Ang Dating Daan (ADD), a Christian group with over 1,360 local congregations or monitoring centers in the Philippines, has joined a growing list of religious organizations and private groups expressing full support for the reelection bid of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
Also known as the Members Church of God International (MCGI), ADD was founded by Bro. Eli Soriano and is now led by Bro. Daniel Razon. It is best known for its flagship radio and television program, Ang Dating Daan, originally hosted by Soriano. The group’s name comes from a Bible verse in Jeremiah 6:16, emphasizing the importance of following God’s teachings. MCGI has expanded internationally, with centers in various countries and millions of members worldwide.
ADD joins three major religious organizations—El Shaddai, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church, and the Christian Leaders for Good Government—in endorsing Lacuna, citing her integrity, moral character, and record of good governance.
Bro. Mike Velarde, founder of El Shaddai, which has nine million members nationwide, said their group supports candidates who are “Godly in their ways” and possess strong religious faith.
JIL, founded by Bro. Eddie Villanueva and whose legacy is being continued by Senator Joel Villanueva, also expressed confidence in Lacuna’s leadership and her unblemished public service record.
On Thursday, the Christian Leaders for Good Government—comprising around 500 Baptist and Evangelical pastors based in Manila—also declared their support and held a prayer over Lacuna.
Earlier, various Muslim communities in Manila announced their backing of Lacuna. The Sultanate of Phangampong a Pilipinas Da’wah Solidarity Inc., with around 3,000 member-leaders, commended Lacuna’s efforts in improving healthcare, education, and peace and order in the city.
The United Muslim Community in Manila, a coalition of several Muslim organizations, also pledged their support, citing how Lacuna’s administration has looked after Muslim constituents.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CTAP), composed of thousands of Manila-based truck owners, operators, and workers, endorsed Lacuna, crediting her with ending the long-standing extortion by corrupt traffic enforcers that plagued the sector under past administrations.
Support also came from the camp of the late Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, led by his top former officials Ric de Guzman, Jay Marzan, and Councilor Niño dela Cruz. They emphasized Lacuna’s clean record and leadership capability, adding that her background as a physician helped guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic.
De Guzman, Lim’s former chief of staff and closest confidante, noted that many former department heads under Lim have been reinstated by Lacuna, reflecting her trust in his leadership choices. Marzan previously served as city administrator, while Dela Cruz—Lim’s grandson—is seeking reelection.
The Senior Citizens’ Partylist, led by Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, likewise voiced support, citing Lacuna’s care for over 200,000 senior citizens in Manila. Since assuming office in 2022, she has doubled their monthly allowance to match national government assistance.