The Philippine Online Chronicles

Last January 2010, I attended a bloggers meet with presidential candidate Brother Eddie Villanueva.  To be honest, I've always wondered how a religious leader would plan to lead the Philippines considering the dirty politics that we continue to witness.  Before the meeting started, Brother Eddie's staff apologized.  We were informed that Brother Eddie Villanueva had been sick and was still not feeling well.  Brother Eddie, in spite of showing signs of being sick, was more than willing to meet with us, though.

A few minutes later, Brother Eddie Villanueva arrived.  He was very warm in welcoming us.  He joined us for lunch and we had a great casual conversation.  After lunch, we started the interview.  Let me share with you a very detailed account of our interview with Brother Eddie Villanueva to give you a feel of the discussion that took place.  I suggest you also read the article written by my fellow Blogwatch writer Sonnie.  His article was titled "The Strong Conviction to Rescue the Philippines."

I also suggest you go to this link if you want to watch the full interview of the Blogwatch team with presidentiable Brother Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas Party.  The following are the questions posed to Brother Eddie, and the answers that were provided by him.

This is your second time to run for the presidency.  Did you change the platform you created last 2004?  And can you share quickly your platform?

We improved, updated and upgraded the platform.  We realized during 2004, 10 points were given.  Based on our studies since last year with volunteers practicing economics, we decided to simplify our platform.

The platform is known as the blueprint for the new Philippines with emphasis on the 7 E's.

• 1st E - Empower the people
• 2nd E - Emancipate the people
• 3rd E - Educate the people.
• 4th E - Elevate the living standards of people.
• 5th E - Energize the economy.
• 6th E - Eradicate bad governance including corruption.
• 7th E - Establish peace in the land.

Some people asked why the emphasis on the 7 E's; is it because your name is Eddie? It is just because we are emphasizing the word "excellence" in this platform of government of the Bangon Pilipinas party.

If ever you win, will you appoint people from JIL (Jesus is Lord) into your government?

I believe in meritocracy.  I have been fighting for good government and righteous leadership, therefore all kinds of appointments must be based on merits.  I'm determined that the Filipino people will cooperate with the aspirations of many people to have many changes and reforms. I will surely appoint only people that are qualified in the position they are aspiring for irregardless of position or religious connections.

I emphasize the importance of 4 C's for a leader:

• good Character - Integrity and honesty.
• Competence- Without competence, still "inutil."
• Courage - The backbone to implement what is right or what is best for the country.
• Compassion - A leader who doesn't have a compassionate heart can just be a leader in the Eiffel tower.  A leader cannot be insensitive to the feelings and sufferings of millions of our people.

Irregardless of political and religious persuasion, as long as they pass the standard which I believe should be the basis for right qualifications, then no problem with me.  I hate "palakasan" system.  I believe this is the major reason why the Philippines has deteriorated to such a miserable condition today.

If ever you win the presidency, who will take over JIL?

JIL movement is different from other churches.  JIL movement is not personality-centered, it is Christ-centered, Bible-based centered, and not partisan-based centered.  Last February 7, in a leadership conference at the Astrodome, I was surprised by the council of leaders nationwide and worldwide. Suddenly, they called me up on the stage and they enlisted me to the nation. They understand fully my passion for the country.  I then finally officially accepted the proposal of multisectoral groups that approached me three years ago, headed by [the] chairman of South Christian Businessmen of the Philippines to again consider the decision to continue the fight for genuine change in the country.  There will be no problem with ministry leadership.  We have 10,000 churches all over the world and we have pastors and an executive management board.  The leadership structure of JIL movement is not predicated on personality, so with or without brother Eddie Villanueva, it will continue to grow everyday because it's Christ-centered and it's a bible-centered ministry.

What are your thoughts on separation of church and state?

There is a perception that religious leaders should be prohibited to run for public office.  As a matter of fact, Joaquin Bernas, a highly-skilled constitutionalist, said there is no provision in the constitution that prohibits righteous, Godly, religious people to run for public office.  No religious test should be made in testing the so-called social and political rights of the citizens.  Moreover, I would like to explain that separation of church and state is not designed to prevent Godly people from offering their public service to the people.

Thomas Jefferson, being a unitarian, wrote a letter to the congregation of the Baptists assuring them that the state will never interfere in the ecclesiastical duty of the church.  He emphasized that religious freedom and freedom of worship will be observed and protected.  In our Philippine constitution, the state is prohibited to establish a state religion. The state is absolutely prohibited to spend public funds in promoting a particular religion. The state should observe and protect religious freedom and freedom of worship. That is very clear in our constitution.  No religious test is required in the exercise of political rights of the Filipino people, as always quoted by Joaquin Bernas...

