Rodrigo Duterte and the Murder of Gold Dagal: The State of Impunity and How the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Power Breeds Violence and Corruption

The brutal assassination of stand-up comedian Gold Dagal has once again shed light on the alarming culture of impunity surrounding the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), a powerful religious organization led by Eduardo Manalo. Dagal, whose comedic material reportedly offended INC members, became the latest victim of a dangerous system where unchecked power, vindictive leadership, and political influence converge to silence dissent and perpetuate violence. Watch the video:

This tragedy is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeply rooted problem: the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s pervasive influence across every sector of Philippine society. From government agencies and law enforcement to the justice system and even private institutions, the INC’s clout has created an environment where accountability is a distant dream, and justice is compromised for political and personal gain.

The Assassination of Gold Dagal: A Tragic Reminder of INC’s Reach

Gold Dagal was a rising star in the Philippine comedy scene, known for his sharp wit and fearless humor. But his career came to a tragic end when he was gunned down on March 15, 2025. His family has openly accused INC members of orchestrating the murder, citing the numerous death threats he received from fanatic followers of Eduardo Manalo.

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Dagal’s mother revealed the extent of the threats her son faced. She wrote, “My son was just doing his job, making people laugh. But because he offended the wrong people, he paid with his life.” Her grief is echoed by Dagal’s father, who lamented in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer that his son’s death was senseless and unnecessary. [Read the full story here]

SCAN International: A Security Threat?

One of the most chilling aspects of this case is the public nature of the threats against Dagal. Among them  video circulated online shows the president of SCAN International, the INC’s global security arm which has gained global noteriety for operating like a paramilitary organization of the church. The group’s activities in Canada have raised alarming concerns, particularly after their SCAN International – Manitoba chapter President, issued a public death threat against the comedian. This incident has prompted calls for the Canadian government to investigate SCAN International as a potential security threat.

These threats, coupled with the INC’s history of silencing critics, paint a grim picture of an organization that has weaponized its influence to intimidate and eliminate those who dare to speak out.

The Cult of Eduardo Manalo

At the heart of this transformation is the cult of personality surrounding Eduardo Manalo. Members are conditioned to view him as infallible, a godlike figure whose directives must be obeyed without question. This blind allegiance has created an environment where even the most heinous acts are justified as holy service to their god. Murder, harassment, and coercion are reframed as acts of righteousness, carried out in defense of the church and its leader.

This mentality has turned INC into a breeding ground for extremism. Members are not just willing to protect their leader; they are prepared to sacrifice their own morality, their humanity, their own lives and would kill to do so. This is what makes the INC under Eduardo Manalo a ticking time bomb. It is not a question of if, but when, this network of sleeper cells will be activated again.

Global Sleeper Cells: A Threat Beyond Borders

The danger of INC’s transformation is not confined to the Philippines. The church operates in countries all over the world, from Canada to the United States, Australia, Asia, and beyond. Each local congregation functions as a potential base for operations, a sleeper cell waiting for the signal to act. How many more mysteriously unsolved INC-related murders need to happen before people start to realize how dangerous this church has become under a hypocritical and egotistical megalomaniac leader, Eduardo Manalo?

A Systemic Problem: The INC’s Influence in Politics and Governance

The Iglesia Ni Cristo’s power extends far beyond its religious domain. Through its practice of bloc voting, the INC has become a kingmaker in Philippine politics, capable of swinging elections in favor of candidates who pledge allegiance to its leadership. This practice has created a toxic environment where politicians are beholden to the INC, prioritizing the church’s interests over the public good.

The bloc voting system, enshrined in Philippine law, has been a cornerstone of the INC’s political strategy. By delivering votes en masse, the church has secured key appointments for its allies in government, law enforcement, and the judiciary. This “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” arrangement has fostered a culture of graft and corruption, where loyalty to the INC trumps accountability and the rule of law.

One glaring example of this influence is the judiciary. Eduardo Manalo, the INC’s Executive Minister, plays a pivotal role in endorsing promotions for law enforcement and military officials, cabinet members, agency heads and even judges for promotion, including appointments all the way to the Supreme Court. This undue influence has compromised the integrity of the executive, legislative and justice system, making it nearly impossible to hold INC members accountable for their actions.

The Duterte Connection: A Case Study in Impunity

The systemic failure to hold INC accountable is rooted in its deep ties to the Philippine government. During Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, INC wielded significant influence, endorsing Duterte and securing strategic appointments for its allies. The INC’s political clout was on full display during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, just like the rest of the string of Philippine presidents before him. This symbiotic relationship shielded both parties from accountability, with the INC using its influence to protect Duterte from legal scrutiny and vice versa.

Duterte’s, and Eduardo’s Manalo’s immunity from prosecution, despite widespread allegations of human rights violations, is a testament to the INC’s grip on the Philippine justice system and vise versa. As long as the INC continues to wield this level of power, the claim of being a truly democratic and accountable government will remain to be questionable.

This entanglement of religion and politics has rendered the justice system ineffective in cases involving INC or allies of the INC. It is no coincidence that Duterte himself remains untouchable despite international calls for accountability for alleged human rights violations. The INC’s endorsement and sway over judicial appointments have fortified a culture of impunity. This is exactly why Rodrigo Duterte and his camp insists on being charged and tried on Philippine courts to ensure that they get their way. This is also the reason why the International Criminal Court should not allow this ex-President to be returned to the Philippines where he can bend the law with the help of his allies, the Iglesia Ni Cristo and its strategically positioned puppet officials.

The Degeneration of INC Ethics Under Eduardo Manalo

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was once a respected institution, known for its discipline and community service. But under Eduardo Manalo’s leadership, the church has degenerated into a shadow of its former self. Eduardo Manalo’s vindictive and authoritarian style has alienated members, silenced dissent, and turned the church into a breeding ground for violence and corruption.

The assassination of Gold Dagal is the latest example of this degeneration. INC members, emboldened by their leader’s mentality that they are above the law, have resorted to intimidation, harassment, and even murder to protect the church’s image. This culture of impunity has tarnished the INC’s reputation and undermined its moral authority.

A Call to Action: Dismantling the Bloc Voting System

The bloc voting system is at the heart of the INC’s power. By delivering votes as a single unit, the church has gained undue influence over Philippine politics, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and impunity. It is time for the Philippine government to dismantle this system, ensuring that elections reflect the will of individual voters rather than the dictates of a single organization. One way to help achieve this is to sign the petition: Revoke the Bloc Voting Law that Fosters Religious Manipulation in the Philippine Politics

The Canadian government must also investigate the Iglesia Ni Cristo church and its SCAN International’s activities, as its behaviour poses a security threat and undermines public safety. The global community has a role to play in holding the INC accountable for its actions, ensuring that no organization, regardless of its influence, is above the law.

Justice for Gold Dagal: Honoring His Legacy

Gold Dagal’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and impunity. His family deserves justice, and his memory must not be forgotten. By sharing his story, demanding accountability, and challenging the culture of impunity, we can honor his legacy and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Let us stand together against violence, corruption, and impunity. The time for change is now. Share this article, demand investigations, and hold those responsible accountable. Together, we can make a difference.

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