Senator Alan Peter Cayetano calls for prayers and peaceful protests

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called on Filipinos to take action by praying, sharing their views on social media, and participating in peaceful protests after the Office of the Ombudsman's announcement to file a plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

Speaking in a Facebook Live broadcast as thousands of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, Cayetano urged the public to participate "in your way," whether through prayer, online posts, or joining demonstrations.

"If what you can do is pray, then pray. If what you can do is pray but also post in your Facebook, in your Instagram, sa kahit anong social media... imulat ang ating mga kababayan sa nangyayari sa ating bansa," he said.

He also encouraged supporters who could not join the rally in Metro Manila to organize smaller gatherings in their own communities and share them on social media.

"Let us support and let our voices be heard. If hindi kayo makakapunta sa EDSA... magtipon-tipon po kayo. Ke sampu, 20, 30. I-post niyo sa social media," he said.

Cayetano said public action was necessary to show the government that people opposed what he described as the misuse of legal processes.

He claimed that authorities were sending a chilling message by allegedly using non-bailable charges against political figures and warned that the Senate was gradually losing members because of such actions.

Referring to the impending plunder case against Marcoleta, Cayetano said, "Ngayon sinusubukan naman nila kay Senator Marcoleta. Sana po hindi tayo pumayag kasi mali talaga."

He also rejected calls to simply let the courts handle the matter, saying institutions weaken when laws are allegedly "twisted" and the legal system is used unjustly.

Addressing law enforcement authorities, Cayetano appealed for "maximum tolerance" and respect for peaceful assemblies, emphasizing that protesters were only asking that the Constitution be followed.

"Hindi po. We are obstructing injustice," he said, responding to accusations that critics were obstructing justice. "Pag injustice na po, kailangan iharang na natin ang ating mga katawan."

The remarks came as the INC defended Marcoleta after the Office of the Ombudsman announced it would file a plunder case against him within the week, while thousands of church members gathered for an emergency rally calling for accountability over alleged irregularities involving government funds.

-Paraluman News