MANILA, Philippines?The influential religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has made official its choice for president and vice president in the coming May 10-elections.

Beginning Wednesday during early worship service in various locales of the INC nationwide, church ministers read to the faithful members the list of the INC's candidates in the coming elections.

For president, the church endorsed Liberal Party standard-bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and for vice president, Aquino's running mate Senator Manuel ?Mar? Roxas II.

The INC's endorsement is one of the most anticipated endorsements in the May elections. Voting as a block, the INC has an estimated command votes of 5-8 million.

Last week, Aquino and his siblings met with the top leaders of the INC at the church's Central Office in Commonwealth, Quezon City.

It was his third meeting with the INC church leaders since the start of the campaign period. The last time however was longer because he was also introduced to other ministers in the church assigned in different regions in the country.