President Marcos Urges Iglesia ni Cristo Partnership Amid Tensions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to remain a strong partner of the government despite some public criticisms, especially those related to the Duterte family. His message came as the religious group marked its 111th founding anniversary.
Marcos greeted INC members, praising them as “model citizens and faithful servants of God through service, charity, and solidarity with others.” He expressed hope that the Iglesia ni Cristo partnership with the government would continue to build a strong and orderly society.
“As we celebrate your 111th anniversary, may you continue to be partners of our government in building a strong and orderly society,” Marcos said in a message delivered in Filipino.
Support for National Peace and Prosperity
The President emphasized that his administration supports INC’s mission to foster peace and prosperity for all Filipinos. He added that through mutual respect and adherence to the Lord’s teachings, the nation can overcome challenges and realize its dreams.
On October 30, 2024, President Marcos issued Proclamation No. 729, declaring July 27, 2025, a special nonworking holiday nationwide to allow INC members to fully participate in their anniversary celebrations. This gesture reinforced the government’s recognition of the religious group’s significant role in the country.
Political Influence and Recent Disputes
Known for its bloc voting strength, the Iglesia ni Cristo endorsed the Marcos-Sara Duterte “Uniteam” in the 2022 elections, contributing to their landslide victory. INC is the third-largest religious group in the Philippines, with approximately 2.8 million members according to the 2020 census.
However, tensions have surfaced between INC and the Marcos administration. The friction began when allies of the President in the House of Representatives pursued an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. This move followed her fallout with the government and controversial remarks about alleged assassination plots involving the Marcos family and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Despite INC’s January 13 national rally advocating peace and opposing the impeachment, the House submitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate on February 5. The complaint was backed by 215 House members, enough to trigger an impeachment trial.
INC’s Criticism on Duterte’s Arrest
The Iglesia ni Cristo also voiced strong criticism over the Marcos administration’s decision to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte and allow his detention at The Hague. This was in connection with a crimes against humanity case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March.
The group described the arrest as politicized and expressed disappointment that the government ignored INC’s appeals. They insisted that Duterte should be tried in local courts, affirming their belief in the integrity of the Philippine justice system.
Overall, while the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Marcos government have experienced moments of discord, the President’s recent message highlights a call for unity and continued partnership for the country’s progress.
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