Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief and senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar thanked the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for endorsing his candidacy, saying it will push him inside the winning circle along with the outpouring of support from volunteers around the country when the elections are held on Monday, May 9.
Eleazar, who was recently endorsed by the bloc-voting sect, said the latest surveys independently commissioned by various groups showed he was within striking distance of the so-called "Magic 12."
"The endorsement of the INC and the surge of support from allies, friends, and supporters in different parts of the country will really help us in the homestretch of this campaign," Eleazar said in a statement Thursday, May 5.
Recent surveys showed Eleazar was at ten percentage points or fewer than candidates currently ranking 12th in the latest polls, which were conducted in the middle of April.
"Maganda ang momentum ng kampanya natin at napakasipag ng ating mga volunteers kaya sa tingin ko (We have a good momentum in our campaign and our volunteers are really hardworking that's why I think) we will be able to make up ground by election day," said the 2021 Civil Service Commission Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee.
"Kapag ipinagsama mo ito at ang suporta ng ating mga kapatid sa INC, malaking tulong ito sa kampanya natin para magkaroon ng SIGA––sipag at galing––sa senado (With the support of our brothers and sisters from INC, this will be a big help in our campaign to elect someone who is both industrious and excellent in the senate)," he added.
Although the INC did not endorse his presidential candidate, Senator Panfilo Lacson, Eleazar pointed out that he respects their decision as it is the prerogative of the church and its members to support the candidates they prefer.
INC preciously endorsed the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late dictator and former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
"All groups, organizations, and institutions have a right to support whoever they believe are the best candidates for the country's elective offices. Candidates and supporters should welcome these endorsements when they are given, and respect them if they are not," Eleazar said.
Eleazar, a native of Tagkawayan, Quezon and recipient of the Philippine Military Academy’s Cavalier Award, the highest award conferred on outstanding alumni, is running on a legislative platform that emphasizes four "K"s: kapayapaan (peace), kalusugan (health), kabuhayan (jobs), and kabataan (youth).