The influential Iglesia ni Cristo has endorsed Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and mayoral candidate Alfredo “Albee” Benitez of Asenso Bacolod, and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran of Grupo Progreso (GP) in the May 9 polls, an INC source confirmed Friday, May 6.
The INC has also endorsed five Asenso Bacolod candidates for councilor and seven from GP.
The candidates for councilor are Thaddeus Sayson, Bart Orola, Kalaw Puentevella, Simple Distrito and newcomer Jason Villaroso of Asenso Bacolod, and incumbents Israel Salanga, Renecito Novero, Cindy Rojas, Dindo Ramos, Carl Lopez, Archie Baribar and returning councilor Em Ang of GP.
The endorsement of the INC is sought after because its members vote in bloc. The INC is said to have about 20,000 members in Bacolod City.
The INC also endorsed the reelection bids of Rep. Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District) and Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo (Negros Occidental, 5th District).
Negros Occidental Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier confirmed that he has the support of the INC for his reelection bid.
Thirteen other mayoral bets who have the INC’s support are incumbents Marvin Malacon of EB Magalona, Irene Montilla- Isabela, Rhumyla Mangilimutan- La Castellana, Alejandro Mirasol- Binalbagan, Melecio Yap – Escalante City, Neil Lizares III- Talisay City, Rex Jalandoon – La Carlota City, Raymund Tongson- Himamaylan City, Renato Gustilo- San Carlos City and Manuel Escalante – Manapla; and new aspirants for mayor Madonnah Jaojoco of Toboso, Narwin Javelosa – Sagay City and Javier Miguel Benitez- Victorias City.*