Mayor De los Reyes courting local INC leaders?

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes met with leaders of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Cebu but he said the meeting Tuesday afternoon was upon the invitation of INC officials.

 The mayor, also known as "JVR," was accompanied by his possible slate: Clifford De los Reyes, City Councilor Dennis Basillote, city legal officer Alfredo Sipalay, city disaster management office head Catalino "Vince" Monterde, Dina Ceniza and Monette Rabaya-Yu.

Every election, several candidates ask the INC's support since its religious members are reportedly willing to follow whatever orders of their leaders, including who and who not to vote for.

"Istorya-istorya lang, wala pa gyud direct nga mo-support sila but we were told to submit our Certificate of Candidacy right after the filing," De los Reyes said.

De los Reyes, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, said he will be submitting his biodata to the INC for its assessment.

De los Reyes, who is backed by Liberal Party, is confident that he will get the support of the INC despite the controversy in Manila where the church has condemned the "special attention" that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has given to the illegal detention complaint against INC's key ministers.

Reportedly, the LP is using the rift within the church, hoping that the INC leadership would "seek help" from the administration in exchange for their support for Interior Secretary Mar Roxas' presidential bid.

"I am confident nga kung unsa'y nahitabo didto sa kaulohan, kita diri sa local dili ta maapektuhan," De los Reyes said.  — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)