VP Sara Duterte Endorses INC Rally for Marcoleta Amid Impeachment Trial

The Gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument

The surprise rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo drew around 9,000 participants to the People Power Monument in White Plains, Quezon City, by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Members assembled early to express support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta ahead of the impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte that opens next week.

INC spokesperson Edwin Zabala stated that the rallies were called to defend Marcoleta. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority closed White Plains Avenue, and heavy traffic built along major stretches of EDSA as a result of the gathering.

Police Deployment Across Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police placed major police regions and national units under full alert status. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the measure for Police Regional Offices 3 and 4A, the National Capital Region Police Office, national support units, and all Camp Crame-based offices starting at 5 a.m.

By 9 a.m., the PNP reported that 5,936 police officers and allied security personnel had been deployed across key areas in Metro Manila. Nearly 6,000 personnel were assigned overall to manage the event and maintain order in surrounding communities.

Charges Against Senator Marcoleta

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced the day before that his office would file a non-bailable plunder case against Marcoleta over P75 million in campaign donations received before his 2025 Senate run. The amount exceeds the P50 million plunder threshold, and Marcoleta also faces indirect bribery charges over undeclared donations received in January 2025.

Marcoleta, a longtime Duterte ally, has alleged the charges are timed to remove him from the impeachment court before Vice President Duterte’s trial begins next week. Ombudsman Remulla indicated that charges against Marcoleta may be filed this week.

Vice President Duterte’s Endorsement of the Rally

Vice President Sara Duterte endorsed the INC-led rally on Tuesday, June 30. She described the turnout as reflecting a “growing sentiment” against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whom she accused of using the justice system to silence critics.

In her statement, Duterte said the Marcos administration “has weaponized the justice system by filing cases against and imprisoning individuals who dare speak out against alleged corruption and abuses in Malacañang, question the administration’s competence, or criticize the President, including allegations concerning his drug use.” The INC, which endorsed the Marcos-Duterte ticket in 2022, said it was protesting the Marcos administration for “twisting” the law to go after Marcoleta.

President Marcos Cancels Engagements

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. canceled his morning activities to monitor the protest actions that stalled EDSA traffic early Tuesday. He had been scheduled to lead the inauguration of a marine litter management event at the Manila Bay port area and headline a luncheon with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at noon.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro denied any political persecution of the known Duterte ally and said the evidence came from Marcoleta himself. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has said the chamber is studying ways to shorten a process originally projected to run for seven to eight months.

Traffic Disruptions and Daily Life in Metro Manila

The rally shut down stretches of EDSA for much of the morning, directly affecting commuters who rely on the thoroughfare to reach work, schools, and markets. Jeepney drivers and tricycle operators in nearby barangays faced longer routes and reduced earnings as buses and private vehicles idled in heavy congestion.

Families in Quezon City and surrounding areas adjusted their routines, with some parents arriving late to offices while students missed early classes. Sari-sari store owners near the People Power Monument reported slower foot traffic as residents stayed indoors or took alternate paths to avoid the closed White Plains Avenue.

Broader Political Context and Community Concerns

Vice President Duterte faces four articles of impeachment, including the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, betrayal of public trust, and threats against Marcos and the First Lady. A conviction would remove her from office and bar her from future public service.

Police arrested several demonstrators after scuffles broke out when protesters used a bus to block the northbound lane. The Department of Transportation said busway operations would continue despite the disruptions. Ordinary Filipinos in Metro Manila and beyond watch these developments closely, as political tensions between the Marcos and Duterte camps ripple through local government units and affect daily decisions in households across the country.