MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the influential religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to remain a government partner in building a stable and peaceful society, lauding its 111 years of service, discipline, and unity.
In a statement released Sunday, Marcos said the INC’s long-standing commitment to service and nation-building has contributed to social cohesion and moral order across generations.
“Sa loob ng higit isang siglo, ipinahayag at pinatunayan ng pamunuan at mga kasapi ng Iglesia ni Cristo ang kanilang layunin na magsilbing huwarang mga mamamayan at mabubuting alagad ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod, pagkakawanggawa, at pakikiisa sa kapwa (For more than a century, the INC leadership and members have shown their goal to be model citizens and faithful servants of God through service, charity, and solidarity),” he said.
Marcos encouraged the INC to continue supporting the administration’s vision -- a reform-centered national agenda focused on good governance, moral renewal, and inclusive development.
“Nawa'y manatili kayong katuwang ng ating pamahalaan sa pagpapanday ng isang matatag at maayos na lipunan (May you remain a partner of the government in building a stable and orderly society),” he added.
Founded in 1914 by Felix Y. Manalo, INC is estimated to have around 3 million members in the Philippines. It is widely known for its centralized leadership, strict discipline among members, and bloc voting practices that have made it a formidable political force.
In the 2022 presidential elections, the INC publicly endorsed Marcos and his runningmate, then vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte, both of whom went on to win by wide margins.
The President also acknowledged the INC’s massive humanitarian footprint through programs like Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to Humanity), which delivers medical missions, relief operations, housing projects, and livelihood assistance nationwide.
“Umasa kayong kaisa kami sa inyong adhikaing bumuo ng isang mapayapa at maunlad na bayan para sa ating lahat (You can count on our support in your mission to help build a peaceful and prosperous nation for all),” Marcos said.
He said shared values of faith, compassion, and patriotism are crucial in overcoming national challenges and realizing collective aspirations.
“Nawa’y lahat ng ating pagsisikap ay magsilbing katuparan ng isang Bagong Pilipinas na tunay na makatao, makabansa, at may takot sa Diyos (May all our efforts lead to the fulfillment of a New Philippines -- one that is humane, patriotic, and God-fearing),” he added. (PNA)