INQUIRER.net PHOTO/Tetch Torres-Tupas
“Why, why, why, de Lima?”
This was the chant of members of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to the tune of a popular classic as they flocked outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday to protest Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s alleged interference in INC affairs.
INC members have occupied the entire stretch of Padre Faura the same day de Lima celebrated her 56th birthday and announced her journey from point “j” to point “s,” meaning her plans to run for the Senate in next year’s election.
READ: It’s time to get from point ‘J’ to point ‘S,’ says de Lima
The INC called de Lima “bias” after she accepted expelled members to the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP).
READ: INC accuses De Lima of double standard
De Lima gave assistance under WPP to INC members Joy Yuson, former coordinator of the TV arm of INC, Lito de Luna Fruto, Roel Rosal and Anthony Menorca and his family.
His brother, Lowell was earlier identified by Isaias Samson Jr., former editor in chief of Pasugo, INC’s official publication, as allegedly abducted in Sorsogon, taken and detained in Cavite for illegal possession of explosives.
Recently, a complaint was filed by suspended member Isaias Samson Jr., the former editor-in-chief of Pasugo against members of the Sanggunian, the highest administrative council of INC.
“Mas maraming isyu ang unahin. Wag ang pakikialam sa amin,” the INC members said.
(There are more important issues she should prioritize. She shouldn’t meddle with us.)
The INC calls for justice for the 44 fallen members of the Special Action Force, two of whom, Police Officers 2 Nicky Nacino and Ephraim Mejia, are their members.
They also called on the government to respect the separation of church and State.
When asked if they will vote for de Lima, they gave a resounding “no.”
INC, which has almost 2 million voters, is known to vote as a bloc which is why politicians court its leaders to get their support.
Currently, INC members are continuing their program outside DOJ.
READ: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/716978/inc-protesters-vs-de-lima-swell-to-more-than-2000
Superintendent Albert Barot, Commander of Manila Police Station 5 said crowd estimate as of 10p.m. is 2,000 and they are expecting more to come. Tetch Torres-Tupas/IDL