El Shaddai leader Bro. Mariano “Mike” Velarde has assured President-elect Benigno Noynoy Aquino III of his group’s full support and prayers.

“As always, we are fully behind the President and anytime that he needs us we are there,” Velarde said, in an interview last Thursday.

“I hope all his plans for the country will come to fruition. We would pray for him,” he added.

The religious movement leader attended the ordination of Balanga, Bataan, Bishop Ruperto Santos at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.

Velarde also denied the rumor that his presidential candidate in the last May 10 polls was Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar of the Nacionalista Party, even though he did not endorse any particular candidate.

“That’s only a rumor. Anyway as you all know, I officially declared neutrality. My intention then and now really, as always, is to stay in the middle so we can be of help to any group. We are able to reach out to all sectors,” he said.

The El Shaddai leader has called on the Filipino people to rally behind the new president.

“We have to come together to support him. He was able to teach us how to hope again. He needs all our prayers,” he said.