Arroyo pays last respects to INC's Eraño Manalo

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo paid her last respects Wednesday night to Eraño Manalo, the executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), who passed away last Monday. A report aired over radio dzBB said Mrs. Arroyo proceeded to the INC's Central Temple in Quezon City, where Manalo’s remain lies in state, shortly after her arrival from Libya. The President's plane landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) about 9 p.m. She arrived at the INC Central Temple at around 10 p.m. At the wake, she was received by Manalo's wife and children, said the report. The INC's supreme leader died last Monday due to cardiopulmonary arrest at the age of 84. He was the fifth child of INC's founder Felix Manalo. [See: Iglesia ni Cristo's Eraño Manalo dies at 84] The INC, known for having its members vote as a bloc during elections, backed Mrs. Arroyo’s candidacy in the 2004 polls. In connection with Manalo’s death, President Arroyo on Wednesday issued Proclamation No. 1869, which declared Sept. 12 as “National Day of Prayer for Peace and Sanctification of Spiritual Leaders." [See: Arroyo declares Sept 12 as day of prayer] “There is a need to pray for grace for the sanctification of our spiritual leaders to enable them to inspire and set a compassionate and moral leadership amongst our people," Mrs. Arroyo said. Various spiritual leaders have expressed desire to enter the political arena in 2010 while others are sure to endorse presidential candidates. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV