UNITED in politics, the Pentecostal Pastors and Leaders with the Baptist churches bared their list of candidates, mixing neophytes and seasoned politicians and called for a peaceful and clean elections.
With over 2,000 members, both groups endorsed human rights lawyer, Jose Mencio Molintas for mayor, incumbent Association of Barangay Captains chairman and councilor Michael Lawana for vice mayor and former Representative Nicasio Aliping Jr. for the lone congressional seat.
Pastor Melchor Dumaniw from the Banner of Truth Baptist church said the combined votes of the both groups is enough to offset the mythical Iglesia ni Kristo votes, known to make or break election results.
Senior Pastor Manuel Imatong from the Gospel Light Bible Baptist Mission called for peace during the elections asking to stop mudslinging, vote buying, black propaganda and character assassination.
The Pentecostal Pastors and Leaders endorsed for city council incumbents Arthur Allad-Iw, Mylen Yaranon with come backing Popo Cosalan and neophytes Esteban Somngi, Grace Mayos, Ryan Dale Mangusan, Conie Tongawan, Thomas Dumalte, Vladimir Cayabas, Vic Jimenes, Butch Mascarenas and Ron Perez.
The nod came from church leaders Pastors Marvin Nagayang, Laura Payana, Mark Bastilan, Melchor Ediva, Vicky Juan, Ben Bugnosen, Fely Chan with Bishops Rudy Abuan and Roberto Decca to endorse the candidates who passed the criteria of the organization.
However, for the Baptist Church City, endorsed were lone incumbent, Arthur Allad-Iw, come backing Popo Cosalan with neophytes Esteban Somngi, Guel Sugano, Grace Mayos, Ryan Dale Mangusan, Connie Tongawan, Robin Coteng, Vladimir Cayabas, Vic Jimenez, Butch MascareƱas and Ron Perez.
Baptist National President for Biblemode, Benny Abante Jr. gave the blessing for the political list to come out and be heeded by church mates.
The announcement came Thursday morning with the pastors and candidates gathering for a blessing and proclamation in the hope to bring their chosen bets to city hall during the May 13 elections.