CAMARINES NORTE - Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has secured the support of the powerful sect Iglesia ni Cristo, the vice presidential candidate confirmed on Friday. An ANC report, however, said the INC has not officially endorsed Marcos.

Speaking to reporters in Daet, Camarines Norte, Marcos said he was informed by the INC leadership of its decision to support his candidacy on Tuesday.

Marcos said he welcomes the decision of the INC, noting that the religious group also supported his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

INC spokesman Edwil Zabala, however, told ANC the Iglesia has yet to endorse any candidate.

Members of the INC are known to practice bloc voting during elections, which means that they all vote for candidates chosen by church leaders.

Their support, therefore, could be crucial in a close race.

In the latest "Pulso ng Bayan" survey conducted by Pulse Asia from April 16 to 20, Marcos remained in the lead in the vice presidential race with 29% voter support, followed by Liberal Party (LP) bet Leni Robredo with 24%

Erstwhile frontrunner Senator Francis Escudero got 18%, while Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Gringo Honasan, and Antonio Trillanes IV got 16%, 4%, and 3%, respectively.