Bro. Eddie expects at least 7-M votes

Presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva is convinced that 7.1 million voters have already made up their mind to choose him as the country’s next leader.

Speaking to businessmen at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City Wednesday, the television evangelist said the group "Task Force Pagbabago" has assured him of 7.1 million votes on May 10.

"Each of them has pledged to convince seven more registered voters to support me," he said.

The two million members of Task Force Pagbabago throughout the country are supporting him with funds "from their own pockets," he added.

Villanueva, spiritual leader of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, said he needs "divine intervention" to win the presidential race.

"Conventional wisdom dictates that what I did was stupidity," he said. "But I have to take the risk to effect change to our rotten political system."

Villanueva warned that the military could take over the government if he is not elected president on May 10.

"Because of the precarious condition of the country, more (Navy Lt. s.g. Antonio) Trillanes would succeed," he said, referring to the spokesman of the failed mutiny in July last year.

Villanueva said he had attended a "confidential seminar" where military leaders voiced out their sentiments on the country’s political and economic condition.

"They said the plan of groups to take over the government is real," he said.

Villanueva said another military coup could plunge the country into a civil war, with a military junta taking control of the government.

"And I don’t want to see our country in bloody wars and military junta," he said.

Villanueva, who carries the title "Bishop," said JIL, has three million members nationwide, and some seven million more in 33 countries.

"It took me four months of agonizing and fasting before I decided to run (for the presidency)," he said.

Villanueva said he is sad that some groups had tried to stop his candidacy by filing a disqualification suit against him based on the constitutional mandate of the separation of church and state.

"I believe in the innate goodness of every Filipino," he said. "I know that they would be enlightened and go for righteous governance."

Recent surveys show Villanueva is fifth or next to last in the list of presidential candidates that could win in the elections.

But Villanueva said surveys are "not credible enough" to gauge the real sentiments of the people.

"There are about 40 million voters, and they would just interview specific sectors."