Justice or Theater? The NBI Investigation Entangled in Political Warfare

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — January 15, 2025

THE Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is more than just a public show of support—it’s a signal, a maneuver, and perhaps, a warning. With Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threats irreparably fracturing the Marcos-Duterte political alliance, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla striving to downplay its impact on the NBI probe, this event emerges as a turning point in a deeper political narrative demanding urgent scrutiny.

The INC Rally: A Message of Support or an Attempt to Influence?

The INC, a potent political bloc in the Philippines, is no stranger to leveraging its influence. The group’s disciplined voter base can swing elections, and its public demonstrations often signal tacit endorsements. Officially, the rally aimed to support President Marcos, particularly against impeachment efforts targeting Duterte. Yet whispers suggest it also served to shield Duterte from scrutiny, creating a fog of ambiguity around its true purpose.

Remulla’s reassurances that the rally won’t impact the investigation sound principled. “The law equalizes everything between all of us,” he declared. But in a nation where justice is often wielded as a political tool, such proclamations require nuanced scrutiny. While Remulla’s supporters see him as a staunch defender of justice, his critics see his words as suspect, arguing that his loyalty to the administration makes his claims of impartiality contentious.

The Duterte-Marcos Duel: A Battle for Control in the Philippines

What’s at stake here isn’t just the outcome of an investigation but the future of two dynasties. Marcos and Duterte, once united in a mutually beneficial alliance, are now adversaries vying for dominance in the 2028 presidential race. Marcos, grappling with his family’s historical baggage, seeks stability and consolidation. Duterte, bolstered by her father’s legacy of populist authoritarianism, eyes a broader power base.

As the drama unfolds, the Filipino people deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare over personal ambition. Justice, after all, is not just a principle; it’s a lifeline for a nation yearning for stability, fairness, and hope.

The INC rally, thus, may represent more than grassroots support—it could be a flexing of Duterte’s political muscle. If so, it underscores her capacity to mobilize allies, subtly warning Marcos of her strength. The rally also complicates the NBI’s task, as public displays of loyalty blur the lines between legitimate support and political interference.

The Justice Secretary’s Dilemma

Justice Secretary Remulla faces a precarious balancing act. On one hand, he must maintain the NBI’s credibility, ensuring the investigation is seen as impartial. On the other, he must safeguard the interests of a president who appointed him. His dismissal of the rally’s influence may be an attempt to downplay its significance, but it also risks trivializing the very real pressures the NBI faces.

The investigation into extrajudicial killings under Rodrigo Duterte’s administration offers a parallel cautionary tale. Despite promises of progress, these probes often stall, weighed down by bureaucracy and political inertia. If the NBI fails to assert its independence now, it risks becoming another casualty of political expediency.

The Broader Impact: Trust and Governance

At the heart of this unfolding drama lies a question of trust—trust in leaders, institutions, and the rule of law. For ordinary Filipinos, these high-stakes power plays translate into a sense of disillusionment. If political machinations continue to overshadow governance, the public risks becoming collateral damage in a dynastic struggle.

Transparency and accountability are critical. The NBI must resist external pressures, providing regular updates on its investigation and engaging with civil society. Meanwhile, the Marcos administration must recognize that protecting its political survival at the expense of institutional integrity will only deepen public cynicism.

The Philippines: A Nation on the Precipice

The INC rally and the NBI probe are reflections of a deeper conflict over the nation’s principles and priorities. In the end, the legacy of this moment will hinge on one question: Will justice rise to defend democracy, or will it crumble under the weight of political ambition?