Palace on Iglesia ni Cristo rally end: Rule of law prevailed

MANILA, Philippines - The rule of law has prevailed with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)’s decision to end its protest activities, Malacañang said yesterday.

“Through goodwill and the convergence of efforts, the rule of law has been upheld,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“We appreciate the INC leadership’s directives for the withdrawal of their members from their gathering sites,” he said.

“We are thankful that no serious injuries came about these past few days, and that the public can now prepare to go to work and to school tomorrow as the long weekend draws to a close,” he added.

President Aquino called an emergency meeting Sunday night at Bahay Pangarap, his official residence, across Malacañang Palace, with members of the Cabinet, as well as the police and armed forces chiefs, in attendance.

Reports likewise indicated the meeting was an offshoot of the decision of the INC leadership under executive minister Eduardo Manalo to request Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to relay the religious sect’s sentiments to the government.

In a statement, Lacierda said all of them were careful not to inflame emotions.

“We were resolved not to inflame passions, which could have given an opening to those with selfish agendas to further exacerbate conflict,” he said. “Diplomacy therefore was an important tool in avoiding unintended consequences,” he pointed out.

“Their protests, like all others, involve a disagreement. The question therefore is whether calmer heads will prevail so that such disagreements are resolved peacefully through mutual respect,” the Palace spokesman stressed.

“Just as it was important to protect the rights of all, ensure public safety and minimize opportunities for sowing mayhem, we knew that a truly long-term solution involved engendering an atmosphere of dialogue, which will result in de-escalating the situation that created tensions in the first place,” Lacierda said.