Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday thanked the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for endorsing his candidacy, and said that the backing of the INC together with the outpouring of support from volunteers around the country will help him push him inside the winning circle when elections are held on
Monday.
“The latest surveys are encouraging as they show that I am within striking distance of the top twelve, and the endorsement of the INC and the surge of support from allies, friends, and supporters in different parts of the country will really help us in the homestretch of this campaign,” Eleazar said.
Recent surveys show Eleazar ten percentage points or fewer than candidates currently ranking 12th in the latest polls, which were conducted in the middle of April.
Eleazar pointed out that while the INC did not endorse his presidential candidate, he respects their decision as it is the prerogative of the church and its members to support the candidates they prefer.
“All groups, organizations, and institutions have a right to support whoever they believe are the best candidates for the country’s elective offices. Candidates and supporters should welcome these endorsements when they are given, and respect them if they are not,” Eleazar said.
“Ganun tayo sa isang demokrasya. May freedom tayo to choose our leaders, to campaign for who we believe in. Pero sana iwasan natin ang pakikipag-away natin dahil sa pulitika. We should just be civil and agree to disagree.”
The recipient of the Philippine Military Academy’s Cavalier Award, the highest award conferred on outstanding alumni, Eleazar is running on a legislative platform that emphasizes the “Four K’s (kapayapaan, kalusugan, kabuhayan, and kabataan).”
