Iglesia ni Cristo backs Noynoy-Mar tandem

CEBU, Philippines - The influential religious group Iglesia ni Cristo has declared support for Liberal Party standard bearers Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas.

In a statement yesterday, the INC hierarchy also announced they would be backing the candidacy of Rozzano Biazon, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Pilar Juliana Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Franklin Drilon, Jinggoy Estrada, Teofisto Guingona III, Manuel Lapid, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ralph Recto, and Vicente Sotto III.

“After careful and prayerful deliberation, the Church believes that this is the best for our country,” INC said.

But in a statement sent to The FREEMAN by PR firm The Campaigns and Image Group (Philippines), a senior minister of the church reportedly said the decision of INC has “split” the group because 54 district leaders of its southern Philippine conference have reportedly declared they would still support ruling party standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.

The PR firm said the sample ballot released early Wednesday favored Aquino for president, Roxas for vice president, and senatorial candidates the INC leadership wanted its members to vote for on May 10, 2010.

However, this reportedly drew mixed reaction—from vocal surprise to silent defiance—from the church’s leaders in the Visayas and Mindanao who were expecting a consensus was to be reached before Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo made the announcement.

“The leadership acted (in a way that is) contrary to a promise made,” a Visayas district minister who spoke on condition of anonymity reportedly said, adding, that “we feel betrayed.”

The minister also reportedly said junior ministers based in Davao City have expressed regret they would not abide by their superior’s wishes. The junior ministers will reportedly advice members to vote according to their conscience.

The INC on Tuesday announced it was close to deciding who between Teodoro and Aquino it will indorse for voting by its members. The Campaigns and Image Group said up to 54 district leaders of the church had been rooting for Teodoro, but Executive Minister Manalo had called for a bigger and wider consensus before a decision will be announced. An influential bloc of 51 district leaders in Luzon, who supported the 1992 presidential candidacy of businessman Eduardo Cojuangco mostly in Luzon, reportedly preferred Aquino.

Yesterday, INC explained their decision to choose the 14 candidates over their rivals did not mean that they consider the other candidates “not worthy” of the positions they are seeking.

“We know they have the capability, the experience, and the welfare of our nation at heart. We have worked together with many of them in support of socio-civic programs and projects for the benefit of our fellow countrymen. Most of them are our friends who have been with us in times of celebration and sorrow, and they have respected our right and freedom to exercise our religion,” INC said.

The INC, which reportedly has millions of members, said they are also one with the country in aspiring for a clean, honest, and peaceful election. Also, for the sake of the country, it is praying that the nation’s decision would be respected.

The clout and solid voting of the INC members have been tried and tested in previous presidential elections. They threw their support behind former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada and incumbent President Arroyo.

However, there were instances when their chosen bets lost such as businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco who was beaten by then president Fidel Ramos.

The INC is divided into 107 ecclesiastical districts, which in turn are divided into local congregations that are led by duly appointed ministers. Administration is centralized and managed from the central office in Quezon City. The INC southern conference is composed of churches in the Visayas and Mindanao and boasts of 1.2 million electors. — JMO (THE FREEMAN)