This file photo shows Senator Manny Pacquiao leading the chamber in prayer during the opening of the hybrid plenary session on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. In his prayer, Pacquiao said that as legislators and public servants they want to serve as God’s hands and feet by becoming a generous expression of the love and compassion of God. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao on Monday said he believes he will get the backing of other members of the Christian community other than the El Shaddai, whose leader has already announced support to the candidacy of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“El Shaddai lang naman pero ‘yung ibang mga Christian community, naniniwala ako na suportado nila ako. Nagkaisa sila,” he said in a media interview.
(That’s only El Shaddai but other Christian communities, I believe they will support me. They will unite.)
On Saturday, February 12, Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai endorsed Marcos Jr. for president and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for vice president.
READ: El Shaddai endorses Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem
During elections, the support of El Shaddai is being sought by politicians as it is widely perceived to vote as a bloc.
In 2016, the El Shaddai also backed Marcos Jr.’s vice presidential bid, as well as the presidential candidacy of former vice president Jejomar Binay that year. Both Binay and Marcos Jr. lost.
In 2021, El Shaddai cut ties with House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, the running mate of Pacquiao.
RELATED STORIES
Marcos Jr. and Duterte still leading in Pulse Asia poll
Pacquiao unfazed despite ranking 3rd in Pulse Asia’s January survey