Filipino Catholic groups back opposition candidates

The Philippines’ largest Catholic charismatic movement and other pro-life groups have backed candidates identified as the country’s political opposition for the May 9 presidential and vice-presidential race.

On May 1, the influential charismatic renewal movement El Shaddai distributed “sample ballots” bearing the names of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who are running for President and President respectively. vice-presidency.

The group, which numbers 3-8 million Filipinos, had previously called on its members not to vote for presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, who has been criticized for joking about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary.

Binay, meanwhile, has been featured in multiple money laundering investigations into suspected shadow accounts in a slew of bribery charges, while support for Marcos could pave the way for the return to power of the Marcos family, who led. the country under dictatorial sway for two decades until 1986.

El Shaddai frontman Mariano “Mike” Zuniega Velarde, better known as brother Mike Velarde, said he would officially announce the candidates his group will support on May 3, when the result of an informal poll of members will be published.

“Tuesday, I’ll let you know,” said Velarde. “I handed out something like a survey form. We will know everyone’s feelings,” added the charismatic leader.

Velarde said presidential, vice-presidential and senator candidates were invited to address a prayer vigil and an overnight celebration over the weekend, but only Binay, the senator. Grace Poe and administration candidate Manuel Roxas attended the event.

Among the vice presidential candidates, only Marcos and Senator Francis Escudero were present.

“We haven’t forgotten them. We invited them here. But it seems that they have forgotten us. So if they have forgotten us, we can also forget them,” said Velarde.

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“One step away from the presidency”

Velarde allowed the candidates present at the night vigil to speak in front of the crowd after the celebration of the Eucharist.

Poe, who comes second in most polls among presidential candidates, pledged a “fair government” if elected. “Like what God wants us to do, I will do my best to fight poverty,” she said.

“As a mother, I will be looking at the well-being of the family…, a family with sufficient income, a family that can provide an education for children, a family with enough food on the table,” said Poe. .

Binay promised leadership that “recognizes, respects and follows the Word of God …, leadership that respects women, leadership that sets a good example for children.”

Roxas, who arrived late for the celebration, reminded the population of their responsibility during the next elections. “Are we going to continue on a path that has already led us here, or are we going to turn around?” Roxas said.

“May the Lord guide us in our decision,” he added.

Marcos, meanwhile, called for unity for the country to “experience change, development and a good life”. He called on Filipinos to join him in facing a “bright future that we can only achieve through unity”.

Members of the charismatic group El Shaddai put up posters with the face of group leader Mariano “Mike” Velarde during the nightly prayer vigil. (Photo by Robert Gines)

Anti-death penalty, anti-abortion

Other “pro-life” Catholic groups said they would support Binay and Marcos ‘candidacy because of the candidates’ anti-death penalty and anti-abortion stance.

Congressman Lito Atienza, representative of the conservative Catholic Party Buhay (Life) in Congress, said his group had partnered with the Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, which claims some 2.5 million members, to support Binay and Marcos.

Atienza expressed concern that if Poe, who lived in the United States, was elected president, “she will promote abortion and the use of contraceptives which pro-life groups oppose.”

“Only Binay has a clear position on preserving the sanctity of life. He values ​​life,” Atienza said.

“We followed [Marcos’] political career and found that he is pro-life. All of its legislation is aimed at protecting and preserving life, ”said Eric Manalang, president of the Pro-Life Philippines Foundation.

Another conservative Catholic group, the Servant Communities, has also announced its support for Binay and his running mate, Senator Gregorio Honasan, a former military colonel.

Velarde said whoever El Shaddai and other Catholic groups supports in the next election will win. “Remember this, whoever we agree to support will win,” he said.

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