INC warns vs use of church’s name in solicitations

MANILA, Philippines – The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) yesterday warned against people using the name of the church to solicit or make deals with candidates or political parties in exchange for support in the 2016 presidential elections.

“The Iglesia ni Cristo administration has not authorized any person to solicit or make dealings with any candidates or political party for any kind of consideration in exchange for the Church’s support … in the upcoming national and local elections,” the INC said in an advisory.

It added the INC would not be held accountable or answerable for any unauthorized or unscrupulous acts of individuals using the name of the church.  

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the INC has yet to decide which candidates to support in the coming elections.

Topacio said the INC is not yet inclined to discuss election-related issues.

He added the process in selecting candidates would come from the “grassroots of the Church,” and a decision reached after a tedious consultation process.