This just came in.

Finally, the leaders of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in General Santos City have released the list of local candidates they are endorsing to their followers, most of whom are from the Liberal Party-aligned AIM.  This came after the national leadership under Ka Eduardo Manalo endorsed the tandem of Aquino-Roxas for the presidency and vice-presidency, both from the LP too.

The INC flock who have been known to go for block voting might just sway the votes in favor of the following candidates from the Tuna Capital.

  • Representative, 1st District of South Cotabato  –  Engr. Pedro “Jun” Acharon, Jr. (LP)
  • Mayor  –  Darlene Antonino – Custodio (LP)
  • Vice Mayor –  Dr. Jose Orlando “Odjok” Acharon  (LP)
  • The Councilors: (in no particular order)
    1. Margareth “Meg” Santos  (LP)
    2. Nepthale “Nep-nep” Natividad  (LP)
    3. Vivencio “Bing” Dinopol  (LP)
    4. Richard “Ric” Atendido  (LP)
    5. Elizabeth “Beth” Bagonoc  (LP)
    6. Marcelino “Dos” Dospueblos  (LP)
    7. Eduardo “Ed” Leyson IV  (LP)
    8. Virginia “Virgie” Llido  (LP)
    9. Dante “Vic” Vicente  (LP)
    10. Ronnel “Nel” Rivera (IND.)
    11. Francis “Kiko” Martinez  ((LKS-KAM)
    12. Dominador “Dom dom” Lagare III  (LKS-KAM)

As you can see, it’s 12-3 in favor of the local party AIM (Achievement with Integrity Movement) which is aligned with the Liberal Party.  Four of them are re-electionists:  Santos, Natividad, Atendido and Dinopol while the rest are first-timers.  This leaves 3 other LP candidates Remus De Claro, Dr. Jan-jan Oco and Atty Nonoy Henares out in the cold.

Also making it are two candidates from Lakas-Kampi, re-electionist Dom-dom Lagare and Francis Martinez.  The last one is Independent Candidate Ronnel Rivera, son of fishing magnate Rudy Rivera.

Now that the INC has come up with their list, are you ready with yours?