Bro Eddie cites need for RP to focus on genuine reforms

By Angie Chui

Brother Eddie Villanueva, president and spiritual advisor of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) movement, said yesterday it is more important to focus on national transformation and find genuine reforms for the country than to engage in partisan political activities. During a press conference to mark the JIL’s 30th anniversary dubbed "All Peoples Worship His Majesty," Villanueva addressed issues on corruption in government and "bankrupt" electoral process.

"We have looked for positive changes in the wrong places for too long now. And the act has led us only to ever mounting disappointments," he said. "It is hard to change those who do not wish to change. It is difficult to ask someone who does not want to tell the truth to stop telling lies. It is hard to stop corruption among those who do not fear God. This is the reason why any shot at national transformation, without personal regeneration, is impossible," he said, adding that he needs the people’s support in his crusade.

He said public action for national transformation is vital to see the country rise from the ruins.
Villanueva said the decision on whether or not he will run for President in 2010 is not his decision to make, but God’s. "The presidency does not have any ‘it’ to me. If the situation should arise and God would reveal to me that I should lead our beloved people to the ‘promised land,’ and I think the Filipino people are clamoring for genuine change and reforms, there is a possibility that I will entertain that challenge," he said.

Although he acknowledged that there are a lot of groups urging him to throw his hat into the race, he said he cannot be tempted to join the 2010 race, if not for God, to fight for God’s agenda.
"I am not saying yes or no… I am always at the disposal of my God, I do hope God will not command me to do so," he said.

Villanueva first ran for President in the 2004 elections but lost.

During the conference, he cited one of the Church’s recognized transformation leaders, Pampanga Gov. Among Ed Panlilio, who, he said, is a symbol of genuine reform in the country.
He said the People Power elections in Pampanga in 2004 -- where Panlilio, a former priest, triumphed over more powerful and wealthier adversaries -- should be seen as a model for the entire country.

Villanueva also recalled the statement made by former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte who said that what the Philippines needs is a genuine reformist president. The evangelist said with the worsening conditions of the country, it is extremely difficult for the Filipino to elect a genuine reformist president unless the People Power election in Pampanga could be duplicated nationwide. "We need divine intervention. With the kind of bankrupt, rotten electoral process we have, it requires a miracle from God to raise a genuine reformist national leader who has the passion, competence, and courage to perpetuate genuine change and reforms," he said.
Villanueva, however, acknowledged that there are other transformation leaders in the country who represent a clear message of hope to the people.

Among them, he said, were the Church’s anniversary guests Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela, Gov. Raffy Nantes of Quezon, and Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City of the Kaya Natin! movement.
He said as early as now, Bangon Pilipinas leaders are keeping their eyes open for possible alliances with political parties that share their commitment, vision and standards. So far, he said, there have been representatives from at least four political parties who have approached their group.

Villanueva also disclosed that their group has received several feelers from aspiring candidates to seek their support come election time. He sai if they find a suitable candidate, they will not withhold their blessing. He, however, placed emphasis on the criteria for endorsing a candidate. Villanueva said for a candidate to be qualified, he would have to have the three Cs – competence, character, and courage. "It is utterly disgraceful to God that we claim to be the only Christian nation in Asia yet we are today tagged as the number one most corrupt country in the region. I don’t know why we are even silently taking all these perversions sitting down. This should have been a cause for national outrage long time ago. We must altogether rally behind national transformation now, if we are to see our beloved Philippines rise up from the ruins again," Villanueva said.