Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai Catholic Charismatic Group. (File photo from Radyo Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The biggest Catholic charismatic movement in the country does not engage in bloc voting, the group leader’s political adviser said Monday.
Wilfredo Villarama, political adviser of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, said the group was not “into bloc voting.”
“Naniniwala ang marami sa kanya (Velarde), but he keeps on telling them kayo mamili,” Villarama said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.
“The fact that he gave 14 names is clear proof na wala kaming bloc voting, kasi pag bumoto ka ng labing-apat ay hindi hindi bibilangin yun,” he added.
According to Villarama, the group has more of less five million members.
El Shaddai endorsed the senatorial bids of 14 candidates over the weekend.
READ: El Shaddai backs 14 senatorial candidates
Ten of these candidates are backed either by the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HMP), the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, presidential daughter, or the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), the party of President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ: El Shaddai leader explains choice of 14 Senate candidates
The group endorsed Sen Bam Aquino, the lone opposition who made it to the list; Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos; Sen. Grace Poe; Sen. Cynthia Villar, Sen. Nancy Binay; Sen. Koko Pimentel; Sen. Sonny Angara; Sen. JV Ejercito; former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; former political adviser Francis Tolentino; former Sen. Bong Revilla; former police chief Ronald dela Rosa; Dr. Willie Ong; and the President’s former special assistant Bong Go. /cbb