LIST: Celebrities who were present at the INC anti-corruption rally
Filipino celebrities joined the crowd at Quirino Grandstand for Iglesia Ni Cristo's supposed three-day "Rally for Transparency and Better Democracy," which ended on its second day on Nov. 17.
INC, a religious group with an estimated 2.8 million members, called for transparency, accountability, and truth on the investigation of anomalous flood control projects. It can be recalled that the religious group, which practices bloc voting, endorsed the "UniTeam" of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections.
Per the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the crowd from yesterday's rally reached an estimated 550,000 as of 5 p.m. on Nov. 16. For day 2 on Nov. 17, an estimated crowd of 600,000 was at Quirino Grandstand as of 6 p.m.
According to a GMA News report, the rally ended a day ahead of its supposed Nov. 18 culmination.
"It did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability, transparency, and peace," INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said.
The rally included notable personalities taking the stage, including Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and Sen. Imee Marcos.
Speaking before the crowd, Imee accused her brother, president Bongbong, of being a drug addict. Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro refuted the allegations and called it a "desperate move" on Imee's part.
Apart from the two lawmakers, here are celebrities who joined the INC rally:
Gladys Reyes
Actress Gladys Reyes joined the crowd from yesterday's rally. She wore matching shirts and wristbands with fellow INC members that read, "Transparency for Better Democracy."
Kristel Fulgar
Former child actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar was also present during the first day of the rally. In her Instagram stories, Fulgar shared a photo of herself facing the stage with the text, "present."
She also shared some photos and videos of the crowd, including a placard that read, "Ilabas ang katotohanan. Panagutin ang may kasalanan."
Anthony Taberna
TV and radio personality Anthony Taberna, also known as "Ka Tunying," also participated in the rally. He also gave away free Spanish bread to fellow INC members and took pictures with them during the event.
Jon Lucas
Actor Jon Lucas performed at the affair. He sang Bitiw by Sponge Cola and Rivermaya's Liwanag sa Dilim.
UPI protest
Coinciding with INC's rally is the United People's Initiative (UPI) protest at the EDSA People Power Monument, which also calls for justice and accountability. The UPI is mostly led by retired military officers.
Singer Gigi De Lana attended the affair as one of the performers. Prior to the rally, she wrote on her Facebook page that she's protesting against corruption through singing.
"Gusto ko pong linawin: hindi po ako pulitiko. Hindi po ako kumakampi o kumakalaban sa kahit sino. Ako po ay isang mang-aawit na lumaki rin sa hirap, isang anak na nangarap lang na makatulong at makapagbigay ng kaunting ginhawa sa pamilya," she wrote.
"Dati po, wala naman akong lakas ng loob o boses sa mundo. Pero natutunan kong minsan, kahit maliit lang ang pinanggalingan mo, kapag nagbigay ka ng puso, may maaabot pala. Kaya po ako nariyan. Hindi para makipag-away, kundi para magbigay ng sandaling katahimikan at pag-asa. Ramdam ko rin ang bigat na dinadala ng maraming Pilipino, galing din po ako riyan," she continued.
Singer and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc was also present at the UPI rally.
House and Senate hearings revealed billions lost to corruption, prompting the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to probe a decade of flood control project irregularities.
The corruption scandal triggered leadership changes, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos Jr.’s cousin, resigning. Marcos vowed jail time for involved officials before the year ends.
