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Philippines

Bacani says El Shaddai members free to choose candidates

Philippines

Bacani says El Shaddai members free to choose candidates

By Leslie Ann Aquino

A Catholic prelate said El Shaddai members are free to choose their candidates in the May 2022 polls.

Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani (RCAM / Paul Guanlao / MANILA BULLETIN)

Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani, the spiritual adviser of the group, said the members are not "obliged to follow the opinion of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde."

"I do not know exactly if he endorsed these candidates. If he did that is his right but he cannot impose his choice on the El Shaddai prayer partners," he said in an interview Saturday, Feb. 12.

The Lakas-CMD, on Saturday, said Velarde endorsed presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr and his partner vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte.

Pictures of Velarde raising the hands of the tandem during an event in Paranaque were also seen on social media.

Although surprised with the news, Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said he respects the decision of the former.

"It is his decision and he has his reason. I respect his decision," he said.

The Catholic charismatic group also endorsed Marcos Jr. when he ran for vice president in the May 2016 polls.

Related Tags

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos bishop teodoro bacani El Shaddai bro mike velarde Sara Duterte Jr.

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