Philippines: Catholic Groups Deny Involvement in Iglesia ni Cristo–Led Nov. 16–18 Rally

Major Catholic institutions, including Caritas Philippines, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, and the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG), issued separate statements this week denying participation in the November 16–18 rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), stressing that they neither support nor endorse the gathering.

Addressing public confusion over the event, which involves INC, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and the Jesus Is Lord Church, the CGG said it wished to offer “a clear and pastoral message.”

“CGG is not involved in the rally. We did not organize it, we do not endorse it, and we will not participate in any of its activities,” the group said, warning that claims linking it to the event risk misleading the faithful.

CGG reaffirmed its commitment to “truth, justice, transparency, and the renewal of public life through peaceful, constitutional means,” and urged the faithful to unite “in the spirit of prayer, reflection, and moral renewal” as the Church prepares for the Centennial of Christ the Servant King on November 23 at the EDSA Shrine.

Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), likewise clarified: “We are not involved in, nor do we endorse, any rally reportedly scheduled for November 16–18, 2025.”

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas issued a similarly firm statement: “We are NOT part of the rally this November 16 to 18. The Catholic laity will NOT participate in the said rally.”

Laiko echoed earlier guidance from CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David: “We must choose the path of non-violence, constitutional order, and peaceful democratic participation.”