Bets flock Quiboloy group's event in Cebu

MANDAUE CITY, CEBU - Candidates seeking national and local posts on Sunday flocked the thanksgiving and worship presentation of religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ to “introduce themselves" to its millions of followers. Those who were present were the presidential and vice presidential tandem of Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Edu Manzano (Lakas-Kampi-CMD), Sen. Manny Villar Jr. and Loren Legarda (Nacionalista Party), and independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas. Also present were senatorial candidates Franklin Drilon, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, Silvestre Bello III, Raul Lambino, Lito Osmeña, Jose de Venecia III, and Anad party-list Rep. Jovito Palparan. The event was held at the Cebu International Convention Center. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of the religious group, prayed over the candidates after his hour-long sermon. He said he and his members have been “praying hard" so that they would be guided on whom among the candidates to endorse. “I am praying hard who among these candidates . . . that God will reveal to me the one according to Your heart and favor," he said. Quiboloy added that he wants the next president to be “the epitome of the blessing that the Father can give to this nation." He said the next elected leader of the country should not forget about the poor. “Hindi dapat kalimutan ang simpleng Juan dela Cruz (The ordinary Filipino should not be forgotten) Our officials have the power to help the poor." Quiboloy expressed hope that the winning candidate would visit him again so he can pray for his wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He also asked the candidates to “strive and thrive for unity" after the May 10 elections. Teodoro, who has not been fairing well in various presidential preference surveys, said his presence in the event does not mean he is courting the group’s support. “Ayokong maglagay ng salita o suhestiyon sa bibig ng ating pastor . . . Kami naman ni pastor ay matagal nang magkaibigan (I don’t want to put words in Pastor Quiboloy’s mouth. We’ve been friends for a long time)," he told reporters in an interview. - KBK, GMANews.TV