Noynoy, Mar seek advice of Apollo

Filed Under: Benigno Aquino III, Inquirer Politics, Eleksyon 2010, Religions

MANILA, Philippines—When Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II kicked off their Mindanao sortie on Sept. 25, the Liberal Party presidential tandem in the 2010 national elections made sure they stopped over at a religious compound at the foot of Mt. Apo to seek the advice of its leader, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.

Quiboloy, according to his spokesperson, advised Aquino during the meeting to take the “high road” in the campaign and avoid the pitfalls that befell the late Fernando Poe Jr. who also enjoyed an overwhelming lead in the pre-election surveys only to lose out to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He also urged Roxas to ensure that the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government should start from scratch in finding a solution for lasting peace in southern Philippines.

Compostela Valley Rep. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora said the breakfast meeting showed how even candidates for national positions, and even front-runners like Aquino and Roxas, view Quiboloy’s potent influence beyond religion.

“I believe his group is already bigger than other religious organizations that are perceived to be more influential in national politics. But Quiboloy is a bit hesitant than other religious leaders in dealing with politics,” said Zamora in a phone interview.

Quiboloy, 59, is the spiritual leader of The Kingdom of Jesus Christ The Name Above Every Name which boasts of six million members nationwide. The 25-year-old religious organization runs its own television and radio stations, several magazines and newspapers.