In a strategic pushback against swirling social media rumors, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) communications team rolled out a video Monday spotlighting several members who firmly rejected allegations that participants of the group’s large-scale anti-corruption demonstration were compensated ₱3,000 each to attend. The clip, published by INC News and Updates on its official Facebook page, compiled statements from numerous protesters, all aligned in denying any form of payout for their presence at the event.
The video did not identify the members by name, but the tone was consistent: the suggestion of paid attendance was not only inaccurate, they said, but downright laughable. One participant spelled it out directly: “We don’t get paid here.” Another speaker leaned into collective sentiment, stating that the INC crowd was composed of a massive number of brethren united in purpose, not motivated by personal financial gain. The member went on to add that claims about ₱3,000 payouts were absurd, joking that some attendees would be more likely to hand out money than receive it.
The counter-messaging arrives on the heels of posts circulating across several platforms, alleging that INC mobilized its attendees through cash incentives. In light of the scrutiny, the organization appears to be pursuing a proactive narrative management strategy, reinforcing its long-standing doctrine of unity and discipline among followers while positioning the rally as a mission-driven initiative rather than a transactional exercise.
The three-day demonstration, staged from November 16 to 18 at Quirino Grandstand in Manila, focuses on demands for heightened accountability surrounding alleged irregularities in government flood-control projects. The movement taps into a broader national conversation about infrastructure transparency and public fund utilization.
Operational updates provided by law enforcement agencies appear to support the overall stability of the event. The Manila Police District (MPD) reported that the crowd reached approximately 650,000 attendees by 6 p.m. on Sunday, the opening day of the protest. Both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) described the situation as “generally peaceful.”
By early Monday, an estimated 110,000 participants stayed on-site overnight, according to MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines, emphasizing the strong organizational capacity and commitment running through the congregation.
As the rally continues, the INC appears poised to maintain a values-driven posture, leveraging both traditional discipline and digital-forward communications to reinforce its stance in the national integrity conversation.