The ties that bind: Gloria Arroyo and Mike Velarde's friendship

 MANILA, Philippines - Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has sought the Sandiganbayan's permission to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde and his wife Belen.

Velarde, leader of the large Catholic charismatic group, is considered a spiritual adviser and a close friend of Arroyo.

It is interesting however how Velarde became one of Arroyo's supoprters, when he was also the spiritual adviser of Joseph Estrada, who was deposed in an uprising that led the way for Arroyo to assume the presidency.

In an interview in 2005, Velarde said the El Shaddai's stance is to support "whoever sits in Malacañang because that is for the best interest of our country."

This support however was not one without controversy.

According to an August 16, 2007 Issue Analysis of the University of the Philippines think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG), Buhay Partylist - the electoral wing of El Shaddai - has supported Arroyo during her terms.

It is also believed that Buhay had had enjoyed the support of the Arroyo administration. In the May 2013 polls, Buhay's second nominee is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, a known ally of Arroyo.

Arroyo and Velarde did not also see eye to eye on all issues.

In 2010, Velarde opposed the bid of Arroyo allies to amend the Constitution.

The religious leader, in a 2008 article posted by UCANEws, an "independent Catholic news source", had then warned Arroyo against supporting the move to change the charter.

"I advised the president she can have peace of mind until the end of her term in 2010 if only he allies will not tamper with the charter, because the people believe her allies are only out to extend her term," Velarde said.

Also in the 2010 polls, Velarde did not support the Arroyo administration's bet Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro, but was said to have given his virtual nod to then Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar.

When Arroyo, who faces non-bailable offenses of poll fraud and plunder, was detained, Velarde has become one of Arroyo's frequent visitors, visiting in March this year and last week.