The Makabayan Bloc, along with other complainants in the impeachment case filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, remains unaffected despite the recently held "National Rally for Peace" organized by the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-List Representative France Castro stated that their group remains resolute despite the recent rally and continues to prioritize national interest.
"Kami naman, national interest kasi itong pagpapanagot doon sa mga maanumalyang ginawa sa pondo ng ating bayan kaya dapat ilabas ito doon sa usapin ng sinasabing peace and unity. Kasi hindi natin makakamtam ang kapayapaan kung walang hustisya at parte ng hustisya ‘yung pagpapanagot doon sa paglulustay ng pondo ng mga mamamayan," said Castro.
"Kaya hindi kami apektado, at tingin ko naman ‘yung tatlong grupo na nag-file ng complaint ng impeachment ay ganoon din ‘yung kanilang pananaw kasi nakakausap ko naman sila," she added.
Castro then appealed that the issue of impeachment should be separated from matters concerning the religious sector, emphasizing that regardless of religious affiliation, the common goal is good governance, the fight against graft and corruption, and holding accountable any officials found guilty.
She further stated that if anyone from the Makabayan bloc decides to withdraw due to the INC's peace rally, they have no concerns over it.
"[Ang] mga pinag-uusapan namin dito ‘yung mga pamamaraan na mai-sulong itong impeachment kaya pinangunahan ng Makabayan na tipunin ‘yung iba pang mga complainant para maisulong itong impeachment," she added.
The group also expressed their respect and support for the rights of members of the religious group to express their views.
On Monday, the INC held a 'Rally for Peace' at the Quirino Grandstand, which was attended by millions of members from various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The said rally was held in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call to not push through with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Castro acknowledged the INC for their unity in beliefs and convictions. However, she urged the group to fight against graft and corruption, as well as the poverty that continues to persist.
"Huwag sanang magamit ni Sara Duterte na pang-shield niya itong nangyaring peace rally. Ito nagpapasalamat siya, samantalang sinasabi ng Iglesia na hindi ito para sa'yo [VP Sara], hindi ito para sa mga politiko," said Castro.
"Pero mag-ingat din sila [INC] kasi ginagamit sila ng mga politiko. Nakita ko rin may mga umattend na mga politiko doon sa peace rally na tingin ko ay off," she added.
Moreover, several political figures have shown their support and even attended the rally.
The lawmaker is confident that the impeachment case against Duterte will proceed. Once the parties reach a decision and secure enough votes, it will be endorsed to the Senate.
"Tingin ko magtutuloy tuloy ito dahil ang pananagutan ay hindi po ito natatapos doon sa campaign, doon sa election," she added.
Vice President Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints on various grounds, including betrayal of public trust.
