No pols invited to El Shaddai’s 26th anniversary bash

No politicians were invited to attend religious group El Shaddai’s 26th anniversary celebration in Parañaque on Saturday, a bishop serving as the group’s spiritual adviser said on Friday. “Literally, no politicians (were invited). I don’t know if President Aquino will come, but no politicians are invited," Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. told reporters. Bacani however said that politicians “are welcome" to join the gathering, although he thinks only a few will attend since the May 10 polls are already over. Asked why politicians only flock to El Shaddai gatherings during election campaigns, the bishop answered, “Maybe you should ask them why." Politicians who vied for different posts flocked to the religious group’s weekly gatherings during the campaign season, supposedly to woo the group’s eight million members. (See: 3 presidential bets woo El Shaddai vote) Although El Shaddai did not endorse any presidential candidate in the May 2010 elections, its religious leader, Brother Mariano “Mike" Velarde, was the fifth nominee of party-list Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (Buhay). He, however, failed to secure a seat in Congress. (See: Mikey Arroyo, Bro. Mike nominees of party-list groups)—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV