INC says it still has no list of senatorial bets to endorse

MANILA, Philippines - The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) still has no list of senatorial candidates it intends to endorse.

The office of INC spokesman Bienvenido Santiago said as of yesterday afternoon, the INC has not made any announcement as to the names of senators to be supported.

However, it is still possible executive minister Eduardo Manalo would make an announcement within the week.

The INC has reportedly between three million to 10 million members worldwide.

A radio station has reported that the INC has thrown its support behind seven members of Team PNoy and five from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

The seven Team PNoy candidates are reportedly Aurora Rep. Edgardo Angara, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chair Grace Poe, Senators Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Alan Peter Cayetano, and former lawmaker Cynthia Villar.

The five UNA candidates are reportedly San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito, former senator Richard Gordon, Nancy Binay, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, and Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile.

The INC reportedly prefers former President Joseph Estrada for mayor of Manila, over Mayor Alfredo Lim.

In Quezon City, the INC reportedly picked the six lawmakers running under the Liberal Party.

Ejercito remains hopeful that he would get the endorsement of the influential INC.

“I fervently hope and pray for the INC’s endorsement,” he said.

Angara said he would wait for the official announcement from the INC.

“One thing for certain is that all 33 candidates for the Senate are hoping for their endorsement,” he said.

UNA senatorial candidate Jack Enrile appealed yesterday to the “conscience and independent” voters as the campaign ends this week.

“Our voters are becoming more intelligent, independent and conscience-led because of the advance of education, the expanded coverage of social and professional media, and the growing patriotism among our young voters,” he said.  – Evelyn Macairan, Paolo Romero