MANILA, Philippines — Former special assistant to the president and senatorial aspirant Christopher “Bong” Go on Saturday thanked El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde for endorsing his senatorial bid.
“We endorse someone we can rely on instead of those who are just there during an election,” Velarde said in Filipino when asked about the basis for the selection of the 14 senatorial candidates the El Shaddai would support.
Velarde added they believe these candidates would be able to address the country’s pressing problems such as poverty, drugs and jobs, among others.
“Thank you so much Bro. Mike Velarde. I am grateful that I am among those people who you have endorsed. I promise to give back the favor in terms of serving the people and serving God,” Go said.
Addressing the El Shaddai congregation during their Saturday Family Appointment at the Amvel City of Faith in San Dionisio, Parañaque City, Go noted the charismatic group with an estimated than six million members also supported President Duterte during the 2016 elections.
Go said the occasion reminded him of President Duterte’s personal question to God about his mission after winning in the 2016 presidential race. He said the answer, according to Duterte, is to love the country and to serve the people.
Go admitted he is not an expert on the Bible but is certain that people who serve others receive Divine blessing and guidance.
Go assured Velarde and the El Shaddai congregation that in the next three years, he and President Duterte will give all in the service of the Filipino people.
In his message to the El Shaddai flock, Velarde reminded them to choose the country’s leaders wisely because the future rests in their hands.
Velarde formally announced the 14 senatorial candidates that the El Shaddai would support in the May 13 elections.
Among them are incumbent senators seeking reelection Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, Koko Pimentel, Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito and Bam Aquino.
Former senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada were also included.
Go was among the first timers to be endorsed by El Shaddai. The rest included former national police chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino and Dr. Willie Ong.
El Shaddai spokesman Mel Robles said the 14 were chosen based on two qualifications.
“Even if it is not an election season, they are there and they are near,” meaning they can be relied upon anytime.