PDP-Laban Cebu to join INC-led unity, peace rally

CEBU, Philippines — The Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and Hakbang ng Maisug Cebu chapter have pledged their support for the nationwide Unity and Peace Assembly organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on January 13, 2025.

The rally, set to be held at the Cebu South Road Properties (SRP) starting at 3:00 PM, aims to promote unity and peace while opposing the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

 Organizers in Cebu expect at least 350,000 participants to join, including members of the INC and other supporters of the cause.

PDP-Laban Coordinator Peter Laviña commended the INC for spearheading the initiative. Speaking during a press briefing on January 10, 2025, he emphasized the importance of fostering national unity.

 “We are pleased that a major religious group took the lead in organizing this rally,” Laviña said.

He encouraged supporters to participate, stressing that the rally’s goal goes beyond opposing the impeachment.

“The term ‘UNITEAM’ was used during the election, but what happened was ‘disunited’ ang nahitabo sa Pilipinas,” he said.

 He called for raising the level of discourse by addressing systemic issues such as corruption and abuse of power.

Non-partisan stance

Hakbang ng Maisug-Cebu convenor Pamela Baricuatro clarified that while the event welcomes everyone, politicians running for office are prohibited from campaigning or delivering speeches.

“Tarpaulins of politicians are also not allowed at the venue,” said Baricuatro, who is a candidate for governor.

She explained that the rally is not about favoring any political leader or party.

 “This rally opposes the impeachment of VP Sara as it will further divide the country, but it is not a pro-Duterte or anti-Marcos event. It is about peace and unity,” she said.

The simultaneous peace rally is expected to draw an estimated 10 million participants across 12 major locations across the country. The event will feature discussions, messages of unity, and activities aimed at fostering a stronger sense of national solidarity.

In a separate statement, the Hakbang ng Maisug national chapter acknowledged the INC’s efforts but urged participants to address broader societal problems such as corruption, poverty, drug abuse, and abuse of power.

“The problem of the country is not a fight between the Dutertes and the Marcoses, but a fight between the people and their abusive and oppressive officials,” the group declared.

They called on members and supporters to bring legitimate concerns to the rally, advocating for action against corruption and authoritarian tendencies.

“VP Sara should not be impeached. She has done nothing wrong against the nation. Protecting her is protecting our people,” the group said, emphasizing the need to resist abuse and safeguard democratic principles.

“We must resist this abuse and stop the slide of our nation into kleptocracy, narco state and authoritarian rule,” the group further said. (CEBU NEWS)