When the Pulpit Meets Politics: A Closer Look at INC’s Shift Under Eduardo Manalo

Once upon a time in the land of Iglesia ni Cristo — during the eras of Brothers Felix Y. Manalo and later his son Eraño G. Manalo — politics was treated the way people treat lukewarm taho: strictly avoided. Politics was a dirty word. Not just dirty, but messy and soiled with corruption and power plays, something unfit for God’s people. Ministers and members alike were barred from entering the political arena because it was seen to be spiritually hazardous. Sure, bloc voting existed for unity’s sake and was never allowed to blur into political opportunism. The message was clear: be unified, be lawful, be moral, and stay out of the mud-slinging circus known as politics. 

But under Eduardo V. Manalo (EVM), things feel different. The vibe has changed so much you’d think someone flipped the spiritual polarity or someone swapped the hymnal for a manifesto. The church that once maintained arms length from politics is now elbow-deep in it. 

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The Special Envoy Who Especially Didn’t Do Much

In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipino Workers.

Later, President Marcos Jr. reappointed him to the same post.

Now, you might think: great! A church leader helping the millions of OFWs spread across this flat earth! But here’s the rub: where’s the track record? For many observers, the actual results were…well…quieter than a prayer meeting at 2 AM. There were no clear, measurable impact that justified the weighty-sounding position. Just a title floating in the air, eerily similar to a  “DPWH Ghost Project” in nature.

Some could argue that instead of genuine service, this role granted him diplomatic perks — the kind that make airport security feel like a suggestion — a way to get status and immunity — without delivering real, measurable welfare improvements for overseas workers.

And speaking of perks…

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The Airbus: Holy Wings or Heavenly Flexing?

Yes, the full-sized, multi-million-dollar Airbus. According to public statements and admissions made by the church leader himself, the INC does in fact own an Airbus used for this Executive Minister’s travel.

Christ entered Jerusalem on a humble donkey (Matthew 21:5), not a pressurized, climate-controlled, international long-haul megabird with leather seats and WiFi that’s better than most Philippine households.

In my humble opinion, the only way it could be more ironic is if the Airbus had the verse “Blessed are the poor” stenciled on its fuselage.

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From Humble Servant to Untouchable Leader

Humility is supposed to be a Christian virtue: “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3, ESV) But many members and critics alike now say EVM often behaves more like a sovereign than a shepherd.

Then there was this family feud in 2015 that became public scripture. EVM allegedly oppressed his own family that his mother,  Sister Cristina “Tenny” Manalo and his brother, Angel Manalo publicly pleaded for help, saying their lives were in danger.  The church responded by expelling them for “creating divisions.”

 INC leadership was accused of alleged corruption and mismanagement, even pointing to massive infrastructure spending (like the Philippine Arena) at the expense of more spiritually focused priorities.   Meanwhile, former ministers claimed arbitrary detentions, and some even alleged that leaders used force. Allegations that rocked the INC even more when the Canadian Refugee Board granted refuge to those the IRB believed “to have been harmed”  by the leadership of the INC. 

The New Testament is pretty clear: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) But the way things went down — public pleas, dismissals, scandal — show that EVM didn’t exactly wear the sandals of humility. If Christ entered Jerusalem riding a lowly donkey, some could argue Eduardo seems more riding in a gilded chariot.

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 Leadership by Committee…or Leadership by Ghosting?

Under Brothers Felix and Eraño Manalo, leadership was famously direct and firm but had a clear vision. With EVM, the picture is blured: he leans heavily on his council, while he remains distant, indecisive, and insulated. This is not leadership — it’s delegation to the point of abdication. 

When real crises arise — internal dissent, allegations of financial wrongdoing — his go-to move seems to be second-stringers. In a church that once strongly forbade political ambition, now its head is deeply embedded in government, and yet often acts like he’s just passing through.

It’s like the church is being run by a group chat.

And not even a lively one — more like the kind that sends announcements and never replies to anyone’s ‘seen’ messages.

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The Rising Star-Turned-Politician: Senator Marcoleta

Enter Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a staunch INC member. His political moves have stirred controversy: some claim his wife’s insurance firm had ties to contractors implicated in fraudulent flood-control projects.   Marcoleta has also publicly questioned the independence of a government commission probing infrastructure corruption.

This is exactly what INC used to warn against: members or ministers in politics, power tripping, and questionable alliances. The very thing they once shunned is now flaunted.

To old school INC members, seeing a devoted member-turned-politician is like watching a vegan open a lechon stall: It goes against everything they were taught.

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The Question of Character: Compassion or Calculated Moves?

Beyond politics, people point to EVM’s personal relationships as evidence of a lack of Christian compassion. Expelling one’s own mother and siblings? That’s heavy. Some say his approach looks less like loving discipline and more like ruthless consolidation of power.

Former insiders and critics argue that his focus is less on serving spiritual needs and more on protecting his own turf. They accuse him of lying to congregations — for example, claiming his brother was released from prison or that he’s caring for his ailing mother — despite reports suggesting otherwise. 

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Biblically Speaking…the Math Isn’t Mathing

• Pride comes before a fall — Proverbs 16:18. Many believe the pride in EVM’s leadership has blinded him to humility.

• True greatness is servanthood, not throne-seeking. Jesus said, “the greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

• And of course: accountability matters — “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

If a leader refuses to serve his own family, and instead uses his role for political clout, then perhaps he has forgotten what his calling should be.

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In Conclusion: A Price of Pride

So yes, it’s a little ironic — a church that once made politics taboo now has its top man flying around the world as a diplomat. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with serving in government, EVM’s political role has become less about service and more about status.

If humility is the hallmark of true Christian leadership, then Eduardo Manalo could use a crash course. Otherwise, his pride and ambition might just be his downfall. As the Bible warns, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Maybe it’s time for some humbling — or at least some public accountability.

In short — bless his heart, but it’s like EVM went from “humble church pastor” to “globe-trotting envoy with VIP perks” faster than a holy roller’s conversion story. If arrogance were tithable, the collection plate would overflow. And honestly? With all the controversy, the hypocrisy, and the power games — maybe they deserve a little public humiliation. After all, pride is a sin.

And honestly? If pride and greed are the roots of the problem, then maybe the humiliation and disgrace they are now facing are simply the natural harvest of the seeds they sowed. 

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista