Cotabato politicians court INC vote

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A heavy downpour on Friday failed to dampen the eagerness of Cotabato politicians to line up to see local leaders of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) here in a bid to win their endorsement for the May 9 polls.

The politicians began to line up at 7 a.m.

Those who came were candidates for provincial and municipal posts, turning the space outside of the INC church compound into a huge parking area, hampering the flow of vehicles along the national highway.

The political hopefuls waited for their turn to be called inside the INC compound where they are to hand in their documents to the ministers, a source said.

Such documents include a letter of intent, a copy of their accomplishments if one is an incumbent official, and list of planned programs and projects for the first time candidates and comebacking politicians.

The Inquirer saw politicians running for governor, vice governor and board members, and for mayors, vice mayors and councilors in the towns of Mlang, Matalam, Tulunan, Makilala, Magpet, Antipas, President Roxas and Arakan.

Also spotted waiting for their turns were 2nd District Rep. Rudy Caoagdan, outgoing 3rd District Rep. Jose Tejada, and Mlang Mayor Russel Abonado.

The Inquirer learned that reelectionist Gov. Nancy Catamco submitted her documents on Feb. 18. Catamco is being challenged for the post by Vice Governor Emmylou Mendoza.

The INC is courted by politicians as it usually rallies their members to vote for its preferred candidates.

In Cotabato province, the INC is thought to have helped install politicians into power during the elections.

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