At least 500,000 persons attended the first of a three-day rally by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo religious group at Quirino Grandstand on Sunday where they listened to the need for the rule of law in the ongoing investigation of the flood control scandal.

Pastor Bienvenido Santiago Jr. said the group does not want unlawful change of government like coup, snap election or military junta against the government, dzBB said.

The Iglesia ni Cristo rally and another one at the Edsa People Power Monument is taking place as a former congressman has been releasing videos claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted P100 billion inserted in the 2025 and that 25 percent of the amount was to go to him.

As of 5 pm, the Manila Public Information Office said around 550,000 persons packed the Quirino Grandstand for the first of a three-day Iglesia Ni Cristo rally for accountability, justice and peace.

Nearly two thousand persons were at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City where a group called United People's Initiative assembled to call for more action on stamping out graft and corruption.

There is a smaller group of Duterte supporters at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Marcos said he will not dignify the statement of Co, who is said to be abroad. Officials, led by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, urged Co to return and present his evidence.

Security was tightened compared to the September rally where protesters hurled molotov cocktails and stones at security personnel in a bridge close to Malacanang.

Roads were closed at Ayala Bridge and Mendiola as barriers were set up, diverting traffic.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez told Bilyonaryo News Channel that Marcos is monitoring the rallies in Malacanang.

Gomez said the government heard their calls and he reiterated that those involved in the flood control scandal will be jailed next month.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr told religious leaders that soldiers are reminded to honor their oath-- serving with professionalism, honor, integrity, remaining loyal to the Constitution.

Maj. Hazel Asilo, spokesperson of the National Capital Regional Police Office, said maximum tolerance will be implemented by the 16, 433 to the rally areas. DMS