THE Mindanao Evangelical Leaders Council (MELC) recently released a statement on the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte calling on the government to preserve the rule of law and provide equal justice to all citizens regardless of political afflictions. This comes after the arrest of the country’s renowned former president, Rodrigo Duterte, on March 11, 2025.
“We pray for our nation, for justice to prevail, and for wisdom to be upon our leaders. May we never tire of standing for truth, righteousness, and the freedom God granted us,” MELC said in their statement on March 21, 2025.
MELC said that they stand in unwavering solidarity against the injustice, oppression, and political persecution in the arrest, detention, and expulsion of Duterte. They said that they denounce these actions which are a violation of justice and due process.
They cited that the Holy Scriptures called on everyone to stand against injustice and uphold righteousness as written in Psalm 89:14, Amos 5:24, and Isaiah 1:17 which talks about upholding righteousness and justice.
They also highlighted that as God’s people, the public should not remain silent on the “political bias and judicial manipulation.”
They believed that fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and due process, and that no individual regardless of their past or standing should be subjected to the unjust system which erodes the democracy of the Philippines.
MELC expressed that using legal institutions for political retributions is contradictory to the Bible concerning impartial justice, quoting Leviticus 19:15 and Micah 6:8, which talk about judging fairly regardless of your position.
They also encourage Filipinos to be vigilant against the forces, which undermine freedom and threaten the unity of the Philippines.
MELC also called on the Church and Christian Community to pray and speak out against all forms of oppression and injustice as this is what God has commanded.
To recall, Duterte was taken to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face allegations of crimes against humanity. He has a pre-trial hearing on March 14. The International Criminal Court (ICC) then scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing on September 25, where he will be presented with the accusations against him. RGP