The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) held a massive National Peace Rally on Monday, January 14, 2025, drawing over 1.5 million members to the Quirino Grandstand. The rally called for national unity and peace amid escalating political tensions. Meanwhile, the Philippine government vowed to investigate allegations of a conspiracy within the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cover up drug cases. The National Maritime Council (NMC) condemned the continued presence of Chinese ships within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Presidents Marcos Jr., Biden, and Ishiba Shigeru also pledged to strengthen trilateral ties between the Philippines, the US, and Japan. The Supreme Court ruled that a candidate's lack of financial resources does not automatically disqualify them from running for public office. Lastly, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis 'Chavit' Singson, who withdrew from the senatorial race, will still be listed as a candidate on the ballots.
Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Tuesday, January 14, 2025.Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner. \MORE than a million members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo ( INC ) converged at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday for a National Peace Rally , calling for national unity and calm as political tensions escalate.
According to a report by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the crowd swelled to 1.5 million by noon. The PNP said the situation remained peaceful as the tally of attendees continued to increase. Simultaneous rallies were also held in cities across the country, including Legazpi, Ilagan, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod in the Visayas; and Davao, Pagadian, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. The massive turnout reflected the INC's ability to draw vast numbers in support of its call for peace. The crowd, composed of families, students, and elderly participants, carried banners and placards with messages like 'Kapayapaan para sa Bayan' (Peace for the Nation) and 'Pagkakaisa sa Gitna ng Pagsubok' (Unity Amid Challenges). \The government is poised to investigate an alleged 'grand conspiracy' in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to sweep controversial drug cases under the rug. Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the remark following the filing of administrative charges against 30 policemen, including several high-ranking officers, involved in a 2022 'simulated' buy-bust in Manila that resulted in the largest drug haul in the country. \The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Monday condemned the continued illegal presence of Chinese ships within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In a statement, the NMC said the two vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) — identified as CCG 5901 and CCG 3304 — have been operating unlawfully in the waters around Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) 70 to 90 nautical miles off the coastline of Zambales on Jan. 5 and 10, respectively. It also called out Beijing's deployment of a People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) helicopter, 'which hovered above a PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) vessel that was lawfully conducting its mandate in a peaceful, non-provocative, and professional manner.' \PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday held a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru where they all vowed to deepen ties. During their Trilateral Leaders Phonecall, the three committed for the Philippines, the US and Japan to continue working together to enhance and deepen trilateral ties, particularly in the areas of economic, maritime, and technology cooperation. \The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the democratic rights of citizens to run for public office, irrespective of their financial means. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court said a candidate's lack of financial resources to fund a nationwide campaign does not automatically make him or her a nuisance candidate. The en banc ruling, written by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, overturned previous resolutions by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that invalidated the candidacy of Juan Olila Ollesca in the 2022 presidential elections. The case began in October 2021, when Ollesca, a business owner, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) to run as an independent candidate for the presidency. Shortly thereafter, the Comelec Law Department petitioned to declare Ollesca a nuisance candidate, arguing that he was neither well-known nor possessed the resources to mount a nationwide campaign capable of achieving national recognition. The Comelec's Second Division granted the petition, declaring Ollesca a nuisance candidate. The Comelec en banc upheld this decision, denying Ollesca's motion for reconsideration. The high court emphasized that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to seek public office, a principle that must be balanced with the practical need to maintain free, fair, and orderly elections. The law, it stated, allows Comelec to regulate candidacies to avoid confusion, excessive resource allocation, and voter deception. \FORMER Ilocos Sur governor Luis 'Chavit' Singson, who has announced his withdrawal from the senatorial race in the May elections, will still be listed as a candidate, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). That's because his name has already been included in the ballots that have been printed, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia explained on Monday. Singson told his followers Sunday he is dropping out following a bout with pneumonia
INC PEACE RALLY DRUG CASES CHINA PHILIPPINE POLITICS
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