Massive Iglesia ni Cristo Rally Demands Accountability in Philippine Corruption Scandal, Rattling Markets and Marcos jr. Government
Manila, Philippines – November 17, 2025 – A massive exhibition orchestrated by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is underway in Manila, escalating pressure on the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address a burgeoning corruption scandal involving billions of pesos earmarked for critical flood infrastructure projects. The three-day rally, which began Sunday, has brought the capital to a standstill, with an estimated 14,500 INC members converging on the historic Quirino Grandstand and surrounding streets. The event underscores the growing public discontent and the potential for significant political fallout.
A Nation Demanding Answers
The INC, a powerful religious group known for its disciplined membership and ability to mobilize voters as a bloc, insists the rally is a peaceful call for accountability, not an attack on the government. However, the timing and scale of the demonstration are undeniably linked to recent, explosive allegations of corruption that have shaken the Philippines.
The scandal centers around the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for flood mitigation projects, a particularly sensitive issue given the recent devastation caused by a series of powerful tropical storms that have ravaged the Southeast Asian nation. Investigations initiated by President Marcos himself in July have already implicated public works officials and several lawmakers, who vehemently deny any wrongdoing. Evidence suggests manny of the projects were either substandard,incomplete,or entirely fictitious,with funds allegedly diverted into the pockets of politicians and their associates.
Escalating Accusations and Presidential Response
The situation reached a fever pitch on Saturday when former Congressman Zaldy Co released a multipart video accusing President Marcos Jr.of receiving 25 billion pesos in kickbacks from a 100 billion peso project spending package allegedly inserted into the 2025 budget at the President’s direction. These accusations, while vehemently denied by the Presidential Communications Office as “lies and propaganda,” have triggered a crisis of confidence.President Marcos himself has dismissed the allegations as unworthy of a response.
“The gravity of these accusations cannot be understated,” says Dr.Emilia Reyes, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. “The Philippines has a long history of corruption, and this scandal, coming on the heels of natural disasters and economic hardship, is fueling widespread public outrage. The INC’s involvement adds another layer of complexity, given their significant political influence.”
economic repercussions and Investor anxiety
The unfolding crisis is already impacting the Philippine economy. The peso has plummeted to a record low against the dollar, and the stock market has experienced a dramatic downturn, making the Philippines the worst-performing market globally. State spending and consumption have also slumped, slowing economic growth in the last quarter. Investor sentiment has been severely rattled by the political uncertainty.
A Divided Church and Shifting Alliances
This isn’t the first time the INC has mobilized its considerable membership for political action this year. In january, the group led a rally against the impeachment case of vice President Sara Duterte, which was ultimately dropped. Notably, the INC endorsed both President Marcos and Vice President Duterte in the 2022 elections, but the alliance between the two leaders has since fractured, adding a further dimension to the current political turmoil.
The Catholic Church, another powerful religious institution in the Philippines, has cautioned against exploiting the political situation, warning that the allegations could inflame public sentiment or be used to manipulate political outcomes.
Security Measures and Public Disruption
Authorities have responded to the INC rally with a massive security deployment, with 16,000 police officers assigned to maintain peace and order. The Manila city government has preemptively closed schools and numerous roads throughout the capital, causing significant disruption to daily life. The rally is expected to continue through Tuesday.
Looking Ahead: A Test for Marcos jr.’s Administration
President Marcos Jr. has pledged to jail corrupt officials and recover stolen funds, but the public remains skeptical. The INC’s demonstration represents a powerful signal that the demand for accountability is growing, and the administration’s response will be crucial in determining the future of its credibility and the stability of the nation.
The coming days will be a critical test for the Marcos Jr. administration, as it navigates a complex web of political accusations, economic pressures, and public outrage. The outcome will likely have far-reaching consequences for the Philippines’ political landscape and its economic future.
Sources:
* Rappler:[https://wwwrapplercom/nation/politics/iglesia-ni-cristo-rally-manila-flood-control-controversy-november-2025/[https://wwwrapplercom/nation/politics/iglesia-ni-cristo-rally-manila-flood-control-controversy-november-2025/[https://wwwrapplercom/nation/politics/iglesia-ni-cristo-rally-manila-flood-control-controversy-november-2025/[https://wwwrapplercom/nation/politics/iglesia-ni-cristo-rally-manila-flood-control-controversy-november-2025/
