Malacañang on Wednesday warned members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) not to allow themselves to be exploited by groups seeking to destabilize the government, as Quezon City officials extended the sect’s massive rally along EDSA until Thursday.

Speaking at a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the authorities had received intelligence reports that certain groups may attempt to use the ongoing protest to stage actions targeting Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, or Camp Crame.

She stressed, however, that the government does not believe INC members themselves are behind such plans.

“That is why we are asking INC members to remain cautious because other groups may use them for their own agenda, particularly those who want to remove the President from office. We know the INC is not the kind of organization that would encourage such actions,” Castro said.

“There have long been groups wanting to oust the President so this is nothing new. The government is prepared for that,” she added.

The warning came as thousands of INC members continued their rally at the EDSA People Power Monument where they have been protesting the looming plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, claiming he was being subjected to selective justice.

Marcos trip pushes through

Despite the supposed destabilization threat, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed through with his scheduled trip Wednesday night to Vancouver, Canada for an official visit aimed at strengthening Philippines-Canada relations.

The visit will include discussions and agreements covering energy, natural resources, trade and investment, labor, tourism, culture and the arts.

Palace hits Imee remarks

Meanwhile, the Palace fired back at Senator Imee Marcos who appeared at the INC rally on Tuesday and accused the administration of being “asleep” and “drunk with power.”

Castro said the senator was spreading false narratives and deliberately stirring anger against the government.

“As the PCO, we find it unfortunate that Senator Imee Marcos continues making statements designed to intensify public anger against the government through attacks on the President,” Castro said.

“What is even more unfortunate are those who applaud her because they may not realize that many of her claims are baseless and that they are simply being misled,” she added.

Castro also wondered why the senator was silent during the Duterte administration despite the controversies involving questionable flood control projects.

“The question is, where was she then? Did she call for any investigation? Why was she silent during the previous administration, and only now making noise when President Marcos is actively pursuing accountability?” Castro said.

On selective justice claims

Asked why alleged “big fish” linked to the multibillion-peso flood control scandal — including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers tagged by fugitive former Representative Zaldy Co — had yet to face charges while authorities moved against Marcoleta, Castro said the Palace cannot speak for the Office of the Ombudsman.

She noted that Ombudsman officials have said the evidence against Romualdez and the others was still being strengthened.

“We are not speaker Romualdez’s lawyers. But we heard the Ombudsman say they still need to strengthen the evidence against him,” Castro said.

“Even if Zaldy Co keeps making statements, if he is outside the country, has no sworn affidavit, and cannot be questioned directly, that kind of testimony will not stand in court,” she added.

Asked about Co’s whereabouts, Castro said the matter should be addressed by the authorities handling the investigation.