6 candidates seek blessing of Mike Velarde, El Shaddai

With the campaign season heating up, spiritual leader Bro. Mike Velarde has already spoken with candidates who have asked for the backing of his influential El Shaddai religious group. Radio station dzBB reported Tuesday that Velarde admitted to talking with six candidates regarding their political plans. He refused to identify these candidates nor their political parties, except for the administration's bet Sen. Joker Arroyo. Another one was an independent candidate. "(Arroyo) already came to me. More or less we can say that he will get our endorsement," Velarde added in Filipino. The El Shaddai has emerged as a political force in Philippine elections, as the charismatic group is believed to vote as a bloc. Velarde said a total of 18 candidates will be included in his shortlist. Those who do not bother to seek an audience with him, Velarde was quoted as saying, have no chance of making the cut. During El Shaddai's 15th anniversary rites last February 15, Velarde reportedly spoke with at least two administration senatorial candidates. QTV-11 television reported that former presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor and Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri were seen in the crowd that day at the Yñares Center in Rizal province. However, two other administration bets might have a tougher time getting Velarde's nod. The El Shaddai leader said Team Unity's Vicente Sotto III and Teresa "Tessie" Aquino-Oreta must clarify why they bolted the opposition and joined the administration. "Kailangan nila magpaliwanag (They have to explain)," Velarde said. A criteria in the selection of candidates will be their "unwavering commitment" to their beliefs, he added. As this developed, Velarde allegedly expressed ill feelings toward the two leading figures in Philippine politics – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former President Joseph Estrada. He said the leaders of the administration and opposition, respectively, may not have any use for him anymore since the two no longer communicate with him, dzBB radio said. - GMANews.TV