Binay, Duterte meet with INC officials

ALAMINOS, Pangasinan, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay confirmed meeting with officials of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), but refused to provide details on what was discussed yesterday. 

“I am confirming that I have talked with Ka Eduardo (Manalo),” Binay said in Filipino, referring to the executive minister of the religious organization.

However, the opposition presidential candidate did not answer when asked if he sought the support of the group when he visited Manalo on Thursday. 

Asked about the effect of the support of INC on his candidacy, Binay said this would be a great help as its endorsement could mean the difference between victory or defeat in a close race.

He said in local elections, the winners in the last few slots in city or municipal councils are often decided by the support of the religious group.

In an earlier statement, United Nationalist Alliance media coordinator Joey Salgado said the meeting was an opportunity for Binay to present his vision to Manalo.

“The Vice President is humbled by the opportunity extended by INC executive minister Ka Eduardo Manalo to discuss his programs to lift the poor from poverty and build a compassionate, caring and competent government,” Salgado said.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also sought the endorsment of the (INC) yesterday morning.

In an article posted on eaglenews.ph (a corporation owned by INC members), it said that Duterte paid INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo a courtesy call at the INC’s Bulwagan room at their Central Office in Quezon City.

It said that Duterte presented his platform of government, which centered on his fight against corruption, illegal drugs and criminality, and his advocacies for food security and economic development.

Duterte previously told The STAR that he had sent a letter to the INC seeking their bloc vote on May 9, but said  he did not do it publicly.

INC’s spokesman Edwil Zabala refused to comment when asked about Duterte’s visit, but he confirmed that eaglenews.ph is connected to the INC.

“We do not want to be misconstrued as meddling in politics,” Zabala told The STAR in a text message.

 Sen. Grace Poe and administration bet Manuel Roxas II earlier confirmed having met with the leadership of the INC. Roxas met the INC together with his broadcaster wife, Korina Sanchez.

In an earlier roundtable discussion with The STAR editors and reporters, Binay also voiced his wish for endorsement from the leadership of El Shaddai.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan Rep. Boying Celeste, who is running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said the so-called “solid north” would support the tandem of Binay and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“This is the decision here in our district. We have chosen Bongbong as vice president. He is an Ilocano,” said Celeste in Filipino.

He said they support Binay, who also hails from the north as his mother is from Isabela.