MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the cities Manila and Pasay on Jan. 13, for Iglesia ni Cristo's (INC) "National Rally for Peace," Malacañang said Friday.
Marcos made the declaration through Memorandum Circular 76, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday.
"In view of the numerous participants expected to travel to and within the cities of Manila and Pasay on 13 January 2025 for the National Rally for Peace of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and to allow for the organized conduct of the event, work in government offices and classes at all levels in the cities of Manila and Pasay shall be suspended on 13 January 2025," the President said in his order.
However, Marcos said that offices involving the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and other vital services were excluded from the suspension.
"The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads," he added.
Last December 4, the INC announced that it would hold a rally to express support for the President's stance against impeachment moves.
The centerpiece of the rally will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila with simultaneous events planned in over 10 locations nationwide, including Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro.
The massive rally comes as Vice President Sara Duterte faces three impeachment complaints, thus sparking questions about INC's leanings.
The President said he did not support calls for the impeachment of the Vice President, adding that such a move would not help the Filipino people.
The vice president welcomed the filing of impeachment complaints against her. She said her critics have been saying that they would be filing the complaint against her since 2023.
Known for bloc voting, INC supported the candidacy of Marcos and Duterte during the 2022 national elections.
INC was founded by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914 and its first church was established in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila.
From only a dozen followers when it was born in the Philippines in 1914, the group has grown to around 2.25 million followers worldwide.