DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of the religious group “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name,” whose blessings political candidates have sought in the previous presidential elections, has announced the list of 12 senatorial bets his flock will support in the upcoming May 13 elections.
Speaking on camera inside his Sunshine Media Network International studio in one of the buildings dotting the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound next to the Davao International Airport, Quiboloy, known to have proclaimed himself the “appointed” son of God, announced the list of six Team PNoy bets, five United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidates and an independent aspiring for the Senate in the elections next week.
On top of the list was former Senator Miguel Zubiri, a long-time Quiboloy friend, followed by reelectionist Loren Legarda and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Liberal Party contender Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe Llamanzares, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile, Nancy Binay, independent candidate Edward Hagedorn and Richard Gordon.
Quiboloy said the names on the list were chosen because of their “relationship” and “closeness” with his kingdom ministry and also on their platforms and programs of government.
“They were chosen not only because of their closeness with the kingdom ministry, but also because of their platforms and programs of government,” Quiboloy said. He added, however, that there was no money involved in their relationship.
“We hope the endorsement will help the candidates improve their chance of winning,” he said, but refused to disclose the exact number of his followers, saying the church has kept it a secret for years and would continue to do so.
He added, though, that those who have been paying tithes to the church and those in the last stages before full membership have reached over 3 million.
Among the local candidates, Quiboloy endorsed reelectionist Mylene Garcia (representative, second district), an ally of vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte, fighting an uphill battle against businesswoman Joji Ilagan-Bian, and former vice mayor Luis Bonguyan, who is running for the congressional first district against reelectionist Karlo Nograles, son of Duterte’s fiercest political rival Prospero Nograles.