The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has officially spoken out against the Marcos administration’s role in facilitating the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
INC spokesperson Bro. Edwin Zabala expressed disappointment, saying the government failed to heed the religious group’s call for national unity and prioritization of domestic concerns over political conflicts.
“Our appeal to the country’s leaders has always been for peace, unity, and a focus on addressing the nation’s problems rather than engaging in actions that sow division and discord—because many know that these moves are purely political,” Zabala said on NET25.
He lamented that despite their calls, the administration still pushed forward.
“It’s unfortunate that the Iglesia ni Cristo’s call was seemingly ignored by those in power, and now, we are witnessing these events unfold,” he said, referring to Duterte’s arrest.
The INC has long been known as a political kingmaker in the Philippines, with its endorsements carrying significant electoral weight. Its statement adds another layer of controversy to the already divisive issue of Duterte’s ICC case.