Belmonte gets INC endorsement
Influential church group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) has endorsed the candidacy of mayoral bet and incumbent Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte in the upcoming May 13, 2019 midterm elections.
Belmonte thanked the INC for its support, saying it further cemented her lead over rivals Congressman Vincent Crisologo and former Rep. Chuck Mathay.
“I was informed on Monday that INC will support me and majority of the candidates in my slate. This is very, very good news for us, and of course, for Quezon City because we are committed to our promise of giving selfless, top-notch service that will benefit the city's residents,” Belmonte said on Thursday’s interview.
“Kaya't nagpapasalamat ako kay kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo at sa buong kapatiran ng Iglesia Ni Cristo sa buongpusong suporta nila sa atin. Isa po itong malaking karangalan sapagkat ang pangunahing templo at ang opisina ng INC ay nandito mismo sa Quezon City (I thank brother Eduardo V. Manalo and the whole INC organization for their wholehearted support for me. It is a great honor for me since the INC Central headquarters and office is located right here in Quezon City),” she added.
When asked why she thinks the INC gave her the endorsement over other mayoralty candidates, Belmonte said that she “believes the support of majority of the people of Quezon City is with her.”
“We are overwhelmed by the support we have been receiving across all groups in Quezon City, and I think INC shares our vision of wanting the city to keep developing to bring more progress down to the people,” she explained.
Belmonte also attributed the endorsement to her clean track record and successful programs implemented as vice mayor.
“I personally will not take this for granted. If elected, I will make sure that my platform for inclusive development is felt by all. We will improve and eradicate corruption in city services. We will implement the projects that directly benefit the poor and marginalized,” she said.
Belmonte also pointed out that the endorsement is proof that voters are receptive to her platform despite black propaganda being used against her in the run-up to May 13.