HUNDREDS  of pastors and churches from different parts of the country are calling on former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to run for President in the upcoming 2022 general elections.

In an open letter to Cayetano dated September 16, 2021, a total of 588 pastors, along with 1,564 of their church members, said they found in the former Speaker a leader who can inspire Filipinos to believe in the power of faith amidst times of crisis.

“Sa pinakamadilim na oras ng ating bayan, kailangan natin ng isang lider na magdadala ng liwanag at pag-asa,” they said in their letter.

The signatures represent 562 churches, and the number is expected to grow as the letter gets circulated all over the country.. Pastor Raul Limpiado of Catarman Temple of Praise International in Catarman, Samar said what the country needs right now is a leader who fears God and will do His will especially during this time of great uncertainty.

“Ang kailangan natin ay isang lider na naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pananampalataya at as kakayahan nitong baguhing ang anumang sitwasyon,” he said, echoing the content of the open letter.

Cayetano had previously said he is seeking the advice of family and colleagues on his plans on advancing a faith-based, values-oriented, and Bible-centered leadership in the upcoming national elections.

Limpiado said he believes a faith-based leadership under Cayetano can unite the country.

“Ang faith-based leadership ay nakabase sa pananampalataya sa Diyos anuman ang ating relihiyon. Maraming relihiyon sa Pilipinas at naniniwala kami na si Cayetano, bilang isang public servant sa loob ng ilang dekada, ay kayang pag-isahin ang mga ito,” he said.

Limpiado said one of the offshoots of a faith-based leadership is Cayetano’s creation of programs that have given hope to Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These programs include the Sampung Libong Pag-Asa and Sari-Saring Pag-Asa initiatives, both of which have provided financial aid to thousands of households and sari-sari store owners across the country.

The Sampung Libong Pag-Asa program was inspired by the 10K Ayuda Bill, which Cayetano and his allies filed in February 2021. The proposed measure seeks to distribute P10,000 each to the poorest of the poor amidst the ongoing pandemic.

In their open letter, the pastors and churches said the country needs a leader “who is compassionate and empathetic, someone who is willing to face any challenge with understanding and love.”

“Kagalang-galang na dating Speaker Cayetano, naniniwala kami na ikaw ang lider na hinahanap ng ating bayan,” they said.

The pastors and religious leaders assured Cayetano that they will support his bid for the Presidency as well as his advocacies.

“Makakaasa kayo sa aming pagsuporta sa iyo at sa iyong mga adhikain,” they said.

The filing of candidacy for all national and local positions will start on October 1 and will run until October 8.