The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a religious organization in the Philippines known for its practice of bloc voting, has been a significant player in the country’s electoral landscape. Its endorsements have often influenced election outcomes, as the church’s members are encouraged to vote as one cohesive unit. But how does INC decide which candidates to support, and how credible are these choices? Here, we delve into their selection process, examine the controversies surrounding some of their endorsed candidates, and analyze their track record.
How INC Decides Whom to Support
The INC’s endorsement process is methodical and rooted in its values. While the organization does not publicly disclose detailed criteria, several factors can be inferred from its patterns and practices:
- Alignment with Church Doctrine
- Candidates who support religious freedom and respect INC’s autonomy are preferred. This ensures the church’s interests and principles are safeguarded.
- Surveys and Research
- INC conducts internal surveys and monitors public opinion polls to gauge a candidate’s electability. Their endorsement is often aligned with candidates who are popular and have a strong chance of winning.
- Track Record and Credibility
- A candidate’s past performance, integrity, and leadership are significant considerations. INC evaluates how individuals have addressed governance, social justice, and morality.
- Engagement with the Church
- Positive relationships with the church’s leadership and community initiatives enhance a candidate’s prospects for endorsement.
- Strategic Interests
- INC considers candidates who are likely to maintain good relations with the church and advocate for its causes.
- Unity of the Church
- The organization prioritizes unity among its members, avoiding divisive figures who might polarize their community.
- Confidential Deliberations
- Decisions are made internally by the INC’s Central Administration, led by the Executive Minister. These deliberations remain private, and endorsements are typically announced close to election day.
This practice of making decisions close to elections, when the likely winners are evident, has led to perceptions that INC’s endorsements are more opportunistic than principled. This timing often bolsters the belief among politicians that INC’s bloc voting was a decisive factor in their victory, even if broader public sentiment was already in their favor.
Endorsements and Their Outcomes
INC has a history of endorsing both local and national candidates. While many of their choices have emerged victorious, there have been notable instances where their endorsements did not lead to success. Here are some examples: INC members have also participated in politically charged events, such as EDSA III in 2001, where they joined protests following Joseph Estrada’s ouster and arrest, underscoring the organization’s broader engagement in political affairs. Here are some examples:
Presidential Elections
- Winners:
- Ferdinand Marcos (1965, 1969, 1981)
- Joseph Estrada (1998)
- Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010)
- Rodrigo Duterte (2016)
- Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (2022)
- Losers:
- Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. (1992) lost to Fidel V. Ramos.
- INC backed Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 snap elections, but Corazon Aquino became president following the People Power Revolution.
Vice-Presidential Elections
- Losers:
- Manuel “Mar” Roxas II (2010) lost to Jejomar Binay.
- Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (2016) lost to Leni Robredo.
Senatorial Elections
- Losers:
- Jinggoy Estrada (2019) failed to secure a Senate seat despite his INC endorsement.
- Guillermo Eleazar (2022) finished 16th, missing the top 12 required for a Senate position.
Does INC Truly Adhere to “Track Record and Credibility”?
The INC’s track record suggests that “credibility” may be interpreted in a pragmatic rather than an idealistic sense. Their endorsements often prioritize:
- Perceived Effectiveness
- Candidates with a history of delivering results, even if their methods are controversial.
- Electability
- Endorsing candidates with strong public support and a high likelihood of winning.
- Strategic Alliances
- Supporting candidates who align with INC’s interests and values.
However, this approach has drawn criticism. INC’s opposition to public sentiment can be seen in instances like their objection to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, a stance that clashed with broader calls for accountability. Such cases highlight how INC’s influence on politicians may sometimes lead to decisions that conflict with the majority’s desires.
The Iglesia ni Cristo’s political endorsements reflect a calculated balance of religious values, strategic interests, and electoral viability. While their process emphasizes “track record and credibility,” these terms are often interpreted through a pragmatic lens. By backing candidates like Joseph Estrada and Rodrigo Duterte, INC demonstrated its alignment with popular sentiment and perceived effectiveness over conventional ideals of moral governance. Despite criticisms, INC’s disciplined bloc voting strategy ensures its continued influence in Philippine politics, making its endorsements a significant factor in every election.
The perception that INC’s endorsements guarantee victory may be flawed, as their support often coincides with pre-existing public momentum for a candidate. This belief, however, can compel politicians to cater to INC interests, occasionally at odds with the majority’s will. As INC continues to wield political influence, the balance between religious values, political strategy, and public accountability remains a point of contention
