Abella: Seeking religious groups’ endorsement can become ‘powerplay’

Presidential candidate and former Foreign Affairs undersecretary Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said he is not in favor of seeking endorsement from religious groups, noting that “it becomes a question of powerplay.”

Abella, however, noted that it is the free choice of political candidates to seek support from religious groups.

“Choice nila ‘yan. That is their choice. Basically alanganin talaga ako sa humihingi ng pag-endorso lalo sa malalaking organisasyon, minsan kahit na maliit eh. May tendency kasi, it becomes a powerplay. Imbis na katotohanan ang pinaguusapan ninyo, it becomes a question of power,” he said in an online candidates forum.

(That is their choice. Basically, I'm really hesitant to ask for endorsements, especially from large organizations, sometimes even small ones. There is a tendency because it becomes a powerplay, instead of the truth you are talking about it becomes a question of power.)

“Who has power over who? Kung ganoon lang, kung habulan lang ng power, hindi mababago ang bayan natin, kaya I don’t go for endorsements,” he added.

(Who has power over who? If it was only for the pursuit of power, it would not change our country, so I don’t go for endorsements.)

During a debate organized by CNN Philippines, presidential aspirants appeared split on religious groups endorsing candidates. They 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 were labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, businessman Faisal Mangondato, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Abella, former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Dr. Jose Montemayor were not in favor.

Meanwhile, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who was absent during the debate, has secured the endorsement of Brother Mike Velarde, the head of Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai. The group's spiritual adviser, retired bishop Teodoro Bacani, later clarified that this was only Velarde's personal choice and not the official stand of the group.

Ukraine

Abella also agreed with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's stance to remain “neutral” on the issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“Malaking bagay ang sinabi ni Secretary Lorenzana, maselan na bagay kasi ito it can go each way and pwedeng apektado ang mga Pilipino natin,” he said.

(Secretary Lorenzana's stand is very important, it is a sensitive issue because it can go each way and our Filipinos can be affected.)

“As much as possible let’s do everything diplomatic as far as we can. Pero yung mga nasa concern areas mailikas sila, mailayo sa sakuna and we continue to build our own capacities,” he added.

(As much as possible let’s do everything diplomatic as far as we can. But those in the concerned areas must be evacuated, keeping them away from the tension and we will continue to build our own capacities.)

The Philippines earlier said it will vote yes to a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's "unprovoked armed aggression" in Ukraine.

In its statement, the Philippines delegation appealed for the protection of civilians and an end to hostilities.

Meanwhile, at least 13 Filipinos from Ukraine arrived in the country on Tuesday night.

A total of 181 Filipinos in Ukraine have been accounted for. — BM, GMA News