AMID the ongoing political tensions in the country, former president Rodrigo Duterte emphasized the need for every Filipino to be united.
In a video message uploaded on Facebook page FPRRD Supporters, Duterte thanked Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo for organizing the National Rally for Peace on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The peace rally was staged in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stand against the impeachment case filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
"This is what our country needs in these critical times," the former president said.
"Not impeachment, no waste of government resources, no not self-serving schemes, no divisive actions. We must unite. We must move forward as one," he added.
Duterte also thanked other groups and individuals "who have the best interests of our country."
"This participation in the prayer rally shows that they know and care what is happening in our country today," he said.
The former Davao City mayor also urged the public to demand from the government what is due to them.
The peace rally was simultaneously conducted in the country, including Davao City, the hometown and bailiwick of the Dutertes, who is currently under political conflict with the Marcoses.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s son, outgoing Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte reacted on Facebook to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s perceived silence regarding the INC National Rally for Peace on January 13, 2025, held in various parts of the country.
"Hilom ang Bongbong Marcos sa INC uy. Tagam (Bongbong Marcos is silenced by the INC rally. Good for him)," he said in a Facebook post.
In the comments, he said "Wa kapanghambog ug statement2 (He was not able to brag statements)."
A vocal critic of the administration for nearly a year, the mayor previously called for the president's resignation.
Meanwhile, as of 4 p.m. the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) estimates that the crowd at San Pedro Square, Davao City, has reached approximately 230,000. RGL
