Gwen claims INC support

CEBU, Philippines — Several local candidates in Cebu province have claimed to have gotten the endorsement of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Among them is re-electionist Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Sugbo News, Capitol’s news portal, reported that Garcia received on May 2 the confirmation of endorsement from the religious group known for bloc voting.

In her social media post, Garcia also thanked the INC for consistently supporting her candidacy.

“I’m grateful for the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo of my candidacy for governor of the Province of Cebu. The Iglesia Ni Cristo has consistently supported me as well as members of my family in the past elections in keeping with their standard of demanding the most, the optimum performance from us as public servants and I guess they have seen that in our brand of public service, buhat ang pasultion,” Garcia said.

Garcia is seeking reelection and is facing former tourism secretary Ace Durano of Partido Pilipino sa Pagbabago (PPP) as challenger.

Aside from Garcia, other local candidates who claimed support from the INC include 4th District Rep. Janice Salimbangon, Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and Toledo City Mayor Joie Perales.

The INC, however, has yet to issue a formal endorsement as of last night. — FPL (FREEMAN)