2/20/2025 Philippines (International Christian Concern) — In early February, religious groups and activists in the Philippines protested, demanding the resignations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The demonstration stemmed from concerns over alleged government corruption, threats to democracy, and the perceived decline of civil liberties.
The rally occurred amid rising political tensions, with Duterte facing impeachment proceedings. Her trial is set to begin once the Senate reconvenes in June following accusations of conspiring to assassinate Marcos, engaging in large-scale corruption, and failing to address China’s activities in the South China Sea. Duterte has refuted these claims and is preparing her defense.
The rally saw participation from a diverse array of religious organizations, including:
- Catholic Church: Numerous Catholic bishops, priests, and laypeople joined the protest, expressing concerns over the current administration’s policies and actions.
- Evangelical Churches: Several groups participated, advocating for ethical governance and social justice.
- Civil Society Organizations: In addition to religious entities, various civil society groups aligned with the protest’s objectives, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government.
These demonstrations underscore the complex interplay between religion and politics in the Philippines, where religious denominations often play influential roles in national discourse.
It’s important to note that while some religious groups called for the resignation of key political figures, others, such as the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), held separate rallies supporting Duterte and opposing her impeachment. For instance, on Jan. 13, the INC organized a “National Rally for Peace” attended by about 1.8 million members across various locations, including the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and Davao City.
These contrasting positions among religious organizations highlight the diverse perspectives within the country’s faith communities regarding political leadership and governance.
During the rally, prominent Evangelical leaders, including Bishop Efraim Tendero of the World Evangelical Alliance and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, delivered messages emphasizing ethical governance and social justice. They called for a national leadership that upholds integrity, transparency, and accountability, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of all Filipinos, especially the marginalized.
“Our nation needs leaders who govern with righteousness and integrity,” Bishop Efraim Tendero stated. “Corruption, abuse of power, and neglect of the marginalized have no place in a country where justice should reign. We stand here today, not in defiance, but in faith — calling for truth, accountability, and good governance.”
Similarly, Bishop Noel Pantoja declared, “We, as people of faith, cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. The voices of the oppressed must be heard, and the government’s actions must reflect the values of honesty, service, and humility. We call for a leadership that truly serves the people and upholds democratic values.”
As the nation approaches the 2025 midterm elections, the intertwining of religious influence and political activism is expected to remain a focal point of discussion. Balancing religious expression rights with secular governance principles will be crucial in navigating the evolving political landscape.
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