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Philippines

El Shaddai leader endorses Bongbong-Sara tandem

Philippines

El Shaddai leader endorses Bongbong-Sara tandem

By Joseph Pedrajas

Brother Mike Velarde, leader of religious group El Shaddai, on Saturday, Feb. 12 endorsed the candidacies of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio in front of his members.

Velarde's endorsement was given to the BBM-Sara UniTeam after they attended an event at the El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Amvel, Parañaque City.

El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde (center) raises the hands of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos (right) and vice presidential bet Sara Duterte-Carpio on Feb. 12, 2022. (Photo from Lakas-CMD Media)

The lay Catholic organization has an estimated membership of eight million.

Duterte-Carpio said Velarde’s endorsement will inspire her and her partner Marcos in leading the country.

She also said the religious group leader’s blessings will serve as their "additional weapon" in facing the country’s challenges to come.

“Alam namin na hindi biro ang aming hinaharap. At kung sakaling kami ang pipiliin ng mga Pilipino sa Mayo, kakaharapin namin ang tiyak na mas malalaki pang hamon. Pero naniniwala ako na walang hamon o pagsubok o problema na hindi kayang solusyunan o lampasan sa pamamagitan ng ating pagkakaisa (We know that what we'll be facing is not easy. So if we win in May, we will surely face bigger challenges. But I believe that there is no challenge that has no solutions through unity)," she said in her speech at the event.

Duterte-Carpio also called on the public to support her "Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas" ride because through it, they can relay the UniTeam's messages to the people and plans for the country should they win in May.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Sara Duterte-Carpio endorsement El Shaddai 21222 mike velarde

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