INC says it hasn’t endorsed candidates for 2025 midterm elections
The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Central, QC. Its members staged a National Rally for Peace on Monday, Jan. 13. INQUIRER PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) announced on Monday that it has not endorsed any politicians for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala made the statement during the “National Rally for Peace” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, clarifying that the INC does not formally endorse candidates but instead aims to “unite to vote.”
“Wala pa (No one yet); the INC has never endorsed anyone. Well, we unite to vote, pero kami kami lang ang naguusap eh (we are the only ones who discuss it). We don’t really involve those outside the INC anyway, so it doesn’t really involve anyone,” said Zabala in an interview with reporters.
READ: Crowd estimate at INC Peace rally reaches 1.5 million
When asked if the INC’s decision on whom to unite to vote for depends on those who heed their call for peace and unity, Zabala responded that it would still depend on its members.
“I really cannot guess how the members, or the leadership of the INC, will deal with someone or anyone who would feel that way or do what you just described,” said Zabala.
“Let’s just leave it at this. Nanawagan ang INC na magkaroon ng kapayapaan kahit ang dating niya parang sirang plaka, nananawagan kami ng kapayapaan kasi ‘yon ang naririnig namin kahit sa hindi namin miyembro,” he added.
(The INC is calling for peace, even though it may sound repetitive, because that’s what we hear, even from non-members.)
LIVE UPDATES: INC National Rally for Peace
Several politicians attended the event, including long-time allies of the Dutertes: Senators Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, and Francis Tolentino.
However, Zabala clarified that the INC did not invite specific politicians, groups, or individuals, describing the rally simply as a “public event.”
With 2.8 million members known for voting as a bloc, INC is the third-largest religious group in the country.
