Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members staged a surprise rally beginning very early on Tuesday morning, clogging major roads, including EDSA, in Metro Manila in protest over the looming arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta and what church leaders described as “selective justice” surrounding the government’s flood control scandal investigation.

The mass action came a day after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that plunder charges were set to be filed against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan this week over his alleged failure to declare P75 million in unused campaign contributions during the 2025 elections.

By early morning, thousands of INC members had gathered at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City, disrupting traffic across several lanes. The Quezon City Police District estimated around 9,000 participants at the rally as of 9 a.m., while the entire police command was placed on full alert as the crowd continued to swell.

Protests to continue

In a video statement aired on Net25, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said the church will continue its protest even if Marcoleta is detained.

“We want those in authority to hear us. Even if they imprison Senator Marcoleta, we will not stop demanding justice,” Zabala said.

“Selective justice is injustice, and we will not remain silent,” he added.

In another statement delivered in Filipino, Zabala declared: “Even if they imprison Senator Marcoleta, we will not stop.”

The INC said the nationwide demonstrations were meant to demand transparency, accountability, justice, and peace, particularly regarding what they described as attempts to suppress investigations into the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.

Marcoleta himself earlier accused the Ombudsman of orchestrating what he called a political coverup.

“The Ombudsman is determined to bend the law,” Marcoleta said in an earlier statement.

The senator has strongly criticized the case against him, claiming it was part of a coordinated effort to silence opposition figures who have been vocal about alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

Marcoleta also said his impending arrest could derail the ongoing investigations into the flood control controversy.

“If they arrest me, that investigation will no longer push through. They want to bury it in oblivion,” he had said.

Marcoleta’s co-accused

The Office of the Ombudsman on Monday confirmed that aside from Marcoleta, former Congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray who made the donations to Marcoleta’s campaign would also be charged as co-conspirators.

The controversy has triggered political backlash, with some allies of Vice President Sara Duterte claiming the case may be connected to her upcoming Senate impeachment trial where Marcoleta is considered a key ally who is expected to vote against her conviction.

Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste joined the protest and urged more Filipinos to participate.

“Everyone is invited today to the EDSA People Power Monument. This is not just for one group. This is for every Filipino,” Leviste wrote on social media.

Rally also held at Liwasan

A group of protesters gathered Tuesday morning at Liwasang Bonifacio in Plaza Lawton, Manila, to show support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Police initially estimated the crowd at 300, which later grew to around 400 as the rally program got underway.

Heavy traffic hit several major roads starting 9 a.m. after authorities closed both sides of Ayala Bridge, portions of Recto Avenue, A.H. Loyola leading to Mendiola, and Legarda corner Figueras Street. Mendiola Bridge was heavily secured by anti-riot police.

Protesters carried placards reading: “Don’t bend the law,” “The corrupt are protected while whistleblowers are jailed,” “File charges against the corrupt,” “No to selective justice,” and “Don’t jail those conducting investigations.”

The program ended at around 2:30 p.m., with only about 30 protesters remaining by 2:53 p.m.

Authorities said they were continuing to monitor the situation as similar protest actions were expected in key cities nationwide.

Cops on full alert

Government agencies, however, moved quickly to address security concerns.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4A, along with national support units, were placed on full alert status starting at 5 a.m.

As of 9 a.m., the authorities had deployed 5,936 police and security personnel in key areas, including the EDSA Shrine, Mendiola, and Liwasang Bonifacio where protesters had gathered, as well as Ayala Bridge, the US Embassy and the Senate.

“The PNP recognizes and respects the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble and express their views,” Nartatez said. “Police personnel have been instructed to exercise maximum tolerance, remain impartial, uphold human rights, and perform their duties with professionalism and restraint.”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government likewise reminded rally participants to exercise their rights responsibly and cooperate with authorities.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines issued a similar statement, stressing that while peaceful assembly is protected by the Constitution, all public activities must remain within the bounds of law and should not cause unnecessary inconvenience to commuters, workers, and students.

Palace barricaded

Security around Malacañang Palace was tightened Tuesday as authorities prepared for possible protest actions and heightened public activity in the capital.

Police and security personnel were deployed in key areas surrounding the presidential compound to maintain order, manage traffic and ensure that any gatherings remain peaceful and within the bounds of the law. Barbed wires were set up in all roads leading to Malacanang. Authorities said the measures are precautionary and part of standard security protocols for sensitive government facilities.

The heightened security comes amid ongoing demonstrations in Metro Manila, including large-scale rallies that have disrupted traffic and prompted increased police monitoring. Security forces said they remain committed to exercising maximum tolerance while safeguarding public safety and critical government installations.

Legality questioned

Questions also emerged over the legality of the rally. Quezon City Public Order and Safety Office head Gen. Elmo Sandiego (ret.) said the INC gathering at the People Power Monument had no permit from the local government.

“Their activity is illegal. We were surprised that they staged a lightning rally without applying for a permit,” Sandiego said.

Before the day ended, however, the INC managed to secure the permit until Wednesday.