MANILA, Nov. 16 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the mass demonstration organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Sunday.

"Yes, the President is monitoring today," Gomez told reporters, as thousands of INC members and supporters began their three-day protests at Rizal Park in Manila.

As of 11 a.m., the Manila City government reported 27,000 participants.

Organizers said the crowd is expected to swell leading to the 4 p.m. program at Quirino Grandstand.

The INC leadership says the peaceful assembly is called the "Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy."

Other groups were holding rallies at EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon Cit...