MANILA, Philippines -- The Iglesia Ni Cristo reiterated its call for "transparency, accountability, justice, and peace" as it demanded that those involved in the corruption of public funds involving hundreds of billions of pesos, including the mastermind, be held accountable and penalized according to law.

On Day 1 of the three-day rally of the INC, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Church also explained why it was holding its "Rally for Transparency for a Better Democracy" at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

“Dapat po maisagawa ang mga hakbang ayon po sa mga batas ng ating bansa. Hindi po dapat malihis ang ating hustisya para lamang mapagtakpan ang sinuman, lalo na ang utak o mastermind ng corruption,” said Brother Bienvenido Santiago Jr., a minister of the Gospel., who was the first speaker at the start of the program.

Santiago said that the extent of corruption in the Philippines had already negatively affected the country's standing in the international community. He cited the recent move by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who ordered an immediate halt to a 700-billion-won (₱28.7 billion) infrastructure loan to the Philippines amid reports of massive corruption in the government.

He said that the lack of transparency in the current government investigation regarding the anomalous flood control projects in the country has led to this.

INC Spokesperson Brother Edwil Zabala, who also spoke on Day 1 of the INC rally, emphasized the INC's call for transparency, accountability, and justice.

“Huwag nating kalimutan na ang buwis ng taong bayan ang ninakaw ng mga corrupt, kaya dapat maging bukas ang imbestigasyon,” he said in his speech during the program.

“Dapat madama ang tinig ng sambayanan. Ipakita ang totoo, ilantad ang katiwalian ng mga sangkot, lalo na ang utak ng katiwalian. Dapat ilantad upang mapananagot at huwag nang maparisan,” Zabala said.

He also called out moves in the current government investigation that appeared to shield those behind the widespread corruption involving the anomalous flood-control projects.

He said this was further creating distrust in the government probe.

“Tila nais baluktutin ang batas upang mapagtakpan nag mga sangkot sa korapsyon,” Zabala said.

The INC spokesperson also pointed out "concerted efforts" to shield those behind this massive government corruption from accountability.

“Lalo pong nakakabahala na kung sino pa ang tumitestigo, para matunton ang mastermind ng corruption, sila pa ang sinisiraan. Hindi po ba masyadong halata na masyadong concerted effort ang mga ito, para mailigtas ang pinakanakinabang sa nakawan?” Zabala said.

He said the call for transparency and accountability is the responsibility of every Filipino citizen to ensure a bright and stable future for the next generation.

“Kaya ang panawagan natin para sa transparency, hindi lang po para sa kasalukuyan, kundi sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino,” he said.

“Nagiging kasabwat ng kasamaan ang sinumang nagtatakip ng kasinungalingan ng mga kawatan.”

Senator Rodante Marcoleta called the corruption of the current administration the worst in the country's history.

“Ang magnitude ng nakawan ay pinakamalaking nakawan sa kaban ng bayan,” he said during his speech at the November 16 INC rally.

Marcoleta laid bare that the current government debt stood at P17 trillion, and because of this, the debt-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio is at 63 percent.

“Kapag mataas ang ratio, natatakot ang mga mamumuhunan sa ating bansa. Pati ang nagpapautang, mawawalan na at nawalan ng kumpiyansa na makakabangong muli, dahil 37 percent na lang ang gagamitin na panustos sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan,” he explained.

He pointed out that with next year's budget of P6.7 trillion, the projected revenue is only at P5 trillion.

“Samakatuwid mas malaki po ang ating gagastusin kaysa ating kikitain. Yung P1.7 trillion ay uutangin natin,” the senator said.

The Philippine Stock Market has been tagged as the worst-performing in the region, while the Philippine peso is regarded as the "worst-performing currency in the region.

The INC said that its rally was open to non-INC members, but that their call should also reflect the Church's stand. It also expressed its sincere gratitude and appreciation to those who joined the rally on November 16. The INC reiterated its call to maintain peace and order during the rally. Hundreds of thousands of INC members attended. Families pitched tents at the rally venue and along the roads leading to Quirino Grandstand. The INC rally will take place over three days, from November 16 to 18.

Zabala thanked all those who made sure that the rally was peaceful, orderly, and disciplined.

The INC said that it was against moves that would violate the Constitution. The rally is calling for peaceful moves aligned with the country's laws.

“Ang mga hakbang na gagawin ay dapat na makatarungan at sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas. Hindi tayo sang-ayon sa anumang labag sa Konstitusyon. Hindi tayo sang-ayon sa revolutionary government, coup d’etat, snap elections, civilian military junta,” said Santiago, a minister of the Gospel.

Santiago, who was the first INC minister to speak during the November 16 rally, emphasized that the INC's call for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace is aimed at safeguarding the government as an institution.

“Basta ang hakbang magbubunga ng karahasan at kaguluhan, hindi tayo sang-ayon diyan. Dapat sumunod sa paraang legal at payapa… Maliwanag na hindi po natin hinahangad, ang pagbagsak ng pamahalaan bilang institusyon. Ang nais natin ay pagbagsak ng katiwalian,” he said.

Brother Arnel Tumanan, the third INC minister to speak during the rally, stated that if massive corruption continues and the call for accountability is ignored, the country could go downhill.

He stated that it was essential to restore the people's trust in the government. He called on government leaders to take action on this massive corruption that had severely affected the country and its people.

“Ang isang pinunong marunong managot at magpanagot, yan ang pinunong may dangal. Kaya kung may anomalya, huwag pagtakpan, kung may pagkakamali, huwag itago,” he said.

Tumanan stated that there is still hope for the country to recover if the government is brave enough to take on this responsibility.