Grace, Chiz meet with INC head Manalo

Running mates Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ARNOLD ALMACEN

INDEPENDENT presidential candidate Grace Poe paid a courtesy call on Monday on Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo to seek the support of the religious group which has a potent 1.7 million command votes.

Poe was accompanied by her running mate, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, when she visited the INC Central Headquarters along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

In an interview before she attended a rally in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Poe said she discussed her platform with Manalo, especially on agriculture because the religious sect has many members in the farm sector.

“We didn’t discuss about the endorsement because they are the only ones who will decide on that, and they will not say it. We are asking for their support and I hope we get it, but if not we will respect it,” said Poe.

Poe also noted that other presidentiables had paid a visit to Manalo—administration bet Mar Roxas, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

This is her second visit to the INC headquarters. She met with INC political affairs chief Erano Codera on March 30 but didn’t meet Manalo who was abroad.

Poe said she was the one who requested for the meeting and that Manalo didn’t lay down any preconditions for the meeting.

At the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on Monday, Escudero said the meeting lasted between 15 and 20 minutes.

Escudero said they already met with El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde two Sundays ago. He said they haven’t met Jesus Is Lord founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva.   Gil Cabacungan