Won’t ote as a loc Bro ddie
The Christian charismatic group, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) will endorse candidates in the May 2016 elections.
But JIL spiritual leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva said they will not vote as a bloc and will give their members the freedom to choose their candidates.
"We don’t want to resort to bloc voting. We want the people to exercise their own free will," he said in an interview at the sidelines of the religious group’s 37th anniversary celebration in Luneta, Manila yesterday.
Villanueva said their reason for endorsing is to educate the voters properly.
"We are very careful in making an endorsement because you will be committing a big sin to the people if you make a mistake. You will be bringing them to the wrong direction," he said.
"That will have a great impact in your conscience. That's why my call to church leaders is to be careful when making an endorsement," added Villanueva.
Four C’s Asked if the presence of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in their gathering is a tacit endorsement of his senatorial bid, the spiritual leader replied in the negative.
"He was invited by the committee way before he declared he will run... there is no politics there. He was invited here to share how he became a born again," Villanueva said.
Whoever JIL endorses will definitely undergo tough screening, Villanueva assured.
"The four or five presidentiables will be screened like going through a needle," said Vilanueva.
"As of now, we are still in the process of studying and research," he added.
Each candidate, Villanueva said will be screened based on four C's namely: Character, Competence, Compassion and Courage.
"The result of that vote will make an impact not only for one day, but a lifetime. That's why for us, the right to suffrage is very sacred," he said.
The last time the JIL endorsed candidates – eight senators – was in 2007.
Villanueva’s son, Joel, the former TESDA director is running for senator under the banner of the Liberal Party and is also being supported by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.