The Shrouded Power Play: Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Political Maneuvers That Shadows Its Corruption

In the vibrant mosaic of Philippine society, where faith and politics often intertwine, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) stands as a formidable force. Recently, the church orchestrated a grand rally, a spectacle of unity and strength, ostensibly to demonstrate their unwavering faith. Yet, beneath the surface of this religious fervor lies a more insidious narrative of hypocrisy—one of political manipulation and systemic corruption.

On January 13, 2025, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), organized a massive “National Rally for Peace” at Manila’s Quirino Grandstand. The event drew over 1.5 million participants, with simultaneous gatherings in 12 other cities nationwide. The rally was held in response to impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces allegations of misusing confidential government funds amounting to billions of pesos over a brief period.

The INC stated that the rally aimed to promote peace and unity among government officials, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance that impeachment is not a constructive solution. INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala emphasized that the church does not side with any political figure and is solely advocating for harmony within the government. The INC’s political influence is just another facet of their double standards. They mobilize their members, softly coercing attendance at rallies, to demonstrate their power. This show of force serves as a warning to politicians: align with the INC or face electoral defeat. Though many members attend these rallies out of faithful obedience and unity, some  members are present out of fear, knowing that dissent could lead to interrogation or expulsion. This obvious show of force is particularly suspicious given the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the vice president, which could expose the INC’s involvement in corruption and malversation of government funds under Sara Duterte’s vice presidency.

Here’s a link to Edwil Zabala’s feeble attempt to answer questions from interviewers regarding the “National Rally for Peace”: Iglesia ni Cristo spokesman explains January 13 rally for peace.

Here’s the link to the English Translation of Edwil Zabala’s Interview.

The INC’s leadership frequently cites biblical verses to justify their actions, yet the hypocrisy is conspicuous. They preach peace, forgiveness, unity, and compassion but fail to embody these virtues within their own ranks. The church’s highest leader, Eduardo V. Manalo, is a case in point. Despite advocating for love and forgiveness, he remains estranged from his own mother and siblings, who suffer persecution and injustice at the sway of the invisible hands of the very institution that claims righteousness.

Critics, furthermore, argue that such calls for unity may inadvertently undermine the pursuit of accountability and justice. They contend that addressing corruption is essential for genuine peace and unity in the country. The Bible underscores the importance of justice in governance, stating, “By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” ~ Proverbs 29:4. This verse highlights that a leader who upholds justice strengthens the nation, while one who engages in corrupt practices causes its downfall.

The case of Bro. Angel Manalo, brother of INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, also raises alarming concerns about justice within powerful institutions. Bro. Angel Manalo has reportedly been detained and silenced after speaking out against alleged corrupt practices within the church. No court judge dared touch this case for fear of being under the ire of the delusional kingmaker, Eduardo V. Manalo. This situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals who confront corruption, particularly within influential organizations. The broken Philippine justice system has long been criticized for its slow pace and susceptibility to bribery, leading to the oppression of innocent individuals by powerful entities. Such systemic issues erode public trust and hinder the nation’s progress toward genuine peace and unity.

Furthermore, the Bible warns against the perversion of justice: “If you see the extortion of the poor, or the perversion of justice and fairness in the government, do not be astonished by the matter” ~Ecclesiastes 5:8. This suggests that while such corruption may be prevalent, it is neither acceptable nor beyond divine notice.

At the heart of this power play is Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the INC. His endorsement is a coveted prize for any politician seeking office, a golden ticket to electoral success. But this endorsement comes at a cost—an implied agreement to align with the church’s interests, often at the expense of national transparency and accountability.

The INC’s bloc voting power is no secret. It is a well-oiled machine that can sway elections, making politicians eager to receive favor with the church’s leadership. This influence is not merely a byproduct of religious devotion but a calculated strategy to wield power in the political arena. INC’s rally, while cloaked in religious zeal, serves as a stark reminder of the church’s ability to mobilize its members for political ends.

The fallacies in the INC’s arguments for such rallies are mind-boggling to the discerning masses. They claim to be a moral compass for their followers, yet their actions suggest a different agenda. The church’s involvement in politics is not about guiding their flock towards righteousness but about securing their own influence and protecting their interests. This is evident in their strategic alliances with political figures who, in return for the church’s support, turn a blind eye to the corruption and abuses within their cadre.

The systemic corruption within the INC is an open secret. Allegations of financial mismanagement, nepotism, and abuse of power have long plagued the church since the ascension to power of Eduardo Manalo and his  corrupt council or Sangunian . Yet, these issues are often swept under the rug, overshadowed by the church’s public displays of piety and unity. The rally, while a show of force, is also a smokescreen—a distraction from the internal rot that threatens the very foundation of the church just waiting to implode.

The true intention behind the INC’s political meddling is clear: to maintain their grip on power and shield themselves from scrutiny. By leveraging their bloc voting power, they ensure that politicians remain beholden to them, creating a cycle of dependency that perpetuates corruption. This unholy alliance between church and state undermines the democratic process, eroding public trust and stifling genuine reform. This political entanglement contradicts the principle of separation of church and state. The INC has cultivated a culture of reverse religious persecution, silencing those who dare to question their authority or hinder them from doing what they want. This convoluted bullying system must end. The Filipino people deserve to be heard, free from the oppressive influence of such self-righteous institutions.

In exposing these truths, we must ask ourselves: what is the cost of such influence? How long can the INC continue to wield its power unchecked, and at what expense to the Filipino people? The time has come to challenge the status quo, to demand accountability and transparency from those who claim to lead with moral authority.

As the rally fades into memory, let us not forget the shadows it casts. The Iglesia Ni Cristo’s undue influence in politics is a testament to the disproportionate growth of power by a minority religion in the Philippines—but it is also a cautionary tale of how that power can be corrupted over decades of complicity. It is a call to action for all who seek justice and integrity in the halls of power and a reminder that true faith is not measured by numbers or influence, but by the courage to stand against corruption and demand change.

In conclusion, while calls for harmony among government officials are commendable, they should not come at the expense of justice and accountability. The Bible is clear that justice for the fatherless and widows is what defines true and faultless religion as stated in many verses of the Bible.

James 1:27

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Isaiah 1:17

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Deuteronomy 10:18

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”

Psalm 68:5

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

Zechariah 7:9-10

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”

Jeremiah 49:11

“‘Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on me.’”

Let us fight the corruption of church and state. It’s about time we put a stop to this. Let’s sign these petitions.

1. Revoke the Appointment of Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipinos
2. Investigate Philippine Justice Department’s Handling of Nathaniel “Angel” V. Manalo’s Case
3. Revoke the Bloc Voting Law that Fosters Religious Manipulation in the Philippine Politics

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista