MANILA, Philippines - Presidential front runner Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday said the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) did not seek anything in exchange for the powerful religious group's endorsement of the Liberal Party tandem.

In a press conference, Aquino said INC leader Eduardo Manalo did not ask him for anything, and neither did he offer anything in return for the INC's support.

The LP's Roxas told ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda in a phone interview that he had been informed by Manalo of the INC leadership's decision ahead of the official announcement.

"Nag-usap po kami ilang araw ang nakalipas. Si Ka Eduardo po ay nagpaabot ng impormasyon na iyon ang napagpasyahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo (We talked several days ago. Ka Eduardo informed us about this decision)," the senator said.

Aside from Aquino, the INC also ordered its members to vote for 4 LP senatorial candidates:

• former Sen. Franklin Drilon
• former Sen. Ralph Recto
• Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano "Ruffy" Biazon
• Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto "TG" Guingona.

In response to the INC's endorsement of the LP tandem, the Nacionalista Party (NP) said it continues to "lead the ground battle at the grassroots level," and that "we are confident of the days that lie ahead."

NP presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar has lost support and momentum in the run up to Election Day based on latest surveys of Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations, and Manila Standard Today. He and former President Joseph Estrada were tied for 2nd place in the April 23-25 survey of Pulse Asia. (Click here for story.)

In a statement, the NP said its "relationship with Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), cultivated over years of trust, friendship, and cooperation, nor our party's commitment to the nation, diminished or wavered with the INC's endorsement of other candidates."

Three of the NP's senatorial candidates--Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.--were endorsed by the INC. 

Lakas-Kampi disappointed

Meanwhile, the administration Lakas-KAMPI-CMD expressed mixed emotions over the INC's endorsements.

In a press conference in Malacañang, Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Prospero Pichay, who is also party campaign manager for its senatorial ticket, said they are disappointed that the INC did not endorse its standard-bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro.

“Well I haven't talked to Gibo, but everyone who hasn’t been chosen will be disappointed. I will not deny he [Gibo] was disappointed, but yes, definitely, it's a big bloc, but it will not affect us. Nandiyan ang resolve ng supporters ni Gibo to go all out," he said.

However, Pichay said they respect the decision of the group.

The INC endorsed 2 Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial bets--front runner Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, and Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid.

Pichay said that just because the INC endorsed the standard-bearers of the Liberal Party doesn't mean they are guaranteed of victory.
 
"Di porket ganun, sigurado nang panalo ang LP. There were cases where they gave their endorsement, di naman panalo," Pichay said.
He said many voters can still change their minds.

"The question as to whether maganda pa ang chances ni Gibo. I think, right now, maraming sumusuporta kay Gibo. A lot of people are changing their minds, medyo gumaganda ang chances ni Gibo in the last 2 minutes,” he said.

Pichay said endorsements matter if it’s a close race.

At least 1.5 million INC votes

Manalo announced the names of the candidates through a "palibot liham" distributed during Wednesday's worship service at the INC central temple in Quezon City. (Click here for story.)

The support of the religious group is courted by many candidates, both national and local, since the INC votes as a bloc. The practice is rooted in the INC's belief in the principle of unity.

INC voters account for around 3% of the electorate or between 1.5 million to 2 million votes.

The INC previously endorsed the candidacies of Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo in the 1998 and 2004 presidential elections, respectively.

In a close election, such as the 2004 race between President Arroyo and actor Fernando Poe Jr., INC's support can spell the difference between victory and defeat.

Many local politicians who need the support of the INC also often support the presidential candidate chosen by the INC leader. -- reports from RG Cruz, Ces Drilon, ABS-CBN News