Lawmakers condole with Ka Erdy' family, flock
Lawmakers from both chambers of Congress remembered Tuesday the good leadership of the late Eraño “Ka Erdy" Manalo, executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, and extended their condolences to his family and members of his flock.
Despite their differences in political persuasion and religious belief, lawmakers put aside their diversity and spent a few moments in solemn remembrance of the late INC leader, who they called variously as great religious leader, a man of great vision and inspiration, not only to the members of his flock but to all Filipinos as well.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives coming from some of the country's most prominent political families who were believed to have benefited from the political backing of Ka Erdie were among the first to send their condolences to the family and flock of the spiritual leader.
“Ang buong pamilyang Marcos ay taus-pusong nakikiisa at nakikiramay sa pagpanaw ni Kapatid na Eraño G. Manalo (The whole Marcos family is one with the nation in mourning the death of Eraño G. Manalo)," said Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in a statement.
"Ang aming pamilya ay patuloy na magdarasal na ang mga aral ng Diyos na kanyang isinusulong ay magpatuloy at lalung yumabong pa (Our family is praying that his teachings will live on)," added the congressman, the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
In a statement, presidential brother-in-law and Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo said: "I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and prayers for the bereaved family of Ka Erdy."
Manalo had been known to have supported the political careers of late former President Ferdinand Marcos, former President Joseph Estrada and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Other lawmakers in the House who also sent condolences the the INC leader were Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño, and Neri Colmenares.
Rep. Biazon, son of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, said that his family is extending its "most sincere condolences to the family and flock" of Manalo.
"Ka Erdy served as an inspiration and moral guide not only to the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo but to the rest of the country, his service to God and country spanning several decades. While he will be missed here on earth, I am certain that he already has a place in heaven and his memory and teachings will continue to serve the purpose that he committed his life to do," the young Biazon said in a statement.
Reps. Ocampo, Casiño, and Colmenares said in a statement that their party is joining members of the INC in mourning Manalo's loss, saying Manalo was "instrumental in expanding this distinct church institution in the Philippines."
House Speaker Prospero Nograles said, "The collective leadership and full membership" of the House salutes Manalo, whom he described as a "true leader."
"He was a man of God whose life and sacrifices will continue to inspire millions of Filipinos and non-Filipinos worldwide to follow and live Christ's life and God's words. He lived to love," Nograles said in a statement.
Some members of the Senate expressed messages of solidarity and condolences.
Senator Manuel Roxas II said Manalo's death was a great loss, not only to the INC and its followers but to the entire nation.
"His (Manalo) inspirational leadership and great vision has brought together millions of Filipinos here and abroad through a dedicated ministry of faith and worship. Ka Erdy has made the Iglesia ni Cristo what it is today: awe-inspiring in number, influence and strength," the senator said in a press statement.
Senator Francis Escudero described Manalo as one of the country’s foremost spiritual leaders.
"The Iglesia ni Cristo would not be where it is today were it not for the tireless efforts of Ka Erdy to build upon what Iglesia founder Felix Y. Manalo established in 1914," he said.
"My whole family condoles with deepest sympathy to the Manalo family and the entire Iglesia ni Cristo. May they find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew, respected and loved him," Escudero added.
For Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Manalo was a man of great vision and an inspiration not only to his brothers and sisters in the Iglesia Ni Cristo but also to the rest of the nation.
"His dedication to bring the ministry of the Iglesia ni Cristo around the world made Filipinos proud. And that Filipino faith is being practiced and preached in over 90 countries through the INC," the senator said.
In a recorded announcement aired on dzBB radio Tuesday morning, INC spokesperson Bienvenido Santiago confirmed Manalo's death at 3:53 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2009.
Manalo was officially the executive minister of the INC, but he was also its supreme, charismatic leader who took over the church upon the death in 1963 of the founder, his father Felix Manalo. Born Jan. 2, 1925, he was the INC founder's fifth child.
Manalo died due to cardiopulmonary arrest. His remains will lie in state at INC's Central Temple in Quezon City.
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