If our political system has been allowing any person, whether a lawyer, engineer, housewife, basketball player, actor/actress, or even smuggling lords [to run for] public office, why prohibit Godly people to run for public office and fulfill God's mandate?  God's mandate is very clear.  In Proverbs 25:5, remove the wicked away from the king's throne so the government will be based on righteousness.

In Proverbs 29:2 - when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice -- when the wicked rule, the people mourn.  In other words, I believe in my heart that Godly Filipinos must be encouraged as long as they are competent, as long as they are qualified to run for any public office so that we can have a righteous government which is a key for the genuine development and progress and prosperity of our beloved country.

On population policy, what is your view on abortion in relation to development?

I am against all forms of abortion because abortion is murder.  If we tolerate abortion, the nation will be inviting curses and people will suffer.  However, I'm in favor of sound family planning and a responsible parenthood system.  We should not allow reckless production of babies when the economy is bankrupt like what happened in the history of South Korea.  It is now noted when South Korea was bankrupt, the government was encouraging only one child per family.  After awhile, because of a massive prayer movement, South Korea experienced a booming economy so that even the government didn't know what to do with so much money.

They are now encouraging Korean families to produce more children and those who do will be rewarded by government.  We have to possess wisdom in managing the population of the country based on righteous principles.  We cannot sacrifice development at the same time helping families to produce any number of children that they want to produce but be guided accordingly through education that the future of their children won't be sacrificed.

If ever elected as president, I will immediately order the comprehensive review of the RH bill.  Those provisions which are against the moral culture of Filipino people, especially against [the] will and commandments of God, I will fight for elimination/revision/improvement of such provisions.  In particular, I was informed that five-year-old and 10-year-old children are compelled to undergo a seminar in elementary school that they have the human rights to enjoy pleasure of sex.  I was informed by a lawyer.  Another one is if an employer failed to provide condom to his employees, the employer will be penalized and even face imprisonment.  If that is true, because I wasn't able to read the whole RH bill, I will immediately order [a] no-nonsense comprehensive review of RH bill.  I will implement laws that will protect women and children at the same time, without violating laws of morality.

Will you delegate to your people when you become president considering you haven't completely read the RH bill and you'd be busier when you get elected?

I will order the secretary of health to form a special committee that will not be biased on political and religious persuasions.  I am after a no-nonsense study without being affected by political and religious persuasions.

I can assure our people, Brother Eddie is after the maximization of benefits for the families, for the mothers and for the children without violating moral laws clearly stated in the Good Book.  Some people are saying why be affected by the Good Book?  You ask the framers of the constitution why they specifically said that the sovereign Filipino people acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being, the Almighty God, by saying that we, the Filipino people, are imploring the aid of mighty God.  And that was clearly stated in the Philippine constitution as part of the preamble.  If I'm still an atheist like before, I may disregard the word God.  But the Philippines is known as the first Christian country in Asia in history, and the first democratic state in Asia.  Besides, we should fully understand that once we disregard God, we will be inviting curses not only on ourselves but also to our children.

Will you sign RH bill if approved without any inhibitions in congress?

As I've said, I will exercise presidential authority to protect the national interest of the people.  If in my personal view, based on special study, that there are mistakes committed, that there are only some groups [with vested] interests which will benefit, [then] I have to stand up for the national interest of the country.  If I can see that the national interest of the people is being sacrificed, I will not hesitate to exercise presidential power.

What are your short-term and long-term solutions to address the poverty problem?

The short-term solution is to demolish and destroy the built-in mechanism of corruption in the government system.  I believe the evil of corruption are directly related to evils of poverty.

I was informed that sometime [in] 2003-2004, World Bank confirmed 40 percent of [the] Philippine budget goes to corruption.  Today, I was informed by columnist Cito Beltran that it is already 50 percent of [the] Philippine budget that goes to corruption.

I suddenly remembered why I was convinced to run for presidency.  Someone handed me an article by Doctor James Walker (noted columnist from Scotland), he said I have not seen or known a country like the Philippines that used to be number one in Asia until 1943, even richer than Japan.  Fifty years after, the Philippines has fallen down to the bottom, overtaken by neighboring countries because it has undergone incredible deterioration because of political corruption.  Immediate resolution in fighting poverty is to stop the evils of corruption and support the cry of the youth to fight corruption.

Bangon Pilipinas is dreaming of a corruption-free Philippines.  We need to rechannel the bulk of the money to massive economic development programs and projects.  We have to have what we call strategic growth centers to be established in every region, if possible, as allowed by the budget in every province.  We will conduct a special study on every province and then support a well-guided economic strategy to accelerate and fast track the economic development for those regions thereby providing better employment for our people, thus also encouraging OFWs to come home and enjoy the love and fellowship of their respective families, at the same time having a dignified livelihood.

