Aquino, Villar face pastor’s ‘divine wrath’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

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DAVAO CITY—The two front-runners in the presidential race Tuesday failed to show up at what had been billed as a major debate, and the wrath of the “Son of God” came down upon them.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party (LP) had excused himself, citing sinus problems, while Nacionalista Party (NP) candidate Sen. Manuel Villar was tied up in a series of meetings, aides said.

Six other candidates—former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Senators Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal, former President Joseph Estrada, evangelist Eddie Villanueva and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas—attended the presidential forum organized by the group called “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name.”

The sect is headed by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” who claims millions of followers.

No word, no honor

For Quiboloy, who still has to decide on whom his group will support on May 10, it’s all about palabra de honor (word of honor).

After reading an e-mail from Aquino explaining why he could not come, Quiboloy—obviously referring to the LP standard-bearer—told the thousands who came to hear the debate:

“You might be disappointed just like me. There is something that they say about commitment. An unknown man defined it as word of honor. When you fail to fulfill your commitment, you have no word and you have no honor.”

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Why do we always have to have the blessings of these so called religious groups? Seriously? Does the head of the group speak for every one of their members? I mean, if say the head of the group supports one candidate, does it mean every member must vote the same way? Doesn't their members have any independent thought?

I don't mind if they set up these debates or whatever forums they do to show help their members decide whom to vote for. But is it really necessary to know who the head wants to vote for? It's kind of voter manipulation isn't it?