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Noy meets with INC head

Aurea Calica - The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino met yesterday with Iglesia ni Cristo executive minister Eduardo Manalo to talk about his vision and “political appeals” even as the religious group denied having made an endorsement of a presidential candidate.

The President’s convoy was seen entering the INC’s central office in Quezon City yesterday morning, hours before he flew to the north to inaugurate the New Pamplona Bridge in Cagayan and campaign for administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and his runningmate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and other candidates of the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid.

“First, I expressed my gratitude because the support throughout the administration and before I have been in office was truly felt,” Aquino said.

“I asked for the meeting. I thanked him (Manalo) for the support he and his brethren have extended to us. I enumerated the gains under daang matuwid (straight path). Lastly I expressed the hope that these gains will not only be continued but built upon in the future,” Aquino said.

The President said he also shared his “vision” before and after his administration and “usual appeals and political appeals” but did not elaborate.

Aquino said Manalo received him well and “I have no complaints but to say thanks for all the support.”

The INC supported Aquino and his then runningmate Roxas in the 2010 elections.

But there have been controversies involving the Aquino administration and the INC such as the reported refusal of Aquino to appoint officials recommended by the religious group and its alleged support for the late chief justice Renato Corona, who was impeached and eventually removed from office.

There was also the illegal detention case against INC officials that former justice secretary Leila de Lima set into motion despite insistence from the INC that it was an internal matter. 

Also yesterday, the INC denied the authenticity of a letter circulating on social media supposedly containing its endorsement of the presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

INC spokesman Edwil Zabala said they are currently conducting an investigation on who could have been responsible for the fake letter with the forged signature of Manalo.

“The moment we identify the person/s responsible for this fraudulent letter containing the forged signature of Brother Eduardo Manalo, we will charge them in court,” Zabala said in a text message.

Asked if it was possible for Duterte to get INC’s endorsement, he replied it was far-fetched: “malabo.”

Roxas, for his part, said he was optimistic about his chances of winning even without the endorsement of the bloc-voting INC.

The INC is said to be capable of delivering two million votes to the candidates it is supporting.

When asked in an interview yesterday if his support base is strong enough to propel him to victory even without an INC endorsement, Roxas said: “I believe so.”

Asked for details, the LP presidential candidate replied: “Why would I tell my secret to you?”

“I don’t know to whom they (INC) will give it (endorsement). I am operating (with the assumption) that it’s just a plus if it comes. If not, we cannot force them to side with something that they do not like,” he added.

Roxas also declined to comment on President Aquino’s meeting with INC leaders yesterday. “It’s between them,” he said.

Roxas met with the INC at least twice during the campaign period. The first meeting was held on March 30 while the second one happened last April 19.

He, however, was tight-lipped on what transpired during the meetings, merely saying that the dialogues were an opportunity to present his platform.

Last year, Roxas urged participants of an INC rally to avoid blocking roads and reminded them that their event should not cause inconvenience to motorists.

INC members trooped to EDSA to express displeasure over the alleged interference of the justice department in their internal affairs.

Independent presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe, meanwhile, said it would be sad if she fails to get INC’s endorsement but stressed she would accept it.

Poe also clarified that she did not snub the signing of the TRUTH covenant at the Manila Cathedral yesterday. She said she would be signing the covenant within the week.

On seeking the endorsement of El Shaddai charismatic group, Poe said she would be grateful if she gets endorsed by the religious group. 

As this developed, former Pangasinan governor Oscar Orbos has called on his fellow provincemates to support the candidacies of Poe and Sen. Francis Escudero.

Calling them champions of social welfare, Orbos said Poe, the lone independent presidential candidate, and Escudero, her runningmate, would usher in a new era of governance that is competent and compassionate.

“We are writing a new narrative for our country led by Sens. Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero, two young leaders who will lead us to great change with fresh ideas, new solutions to old problems, new energy, vigor and dedication to meet the challenges of the millennial times,” Orbos said. – Christina Mendez, Helen Flores, Romina Cabrera, Robertzon Ramirez, Alexis Romero

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