Religious leaders to slug it out in 2010

MANILA, Philippines - More religious leaders have expressed their intention to run for president in 2010, claiming they will lead the nation to moral recovery.

Born-again Christian leader Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) movement was the latest to join the presidential derby after he accepted yesterday the endorsement and nomination as standard-bearer of the Bangon Pilipinas party at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, a Catholic priest turned politician, was the first to declare that he will seek the presidency in 2010.

El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde had also hinted that he might run for president.

Panlilio said he was surprised by the announcements of Villanueva and Velarde, but he refused to elaborate.

He, however, welcomed the decisions of Villanueva and Velarde to serve the country.

The governor said both Villanueva and Velarde have the right to become president and serve the country.

More than 5,000 yellow-clad followers from different churches and organizations expressed support for Villanueva and chanted “pagbabago (change), pagbabago” and “Brother Eddie.”

The party also supported Villanueva’s first presidential bid in the 2004 elections.

“I am humbled by the insistence of the Bangon Pilipinas party and the Bagong Pilipino Movement,” he said.

He told The STAR that he had been praying for three years before finally accepting the nomination.

“I whole heartedly accept the challenge to lead the change in the elections of 2010, and today we declare war against the goliaths of corruption and injustice,” he said.

He called on his supporters to start a campaign for the massive registration of voters in cities and towns by asking their friends and relatives to make sure they are registered for the 2010 polls.

He said Bangon Pilipinas is open to alliances with other parties advocating moral leadership with competence, good courage and compassion for the 90 million Filipinos.

Villanueva declined to disclose who would be his running mate, saying that the Bangon Pilipinas executive committee is still studying several candidates in its long list.

He said Bangon Pilipinas will also field senatorial candidates and identified them as lawyer Romancito Ocampo of El Shaddai, Tom Meneses of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and former Securities and Exchange commissioner Perfecto Yasay Jr.

 ‘Sanctifying grace’

Malacañang officials said there is nothing wrong with the plans of religious leaders or priests to join the 2010 elections since they could bring some “sanctifying grace in Philippine politics.”

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the latest political development only shows that democracy is very much alive in the country.

“The entry and advent of religious leaders in the political arena is very much welcome and may their entry into the political arena bring about some sort of a sanctifying grace in Philippine politics,” Remonde told a news briefing.

When asked about the influence of their flock in the elections, he said: “I think every candidate who has a following should be taken seriously for what they are and I think this is an interesting phenomenon in Philippine politics.”

“I think it would be also good if our religious leaders become active in politics even during non-political season, and good if they enter politics,” he said.

He, however, stressed the public will ultimately be the judge of the matter.

President Arroyo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal, however, frowned on the reports that religious leaders are seeking elective posts.

“I cannot imagine how a leader of Christ could give up something greater for something which is lesser,” Macalintal said in a text message to The STAR. “I believe the gift of priesthood and being the leader of Christ cannot be compared to being a worldly leader.”

He said it was unfortunate that such reports come out when the Catholic Church is celebrating the Year of the Priest and “that some of them would give up what is supposed to be the ‘greatest position for God’.”

 “It is regrettable to hear from them that they would go back to priesthood or being pastors if they lose in the presidential polls, as if the gift of priesthood being the leader of Christ is being made as a mere ‘second option’,” Macalintal said.

Velarde starts signature drive

Velarde said that he is still waiting for the turnout of the consensus and signature campaign that his supporters have started last week to make a final decision on his political plans.

He said their groups’ target is to get 10 million signatures. The result of the signature campaign would be submitted by middle of November.

Velarde dedicated the past 25 years in building the El Shaddai, establishing several chapters in different countries. The organization boasted of having 10 million members.

Every election, politicians running for both local and national positions seek him out, hoping to get his endorsement.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said that Velarde is not suited to become the next president because he has no experience in public office.

In an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Bastes said that while they are leaving it up to Velarde if he wants to run for president, it is his opinion that the 70-year-old charismatic leader was not suited for the position.

He said that since Velarde is a layman, it is within his right to run for president and the Church could not prevent him from seeking office in government.

“The question is whether he is fit to be president. I doubt his capability. He has no qualification nor experience in public office,” the Sorsogon bishop added.

Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez said that people should first look into the platform of government of all the candidates before they support any presidential bet. With Paolo Romero, Evelyn Macairan, Ric Sapnu