Tomas claims: BOPK has INK support

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña yesterday announced that they have successfully convinced the officials of Iglesia Ni Cristo in Cebu City to support the candidacies of most of the candidates of the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK).

In a text message that he sent to The Freeman yesterday afternoon, Osmeña said, “Visited INC this morning and Ka Edmund confirmed that they will support over 90 percent of the BOPK slate.”

A radio program anchor of Iglesia Ni Cristo said he did not know about the latest information announced by Osmeña because what he learned is that the INC officials are expected to make the announcement to their members today.

Osmeña said BOPK south district congressional candidate, Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa and candidate for councilor Zenaida Amores, failed to get the support of INC.

The INC supported the candidacies of Team Rama’s south district congressional candidate Aristotle “Totol” Batuhan and candidate for councilor James Cuenco.

Batuhan was very thankful to the INC leaders for supporting him and promised not to fail them and that he will fulfill all his legislative agenda once elected as a lawmaker.

For his part, Abellanosa said, “The decision is made in INC-Manila. At this stage, it will no longer make a dent on my huge 35 to 40 percent lead over my opponent. Nevertheless, I am thankful to INC for endorsing me in the last three elections. Besides, there are many scholars in my school who are with INC and I believe their families will still vote for me.”

Aside from the BOPK candidates, the Team Rama headed by re-electionist Mayor Michael Rama also asked the INC officials to support them. (FREEMAN)