Duterte camp sees ‘big boost' in campaign after INC endorsement
MANILA, Philippines – The camp of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Thursday welcomed the endorsement of influential church Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and said that its support would heighten the mayor’s campaign.
“We welcome the endorsement of the Iglesia ni Cristo INC). This is a big boost to our campaign particularly to thwart attempts by the administration to cheat the elections,” Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said in a statement sent ahead of the announcement of INC-run Eagle Broadcasting Corp.
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According to Laviña, the INC endorsement is a reflection that Duterte’s advocacy for change is effective to most people and church formations, which the camp is thankful for.
“This endorsement shows that Duterte's advocacy for Tunay Na Pagbabago has resonated to almost all our people and all our church formations affected by the rising crimes and drugs, continuing corruption and government neglect, poverty and sufferings of our people. These issues are close to the hearts of our moral leaders and the various churches have their own campaigns to end this malady,” Laviña said.
“Hence, we have received various expressions of support from many religious groups and religious leaders not just from the INC. But fully aware of its church discipline in voting, this INC endorsement is truly significant. We thank the INC as well all other religious groups and religious leaders,” he added.
Aside from other religious groups, Laviña also thanked Pope Francis for saying his prayers for Duterte. Last April, the mayor received a letter from the Vatican as a reply to his apology for cursing the Pope in a speech.
While discussing the endorsement, Duterte’s spokesman also took a swipe against the Liberal Party for claiming the momentum and said it was an empty boast.
INC earlier endorsed Duterte, vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. along with 12 other senatorial candidates. It is expected to provide around 2 million votes for the candidates.
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