'Brother Mike may not run for president'

MANILA, Philippines - Novaliches Emeritus Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. claimed yesterday that El Shaddai leader Bro. Mariano “Mike” Velarde might not continue with his plan to run for president in the 2010 elections because of the lack of any sign of support from his church members.

Bacani, Velarde’s spiritual adviser, said that the El Shaddai leader has been consulting with his members, but it seemed that they do not agree that he should enter politics.

In an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas, Bacani said: “I don’t think that Bro. Mike would run. I think that he is not getting positive responses. The members want him to just stay with the mission.”

Bacani said Velarde has not yet mentioned any concrete plan to run for president. “I think he sensed the sentiments of the people.” 

He added that while they respect his decision, “We at the El Shaddai… talked to him and told him that we do not want him to run and he accepted wholeheartedly our opinion.”

He also said that religious leaders entering politics is an indication that the people are looking for good candidates who could help the country.

Bacani clarified that Velarde’s case was different from that of priest turned Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, who has been suspended from performing the sacraments while he is holding a position in government.

Velarde is a layman while Panlilio is a priest.

“The case of Governor Panlilio is a special case. I do not support and I do not think that he would continue to run for president while remaining as a priest. I don’t think that it is advisable for him to run for president, it would be good for him to withdraw,” he added.

Meantime, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. urged his PDP-Laban partymate Sen. Jamby Madrigal to look for another party if she intends to pursue her presidential candidacy.   – With Christina Mendez