Philippines: Surprise Protests Erupt as Military and Police Monitor Metro Manila Situation

(CNA) - As the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is set to begin, the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) launched surprise protests in Metro Manila today. The Philippine military, police, and relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation to maintain political stability.

Philippine military spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla stated today that the military police in the capital region and other relevant government agencies are coordinating closely to monitor the dynamics of "flash protests" at and around the People Power Monument on EDSA in Quezon City.

Padilla said the military respects the people's right to peaceful assembly but emphasized that all public activities must comply with legal regulations. She also stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as a professional and non-partisan entity, will continue to safeguard the rights of the Filipino people and the stability of the democratic system.

The People Power Monument is the site of the "People Power Revolution" in 1986 and 2001, which overthrew governments. Large gatherings held here often carry significant political implications.

Early this morning, an estimated several thousand INC members gathered without prior notice, blocking surrounding roads with large buses, causing severe traffic congestion. A large number of police officers were dispatched to control the situation.

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala stated through its Net25 television network that the gathering aims to show support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Marcoleta is a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte's camp. He was recently charged with plunder for alleged campaign finance violations and faces arrest if the court accepts the case.

The Philippine political landscape is currently highly sensitive. Vice President Sara Duterte is facing impeachment in the Senate on charges including unexplained wealth and allegedly threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The impeachment trial is scheduled to officially commence on July 6. If found guilty, Sara Duterte will be removed from her position as Vice President and will be disqualified from holding public office for life.

The Philippine Constitution stipulates that conviction in an impeachment requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate. However, there are differing interpretations within the legal community as to whether this threshold should be calculated based on all 24 senators or only those eligible to vote.

In addition to Marcoleta, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, also considered a Duterte ally, is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the anti-drug operations during former President Duterte's administration and his current whereabouts are unknown. Senator Jinggoy Estrada was also detained in early June due to alleged corruption scandals.

Philippine Congressman Leandro Leviste called on citizens via Facebook today to go to the People Power Monument, emphasizing that this gathering "does not belong to any specific group but speaks for all Filipinos."

The majority of the Duterte family's supporters are located in Mindanao in the south, and it is considered difficult for them to mobilize large demonstrations in the capital region. Therefore, some observers believe that INC's surprise protest is testing their street mobilization capabilities. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150630

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