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Political and legal doctrines state that government and religious institutions are to be kept apart and independent from each other. It is the secularity of the government and the freedom of the Church to its religious exercises that makes them both autonomous.
In Philippine politics however, there’s a thin line dividing the State and the Church.
Jesus is Lord founder Brother Eddie Villanueva aims to defy the doctrine once again as he treads on the presidential campaign trail with the catchphrase "Diyos at Bayan" - the core of his platform of government.
Bro. Eddie Villanueva is a well-known religious leader and for the second time, he is attempting to snatch the topmost seat in government. He ran and lost during the 2004 presidential elections. Now, he is running again as the standard bearer of Bangon Pilipinas, which primary goal is to promote righteousness and moral renewal in the government.
According to Villanueva, this time, his campaign has a different approach, a new line-up and more promises. He is riding on the hope that if so-called "intellectual leaders" became corrupt and abusive while in power, many Filipinos are hoping that maybe, "moral leaders" will become catalysts for change -- recent regional polls done by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) indicate, after all, that people no longer trust traditional politicians and the public desires genuine change.Activist preacher
It was during his college years at the Philippine College of Commerce, (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Villanueva became conscious with the struggle for justice and plight of the Filipino masses during the Marcos dictatorship. He became one with the people in fighting against land grabbers in Bulacan, his hometown, and was sent to jail twice because of his ideals.
After studying, he became a professor of economics, finance and political economy. During that time when he was still active in the mass movement that he discovered his "true vocation" and soon founded the Jesus is Lord Church in1978. As a constant topnotch debater, his transition to becoming a Christian evangelist was easy.
Currently, JIL boast millions in global membership. It owns a television station, ZOE and radio station DZVJ.
Villanueva's son, Rep. Joel Villanueva represents partylist Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC), which has two members in the Lower House.
Twice the charm?
Bro. Eddie claims that when he was asked to run again, he demanded Bangon Pilipinas to show their machinery first. In the 2004 presidential elections, their campaign strategy was “Oplan Josiah” where 7,000 church leaders targeted to recruit seven individuals each and in turn, the seven individuals will encourage more supporters and so on and so forth. This multiplier and networking strategy was planned to deliver 16.8 million votes for Villanueva. Obviously, Oplan Josiah didn’t work as Villanueva ended up with only 1.99 million votes.
On his second try for the presidency, Bro. Eddie and Bangon Pilipinas will take it up a notch higher. Cheered on by the party's slogan “Ang Tunay na Pagbabago” (Genuine Change), Villanueva believes he is up for the challenge this time around, together with running mate former Securities and Exchange Commission chief Perfecto Yasay Jr. and their line-up of five senatorial candidates.
Bangon Pilipinas advocates a Philippines that is governed by God. All the moral characteristics of God must be embodied by the officials as well as the masses. Equality amongst people disregarding gender and social class, a nation who will embrace everything good and beginning with one’s self will result to an improved nation-building.
This might sound ambitious but with the will and motivation to achieve such a harmonious and developed nation with the help of every single individual, it will surely pull through.
According to Bro. Eddie and Bangon Pilipinas’ basic principles and policies for governance, leaders, as well as the people should go back to its basic routes of morality: love for God and love for country.
In their belief, “righteousness is the essential trait every Filipino must have in order for all the good to follow, it assures honesty, rectitude, transparency, responsibility, accountability, fairness and equal opportunity for all.”
“Diyos at Bayan para sa Tunay at Tamang Pagbabago” are the core values and philosophies translated into a Seven-Point Roadmap of Bangon Pilipinas which includes:
3. Elevate the living standards of the people
7. Establish peace and order in the land
The Seven-Point Roadmap or the Seven E’s of Bangon Pilipinas is a comprehensive platform that explains the party’s vision for the country in an elaborate, step-by-step plan.
This vision, according Bro. Eddie’s supporters, prove that their bet is not like other “trapos” (traditional politicians) who doesn’t have concrete proposals on how to lead the country.
Survey says there’s no Bro. Eddie
Presidential aspirants usually take a hint on political surveys on their popularity and efficiency of their campaign strategies. Among the presidential candidates, Villanueva’s place in the surveys is playing around the top 6th to 8th spot. But according to him, his name is not even included in some presidential surveys.
He views the alleged exclusion of his name in some surveys as ‘deliberate conspiracy.’
Villanueva is worried that the automated elections will not push through because of the current glitches and delays encountered by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) and Smartmatic-TIM. He said there’s a chance that the true results of the election may not come out. He also expressed concern with the media’s ‘biased reports’ on the national elections.
Bro. Eddie promised that he will foster a new Philippine government based on truth, honesty and love for God and the country, where injustices and corruptions will no longer exist.
For more information on Brother Eddie Villanueva, visit the following sites:
Villanueva's official website and blog
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