Bro. Eddie to voters: Don’t think of movies

Bangon Pilipinas Movement (BPM) standard-bearer and evangelist Eduardo Villanueva urged voters yesterday to think of their future, not their favorite movies, when they troop to poll precincts on May 10.

Villanueva, who founded the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, said he has been praying that Filipinos will choose their next leader based on the interests of their children.

"We need only to instill in their minds and hearts that when they vote, they should forget about hero worship in the movies, and let their love for their children and their children’s future prevail," he said.

Villanueva added that people should choose their leaders according to character, courage and competence and "not according to perception. You should not go for those perceived to be winnable."

He also emphasized the greatness and heroism of Filipinos.

"I know that people would forget about the entertainment provided by traditional politicians. They would be enlightened about the actual situation of the country and go for righteous government," Villanueva said.

He also said that despite his limited campaign funds, his machinery is getting stronger.

"We have been receiving overwhelming support," said Villanueva, who claims to have the support of at least two million registered voters. The BPM has been soliciting P2 from every supporter who attends its campaign rallies.

Villanueva said some allies of opposition frontrunner Fernando Poe Jr. have "secretly pledged support for me. They are prominent showbiz personalities who attended my rally in Barasoain Church in Bulacan."

He added that a significant number of former President Joseph Estrada’s supporters from the "urban and rural poor" have also vowed to back his candidacy. Estrada, now being tried on graft charges, is Poe’s bosom buddy.

Villanueva also said a pastor from Zamboanga City, who was vehemently against his decision to enter politics, "told me he has dreamed of me winning the elections."

He said each of his supporters has vowed to convince at least seven more voters to support him. He expects to garner at least 14 million votes and a landslide victory in the May presidential elections.

Last Chance

Villanueva said the May elections may be the country’s last chance to recover from the economic crisis and get back on track towards peace and stability.

"This could be the last card. We have to accelerate economic development at all costs," he said in a speech before rural bankers.

Villanueva vowed that if he is elected president, the first thing he will do is to appoint "the best and the brightest" Filipinos to his Cabinet.

"I will require all the members of their family and I will orient them that the position given to their parents does not entitle them to take advantage of the power that comes with the position," he said.

"I will make the Cabinet members understand the blueprint of policies. They will be given a timetable to accomplish their jobs; if they fail, they must be ready to resign," Villanueva added.

During his speech, Villanueva said there is a need to reform the banking industry to allow it to be an effective participant in economic development.

The rural banks will receive full support from the government, particularly in the area of microfinance, to benefit small and medium enterprises, he said.

Villanueva clarified that he is not against big business.

"We will implement useful laws to the fullest in order to create a healthy business environment. This will have a domino effect from national... to local businesses," he said.

Villanueva also called on Filipinos to decide the issue of Charter change and not leave it to legislators.

"The people must decide through a plebiscite and under the guidance of righteous government," he said, adding that he does not want to influence the people.

Villanueva explained that the only role that the government has in the issue of Charter change is to educate the people and "let them know the options at hand and the possible consequences of each (option)."

He said he is working on a platform of "massive renewal" and the recovery of morality and righteousness in government.

"Righteousness exalts a nation. (Our) economic downfall was caused by moral degradation and widespread corruption in government," Villanueva said.

He cited that in 1943, the Philippines was number one in Asia in terms of economic growth and still one of the richest in the region by the 1960s.

"But after 40 years, our economy has made a drastic downfall. We are now classmates with Bangladesh and East Timor," Villanueva said, adding that other countries now call the Philippines a "nation of prostitutes, domestic helpers and corrupt officials. This was one of the reasons why I decided to run."

To address the problem of "endemic and deeply seated" corruption, Villanueva proposed the creation of an independent anti-graft body similar to that in Hong Kong.