Press Release
September 1, 2009

Villar extols INC's Ka Erdie

Sen. Manny Villar today mourned the passing of Eraño G. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, describing him as "one of the most influential of the country's religious leaders."

Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party, said Manalo's death is "a loss not only to the Iglesia ni Cristo, but also to the entire Filipino nation, for losing one of the prominent figures that people look up for spiritual and moral guidance."

Manalo, known as 'Ka Erdie' to millions of his followers, died at the age of 84 last Monday afternoon.

Villar said that Ka Erdie's demise leaves a void in the leadership of the influential church that would be hard to fill. But he expressed confidence that other INC leaders would be able to carry on the work of Ka Erdie, who took over the mantle of leadership of the homegrown religious congregation founded in 1914 by his father, Felix Y. Manalo, who died in 1963.

"I am well aware that Ka Erdie was responsible for the phenomenal growth of the INC since the 1960s. As such, he has contributed significantly to inculcating a deep sense of spirituality among Filipinos," Villar said.

Under Manalo's helm, the Iglesia ni Cristo grew by leaps and bounds and established a nationwide presence, with a membership believed to reach as many as eight million. It has also expanded to foreign shores, with churches established in more than 60 countries.

Villar said he condoled with the family of 'Ka Erdie' and would convey his deep sympathies to the leaders and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo when he pays his last respects to the late church leader at the INC Central Temple in Quezon City.

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