Aquino tells El Shaddai: Let us be ‘guides’ in 2016

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday, August 23, emphasized anew the supposed gains of his administration, and called on members of the religious group El Shaddai to help guide their countrymen as the election season nears.

In a speech during El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 76^th birthday celebration, Aquino recalled the “dark past” he inherited in 2010 and said divine help made the country overcome it. 

Aquino then said there are many who would want to return to the “old” system of governance.

“Batid po natin: may mga haharapin pa tayong dambuhalang pagsubok, at may ilan pa ring magnanais na bumalik sa dating kalakaran. Sa lahat ng ito, ang malakas po nating sandata: panalangin, malasakit, at pananampalataya,” Aquino said in his speech.

(We know we will face many great challenges, and there are some who want to return to the old system. Our biggest weapons: prayers, concern for others, and faith.)

With this, Aquino told members of the El Shaddai group to be “guides” in choosing the right leader in the 2016 presidential elections.

“Sa susunod na taon, muli pong haharap sa sangandaan ang sambayanan. Nawa’y maging gabay tayo ng ating kapwa sa pagpili ng mga karapat-dapat na pinuno. Nananalig akong hindi tayo lilihis sa maganda nating nasimulan tungo sa pagkamit ng ating mga inaasam,” he said.

(Next year, we will again be at the crossroads. I hope we become guides of our fellowmen in choosing the right leader. I strongly believe we will not deviate from the good reforms we started to lead us where we want to be.) 

Among those present in the event were presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay and administration standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

The El Shaddai, a religious Catholic group believed to have around 8 million followers worldwide, is being pursued by politicians during elections season, as they are believed to deliver votes for favored candidates. – Rappler.com