MALACANANG dismissed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had a hand in seeking the endorsement of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Gilberto Teodoro from Evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
In his weekly press briefing Monday, Presidential Deputy spokesperson Gary Olivar said Arroyo has nothing to do how the pastor arrived at his decision.
“Palagay ko hindi naman nakialam si Pangulo at mas mahalaga, sa palagay ko rin, hindi naman siya kailangan makialam para kay Secretary Teodoro,” Olivar said.
The Palace official noted that Teodoro's credentials and capability could have been a great factor for Quiboloy to choose him over nine other presidential candidates.
“We are glad for the endorsement. We are glad to see that the secretary’s values and experience and platform have met with the support and the approval of a major religious group like the pastor’s church,” said Olivar.
Quiboloy is the founder of the congregation The Kingdom of Jesus Christ: The Name Above Every Name with about six million members worldwide.
During their annual thanksgiving and worship concert at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City on Sunday, the Davao-based preacher announced his endorsement for Teodoro whom he said was chosen by God.
The thanksgiving was attended by more than 50,000 members.
Olivar believed that the pastor's endorsement would have a huge impact on Teodoro's chances in winning on May 10 elections.
“Makakatulong po ‘yan directly sa voting booths, sa loob ng presinto by next Monday,” he pointed out.
But Teodoro will not stop seeking the endorsement from other religious groups to help gain momentum until the election day, added Olivar.
The Palace official believed that the endorsement religious groups may help undecided voters in deciding on whom to vote.
“At muli, pinaaalala po natin sa kanila, vote not only who these leaders are endorsing but, pinaka-importante, vote with your conscience, vote with your reasoning,” he said.
“If these leaders who are providing endorsement are whom you respect—katugma po nila ang inyong mga paniniwala at pag-iisip—siguro ito po ay magiging isang magandang dahilan kung bakit susuportahan po ninyo ang kanilang mga ine-endorso,” he added.
Half-full support
Malacanang, meanwhile, said it is somehow disappointed of not getting the full support from Quiboloy for the administration ticket.
“You know we prefer to look at the glass as half-full rather than half-empty," he said.
Quiboloy picked Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Mar Roxas instead of Teodoro's running mate Edu Manzano.
Olivar said the ruling party should intensify their campaign not just for Teodoro but also for Manzano and their entire slate.
“Kakailangan din naman po ni Secretary Teodoro ang buong suporta ng senado kapag naupo na po siya, kaya kailangan din na maihalal din ang mga kaalyado niya sa administration ticket,” he said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)