El Shaddai backs eight Puwersa bets

The Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Puwersa ng Masa (LDP-PnM) said yesterday the charismatic group El Shaddai has endorsed eight candidates from the opposition’s senatorial ticket, based on sample ballots being circulated to members.

Earlier, the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) said it will likely support eight from the administration.

The El Shaddai ballot endorses the following candidates: Edgardo Angara, Juan Ponce Enrile, Loi Estrada, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Orlando Mercado, Ricardo Puno and Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

People Power Coalition (PPC) candidates supported by the charismatic group are Franklin Drilon, Roberto Pagdanganan, Wigberto Tañada and Manuel Villar. The slot for the 13th candidate has been left vacant.

PPC sources said candidates to be endorsed by the INC include Drilon, Villar, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Joker Arroyo and Ralph Recto.

From the opposition, the INC has picked four senatorial candidates, including Angara and Noli de Castro.