THE Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which is known for its bloc voting, has expressed support for several candidates in Cebu this coming May 9, 2022 elections.

In several posts on social media, the group has reportedly given its endorsement to the reelection bids of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Celedonio “Celsi” Sitoy and Cebu City councilors Jerry Guardo and Joel Garganera.

The group also announced it will endorse the candidacies of Cebu First District congressional candidate Rhea Gullas, members of Gullas’ Alayon Party in Talisay City; Minglanilla mayoral candidate Rajiv Enad and his running mate, incumbent town mayor Elanito Peña; Cebu City councilor candidate Jaypee Labella, Lapu-Lapu City lone district congressional candidate Cindi King-Chan and Cebu City North District congressional candidate Prisca Niña Mabatid.

The INC has also endorsed presidential frontliner and dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- Carpio.

No endorsement yet

In a related development, members of the Partido Barug-PDP Laban have not yet confirmed if their standard bearers, Mayor Michael Rama and candidate for vice mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, have received INC’s endorsement.

Rama previously said he will wait for the official announcement and was hoping that the party’s entire slate will be endorsed by the religious group known for bloc voting of its members.

Throughout the country’s history, the INC has played a role in the national elections, at times turning the tide whenever they endorsed a particular candidate. (IRT, ANV, JKV / TPT)