The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has publicly opposed the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over allegations of crimes against humanity filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement broadcasted on its TV station NET25 on Friday, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for disregarding the church’s previous appeals for national unity and peace.
Zabala clarified that while INC does not oppose holding Duterte accountable, the group believes such charges should be tried locally, expressing confidence in the integrity of the Philippine judicial system. He emphasized that the ICC’s intervention would only deepen political divisions, labeling it as politically motivated.
This marks the first explicit support from INC for Duterte amid tensions with the Marcos administration. Observers believe the statement could influence the powerful religious group’s political endorsements in the upcoming May 12 elections.
INC, which traditionally endorses election front-runners, supported the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections.
