President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday rejected allegations from some opposition figures and critics that his administration has been practicing selective justice.
“(That’s) their opinion; I believe they’re wrong,” Marcos said in a chance interview before departing for his official visit to Canada.
The President also said he was confident that no untoward incident would occur despite his departure from the country amid ongoing protest actions led by the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Marcos said the public has the right to hold rallies, but stressed that such actions must remain orderly, lawful, and safe.
“Ako, malakas ang loob ko kasi sa buong kasaysayan ang Iglesia, ‘pag nag-rally, kahit napakarami, hindi sila nanggugulo. And that was my, that for me was the main concern: that somebody might get hurt. (I am confident because throughout the history of Iglesia, when they hold rallies, no matter how many participants, they do not cause trouble. And that was my, that for me was the main concern that somebody might get hurt),” he said.
Marcos said his main concern was the possibility that other groups could infiltrate the rally and agitate protesters, potentially triggering disorder and chaos that could endanger people.
“So let’s just keep everything stable and peaceful. And so far it has been. So I thank everybody involved for keeping it safe for everybody,” Marcos added.
The INC is seeking to extend its rally until July 3.
The protest action began on June 30, supposedly after the Ombudsman announced plans to file plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is an INC member.