Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)—Presidential candidate Davao Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Saturday (April 23), confirmed that he met with religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo on Friday (April 22).
In a statement that was released a few hours after their meeting, Duterte said he is grateful that Manalo gave him the opportunity to present his platforms.
“Ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat kay Ka Eduardo V. Manalo sa kanyang mainit na pagtanggap sa akin sa kanilang Iglesia. Ako ay nalulugod at nagkaroon ako ng pambihirang pagkakataon na makausap siya at mailahad ang aking plataporma at pangarap para sa bansa kung saan ang milyun-milyong kaanib ng Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ay aktibong kabahagi.”
[Translation: I am extremely grateful to Ka Eduardo V. Manalo for his warm welcome in Iglesia. I’m pleased with this rare opportunity to talk to him and present to him my platforms and dreams for the country, where millions of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members are actively participating.]
According to INC’s official news outfit Eaglenews, Duterte sought the INC’s endorsement when he met Manalo.
They met at the INC’s Bulwagan room, where other presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay and administration bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II also made separate courtesy calls.
Duterte presented his “doable” programs to Manalo, which centered on fighting corruption, illegal drugs, criminality, and food security.
“Sa aming pagtitipon, aking ipinaliwanag ang aking programa upang sugpuin ang krimen, ilegal na droga at korapsyon. Akin ding ibinahagi ang aking matagal nang panawagan para sa pederalismo upang pantay na maipamahagi ang kaunlaran sa buong bansa at maisulong ang tunay at ganap na kapayapaan, lalo na sa Mindanao,” Duterte said. “Ako ay nagagalak at naging positibo ang pagtanggap dito ni Ka Eduardo.”
[During our meeting, I explained to him my programs in fighting crime, illegal drugs, and corruption. I also shared to him my intention to push for federalism to give equal opportunities and progress to the whole country and to achieve genuine peace in Mindanao. I am happy that Ka Eduardo accepted me positively.]
In its article, eaglenews.ph also said Duterte, as a politician, acknowledged the fact that “he needed the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo whose members vote as one during elections in adherence to the biblical doctrine on unity.”
The presidential candidate vowed he would fight for the rights and welfare of the members of the INC, saying he will push for genuine changes in the government.
“Kung nanaisin ng Banal na Panginoon at ako ay mahalal sa darating na eleksyon, makakaasa ang milyun-milyong miyembro ng Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) na ipaglalaban ko ang kanilang karapatan at kapakanan bilang mamamayan at mananampalataya. Gabay ang Diyos at sa tulong ng mamamayang Pilipino, isusulong natin ang tunay na pagbabago.”
[If it’s God’s will that I win the presidency this coming elections, millions of members of INC could count on me that I would fight for their rights and welfare as citizens and faithful. With God’s guidance, we will push for genuine changes.]
Also read: Duterte open to, but won’t initiate meeting with INC
After his meeting with Manalo, Duterte clarified that INC leadership did not commit any endorsement to him, or to any candidate for that matter.
