President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo went straight to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Central Temple in Quezon City after arriving from Libya Wednesday night to pay her last respects to the religious group's leader Eraño "Ka Erdie" Manalo.

President Arroyo signed Proclamation 1874 during the wake, declaring" a period of national prayer for and remembrance" of the late INC leader.

In a statement ahead of her arrival from Libya, which was read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the President said she is hoping Manalo's son, Eduardo, "would be properly guided by the Almighty Lord in his new responsibility."

She said Manalo, who is partly responsible for the success of several politicians victory in past elections, will "always be in our hearts."

Vice-President Noli de Castro, who came from an official trip from China, also went to Manalo's wake.

Meanwhile, some 130 congressmen led by House Speaker Prospero Nograles came in full force at the wake. The congressmen were one in saying, Manalo is a big loss to the the country.

Other personalities, including the Aquino and Marcos families, also paid respects to the late INC leader on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, thousands of INC members continued to flock to Manalo's wake on Thursday. The public viewing resumed at 8 a.m. after the church service in the INC Central Temple.