No SALN, no El Shaddai support

Candidates hoping to get the coveted blessing of the El Shaddai Catholic charismatic movement will have to reveal their SALN first before they get the backing of the influential sect.

TV evangelist and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde said he would make the submission of SALNs (statements of assets, liabilities and net worth) a requirement among politicians seeking his support in the 2013 polls.

“I will require them to submit their SALN, which was the basis of their verdict. As simple as that. Let us see who is telling the truth,” said Velarde on the sidelines of the 6th National Catholic Charismatic Congress in Pasay City on Thursday.

The Catholic charismatic group, which has roughly five million members, has been widely perceived to vote as a bloc, which is why many politicians vying for elective seats seek its endorsement.

Velarde disclosed that this early, some politicians have already been sending feelers to obtain his endorsement. One of them was Vice President Jejomar Binay, who paid him a visit in January and hinted at his need for the movement’s support, he said.

“He didn’t just make his presence felt but he also said it … he told me not to forget him,” Velarde told reporters but did not elaborate.

Asked if the senatorial slate of Binay’s UNA coalition would be getting El Shaddai’s support, Velarde said they would have to scrutinize the candidates’ character, background and most importantly, their SALNs.