ASIA/PHILIPPINES - On the eve of elections, support of religious leaders is tempting

Manila (Agenzia Fides) – Support from the leaders of religious movements and sects in the Philippines may be determinant in elections on 10 May: Fides Agency learns from local sources that candidates are doing their best win this backing, which could influence thousands of voters. “The candidates cannot fail to be interested in religious leaders, given their potential influence over the deeply religious Filipino people ”, says the think-tank of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform in Manila.
The principal religious force in the field, the Catholic Church, has already made known its positions (see Fides 28/4 and 5/5/2010) : the Church never supports any candidate, because she never enters the political scene, she simply stresses the need to use discernment when choosing a candidate with regard to criteria such policies to protect life, the family and regarding behaviour of transparency, honesty and genuine concern for the poor. The local Catholic Church will be cooperating with the institutions to guarantee a fair vote thanks to a network of volunteer observers.
Other religious groups of sects have officially “adopted” candidates: Gilberto Teodoro, presidential candidate of the party of former president Gloria Arroyo, has obtained the public support of evangelical pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Reign of Jesus Christ movement which has six million followers all over the Philippines and presides a widespread charity organisation.
Among the sects which have made no public declaration, has yet, is the well known and powerful Iglesia ni Cristo, which in 2004 backed Ms Arroyo. Presidency candidates Benigno Aquino and Joseph Estrada, claim they have privately received the support of the Iglesia ni Cristo (this too have about 6 million followers).
The Christian charismatic movement El Shaddai, with 8 million members,– decisive in 1992 for the victory of Fidel Ramos – has, unofficially, backed the candidate Manuel Villar. The El Shaddai leader, Mike Velarde, says the candidates should be assessed according to their policies with regard to abortion and birth control.
Other religious leaders are even playing a major role in the political contest: for example popular preacher Eduardo Villanueva, founder of the Jesus is Lord community and the political movement Bagong Pilipinas Movement (New Philippines ). Villanueva is running as a candidate for presidency although, observers say he has no chance of winning. Muslim leader Nur Misuari, founder of the Moro National Liberation Front, has encouraged the members of his movement to vote for Villanueva.
The Muslim leaders of Bangsamoro Supreme Council of Ulama, based in Mindanao, have issued a fatwa warning Muslim voters not to choose candidates Joseph Estrada or Manuel Roxas (running for vice-presidency in the Liberal Party) because they are considered “enemies of Islam and enemies of Filipino Muslims”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/5/2010)