Why Iglesia Ni Cristo Endorses Politicians?

Days before the Philippine elections, leaders of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) typically endorse specific candidates to their members. Members are expected to vote strictly for these candidates, without questioning the basis of their selection, in order to achieve what the INC calls a “Unity Vote.”

For non-INC members like me, however, questions such as “Why these candidates?” or “What does the INC gain in return for endorsing them?” naturally arise. While we may not receive direct answers from INC leaders, we can examine the actions of the endorsed candidates who eventually win the election. With that in mind, let me share one observation.

During the 2004 election, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) endorsed presidential candidate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA), who eventually won the election. In the 2007 elections, the INC also endorsed senatorial candidate Miguel Zubiri, who won the last Senate seat.

Two years later, the INC received national recognition through Republic Act No. 9645, which declared July 27 of every year as “Araw ng Iglesia Ni Cristo,” a special working holiday. The law was authored by Senator Miguel Zubiri and approved by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 12, 2009.

These events may raise further questions, such as: “Why was this law prioritized over other measures that could benefit a broader segment of the population?” or “Was this law a result of the INC’s unity vote?” Perhaps these observations offer insight into the question: Why does the Iglesia Ni Cristo endorse candidates during elections?