Mar to convince Quiboloy to back Noynoy instead of Gibo

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Vice presidential candidate Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Monday said he would try to convince Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), to support his running mate, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III instead of administration bet Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. Roxas, whom Quiboloy endorsed for vice president, said his camp is trying to set an appointment with the religious leader. [See: Quiboloy endorses Gibo] "Sisikapin ko pa rin na makumbinsi si Pastor Quiboloy at ginagawan pa nga ng appointment sa susunod na mga araw," Roxas told reporters at a press conference here where the Liberal Party is campaigning. (I will try to convince Pastor Quiboloy to support Noynoy instead, and we're trying to set an appointment with him in the coming days.) "Di ko alam kung magiging matagumpay ako. Ang feeling ko kasi, obligasyon ko bilang isang matapat na partner na kahit basta magprisinta minsan pa ng platform ni Senator Noynoy," added Roxas, the leading vice presidential contender in surveys. (I'm not sure if I will be successful in convincing Quiboloy. I just feel like it is my duty as a committed partner to present Senator Noynoy's platforms one more time.)
Quiboloy on Sunday night said he has decided to endorse Teodoro, a consistent fourth-placer in various presidential preference surveys, after many sleepless nights. “With this proclamation, I may either sink or swim, but I know this decision is best for the nation," he said. Quiboloy, whom his followers consider to be the "appointed son of God," boasts of six million followers from all over the world, and claims to have an estimated three million registered voters for the upcoming polls. Aquino said he has no problem with Quiboloy endorsing Teodoro, his second cousin. "Yung kanyang pag-endorso po sa pinsan ko wala pong problema sa atin yan.Tayo po'y naniniwala sa demokrasya, may kalayaan mamili ng kursunada," Aquino said at the same press conference. (I have no problem with him endorsing my cousin. We believe in democracy, in the freedom to choose.) The KJC tries to reach its supposed six million members all over the world through the Sonshine Media Network International, which includes a broadcast network (ACQ Kingdom Broadcasting Network), a radio station (Sonshine Radio), and print publications (Pinas Newspaper, Sikat Newspaper, and Guide Magazine). Besides being head of the KJC, Quiboloy also manages a number of charitable institutions providing assistance to children, the handicapped, and the needy, through the Sonshine Philippines Movement. — KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV