President Marcos has paid a courtesy call on Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo ahead of the religious leader's 69th birthday on Oct. 31.

Marcos visited Manalo at the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office in Quezon City on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The President was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son, Ilocos Norte First District Rep. Sandro Marcos.

In a message, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to and admiration for Manalo's dedication to leading and guiding the INC.

"Nawa’y patuloy kayong biyayaan ng lakas at karunungan upang magamit sa inyong patuloy na paglilingkod at pangunguna sa loob ng Iglesia (We pray that you be given strength and wisdom that you can use in continuously serving and leading the INC)," he said.

"Mula sa aming pamilya, pinapanalangin namin ang patuloy na paglago ng inyong gawain at magandang adhikain para sa bayan at sa buong mundo (Our family prays that your good deeds and advocacies for the country and the world prosper)," he added.

This is President Marcos' second visit to Manalo since he assumed office in 2022.

A report by INC-run media Net25 said Marcos thanked the religious group for supporting his administration's policies. He likewise expressed confidence that the INC will remain a partner in his projects that aim to improve Filipinos' lives.

In 2023, Marcos appointed Manalo as a special envoy for overseas concerns, a post the latter held during the Duterte administration.

The INC, known for practicing bloc-voting during elections, endorsed President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 polls.