Sen. Bong Revilla. Photo: Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas / Facebook 

MANILA, Philippines – Reelectionist Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has secured the backing of religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) for his Senate bid. 

Revilla himself confirmed this in a statement released on Thursday. 

“Thank you to Eduardo Manalo and the entire INC for your continued trust in me, in relation to your decision to once again support me to continue my desire to serve the people,” Revilla said in Filipino.

“I will not waste your support and trust,” he said. 

The INC, a prominent religious group, is known for its bloc voting. With its voting strength of over 2.8 million, it is believed that endorsement from the group is influential in the outcome of every election. 

In the 2016 presidential elections, Iglesia-backed then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte won. Other prominent personalities supported by the group in past elections include former President Joseph Estrada, former President Gloria Macapagla – Arroyo and former President Noynoy Aquino.