Four presidentiables already vow to stop corruption.  What is the difference between what Brother Eddie Villanueva will do? And also there is the questions of Marcos' wealth (billions still with them), what do you plan to do with them? If GMA is proven guilty, what will you do?  It seemed that everyone has the same promises, what will be the difference with Brother Eddie Villanueva?

There is a big difference because I'm not entrusted by political power.  When I was still a student leader in UP College of Law, I was able to put in jail some corrupt personalities in Bulacan (some wealthy people, one judge, four lawyers) because I gathered all the victims of the land-grabbing syndicate in different parts of Bulacan.   I didn't have any political power whatsoever.

The presidential power of the Philippines is much greater than the power of American president because of one presidential decree of President Macros which gives the president power to interfere in the allocation of pork barrel to different lawmakers.

One of the many offers to me by the GMA government is to be the anti-corruption czar.  They sent to my house commodore Dangan, followed up by a multimillionaire businessman in Makati, and asked me why I didn't accept the position offered by GMA.  I told them, do you think this couple in Malacanang is serious in fighting corruption? Do you think they will accept my simple requirement of full authority and full support?  I should be allowed to overhaul and appoint key people in the Commission on Audit, Ombudsman, and Department of Justice.  I should be allowed to form a small composite army from AFP, PNP and NBI.  I should be allowed to form different task forces as needed by situations, composed of principled lawyers and certified public accountants (within 30 days submit [a report] about fertilizer scandal, within six months to one year, dismantle the corruption octopus in government, no palakasan).  I should be allowed to recommend two undersecretaries in every major department.  One undersecretary will be in charge of transparency accountability affairs in every major department and the other undersecretary for recovery of moral fiber in public service.  Presidential Proclamation # 62  was never given full implementation, otherwise known as moral recovery programs.  That agency will hold seminars on work ethics and improvement of public service of the people.

The two men who visited me asked if I will agree to give general amnesty to GMA and the First Gentleman.  I said okay to test their sincerity.  They never came back.

I can assure you that in the Bangon Pilipinas administration, the Filipino people have a greater chance to experience completely the eradication of corruption in government.  Because we are not beholden to any political or religious power.  We are only beholden to God and to the Filipino people, this is the main difference.

Is Bangon Pilipinas affiliated with JIL?

Bangon Pilipinas is independent of JIL.  Right now, our president Doctor Cielito Habito is very Catholic (he's the former chief economic planner of the Ramos government).

You'll be amazed with our senatorial lineup.  Different religious groups are represented:  Dr. Israel Virgines of Seventh Day Adventists,  Atty. Ramoncito Ocampo of El Shaddai.  We also have senatoriables like Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, Imelda Papin, Atty. Zosimo Paredes II, Kata Inocencio, Adz Count Habib Nikabulin, Alex Tinsay, and Atty. Reynaldo Princesa.

Bangon Pilipinas is composed of a multisectoral group or representatives that has no political or religious persuasion.  The only drive is passionate love for the country.  Filipinos are sick and tired of the vicious cycle of politics.

Surveys are low, are you willing to merge with the Noynoy camp if it continues?

Bangon Pilipinas is not guided by political interest.  To us, this is a rescue mission to inject genuine change for the nation.  We respect traditional politics.  I believe in the good intention of all our presidentiables.  But I understand the weaknesses of traditional politics.  It is because of the weaknesses of the political system in the country.  No one in Bangon Pilipinas are traditional politicians.  We don't believe that the opposition should be united just for the sake to have one candidate against an administration candidate.  It will not resolve the problems of the Filipino people.  What we need is how to establish a genuine righteous government not beholden to any vested political economic interest.

In our case, when there are more traditional politicians running, the better for us because it is very clear that Bangon Pilipinas is the only remaining reformist political party.  Brother Eddie Villanueva is considered by many as the only reformist presidential candidate with proven track record of determination to fight for what is right for the country.

Where did the pork barrel of CIBAC go?

I'm not related to CIBAC party list.  My son Joel is the president of CIBAC party list with Congresswoman Jonah Gonzales.  They have lots of projects all over the Philippines.  Their handicap is that they are not in the administration.  Joel's problem is he has not been receiving a pork barrel as compared to the administration congressmen.  Despite the handicap, they're doing great things (thousands of scholars, helping hospitals in different provinces through their creative and resourceful leadership) but I'm not connected to CIBAC party list.

How do you see education? What will your education policy be?

Education will be my number one priority.  I used to be the longest serving university regent of the Polytechnic University.  I know by heart the sufferings of the poor students.  That's why once we have political power, we will change budget priorities.  Number one is education; according to the millennial goal commission of the United Nations, the budget for education should not be less than six percent in the ratio of GDP of the country, but sad to say, the Philippines' budget is only two percent.

I'm a product of public schools.  I was forced to stop my first semester in UP, because my parents were victims of a land-grabbing syndicate.  My parents couldn't give me transportation fare.  That's why I went to UE then PCC where I met former labor secretary Ople.  I finished economics and finance education in PCC.

