Catholic group El Shaddai does not endorse the candidacy of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, its spiritual adviser said Monday, adding that their members have free will to choose which candidate to vote for on May 9.
Bishop Teodoro Bacani said church leader Bro. Mike Velarde's endorsement on Saturday night was personal and was not consulted with church leaders.
"That is his own personal stand. That's not El Shaddai, maliwanag ba 'yun? That is Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai but it is not the opinion of the body," Bacani told TeleRadyo.
While Velarde has the right to endorse whoever he wants because it is his right as a citizen, "hindi siya puwedeng mag-obliga sa kanyang mga followers na bumoto para sa ganitong kandidato o para sa ganung kandidato."
Unlike bloc-voting Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai does not have a command vote, spiritual adviser Bacani said.
"Kung paanong si Bro. Mike ay may kalayaang mag-endorso at pumili ng kandidato n'ya, ang bawat miyembro din ng El Shaddai ay may kalayaan na pumili at mag-endorso ng kandidato nila."
ALSO READ: Is INC Endorsing Marcos? Philippine Arena 'Just a Venue', Spokesman Says
Bacani said he would talk to Velarde regarding his endorsement. For Bacani, endorsing Marcos Jr. for president is "downright wrong."
"He and his family have not apologized for what happened at nagkakaroon pa ngayon ng mga revisionism kung tawagin para pagandahin ang imahe nila at palabasin na sila pa ang biktima samantalang ang bayang Pilipino, nabiktima nila," he said.
"Never again Marcos, except if he says I am sorry for what my father did and we will return whatever money has not yet been returned to the Philippine government and the Filipino people."
He also urged Filipinos to check the person's character before voting.
"Ang tao bang ito'y sinungaling? Nagbabayad ba ng kanyang buwis? Ito bang taong ito ay nagsasabi ng totoo tungkol sa kanyang educational attainment? E kung sa pagganyan pa lang e nagsisinungaling na, o hindi na nagsasabi ng tapat, paano naman?"
ALSO READ:
Bongbong Marcos Says 'I Have No Trolls' as He Leads Facebook Polls
Bongbong Marcos Not a Degree Graduate of Oxford University: Filipino Alumni
Bongbong Says 'Biased' Means 'Anti-Marcos'
Bongbong Marcos Refuses to Disclose Net Worth If It's for Politics' Sake
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.
