MalacaÑang is hopeful of the support of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo for the candidacy of administration standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the support of the INC will be “significant” for Teodoro’s candidacy. He said the INC has been “very, very supportive” of President Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration.

“In elections you need the support of such big groups. The INC is such a big group. If they believe in this administration, in its capacity to move the country forward and move towards progress, it is very significant to get the support for the candidacy of the administration, for former secretary Gilbert Teodoro,” Ermita said.

“I hope we get it fully,” he added.

In her speech during her visit to the New Era University, a school managed and operated by the INC, the President expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the INC for always supporting her candidacy since she ran for senator in 1995. She also recalled the INC’s support for her candidacy when she ran for vice president in 2001, in the 2004 presidential elections and even their support for Vice President Noli de Castro.

The INC is known to vote as a bloc, thus candidates seek the group’s support during elections.

When asked if there are already talks with the INC to support the administration candidate, Ermita said it is expected for Teodoro to reach out to as many sectors.