Aquino visits INC, holds closed-door meeting with Eduardo Manalo

President Benigno Aquino III visited the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) headquarters on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday morning.

A well-placed source earlier confirmed to Inquirer that Aquino, who was endorsed by the group during the 2010 elections, was in a closed-door meeting with INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

“I asked for the meeting. I thanked him (Manalo) for the support he and his brethren have extended to us,” Aquino later said in a statement.

“I enumerated the gains under Daang Matuwid. Lastly, I expressed the hope that these gains will not only be continued but built upon in the future,” he added.

Aquino was quoted saying during an ambush interview, “Talaga namang nadama natin ang suporta (ng INC) throughout the administration and even before I have been in office.” (We have truly felt the support of the INC throughout the administration and even before I have been in office.)

READ: Aquino says no one should take advantage of Iglesia ni Cristo protest—Valte 

He said he also shared with Manalo his vision for the Philippines after he steps down from office.

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

Another source earlier told Inquirer that Aquino asked INC leaders to carefully weigh their endorsement because the future of the country is at stake.

The visit is not included in the President’s schedule for the day, which was released to media on Sunday evening.

Earlier reports said the INC is set to support election survey frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Others said the group is also considering Senator Grace Poe.

READ: Duterte meets with Iglesia 

Despite Aquino’s endorsement of former secretary Mar Roxas, there has been no talk of support for the Liberal Party’s standard bearer.

All five presidential candidates were reported to have visited the INC headquarters. IDL