Sen. Bong Go
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday thanked the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for its “firm and balanced stance” amid political tension.
In a video message, Go acknowledged the INC’s advocacy for peace and justice, highlighting the importance of voices that call for calm, order, and fidelity to lawful processes.
“Maraming salamat po sa mga kapatid natin sa Iglesia Ni Cristo, sa suporta at pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino. Salamat sa pagiging matatag at patas sa paninindigan,” said Go, a close friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
(Thank you very much to our brethren in the Iglesia Ni Cristo for your support and love for fellow Filipinos. Thank you for being steadfast and fair in your principles.)
“Sa ganitong panahon ng kaguluhan at pagdududa, napakahalaga ng mga boses na naninindigan para sa batas at kapayapaan. Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino at ipaglaban ang interes ng bayan,” he added.
(In times of turmoil and uncertainty, voices that stand for law and peace are extremely important. Let us prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people and fight for the nation’s interests.)
READ: Iglesia Ni Cristo: Duterte trial should be in PH
Go also said the Philippines’ judicial system remains capable and independent.
“Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay pagkakaisa at pagkilala sa proseso ng ating batas. Meron naman tayong mga korte na nananatiling malaya at functional,” he said.
(What we need now is unity and recognition of our legal processes. We have courts that remain independent and functional.)
Go’s remarks followed the statement of INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala, who decried the supposed deepening political divide and called for peace, unity, and adherence to the law.
“Nang mag-rally, ang panawagan ay kapayapaan, pagkakaisa at unahin ang problema ng bansa. Hindi pinakinggan ng kinauukulan kaya nangyari ‘yung mga nangyayari ngayon,” Zaballa said.
(When the rally was held, the call was for peace, unity, and prioritizing the country’s problems. However, the authorities did not listen, which led to the events unfolding now.)
“Matindi ang pagkakabaha-bahagi ng mga Pilipino, maging ang mga nasa ibang bansa,” he added.
(The division among Filipinos is deep, even among those abroad.)
In January, the INC held a National Rally for Peace to express its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
On the issue involving former President Duterte, Zaballa said: “Kung ano ang tama at kung ano ang nasa batas, ‘yon sana ang pairalin. ‘Wag pilipitin. Hindi sumasang-ayon ang INC sa anumang hakbangin na hindi sang-ayon sa batas. Sinumang Pilipino ang may ginawang paglabag sa batas, dito dapat litisin.”
(What is right and what is in the law should be upheld. Do not twist it. The INC does not agree with any action that is not in accordance with the law. Any Filipino who has violated the law should be tried here.)
Zaballa also affirmed the INC’s confidence in Philippine courts, saying, “Nagtitiwala ang INC sa integridad at kakayahan ng hudikatura. Pairalin ang katarungan, hindi dapat isuko ang soberenya sa iba.”
(The INC trusts the integrity and capability of the judiciary. Justice must prevail, sovereignty should not be surrendered to others.)
The INC is a supporter of former President Duterte.
Former President Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 on the order of the International Criminal Court.
He is facing a case for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s drug war. He is currently being held in a detention center in The Hague.
The former president had his pretrial hearing on March 14, while the confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23. He may appeal for an interim release before that date.