De Lima: Complaint vs INC leaders to go through regular process

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Wednesday, September 2, that her department will proceed with the preliminary investigation into the illegal detention complaint filed by an expelled Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister against some leaders of the powerful church.

De Lima made the assurance as she continued to debunk allegations that the government had entered into a deal with the INC on the complaint of former INC minister Isaias Samson Jr against members of the Sanggunian, the INC’s highest administrative body.

“The Samson complaint will go through the regular process. That means it will be assigned to a prosecutor or a panel of prosecutors,” De Lima said in a text message, when asked for an update on the complaint. (READ: DOCUMENT: Complaint against INC leaders)

De Lima did not say when the preliminary investigation will begin or the prosecutor who will handle the case.

Last week, Samson filed harassment, illegal detention, coercion, and grave threats charges before the DOJ against Sanggunian members Glicerio Santos Jr, Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago Sr, Mathusalem Pareja, Rolando Esguerra, Erano Codera, Rodelio Cabrera, and Maximo Bularan Jr.

Samson has urged other INC members to expose corruption in their church. (READ: Expelled INC leader: Don’t cover up wrongdoing)

Beginning Thursday, August 27, INC members massed at the DOJ in Manila to protest what they called “government meddling” in church affairs, referring to Samson’s case.

They called for the resignation of De Lima, and expanded their rally to parts of EDSA, paralyzing traffic along the major thoroughfare from Friday night, August 28, through the weekend. 

The INC ended the rally on Monday morning, August 31, after a meeting with government officials. This fueled speculation that the two sides had struck a deal but government authorities denied this. – Rappler.com