Roxas to bank on strong support base if INC backs another bet

LP standard bearer Mar Roxas III speaks before the media during a briefing at the LP headquarters in Balay, Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, May 2, 2016.  GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

EVEN without the endorsement of the bloc-voting Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas believes his support base is strong enough to propel him to victory on Election Day.

“I believe so,” said Roxas when asked by media on Monday at the LP headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City if he could win the race even without the INC support.

Reports surfaced that Rodrigo Duterte had earned the sect’s endorsement after a supposed letter of INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo informing followers that the INC is endorsing the candidacy of Davao City Mayor circulated on social media.

But the INC spokesperson Bro. Edwil Zabala denied they issued such letter. He said they would file charges against the person who forged the signature of Manalo.

Roxas, when asked if he is optimistic in getting the INC nod, the administration presidential candidate said the Iglesia backing is only a “plus” in his campaign, adding that he cannot force anyone to choose him.

“Alam mo ang endorsement kusang nakukuha ‘yan eh. I don’t know to whom they will give it but I’m operating na plus na lang ‘yan kung dumating at kung hindi dumating,” said Roxas.

“Hindi naman natin mapipilit ang isang tao na pumanig sa isang bagay kung hindi nila gusto, so tayo steady lang, derecho lang,” he said.

Also on Monday morning, President Aquino was in a closed-door meeting with Manalo to “thank” the latter for supporting the administration.

Aquino said he also gave “usual appeals and political appeals” but did not elaborate.

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