The influential religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has officially endorsed eight candidates for the upcoming 2025 senatorial elections, giving them a significant boost ahead of the polls. The candidates represent a mix of political parties, including Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), and other major coalitions, Inquirer.net reported.
A sample ballot, which was reportedly distributed among INC members, listed the following endorsed candidates: former senator Bam Aquino (Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino), Senator Bong Revilla (Lakas-CMD/Alyansa), Senator Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party/Alyansa), Senator Ronald dela Rosa (PDP), Senator Bong Go (PDP), Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta (independent/PDP), Senator Imee Marcos (Nacionalista Party), and Senator Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party/Alyansa).
In a Facebook live stream on Thursday, Senator Bong Revilla expressed gratitude for the INC’s endorsement, sharing details of his meeting with INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo and his son, Angelo. “Good news po, at nais ko lamang pong ibalita na kagagaling ko lamang po dito sa Central, sa Iglesia ni Cristo, at ako’y pinatawag ni Ka Eduardo Manalo at nakaharap ko ang kanyang anak na si Ka Angelo, at ako po’y sinusuportahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo,” Revilla declared, highlighting the significance of the church’s backing.
The INC’s practice of bloc voting — where members vote as a unified group following their leaders’ endorsements — has historically given its endorsed candidates a significant edge. In 2019, 11 out of 12 senatorial candidates endorsed by INC secured seats in the Senate. The religious group also supported the winning tandem of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte in the 2022 presidential elections.
With over 2.6 million members as of 2015, the INC’s endorsement remains a sought-after asset for any candidate hoping to secure a strong voter base in the Philippines.
