The Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) has formally endorsed former Vice President Jejomar Binay for senator in the May 9 elections.
The declaration of endorsement for Binay and several other candidates was signed by UCCP General Secretary Melzar Labuntog, bishops from six regional jurisdictional areas, and 14 emeritus bishops. The declaration, signed on May 1, was released May 4.
The UCCP leadership cited Binay’s “proven integrity and commitment” and expressed confidence that he would push for a “pro-people agenda” in the Senate.
“I am grateful to the UCCP for its endorsement and for the long years of partnership in promoting and protecting the people’s interests,” Binay said.
“The challenges of rebuilding our country from the pandemic and restoring the people’s dignity would require nothing less than the convergence of goals from the widest alliance of groups and personalities,” he added.
Aside from legislative measures that will ensure government aid for sectors affected by the pandemic, Binay promised that he will move to provide more protection for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), extend more benefits for students, and strengthen the public health system.
He will also pursue amendments to the Local Government Code to give local executives greater flexibility in addressing the needs of their constituents.
The former VP had earlier received the support of the Makabayan bloc, the group of progressive lawmakers, as well as local officials and political leaders led by former President and Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Binay is a guest candidate in the senatorial tickets of Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Senator Ping Lacson. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao city also expressed her support for Binay’s candidacy.
On May 3, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has released its list of their supported candidates for the upcoming elections in which Binay is included. The other endorsed candidates for senator are Alan Peter Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Guillermo Eleazar, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri.