- INC slams gov’t for surrendering sovereignty by handing Duterte to ICC
IGLESIA ni Cristo (INC), one of the most influential religious organizations in the country, asserted that Filipinos should be tried in the local courts instead of surrendering its sovereignty to foreign entities.
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala issued the statement following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs.
In an episode aired on Net25, Zaballa maintained that Philippine courts are fully capable of administering justice and imposing appropriate penalties.
“Ang mga hukom natin ay may kakayahan po na gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin na ipataw ang tamang hustisya at pairalin ang katarungan sa lahat ng sandali. Kaya, hindi natin dapat isuko ang soberenya ng ating bansa sa iba (Our courts are capable of fulfilling their duties to enforce appropriate justice at all times. So, we should not surrender our country’s sovereignty to others),” Zabala said in an interview.
“Sinumang Pilipino o mamamayan ng ating bansa na may ginawang paglabag sa ating mga batas, dito dapat litisin sa ating bansa (Any Filipino or citizen of this country who have violated our laws should be tried here), ” he added.
Zabala emphasized that the Philippine justice system functions effectively, and the INC firmly believes in the integrity of the country’s courts.
The INC also condemned actions that bypass the nation’s legal framework, stressing the importance of upholding Philippine law.
“Gumagana naman ang sistema ng ating hustisya. Hindi po natin sinasabing ‘wag litisin ang dating Pangulo sa mga iniaakusa laban sa kanya… Nagtitiwala ang Iglesia Ni Cristo sa integridad at kakayahan ng hudikatura para pagpasyahan ang ganitong bagay at usapin (Our justice system works. We are not saying that the former President should not face trial for the accusations against him. The Iglesia Ni Cristo trusts the integrity and capability of the judiciary to decide on these matters),” Zabala said.
For his part, in a statement on Friday, March 21, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, March 21, thanked the INC for its firm and principled stance amid the political turbulence caused by Duterte’s arrest.
“Maraming salamat po sa suporta at pagmamahal sa Pilipino (Thank you for the support and love for Filipinos,” he said, adding that he appreciated the organization’s “stand to uphold rule of law, call for peace and unity.”
Meanwhile, the INC expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of response to the nationwide peace rally they conducted on January 13, 2025. Zaballa said the recent rallies and public unrest across the country and the world stemmed from the government’s refusal to heed earlier calls for national reconciliation and sober leadership.
This massive gathering, which drew an estimated 1.8 million participants nationwide, was organized to oppose impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte and promote peace and unity amid political tensions.
