Duterte meets with Iglesia
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo. SCREENGRAB FROM EAGLE NEWS PH’S TWITTER ACCOUNT
SILANG, Cavite — Less than three weeks before Election Day, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte visited the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Quezon City.
In an ambush interview here, Duterte confirmed he met with INC executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo on Friday morning.
The mayor, however, said they did not talk about support for the elections.
“Wala ho. Ano ang mabuti sa Pilipinas (None of that. [We talked about] what is good for the Philippines),” he said when asked about the details of his meeting with Manalo.
The tough-talking local executive said he wrote to the INC to ask for a courtesy call and a dialogue.
“Ako yung nagsulat naghingi ako ng pakipag-usap kung pwede at puntahan ko (I was the one who asked for a meeting and I asked that if they would permit, I will go there),” he said.
A Twitter post by the INC’s Eagle News PH showed a photo of Duterte and Manalo together.
In a statement sent to the media, Duterte thanked Manalo for the warm welcome and the rare opportunity to present his platforms and aspirations for the country.
“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,” he said.
(I am honored that I was given the rare opportunity to talk to him and to share my platform and dreams for the country where millions of Iglesia ni Cristo members actively take part.)
During their talk, Duterte said he presented his program on busting crime, illegal drugs and corruption.
“Sa aming pagtitipon, aking ipinaliwanag ang aking programa upang sugpuin ang krimen, ilegal na droga at korapsyon,” he said.
(In our meeting, I explained my program to fight crime, illegal drugs and corruption.)
He said he also told Manalo his plan to shift the form of government to federalism.
“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,” he said.
(I also shared my longstanding appeal for federalism, for the equal distribution of development in the country and to pursue genuine and lasting peace, especially in Mindanao.)
If elected president, the mayor assured to fight for their welfare.
“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,” he said.
(If the Lord wills it and I would be elected in the coming polls, the millions of INC members have the assurance that I will fight for their right and welfare as citizens and believers. With the guidance of the Lord and with the help of the Filipino people, we will push for real change.)
But Duterte said he would respect the decision of the religious group if it decides to support any of his rivals.
“I will respect their decision,” he said.
Prior to his visit, his rivals Sen. Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II also met with the religious group.
READ: Binay woos Iglesia ni Cristo vote
The INC is known for its bloc voting. RC/CDG
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