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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bam Aquino thanks INC, JIL for endorsement ahead of May 12 polls

Bam Aquino thanks INC, JIL for endorsement ahead of May 12 polls

Published May 10, 2025 12:59 pm  |  Updated May 10, 2025 01:37 pm
Former senator and senatorial candidate Bam Aquino expressed his gratitude to the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for endorsing his candidacy, further boosting his chances to get a Senate seat in the midterm elections on May 12.

Independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino (Photo from Bam Aquino Facebook page)

The INC has named the former senator as one of its eight senatorial candidates as shown by the sample ballots distributed to its members nationwide. A photo of the ballot clearly showed Aquino among the endorsed senators of the church, which has been known for bloc voting.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat kay Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo at sa buong Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) sa inyong tiwala at pag-indorso sa aking kandidatura (A heartfelt gratitude to Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and the whole Iglesia Ni Cristo for your trust and for endorsing my candidacy),” he said in a statement.

“Patuloy po nating pagtatrabahuhan na makamit ang magandang buhay para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino (We will continue to work for a better life for every Filipino),” the former senator added.

He also thanked the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church for endorsing his Senate bid, as well as to Senator Joel Villanueva, who is the son of JIL leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva, for facilitating his meeting with the JIL National Executive Committee,

"Thank you very much to the Jesus is Lord Church for endorsing my candidacy for senator. I am truly grateful for your trust and support," Aquino said.

With millions of members across the country, the two religious organizations’ endorsement of the former senator will provide his candidacy a much-needed boost in the lead up to Election Day on May 12.

In the last day of campaign period on Saturday, Aquino, accompanied by ex-vice president Leni Robredo, visited the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery in Naga City, where he asked for prayers and blessings.

Bam Aquino is accompanied by former vice president and Naga mayoral candidate Leni Robredo during his visit to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Monastery on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Bam Aquino Media Bureau)

“Nagtungo tayo sa monastery para manalagin at magpasalamat sa lakas na ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos para matapos ang 90 araw na kampanya (We went to the monastery to pray and thank for the strength the Lord has given us to finish the 90 days of the campaign),” the former senator said.

“Humingi rin tayo ng dasal at basbas para sa ating Miting de Avance mamaya at para sa darating na halalan sa Lunes (We also sought for prayers and blessings for our Miting de Avance later and for the elections on Monday),” he added.

Aquino will attend the Miting de Avance of Robredo’s An Bagong Team Naga 2025 at the LCC Open Grounds this afternoon. Robredo is a mayoral candidate in Naga City.

The former senator is currently in the margins of the Magic 12 based on pre-election surveys. In the Pulse Asia survey from April 20 to 24, Aquino was ranked in the 11th place.

Related Tags

Bam Aquino senatorial elections Matalinong Boto 2025 Jesus is Lord Iglesia ni Cristo
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