The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on political aspirants for the 2025 national and local elections to refrain from campaigning during the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) National Rally for Peace on Monday, January 13.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the importance of respecting the religious nature of the event and clarified that the poll body would not monitor activities associated with the rally.
“We will not monitor this because we hold the event in high regard. It is a faith prayer rally,” Garcia said during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Garcia also appealed to politicians to avoid using religious gatherings for political gain, reiterating the same caution issued during the recent Traslacion celebration. He noted that respecting such events aligns with the values voters expect from their leaders.
The INC rally, to be held at Quirino Grandstand in Manila, is organized to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s position against impeachment efforts targeting Vice President Sara Duterte. Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives, related to alleged misuse of confidential funds.
The rally is expected to draw up to one million attendees, with additional venues set up nationwide, including Rizal Park in Davao City. In response, Malacañang has suspended government office operations and classes in Pasay and Manila. Local governments in Quezon City and Davao City have also implemented similar measures to accommodate the large-scale event.
