Ejercito confident of winning religious groups’ support in May polls

Reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito fields questions from members of the media on the sidelines of Hugpong ng Pagbabago’s campaign rally in Parañaque City on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Darryl John Esguerra/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito on Wednesday said he is confident of winning the support of major religious groups in the country in the May midterm elections.

Ejercito, running under the administration-aligned Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) party, said his track record in the previous Congress will draw the support of religious leaders.

“So far maganda naman ang relationship natin with the major religious organizations and siguro confident naman ako kasi nakadeliver naman tayo e no. Sabi ko nga bihira ‘yung makapagpasa ka ng dalawang landmark laws sa isang Congress,” Ejercito told reporters in an interview during HNP’s campaign rally in Parañaque City.

The son of former president Joseph Estrada is referring to the recently signed Universal Healthcare Law and the creation of a housing department.

Ejercito bared that he is in constant communication with leaders of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), Jesus Is Lord (JIL) and Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

“I write them, I write the leaders of INC, JIL kay Pastor Quiboloy at iba pa. I write (to) all of them regarding the accomplishments and the pending bills…kung ano ‘yung napasa na at kung ano ‘yung tingin nilang kailangan pa,” he said.

Though he admitted that he is yet to formally ask for the religious groups’ support, Ejercito said he has already met with their leaders in the run up of the campaign period.

“I don’t really ask for it nakakahiya naman. Ayoko naman pangunahan basta I have constant communication (with them) for the past six years nung ako’y senador,” he said.

“I made a courtesy call. Nagkita na kami ni Pastor Quiboloy at Brother Eddie (Villanueva) a few months ago. Sa iba wala pa,” he added.

Ejercito also said that he was confident that the INC will support his candidacy, just like in the 2013 elections.

Courting the INC leadership has been a staple every election season as the religious group is known to practice bloc voting. / gsg