Candidates woo El Shaddai members

MANILA, Philippines – Three presidential candidates and 11 senatorial hopefuls attended the El Shaddai prayer celebration  and overnight vigil hoping they would gain the support of the charismatic group’s estimated 3 million members.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas were each given a few minutes to address the crowd early yesterday morning. 

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago did not make an appearance, but an El Shaddai officer said both were informed of the activity.

The source also said that Duterte and Roxas already visited Velarde in his office in Amorsolo Street, Makati City last month.

Also at the event were vice presidential candidates Sens. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Francis Escudero and senate hopefuls Sherwin Gatchalian, Rey Langit, Leila de Lima, Teofisto Guingona III, Lorna Kapunan, Martin Romualdez, Ralph Recto, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Rafael Alunan III, Francis Tolentino and Samuel Pagdilao Jr.

During the prayer service, survey forms were distributed to determine the community’s choice for president and vice president.

Velarde told the crowd he would reveal his choice of candidates during their regular family gathering every Tuesday.

The charismatic leader assured his members of the freedom to choose their own candidates.

“I would not impose on you, on your choice of individuals. I will also choose in the future,” Velarde said.

He also urged the group not to believe in surveys and should instead believe in what he says because it is “the truth.”

Answering the criticisms on his interference in the elections, he said, “It is the obligation of every citizen, of every faithful to participate in choosing the country’s next set of leaders.”

El Shaddai is also fielding its own party-list, pro-life Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (Buhay) Party-list, which nominates Michael Velarde, former Manila City Mayor Joselito Atienza and Buhay president Melquiades Robles.  – With Helen Flores