INC picks Aquino, Roxas

MANILA, Philippines - It’s official.

The religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) announced its support yesterday for Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and his running mate Sen. Mar Roxas.

The INC also endorsed the senatorial bids of Rozzano Biazon, Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Franklin Drilon, Jinggoy Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Teofisto Guingona III, Manuel Lapid, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ralph Recto, and Vicente Sotto III.

Biazon, Recto, Drilon and Guingona are running under the LP, while Cayetano, Defensor-Santiago and Marcos are members of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

Revilla and Lapid belong to the Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Estrada and Enrile are running under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), while Sotto is with the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Aquino and Roxas expressed gratitude for the endorsement, saying the INC’s command vote could boost their chances.

“We value this trust and we will not fail you,” Aquino said, refusing to compare the INC support with that of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who endorsed Gilbert Teodoro, and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, who was earlier reported to have thrown his support for Sen. Manny Villar.

“We will just coordinate and we will listen to their concerns like what we will do to all other constituents because that is our job,” Aquino added.

Roxas admitted having known about the INC’s decision a few days before the formal announcement but said they could not be presumptuous in declaring it themselves.

The INC explained that their decision to choose the 14 candidates over their rivals did not mean that they considered the other candidates “not worthy” of the positions they are seeking. The religious group said they took into consideration other factors in making their choice.

Clout and political strength

The INC, which reportedly commands two to three million votes, said that they are also one with the country in aspiring for a clean, honest, and peaceful election.

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

However, businessman Eduardo Cojuangco was soundly beaten by then Gen. Fidel Ramos in the 1992 polls.

“Many important factors were taken into consideration in making our decision. After careful and prayerful deliberation, the Church believes that this is the best for our country,” the INC said.

A member told The STAR that they were also advised to cast their vote early on Monday and not to engage in discussions about whom they voted for and about the elections in general.

Last April 21, INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, in a pastoral letter, asked his followers “not to get involved in baseless speculations that could only cause fear and apprehensions.”

NP undaunted, Erap saddened

Meanwhile, the NP remained unfazed by the INC’s decision to endorse the Aquino-Roxas tandem.

“Nothing has changed. Neither has our relationship with the Iglesia ni Cristo, cultivated over years of trust, friendship, and cooperation, nor our party’s commitment to the nation, diminished or wavered with the INC’s endorsement of other candidates,” the NP said in a statement.

NP standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar said he is positive that his network of supporters in the countryside would translate into votes and carry him to victory on May 10.

Former President Joseph Estrada of the PMP admitted he was saddened by the endorsement because he is very close to some INC members, especially the late INC head, Ka Eraño “Erdy” Manalo.

“I was saddened by the decision but I respect it. I want to make it clear that I continue to recognize my indebtedness to them for having supported me throughout my political career,” Estrada said.

Teodoro said the INC’s endorsement of his cousin comes with a greater responsibility.

Citing his own experience when he got the nod of Quiboloy early this week, Teodoro said he felt that an additional task has been placed on his shoulders.

“This is not a matter of who gets most of the endorsements. I should have jumped for joy when I was endorsed by Pastor Qiuboloy but I did not because I felt it was now my responsibility not to fail those who have placed their trust in me,” he said.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva of the Bangon Pilipinas Party, on the other hand, said the INC and Quiboloy’s endorsements were made on the basis of personal interest and not on what would be best for the nation.

President Ramos, in the meantime, has narrowed down his choices to two, as indicated by the two baller IDs he was seen wearing: Teodoro’s green rubber campaign wristband and an orange baller that could either be for Villar or for Sen. Richard Gordon.

Sources close to Ramos said the former leader is not likely to openly endorse a presidential candidate.

“FVR is still undecided but the baller IDs showed he has narrowed down his choices to two colors,” an aide of the former President told The STAR.

Palace disappointed

However, Malacañang officials could not hide their disappointment over the endorsement but vowed to work overtime to ensure Teodoro’s victory.

Presidential adviser for political affairs Prospero Pichay said the decision of the INC should be respected “but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the LP is assured of victory.”

He said there were instances that the candidates endorsed by the INC did not win despite the bloc votes delivered by members of the religious sect.

He said the machinery of Lakas-Kampi could deliver enough votes to at least offset the INC votes.

“That’s (Lakas-Kampi machinery) a big one,” Pichay told reporters. “At least we were able to deliver in 2004 (presidential elections) 30 percent plus of the President’s votes. That’s around 15 million votes.”

Pichay admitted that the INC move was disappointing but it was not likely that the administration would be lobbying to have the group change its endorsement.

He said endorsements, including those coming from religious and sectoral groups, have long been part of Philippine politics “but at the end of the day, I think we have to respect the independence of every voter. Every vote is sacred.” – Perseus Echeminada, Jess Diaz, Jose Rodel Clapano, Christina Mendez, Delon Porcalla, Jaime Laude, Aurea Calica, Paolo Romero