Malacañang on Tuesday urged members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to respect the rights and welfare of the public amid their protest along EDSA against individuals allegedly involved in the flood control controversy and in support of fellow INC member Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing possible arrest.

During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the group’s right to free expression and assembly, but stressed that such rights should not come at the expense of others.

“We can say there is abuse if other people are being affected. We all have the responsibility to respect each other’s rights. This affects workers, students, patients in ambulances passing through EDSA, and the public in general. If they are fighting for Senator Marcoleta’s rights, his right to due process is already being respected,” Castro said in Filipino.

The Quezon City Police District said rally organizers had secured permits for what authorities described as a surprise protest. Castro, however, urged organizers to coordinate with government authorities.

“Our appeal is simple: if there will be protests or gatherings, coordinate with the government. The government is not stopping anyone from expressing themselves, provided their actions remain within the bounds of the law,” she said.

Castro added that the Philippine National Police would investigate whether any laws or regulations were violated during the protest.

The Palace also downplayed security concerns despite the lockdown of parts of the Malacañang complex and the raising of a red alert status by the Presidential Security Group.

“That is simply a precautionary measure. It is part of the daily operations in the area where the President resides,” Castro said.

She also challenged the INC to practice the accountability and transparency they are demanding.

“If we are calling for the law to be enforced, shouldn’t we also follow the law ourselves? How can we demand that others obey the law if those rallying are not following it?” she said.

‘Selective justice’

In a statement read by spokesperson Emil Zabala, the INC said it supports law enforcement but opposes what it described as the “distortion of the law,” particularly if it is being used to conceal corruption.

The group described the Ombudsman’s filing of charges against Marcoleta as “selective justice.”

Responding to this, Castro said the evidence against Marcoleta came from the senator himself.

“The information came from him. He is not being singled out because the evidence was revealed by his own statements. And if this is about exposing the truth behind the flood control mess, he is not alone because this administration also wants the truth to come out and everyone involved to be held accountable,” she said.

Castro also clarified that Malacañang has no role in the Ombudsman’s decision, stressing that it operates independently from the executive branch.

Asked whether President Marcos would negotiate with the protesters to end the rally, Castro said the Palace was unclear about the group’s specific demands.

“If their goal is to oppose the possible case against Senator Marcoleta, that is not under the President’s authority. The matter is already with the Ombudsman, so we do not see why the President should be the subject of the protest,” Castro said.

Marcos off to Canada

Meanwhile, Marcos will make an official visit to Canada from 1 to 4 July, where he is set to hold bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on defense, security, trade, and investment cooperation.

The two leaders are expected to review progress in Philippine-Canada defense ties, explore ways to strengthen economic resilience, energy cooperation, critical minerals, and people-to-people relations. Regional issues, including the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and strategic priorities, will also be discussed.

During the visit, Marcos will meet with Canadian business leaders to promote investment opportunities in key sectors such as information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and critical minerals.