The Philippine government is not intimidated by recent protests staged by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and will not yield to pressure in pursuing investigations and legal processes, the Palace said Saturday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities, including investigators and the courts, are committed to carrying out their duties regardless of demonstrations organized by any group.

“Hindi naman kailangan magpa-pressure ang gobyerno at ang mga nag-iimbestiga, pati na po ang mga korte natin sa mga pressure ng ibang mga grupo,” Castro said in a media briefing.

Castro made the remarks following a three-day protest by INC members held across Metro Manila from June 30 to July 2.

She said there is no indication that the religious group itself intends to influence ongoing investigations, but warned against any attempt by other parties to use public demonstrations to shield individuals possibly linked to alleged anomalies.

“Sa may balak na magpa-pressure sa gobyerno para po mapaligtas ang mga tao na sinasabi nating maaari sangkot sa mga anomalya, huwag niyo na po itong ipilit, huwag niyo na po itong gawin,” Castro said.

“Hindi matutulog ang gobyerno, hindi rin matutulog ang mga investigating bodies, pati na po ang korte para mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” she added.

Castro further stated that authorities do not expect a repeat of surprise protests in response to the filing of cases, emphasizing that such actions could be seen as attempts to dictate the direction of investigations and executive action.

“Kapag ganoon ang nangyari, ay parang dinidiktahan na po nila ang mga investigating bodies, dinidiktahan na rin po nila ang ehekutibo para kumilos na naaayon sa gusto nila,” she said.

She underscored that all groups are expected to follow legal processes and allow cases to proceed without interference.