INC Edsa-White Plains rally enters 2nd day

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led rally in Quezon City entered its second day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, continuing the demonstrations that had begun the previous day. The rally, held at the intersection of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) and White Plains Avenue, attracted significant attention due to its scale and the disruption it caused to traffic in the capital region. According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), at least 4,000 participants were present in the area as of 5 a.m. Some individuals had set up camps using vehicles, tents, and mats, remaining overnight. As the event progressed, music played from the rally's sound systems starting around 5:30 a.m., indicating preparations for continued activities throughout the day.

By 5:20 a.m., observers noted that two northbound lanes of Edsa were open for traffic, although all lanes of White Plains Avenue leading towards Edsa remained closed. Despite these closures, some sections of Edsa were partially accessible, with at least two northbound lanes occupied by parked vehicles belonging to both rally participants and law enforcement personnel. These vehicles stretched from Edsa-Ortigas Avenue to approximately Camp Aguinaldo Gate 3. The protest action, initiated early Tuesday morning, had significantly impacted traffic flow during the morning rush hour, reducing the number of usable lanes on Edsa and slowing down movement on southbound lanes. However, the Quezon City local government had granted permission for the rally to continue into its second day, subject to specific conditions such as limiting the event to White Plains Avenue between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and ensuring no road blockages occurred during the protest.

The rally was organized in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is currently facing legal challenges related to a P75-million donation made shortly before his 2025 senatorial campaign. The demonstration had initially started without a formal permit, leading to unexpected traffic congestion and prompting authorities to reassess the situation. Following the initial day's events, the rally was permitted to proceed on the second day, though the city government later revoked plans for a third day due to public concerns about traffic disruptions.

A separate incident involving a patrolman assigned to the Quezon City Police District Mobile Force Battalion drew attention. The officer was relieved from his post following allegations that he failed to adequately protect a motorcycle rider who encountered difficulties during the rally. The rider reportedly faced obstruction from protesters, who allegedly took his keys, shouted at him, and threatened him. The officer was placed under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (PHAS) pending further investigation. While the officer attempted to de-escalate the situation, the exact nature of his response remains under scrutiny. Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed criticism toward the officer, suggesting that retraining might be necessary, though the police department emphasized that investigations would determine appropriate actions.

Meanwhile, another issue arose during the rally when Quezon City District 2 Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica engaged in a confrontation with an LTO enforcer. The councilor was participating in the rally in support of Senator Marcoleta. During the incident, Ludovica was recorded directing verbal abuse at the enforcer, accusing him of bias and labeling him a "lapdog" who follows an "addict president." The enforcer defended his actions, stating he was merely performing his duties. The Quezon City Council announced it would investigate the incident to ensure that public officials adhere to professional standards and respect the rights of others. This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing events surrounding the rally.

The rally's impact extended beyond Quezon City as the INC shifted its demonstration to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila following the revocation of the permit for a third day. This relocation prompted the Manila City government to cancel school classes across all levels in anticipation of potential traffic issues. The movement of the rally highlights the broader implications of large-scale protests in urban areas, affecting transportation infrastructure and daily life for residents. The events underscore the tensions between free expression and public safety, as well as the responsibilities of local governments in managing such gatherings. With multiple layers of involvement from various stakeholders, the situation continues to evolve, reflecting the complex interplay of political, social, and administrative factors in contemporary Philippine society.