Aquino invited but will stay away from Iglesia event

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III said he would not attend Tuesday’s evangelical mission of the Iglesia Ni Cristo at the Quirino Grandstand  as his presence there might add political color to what was a billed as a religious gathering.

Speaking to reporters after attending the 4th National Congress of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila, the President said he was told that everybody was invited to attend the INC’s Bible Exposition as this was part of the “evangelization work” of the politically influential religious group.

However, “there was some information that my presence might… give a political tinge to the whole event which detracts from the religious intention of this activity,” Mr. Aquino added without elaboration. He was asked if he was invited to the event.

Asked what message he had for the INC, the President thanked the sect for supporting his political career since running for the Senate in 2007 and eventually for president in 2010.

Aquino said the INC had been his “partners” when he was a congressman representing Tarlac in “cleanliness drives,” for instance.

“So, far that also, thank you, too,” he said.

“Like any Filipino, we are really endeavoring to provide each and everyone all the opportunity toward personal advancement regardless of faith, regardless of political beliefs. These opportunities, I think, are the primary duty of the government,” he said.

The President said he refused to believe that Tuesday’s rally had to do with the sect’s purported support for Chief Justice Renato Corona, now undergoing impeachment trial by the Senate. Mr. Aquino has said he wants Corona convicted and removed from office.

He reminded the journalists Tuesday’s Bible Exposition was part of the INC’s celebration leading up to its centennial  in 2014.

“So they want a very significant centennial celebration in two years’ time and they have deemed this is necessary to lead to that,” Mr.  Aquino said.