MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin hoped that the “National Rally for Peace” of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Monday would help clarify issues and contribute to real unity.
In a statement, Bersamin said peaceful assembly is a “bedrock right guaranteed by our Constitution” that the current administration consistently upholds.
“Walang duda ang aming paniniwala na magiging mapayapa, matiwasay at makabuluhan ang mga pagtitipon sa araw na ito,” Bersamin said.
(We do not doubt that today’s gatherings will be peaceful, orderly, and meaningful.)
“Higit sa lahat, umaasa kami na ang mga ipapahayag na mga opinyon ay makakatulong sa paglilinaw sa mga usaping kinakaharap ng ating bansa at maghahatid sa atin sa tunay na pagkakaisa na ating inaasam,” he added.
(Above all, we hope the opinions expressed will help clarify issues facing our country and lead us to the true unity we long for.)
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For Bersamin, listening to all sides of an argument and examining concerns could help the public better understand issues.
“We view today’s assemblies as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future,” he said.
Bersamin ordered all government agencies to ensure that INC members can exercise the right to assemble peaceably.
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“In this light, agencies concerned with the maintenance of peace and order, as well as with traffic and transportation management, including emergency health services, should be ready to provide assistance whenever such is needed by their fellow citizens,” he said.
The INC said its “National Rally for Peace” was organized to express its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
A million people are anticipated to participate in the rally that will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.