Presidential aspirant Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the standard-bearer of PDP-Laban visited the Iglesia Ni Cristro Central Office in Diliman Quezon City to make a courtesy call to the INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. The visit of Mayor Rody Duterte at INC happened on Friday morning, April 22. According to EagleNews, Mayor Duterte and INC Minister Manalo met at the INC’s Bulwagan room where two other presidential aspirants earlier made separate courtesy calls.
Watch the Video Report from EalgeNews Network of INC:
The visit of the 71-year-old Mayor Duterte happened a day after Vice President Jejomar Binay met with the INC Executive Minister. Last April 19, Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas, accompanied by his wife broadcaster Korina Sanchez, also made a courtesy call to Brother Eduardo Manalo.
During Mayor Duterte’s visit at INC, he stated that he need the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo whose members vote as one during elections in adherence to the biblical doctrine on unity. In an interview with EagleNews, Mayor Duterte said that he presented to the INC leader his “doable” programs that he will implement if he is elected as President.
Mayor Duterte revealed to the official media company of INC that his discussion with their leader centered on corruption, illegal drAgs, criminality, food security, El Nino and economic development. The Davao City mayor also believed that whatever would be the INC’s choice would be for the country’s good.
Aside from the country’s most popular presidential candidate, Mayor Rody Duterte, two more senatorial aspiratns – namely Philippine Red Cross chairman and former senator Richard Gordon and Duterte-Cayetano’s senatorial slate member Grecco Belgica – also visited the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office that particular day.
The support and endorsement of the powerful religious sect, INC could make or break the candidacy of a presidential aspirant. During the 2010 national elections, according to some INC members, they supported the candidacy of the former senator Benigno Aquino III who won the presidential race.
