A surprise protest that snarled traffic on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Tuesday after the Ombudsman announced a graft case against a congressman forced President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to cancel public consultation and escalated political tensions days before Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was impeached.
Supporters of Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta gathered at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla announced on Monday that a case of embezzlement will be filed before the Sandiganbayan over P75 million in campaign contributions that authorities said were not found in the senator’s asset disclosure.
The religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which organized the rally, said it was protesting what it described as “special justice” rather than against law enforcement.
“What we oppose is the distortion of the law, especially when its purpose is to hide corruption,” INC spokesperson Edwil D. Zabala said in Filipino during a live broadcast on Net25.
This protest forced the cancellation of Mr. Marcos scheduled for the launch of a Manila Bay cleaning vessel and lunch with foreign correspondents in Makati City before his official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the President respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but warned that violations of the law will not be tolerated.
“High tolerance should be applied and the authorities should listen to what they say, but if someone breaks the law, the law should be applied,” he told a news conference in Filipino.
He said the police have been closely monitored to restore traffic flow and maintain peace. He added that there is no direct threat to the President despite the increased security in Malacañang.
Police estimated that around 10,000 people had gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument early in the morning after participants started arriving before dawn, causing lane closures and traffic jams.
Police spokesperson Colonel Allen Rae F. Co said about 6,000 police officers were deployed. He also added that the organizers had not received permission for the meeting, based on information from the National Regional Police Office.
The police will continue to be more tolerant while ensuring compliance with the laws governing public gatherings, he said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which cooperated with the police, also urged its organizers to ensure that the rally will not unduly disturb passengers and the public.
In a separate statement, Ms. Duterte accused the Marcos administration of using the judicial system against political opponents.
“The President’s failure in behavior and leadership has fostered a depressing political climate,” he said in a statement, adding that the administration had “armed the justice system” against its critics.
Mrs. Castro rejected this, saying that the authorities were simply applying the law.
“Special justice can be when influence, violence or intimidation is used to prevent cases from being filed against their colleagues,” he said in Filipino.
Mr. Marcoleta denied that he made a mistake and said that the charges were intended to prevent him from participating in Ms. Duterte’s trial, which will open next week.
“I knew they were going to arrest me,” he said in Filipino, adding that his absence from the prosecution court was part of his plan.
Mr. Remulla did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson also clarified that his earlier comments regarding the arrest of several members of parliament before the impeachment trial were merely speculations and meant to explain the voting needs of the Senate.
He also expressed confidence that the Ombudsman will not agree to be pressured by the meetings of the Iglesia ni Cristo in support of Mr. Marcoleta.
Despite the protest, Executive Secretary Dave M. Gomez said the President’s visit to Canada will continue as planned.
Mr. Marcos will travel to Vancouver from July 1 to 4 to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney focusing on security cooperation, maritime defense, trade and bilateral relations. – Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Mark Joseph M. Sanchez again Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
