Palace hopes to clinch Iglesia ni Cristo support

Malacanang today expressed hope that the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD could get the support of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) this coming May elections.

“I hope we get it. INC is very supportive of the Arroyo administration,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said amid reports that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last night thanked the INC for its support, which critics took to mean support for Gilberto Teodoro as candidate for president.

Ermita said any candidate must value the support of any sector. In elections, one needs the support of big groups like the INC. It is significant that we get support of these groups,” Ermita said.

“A candidate has to reach out to the electorate. I hope Gibo will do just that,” Ermita said.

Asked why the President was absent during the Lakas-Kampi-CMD kick-off rally in Antipolo City yesterday, Ermita reiterated that Teodoro has the “capability to lead the party to victory. I’m not highlighting the obvious…Gibo and his team can stand on their own and carry on their campaign by themselves.”

Ermita added that the President is busy checking on the progress of her pet projects, notably the five super regions.

Meanwhile, amid reports on the extravagance of the kick-off rallies of the political parties yesterday, Ermita issued a reminder to the candidates:’there are laws on election expenses.”

He said candidates must refrain from flaunting their wealth and resources when they talk about poverty. “This is counterproductive and it is not healthy for the economy and moral fiber of the people,” he said. [top]