Supporters of Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Wednesday renewed their call to abolish the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on fuel during the rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, residents from Batangas’ 1st District joined the demonstration at Liwasang Bonifacio, echoing broader calls by INC participants for transparency, accountability, peace and justice.

Alongside these demands, the group urged the removal of corrupt officials and the scrapping of VAT, which they said adds to the financial burden of ordinary Filipinos.

A spokesperson for the group said the appeal is not new, noting that supporters first raised the issue in April. At the time, participants held an extended protest at Liwasang Bonifacio, staying overnight for nearly a month to press their demands.

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, protesters remained at the site, with organizers saying they plan to proceed to EDSA later in the day to join a larger INC-led demonstration.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as crowds build for the second day of the rally, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants.