Malacañang on Tuesday urged members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to respect the rights of other Filipinos using EDSA as thousands of protesters gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument, causing heavy traffic and road closures.

Speaking at a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly but stressed that these should not come at the expense of the rights of others.

"Maari nating masabi kung may pang-aabuso kung nakakaapekto na sila ng ibang tao. Karapatan din naman natin na galangin ang karapatan ng bawat isa," Castro said.

She noted that road blockages affect workers, students, commuters, and even patients being transported by ambulance.

"Karapatan ba ni Senator Marcoleta? Ang karapatan ng isang tao sa isang kaso ay binibigay naman po. Nandiyan naman po ang paggalang sa right to due process," she added.

According to the Quezon City Police District, organizers secured permits for the gathering from both the police and Quezon City Hall.

Castro urged organizers of future protests to coordinate with the government.

"Ang pakiusap lang po natin sana, kung magkakaroon ng mga protesta o gathering ay makipag-coordinate naman sa gobyerno. Hindi naman kayo pinipigilan sa anumang kilos na ginagawa ninyo, provided that your actions should be in accordance with the law," she said.

She added that the Philippine National Police would determine whether any laws or regulations were violated during the rally.

The protest caused severe traffic congestion along EDSA, with many commuters reporting long delays as several roads were temporarily closed.

Despite heightened security measures, including the implementation of heightened security protocols at the Malacañang Complex, Castro said the administration does not consider the rally a threat.

"That's a precautionary measure. It's part of the daily operation in the vicinity where the President resides," she said.

Call for responsible exercise of rights

Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia said the issue goes beyond politics and religion, describing it as a test of whether constitutional rights are exercised responsibly and with respect for the rule of law.

"Due process is not a political privilege. It is a constitutional guarantee that protects every Filipino equally. Justice loses its credibility when it becomes selective," he said.

Goitia said defending due process does not mean defending wrongdoing, adding that allegations should be resolved through evidence and the courts rather than political pressure or public opinion.

He also emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees religious freedom and the right to peaceful assembly, those rights should be exercised with consideration for the broader public.

"The right to peacefully assemble is fundamental, but it should never unnecessarily burden the rights of millions of Filipinos to work, study, travel, and access essential services. Rights are strongest when exercised with responsibility and consideration for the common good," he said.

Goitia added that permit requirements are intended to promote public safety and ensure that one group's exercise of its rights does not unnecessarily infringe on the rights of others.

He also commended the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local government units for maintaining peace and order during the rally.