The Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) recent “National Rally for Peace,” estimated to have been attended by 2 million members and supporters, underscores the significant role that religious groups play in shaping the social and political landscape of the Philippines. The rally’s call for unity amid economic challenges and other pressing national issues resonates well with many Filipinos weary of divisive politics.

The ability of INC to rally its members in 13 sites around the country is impressive. It affirmed beyond doubt that the INC is a formidable group. Its bloc-voting practice wields considerable influence during elections, highlighting its substantial impact on public governance. This influence, however, invites reflection on how faith, politics and the rule of law intersect in a democracy.

The rally’s timing — amid impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte and with the presence of prominent allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte — has naturally sparked important conversations. Some people speculate that there was subliminal message behind it. It prompts questions about whether such event, even when framed as a call for peace and unity, carries political undertones that may have long term  implications for the country. 

But the rally also raises an equally valid question: should religious groups, like the INC or even the Catholic Church, be denied the right to rally their members to exercise  their constitutionally protected freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly? The Constitution also guarantees the rights of citizens and organizations to voice their concerns and seek redress for grievances, regardless of their affiliations. 

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Former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, an experienced   lawyer and legislator and now the Presidential Legal Counsel, has correctly pointed out that the impeachment process, enshrined in our Constitution, is a vital mechanism for accountability. He reminds us of the importance of safeguarding the constitutional principles that underpin our democracy, including the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the separation of church and state. 

These rights are not in conflict but must coexist within the framework of our democracy. As citizens, it is our collective and sacrosanct duty to ensure that both the exercise of freedoms and the pursuit of peace and unity remain aligned with the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability.

Ultimately, peace and unity are aspirations shared by all Filipinos, and achieving them requires respecting our democratic processes. Religious groups have the unique ability to inspire action and foster dialogue. 

When guided by mutual respect for the rule of law and democratic values, these efforts can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. – Rappler.com

The author is affiliated with several organizations, including the Justice Reform Initiative, Inc. where he is the chairman of the board. His views are purely his personal views and should not be attributed to the institutions with which he is affiliated.