When I listened to him on TV, I felt admiration for Bro. Mike Velarde as he preached with a gentle and heartfelt voice that Jesus Christ came to the world to save mankind, especially those who are lost in the world. But when I read about his choice of senatorial candidates, which serve as a guide to his millions of followers, my admiration crumbled to pieces.
I cannot understand why Velarde would encourage me to vote for a candidate required by the court to return P124.5 million worth of taxpayer money stolen from his pork barrel fund. The report said Velarde included this candidate among his choices because he gave support to El Shaddai.
I also cannot understand why Velarde should endorse a candidate found lying about her educational achievements, that she graduated from Princeton University, and who insists that, in the painful history of our country, there were no rampant violations of human rights during the reign of the ruthless dictator — her father.
Honestly, does Velarde think this candidate will perform her noble task in the Senate with honesty and integrity?
Velarde’s endorsement of certain senatorial candidates, to my regret, made me lose my admiration and respect for the venerable charismatic leader.
MARIANO F. CARPIO,
Las Piñas City,
mfoncarpio@gmail.com