Senatorial candidate Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar has expressed gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for picking him as one of the national candidates that it would support in the May 9 elections.
In a statement, Eleazar said the INC endorsement is a big boost to his senatorial bid.
The INC, which has more than 2.5 million members, is known for bloc voting. In most cases, the candidates that it supports usually win the elections.
"Taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa Kapatiran ng Iglesia Ni Cristo sa pamumuno ng Pagkahalatang Tagapamahala na si Ka Eduardo V. Manalo sa kanilang pasya na ako ay mapabilang sa mga kandidatong kanilang ini-endorso sa darating na halalan. (I express my sincerest gratitude to the INC, headed by Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, for its decision to support my candidacy)," said Eleazar.
"Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin na mabigyan nang pagkilala ang aking kuwalipikasyon at kakayahan na mapagsilbihan ng matapat, maayos at may puso ang ating mga kababayan na isa naman sa tunay na diwa ng paniniwala at mga aral ng Iglesia. (It is an honor that they recognized my qualification and ability to serve the people honestly, properly and with compassion-- one of the spirits of the beliefs and teachings of the Church," he added.
Eleazar's said the INC support serves as his renewed inspiration that further motivated him to continue the reforms and advocacies which he started when he was still in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Eleazar, who retired as Chief PNP, is known to be a strict disciplinarian who would hold inspection even in the wee hours to ensure that the policemen on duty are doing their jobs.
Among the reforms he initiated are the QR Code System which was aimed at fighting corruption and influence-peddling in the PNP recruitment system, maximizing the use of social media platforms in seeking police assistance and in filing complaint, his order to ensure that all police stations and offices are clean and presentable at all times, quick response on complaints and aggressive preemptive operations against criminal elements.
As a result, the crime rate in Metro Manila significantly went down when he was the Metro Manila police chief and the decrease in crime was also reflected when he became the Chief PNP.
Eleazar also led the Quezon City Police District and the National Capital Region Police Office to various awards and recognitions when he was still the head of the two police offices.
Eleazar also retired in November last year with the PNP barging into the Top 10 of the most trusted government agencies.
Following the INC support, Eleazar assured that he would be the voice and defender of the interest of the poor people if elected as senator.
"Makakaasa ang Punong Ministro, Ka Eduardo Manalo, at ang bawat kaanib ng Iglesia Ni Cristo na hindi ko kayo bibiguin sa pagtitiwala na ibinigay ninyo sa akin sa unang araw pa lang na makamtan natin ang inaasam nating panalo (I assure the Executive Minister, Ka Eduardo V. Manalo, and all the members of the INC that I would not fail them)" said Eleazar.