El Shaddai goes for mixed Puwersa-PPC senatorial ticket

Members of the Catholic fellowship El Shaddai might have voted for a "mixed ticket" of Puwersa ng Masa (PnM) and People Power Coalition (PPC) senatorial candidates in yesterday’s elections.

However, Mike Velarde, the group’s spiritual leader, told The STAR yesterday he asked El Shaddai members to vote for senator broadcast journalist Noli de Castro for senator and to choose the party-list group Buhay.

Velarde, who flew in from Hong Kong yesterday, said he does not want to "divide my flock" so he allowed them to vote for the candidates who are close to their hearts.

"It’s up to them," he said in Filipino. "You know El Shaddai (members) will go for a mixed lot. Some would go for Puwersa, while others for the PPC."

Velarde evaded a question from The STAR if he would vote for former First Lady Luisa "Loi" Estrada and the other PnM senatorial candidates.

"I will think about it (whether to vote for Mrs. Estrada)," he said. "Whoever I have decided to vote for in today’s elections, that’s a secret."

Velarde said his flock had already "made up their minds" as early as last week as to their choice of political leaders for Congress and the various local governments.

Velarde arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Hong Kong yesterday. –Rey Arquiza