The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) on Tuesday opposed the possible filing of charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, describing the move as a distortion of the law intended to conceal alleged corruption.
The statement was delivered by INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala amid the gathering of church members at the EDSA People Power Monument on June 30.
"Hindi tutol ang Iglesia Ni Cristo sa pagpapatupad ng batas pero tutol kami sa pagbaluktot ng batas lalo na kung ang layunin ay para pagtakpan ang katiwalian," the statement read.
"Kahit ipakulong nila si Sen. Marcoleta ay hindi kami titigil sa paghingi ng katarungan para sa mga kababayan natin na ninakawan," the INC said.
The religious group also questioned the reported plan to file plunder charges against Marcoleta, saying the senator had been leading efforts to uncover the truth behind alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
According to the INC, Marcoleta initiated investigations into what it described as one of the largest cases of corruption in the country's history while serving as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee before he was reportedly replaced.
The group expressed concern over what it viewed as the decision to pursue charges against Marcoleta instead of those allegedly implicated in the investigations.
"Ang ipinagtataka namin ay kung bakit siya na nagsusulong ng pag-expose ng mga sangkot sa napakalaking pagnanakaw sa pilipinas ang kakasuhan at ipakukulong sa halip ang mga na-expose. ," the INC said.
The INC added that filing charges against Marcoleta would prevent him from continuing his efforts to expose those allegedly involved in the reported corruption.
The church reiterated its support for the senator's campaign, saying it shares his position on seeking accountability.
"Sinusuportahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo ang itinataguyod ni Sen. Marcoleta dahil ito rin ang posisyon namin. Kaya nais namin iparinig sa mga kinauukulan, kahit ipakulong nila si Sen. Marcoleta ay hindi kami titigil sa paghingi ng katarungan para sa mga kababayan natin na ninakawan," the statement said.
Zabala said the church would continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace in connection with the issues involving Marcoleta.
"Nananawagan kami para sa transparency, accountability, justice and peace," Zabala said.
The INC also criticized what it described as "selective justice," saying it would not remain silent in the face of what it called a grave injustice.
"Gusto namin ipaalam sa kanila na isang injustice ang selective justice. At hindi kami mananahimik sa harap nitong napakalaking pagyurak sa katarungan na hinihingi ng ating mga kababayan," the INC said.
