El Shaddai counters protests vs Estrada

President Estrada's spiritual adviser Mike Velarde drew almost half a million followers to a "prayer rally" at Rizal Park yesterday to counter growing protests against the embattled leader.

Copies of a manifesto signed at the rally by Velarde and several political allies of Mr. Estrada expressed "grave concern" over what they called divisive initiatives of some groups claiming to represent the so-called silent majority. Some of the other signatories were Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, transport group president Romy Maranan, Laguna Gov. Joey Lina, former ambassador Roy Señeres, former Pampanga Gov. Cielo Macapagal-Salgado and former actress Alma Moreno, wife of Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez.

They were referring to an anti-Estrada movement launched recently calling itself the "silent protest" movement, made up largely of the middle class.

The manifesto also rejected the call by opposition Sen. Teofisto Guingona Jr. last Monday for Mr. Estrada to resign and called on Filipinos to "be vigilant in upholding our democracy."

Velarde, head of the El Shaddai religious group which is affiliated with the Catholic Church, told reporters during the rally at the Quirino Grandstand that it was part of his group's weekly meetings.

But yesterday's meeting was important "because I just came from abroad and the feedback I got from there seems to be giving a bad impression of our country as if we are a divided people," he said.

Asked if the rally was in support of Mr. Estrada, he said, "whoever is president, we support because that is our duty as citizens and what scripture calls (for): that authorities must be supported by the people.

"We pray for them so that they may be able to manage the affairs of the government," he said.

Velarde, a colorful preacher with millions of followers, subtly campaigned for Mr. Estrada during the 1998 presidential polls even though many church leaders were known to be opposed to Mr. Estrada, a former movie star and college drop-out who admits to a history of drinking, gambling and siring children out of wedlock.

Several religious figures are known to back the silent protest movement which has assailed the president for alleged corruption, cronyism and poor governance.

In a separate development, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday it wanted Mr. Estrada to succeed as President but would not stop Church groups from opposing him.

Bishop Nestor Cariño, spokesman for the CBCP, said: "I don't see anything wrong as long as they do it properly... do it peacefully and not (hit) below the belt," referring to Church-related groups protesting against President Estrada and even seeking his resignation. --