INC endorses Uniteam; BBM sees challenge to unify nation

PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., welcomed the endorsement of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in the May 9 elections, and said the Uniteam will use this vote of confidence as a challenge to unify the country especially in the recovery from the pandemic.

Marcos and his running mate Inday Sara Duterte were formally endorsed by the INC late Tuesday, with just six days left before the national polls.

With at least 2 million voting members, INC faithful are expected to follow the church leaders’ choice of candidates when they vote, in line with their strength in unity doctrine.

“I and my family, along with our partners in the Uniteam, are overjoyed and thank most heartily the Iglesia Ni Cristo, under the leadership of their Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo,” said Marcos, in Filipino.

“The INC’S choice of Apo Bongbong Marcos and me as candidates to support in the coming elections is a big honor, but it’s also a challenge to our ability to unify the nation, and help carry the nation through the crisis brought by the pandemic,” Inday Sara said in a prerecorded video with Marcos.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer Marcos assured the INC leadership that the Uniteam will not fail them.

For his part, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson and chief of staff of Marcos, also thanked the INC for its support to the Uniteam.

In 2016, the INC endorsed Rodrigo Duterte and Marcos, who was then running for vice president under another ticket.

It was learned that the INC also backed former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., during the 1965, 1969, 1981 and 1986 presidential elections.