Joy Belmonte gets Iglesia endorsement

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has been endorsed by the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) as its candidate for mayor in Monday’s midterm elections as she maintained her lead over her opponents in a recent survey.

Belmonte, who is on her third term as vice mayor, thanked the INC for its endorsement.

Belmonte yesterday said she was informed earlier this week that the INC has endorsed her and a majority of the candidates in her slate. 

“This is good news for us and, of course, for Quezon City because we are committed to our promise of giving selfless, top-notch service that will benefit the city’s residents,” she said. “We are overwhelmed by the support we have been receiving across all groups in Quezon City. I think the INC shares our vision of wanting the city to keep developing to bring more progress down to the people.”

Belmonte said she would not take for granted the support she is receiving. She vowed to stay true to her clean track record as a public servant. 

“If elected, I will make sure that my platform for inclusive development is felt by all. We will improve our services and eradicate corruption. We will implement projects that directly benefit the poor and marginalized,” the vice mayor said. 

“We will also make sure that we will continue the development of the city in line with our slogan, ‘Kasama ka sa pag-unlad,’” she added. 

Belmonte thanked INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo and the entire religious group for endorsing her candidacy for mayor.

INC’s central office is in New Era, Quezon City.

Asked why she thinks the INC endorsed her over other mayoralty candidates, Belmonte said, “I believe the support of majority of the people of Quezon City is with me.”

Belmonte top choice for mayor – survey 

Belmonte welcomed the latest survey by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc., which showed her widening her lead over her rivals.

Based on the poll conducted from May 4 to 8, Belmonte obtained 65 percent voter preference, five points higher than the results of a similar survey conducted the week before. 

Her opponents, Rep. Vincent Crisologo and Chuck Mathay III, got voter preference of 30 percent and three percent, respectively.

She said the survey result is proof that voters are receptive of her platform amid the black propaganda thrown against her in the run-up to the elections.

Proclamation of winners

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Board of Canvassers in Quezon City is hoping to proclaim the next city officials within 24 hours after the polling precincts close on Monday.

Election officer Ma. Anne Gonzales assured the public that the winners of local posts in the city will be proclaimed within a day after the elections.

There are 111 candidates vying for 44 local posts, 10 of whom are running for mayor.

Quezon City has a total of 1.33 million registered voters.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has assured residents of orderly and peaceful elections.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel said the local police would intensify security during the polls.

A total of 2,123 police personnel will be deployed for the elections to ensure public safety.  –  With Romina Cabrera