Marcos greets INC's Manalo on 69th birthday

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday greeted Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo on his 69th birthday, lauding him for his dedication and leadership

Marcos visited Manalo at the INC Central Office in Quezon City on Tuesday, ahead of the religious leader's birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The President was accompanied by his wife, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their son, Ilocos Norte First District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander «Sandro» Marcos.

«Happy birthday to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo! On this day, I would like to convey our gratitude and admiration for your dedication to leadership and guidance in the Iglesia ni Cristo,» Marcos said in Filipino.

The President expressed hope that Manalo may «continue to be blessed with strength and wisdom to be used in your continued service and leadership within the Church.»

«From our family, we pray for the continued growth of your work and good aspirations for the country and the whole world. Long live, Ka Eduardo, and the Iglesia ni Cristo!» he added.

This is President Marcos' second visit to Manalo since he assumed office in 2022.

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In 2023, Marcos appointed Manalo as a special envoy for overseas concerns, a post the latter held during the Duterte administration.

During the INC's 110th founding anniversary in July, the President urged its members to be «instruments of change» by continuing their selfless and «inspiring» acts of service to the country.

«In each act of goodness and compassion, I urge you to be instruments of change in our society and let us achieve a new Philippines for everyone's benefit,» he said.

INC was founded by Felix Manalo on July 27, 1914. The religious group now has around 2.25 million followers worldwide.

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Known for bloc voting, the group endorsed the candidacy of Marcos and his running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 elections.