Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste returned to Liwasang Bonifacio on Thursday for the third day of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally, expressing disappointment over the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to pursue a plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta despite the ongoing protest.

Speaking to DZRH, Leviste said the rally's call was for “true justice,” rejecting claims from critics that the gathering represented “selective justice.”

He argued that corruption cases should be pursued equally, alleging that some lawmakers linked to anomalous transactions in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have yet to face charges or investigations.

“Nalukungkot ako na bilang miyembro ng kongreso na marami akong kasamahan na may kaalaman na marami naming kasamahan ay sangkot sa maanomalyang transaction sa DPWH. Ngunit, hindi sila kinakasuhan, hindi man lang iniimbestigahan,” Leviste told DZRH.

While acknowledging that opinions differ on the issue, Leviste urged authorities to reopen congressional hearings into alleged irregularities in DPWH flood control projects to determine accountability.

“Kung gusto nating patunayan na ang iba ay walang kasalanan sa maanomalyang DPWH projects ang aking panawagan ay buksan na lang muli ang mga pagdinig tungkol sa flood control sa kongreso,” he said.

The INC-organized rally, now on its third day, has drawn participants calling for transparency, accountability, and fairness in government actions.

On Thursday morning, nearly 1,000 residents from Batangas joined the gathering at Liwasang Bonifacio.

The group moved to to the area after the Quezon City government revoked their permit to hold a rally along EDSA on Thursday.

The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to issue a detailed response to Leviste’s remarks.