Villanueva unfurls giant flag

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential aspirant and Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva led the unfurling of a giant flag at a rally in Rizal Park on the first day of the official campaign period yesterday.

The flag, which measures 180 meters by 92 meters and reportedly cost P10 million, was   commissioned by businesswoman Grace Gupana, CEO of ABS Gen Herbs International Corp, according to ABS-CBN news website.

“The Philippine flag is a symbol of the aspirations of the Filipino people. We want to revive genuine patriotism and nationalism,” he said in his speech, adding that the flag is meant to inspire nationalism among Filipinos.

Villanueva and the entire national candidates of the BPP expressed their commitment to herald a new politics with moral leadership and aspire for zero corruption.

At the rally, they chanted their slogan “Anim na Taon Walang Kurapsyon, Pilipinas ay Babangon.”

Villanueva said that if he gets elected he would choose Cabinet members with the four “Cs”—character, competence, courage and compassion.

Villanueva and vice presidential candidate former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Attorney Perfecto Yasay Jr. and senatorial candidates also led in the washing of the feet of people from different sectors like the military, urban poor, women, indigenous community, children, youth and family.

Villanueva cites Jesus’ own washing of the feet of his apostles in the Bible, saying this is their own way of showing servant leadership.

“ This is the strongest gesture of humility and servanthood,” he said.

Meanwhile, Villanueva also said that under his administration, Yasay would be appointed as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary.

Another BPP senatorial candidate lawyer Ramoncito Ocampo said that he envisions turning the Philippines as a retirement country for the elderly, not only for the returning Filipinos but other nationals as well such as the Koreans and Japanese.

The five other senatorial candidates are Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Alex Tinsay, Count Habib Adz Nikabulin, and Dr. Israel Virgines.