POLITICAL FICTION.

By Philip M. Lustre Jr.

ONE of the most perpetuated and well-preserved political fiction for many decades is the purported strength of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Because they vote like a bunch of docile sheep, political commentators, particularly media people, describe it as "strong," "powerful," and "game changer." This is not exactly true.

Allow me to comment on this political fiction:

1. The INC support is good for 1.5 million votes.Exit polls of a reputed polling firm has established this figure. These votes hardly determine the winners particularly in national elections (president, vice president, and senators). But they could provide the swing votes. Hence, they could influence the outcome of closely contested senatorial elections, particularly those candidates in the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th positions

2. An INC support does not mean automatic political victory for the candidate. An INC supported candidates also lose. My personal interviews with certain political guys have yielded disturbing facts. Members of rival religious organizations like Ang Dating Daan, JIL, Christian Evangelicals tend to vote for the opponents of INC-backed candidates. In brief, they cancel each other out.

3. Many INC-backed candidates lost. Examples are Danding Cojuangco in 1992, and BBM in 2016.

4. There is no known set of criteria to gain INC support. There are no consultations between leaders and members. INC leaders merely give the list of candidates to be supported by INC members. It is often said that an INC member has to abdicate his right to think every election day. He merely follows what his leaders tell him. Candidates negotiate with INC leaders to gain their support.There are reports that certain INC members don't follow the list. There are also reports of trade-offs.

5. Because of the absence of any consultation process or set of criteria for INC support, it's always open-ended with the INC.Known plunderers and murderers could get INC support. But the INC has gained a reputation for opportunism. The quid pro quo for INC political support is usually the appointments to key government posts of INC members.