PUP has 62,000 students with branches in 27 provinces; the budget of PUP is just P600 million (not even P1 billion).  UP has 30,000 students but UP is enjoying more than P6 billion budget (P1 billion grant from abroad) every year.  The budget is still lacking for UP because UP is the university in the Philippines. We should get more budget for UP.   We should not neglect other state colleges and universities as well.

If elected, the first thing I would do is to stop corruption at the Department of Education. There is shocking corruption in the department, even production of textbooks containing erroneous data.  Every province should enjoy one state university with world-class facilities.  If we are serious in rebuilding our nation, we should give emphasis in producing a generation of well-educated Filipinos.  I read an article before that with the kind of system we have, it is much easier for the Philippines to produce [something less than] a generation of educated Filipinos.  If we will not really change, transform and overhaul the education system in the Philippines, 20 years from now, not only will we be known as the most corrupt country in Asia but also the most illiterate and I'm afraid it may happen.  That's why priority in budgeting is a must.  For me, education is a must.

What is the curriculum that will be most emphasized?

Courses such as sciences, engineering, history, and culture.  We will restore emphasis on history and culture because our nation will never be great without rekindling Filipino culture.  Other courses that are urgently needed in strengthening the domestic market demand of our economy, ...not only to satisfy other countries but the Philippines.   We need to have a total overhaul [of] our educational system.

I'm a founder of JIL colleges foundation with branches in provinces.  Our desire is to give quality education within the reach of the masses, but we cannot afford to educate millions of people.

Fifty thousand people are applying to PUP, only 5,000 [are] accepted due to lack of budget on facilities and professors.  This has been going on also in other state universities all over the Philippines.  There is a state college in Tanay, Rizal wherein their budget was reduced by P4 million (they are already experiencing a shortage of budget).

There is a dysfunctional system in the allocation of the budget.  That's why I believe traditional politics should not intervene in prioritizing the much awaited development in education.

Teach English to Filipino students?

Yes, English language should be taught without sacrificing the Filipino language.  We have to teach Filipino students not only our national language but also English.  Competition in the globe is very keen.  English-speaking people have advantages.  I don't belong to the ultra-nationalists but we should mandate all kinds of foreign teachings.  I always try to be balanced.  What's important is the future of our nation.

How confident are you with the automated elections?

Yes, we attended some seminars like the ones organized by the computers society of the Philippines.  We are aware of the possibility,  It is but natural for evil to think how to cheat.  First, we are more prepared now to have watchers in all precinct levels.  We have [a] nationwide network silently all over the Philippines and even outside the Philippines.  If ever there will be an attempt to cheat again, it will be horribly exposed.  Whatever it is, I believe the Filipinos cannot be threatened anymore.

The cry of the Filipino people for genuine change is now multiplying.  I believe they cannot just manipulate the Filipino people like that.  Because if they do it again, the Filipino people can't accept it anymore.

God cannot be mocked always.  God is quick to forgive.  There are times that God cannot allow wickedness to come into play.  He's just waiting for the right people to be bundled together and fight for righteousness in the society.  I believe and have faith in God.

In the event you do not win the presidency, what will be your plans?

It took three years before the group was able to convince me.  I want to have a peaceful life.  This is our last chance to continue the fight for genuine change.  If I don't win, Brother Eddie Villanueva will continue Bangon Pilipinas.  We just want to build a righteous political party.

Brother Eddie Villanueva's last message to everyone

Nagpapasalamat po si Brother Eddie at ang buong team ng Bangon Pilipinas party.  Ipagpatuloy po natin ang panalangin na ang sambayanang Pilipino ay magexert ng extra effort na kilalanin lahat ng candidate without biases.  Forget prejudices, forget political and religious persuasions at mangyari po yung dapat mangyari na makapagtayo ang ating bansa ng isang matapat, matino at matured na pamahalaan na di pa naranasan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.  Ito po ang aming appeal sa inyong lahat, sulatan niyo ang mga mahal nyo sa buhay wherever they are in the Philippines or in the world.  Let us be together in educating our people to vote intelligently with passionate love for the future, for our country.  Salamat po at pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.  Pagpalain ng Diyos ang ating minamahal na bansa.  Mabuhay po kayo. God bless you.

(Brother Eddie and the whole team of Bangon Pilipinas thanks you. Let us continue praying that the Filipino people will exert an extra effort to know all of the candidates without biases. Forget prejudices, forget political and religious persuasions and let happen what will happen that our country will establish an honest, good, and mature government such as has never been seen before in the history of the Philippines. We appeal to all of you to write to your loved once wherever they are in the Philippines or in the world. Let us be together in educating our people to vote intelligently with passionate love for the future, for our country.  Thank you and God bless you.  God bless our beloved country.  Long may you live.  God bless you.)

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