Noy begins courting voting blocs

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has apparently started courting voting blocs as he, together with his anointed successor, attended the dawn mass yesterday of religious group El Shaddai, calling on its members to vote wisely in the May 2016 elections.

The event marked the birthday of the charismatic movement’s leader Mike Velarde, which coincided with El Shaddai’s 31st anniversary. 

“Next year the people will be at another crossroads. I hope that we remain the inspiration of others in choosing the rightful leaders. I am confident that we will not divert from our good start towards our goal,” Aquino said.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin accompanied Aquino to the Catholic religious gathering at the group’s AMVEL Business Park in Parañaque City.

The last time Aquino and Velarde met was in July 2014, when the El Shaddai leader and wife Belen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, which was held at the same venue.

In his speech, Aquino, also the administration party’s titular head, reminded the crowd about the importance of the next presidential elections, where the country will again face a challenging task.

Aquino also called on the El Shaddai members, most particularly the voters, of their responsibility in nation-building and making sure that all the reforms his administration has initiated will not be wasted.

Aquino said widespread corruption and poverty have forced many citizens to lose confidence in the Philippines and were forced to try their luck abroad.