The politically influential Iglesia ni Cristo religious sect yesterday endorsed the candidacies of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. for president and vice president.
Known for voting in blocks as endorsed by its leaders, INC members are also expected to vote for boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao; Senate President Franklin Drilon; incumbent Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Ralph Recto; former Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Panfilo Lacson; former Rep. Rissa Hontiveros; former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Joel Villanueva, and Valenzuela City Rep. Win Gatchalian for senator.
A sample ballot shown by a highly reliable INC Central source indicated that the party list choice is Kabayan.
Although several INC locales in far-flung provinces have already distributed their sample ballots during religious services yesterday, the majority will be given to INC faithful today or on Saturday.
The source explained that Kabayan party-list will be recommended to be voted upon by a sector of the INC in the province. This means that more partylist organizations will get endorsements to be voted by the estimated two million voting members of the religious sect. (Ben R. Rosario)