El Shaddai to announce candidate endorsements on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines – Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai said it will announce the candidates it will be supporting in the May 9 polls on Tuesday.

"On Tuesday, I will make it known to you,” El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde said at a prayer rally last Saturday.

Velarde explained that the decision on the candidates they will support will be based on the survey the religious group is conducting. He said they asked members to answer who they want to vote as president and vice president.

"Meron po akong ikinalat na something like a survey form. ‘Yan po ay para alamin ang nilooob ng bawat isa," Velarde said.

During the El Shaddai’s prayer rally at Ambel Park, Parañaque City on April 30, Velarde prayed for peaceful, orderly and honest elections.

"Tayo ay magdasal para sa mapayapa, malinis at maayos na halalan sa ating bansa sa darating na Mayo 9. Nawa'y pagpalain niya and lahat ng tao; bigyan ng ibayong liwanag ang kanilang kaisipan, damdamin at bigyan nyo po ng maayos na pagdesisyon at pagpili ang bawat isa sa amin kung sino ang nararapat mamuno sa aming bayan na ayon sa nasusulat na ikaw ang may akda ng lahat," Velarde urged El Shaddai members.

Three of the five presidential bets -- Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II -- were at the overnight prayer vigil. On the other hand, only two vice presidential candidates attended the event these were Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

Other candidates who also participated in the religious gathering were senatorial candidates former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, lawyer Lorna Kapunan, Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, broadcaster Rey Langit, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan, Sen. Ralph Recto, former Sen. Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, as well as re-electionist Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

The national candidates were given a chance to speak before the crowd. — Rosette Adel