Presidential bets split on religious groups endorsing candidates

Presidential aspirants appeared split on religious groups endorsing candidates.

In a debate organized by CNN Philippines, candidates were asked if they were in favor of religious groups calling on their members to vote for certain bets.

Those who indicated being in favor by raising their hands were labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, businessman Faisal Mangondato, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Dr. Jose Montemayor didn't raise their hands.

"They impinge on the right of the people to exercise their right as individuals. May iba pinaparusahan so they can get all the money and build more church," Montemayor said.

"It is good if they will advocate positive reforms, yung hindi magnanakaw . Eh kahit magnanakaw, basta may utang na loob sa tatay, iyon e. It impinges on the rights of individual freedom," he added. 

Mangondato said religious groups' endorsing candidates already was a practice in the country.

“Practice na po ito sa ating bansa, huwag na po tayong magkunwari lahat tayong kandidato humihingi ng endorso ng grupo ng mga tao dito sa Pilipinas,” the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi’s presidential bet said.

“Magpakatotoo tayo na tayo ay humihingi ng endorso para maging pangulo tayo dito sa ating bansa yan po ang aking sagot, dapat lang ang mga tao sa simbahan, ang mga tao sa mosque sila ang mga totoong tao na makakakuha ng pagpili kung sino ang tama na magiging pangulo ng ating bansa,” he added. —NB, GMA News