El Shaddai endorses Bam, Jun Magsaysay

MANILA, Philippines - Despite being a supporter of the Church-rejected Reproductive Health (RH) law, Team PNoy senatorial bet Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV earned the endorsement of the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai.

El Shaddai Education Ministry head Rey Vargas yesterday said that El Shaddai servant leader Mike Velarde endorsed Aquino last Monday at the group’s office in Makati City.

Velarde also endorsed former senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. of Team PNoy yesterday, making Aquino and Magsaysay the eleventh and twelfth senatorial candidates of El Shaddai.

Vargas explained that El Shaddai endorsed Aquino and Magsaysay for their “conviction... that they would really be for the pro-life so we took them (in).”

He added that even if Aquino was also supported by the pro-RH group Purple Ribbon and was given a “failed” rank by Catholic Vote Philippines, the El Shaddai believed that the 36-year-old candidate had a change of heart.

Vargas admitted it was Velarde who convinced Aquino and Magsaysay to support the group’s pro-life and pro-family position. 

“They came to ask for help and with that Bro. Mike told them that they can only be endorsed if they have a change in conviction. Bro. Mike would not endorse if they are not really pro-life,” Vargas said.

Another reason why El Shaddai endorsed Aquino is the group’s belief that he will help sustain the reforms started by the administration and uplift the lives of Filipinos through his entrepreneurship advocacy.

Magsaysay, meanwhile, welcomed the endorsement, saying it will boost his bid to return to the Senate. 

“I appreciate Bro. Mike Velarde’s announcement of support. The fact that Bro. Mike endorsed me is a very significant strength added to our supporters all over the country,” Magsaysay said.

On Saturday, Aquino and Magsaysay will sign their pledges before the El Shaddai community.

They will be joined by the 10 candidates endorsed by the White Vote Movement, a group of 46 Catholic lay organizations including El Shaddai.

The White Vote Movement earlier endorsed re-electionist Senators Gregorio Honasan, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and Antonio Trillanes IV; Reps. Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales and Jose Victor Ejercito of San Juan; former senators Richard Gordon and Juan Miguel Zubiri; former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar; Nancy Binay, and Marwil Llasos.

Vargas, however, clarified that Aquino and Magsaysay were endorsed only by El Shaddai and not by the White Vote Movement.  – With Marvin Sy