.

Ombudsman pushes back

Hours after the speeches, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano rejected accusations that the planned complaints against Marcoleta were politically motivated.

Instead, he argued that both the protesters and the anti-graft body were ultimately seeking the same objective.

"If accountability and transparency is what they're fighting for, that's also what we're fighting for here in the Office of the Ombudsman," Clavano said.

He said public demonstrations would not influence the Ombudsman's work.

"It is not our mandate to stop cases. It is our mandate to investigate and prosecute cases."

Clavano also dismissed online claims that Marcoleta was already facing arrest, stressing that only the courts may issue warrants after criminal cases are filed.

He defended the legal basis of the planned plunder complaint, saying prosecutors believe the alleged receipt of ₱75 million in donations—combined with other evidence gathered during the investigation—meets the elements required under the Anti-Plunder Law.

Traffic disruption

As political speeches continued, the rally also caused major disruptions along Metro Manila's busiest highway.

By 5 p.m., the Quezon City Police District estimated the crowd at 14,500, with 2,166 police officers deployed around the People Power Monument to secure the gathering and manage traffic.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the rally had no permit and proceeded without prior coordination, forcing authorities to close White Plains Avenue after participants occupied portions of the EDSA Busway.

"Walang permit ito. Wala talagang coordination at walang permit itong rally na ito," MMDA General Manager Ret. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

MMDA personnel deployed tow trucks and traffic enforcers to clear affected lanes while urging commuters to expect heavy congestion.

VP Sara backs rally

As demonstrators remained gathered at the monument, Vice President Sara Duterte issued a statement saying the protest reflected the frustrations she had been voicing since 2024.

She accused the Marcos administration of poor governance and alleged that it had used the justice system "under the guise of accountability" to intimidate critics and suppress dissent.

Duterte said the issue had become "no longer a matter of politics" but one concerning "the honor of the State" and the future of Filipinos.