With the Iglesia Ni Cristo block votes already guaranteed to his favor, senatorial aspirant Deputy Speaker and 1SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta has also been assured of support by religious groups headed by Bro. Mike Velarde and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy - both known for influencing followers to support candidates they choose.
Marcoleta is a member of the INC, a religious sect that observes block voting for candidates that are selected by its leaders.
Before deciding to run for senator, Marcoleta said he sought the permission of leaders of the INC, thus, is assured of its support in the May polls.
Marcoleta revealed that he had been promised by the two controversial religious leaders of their respective flock’s support as the House official defended during news forum the INC’s resorting to block voting.
“Isa pala siya sa mga nagaa-advocate na ako ay maging senador ng republika. Alam niya na Iglesia ako. (He is among thos advocating that I become a senator of the republic. He knows I am an Iglesia.)” disclosed Marcoleta, referring to Kingdom of Jesus Christ Executive Pastor Quiboloy.
Appearing as guest resource person during the Pandesal Forum on Monday, Jan. 24, Marcoleta recounted that he also had a meeting with Velarde who heads the El Shaddai Catholic Ministry.
“Ipinangako niya na kasama ako sa anim na pipiliing kandidato (He promised to include me among the six selected candidates),” he said.
The veteran partylist lawmaker made the revelations in response to a question from the media if he is expecting support from other religious groups, especially those that have been critical of the block voting policy of INC.
Marcoleta’s entry to national politics will be the first time that an active INC member will pursue a post higher than that of a congressman.
He is believed to be the first INC to be elected as Lower House member as representative of the partylist Sagip.