The Philippine Online Chronicles

A group of bloggers met with Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Jan. 9. 2009 at the conference room of his ZOE office to get to know him as a person and to clarify various issues affecting his candidacy, including his intentions for running.

Who is Bro. Eddie?

Prior to the meeting, I only know him as the fearless evangelist of the Jesus Is Lord church, one of the largest non catholic church in the Philippines. While still in college, the youth ministry of his church is one of the most active groups in our campus. His group is popular locally with various chapters abroad. While I do not belong to the JIL church, Bro. Eddie is widelly known in Christian circles and commands respect.

When he decided to run for the highest office of the land, the life in me can't understand why he chose to leave behind the call of God in favor of man appointed office. In my opinion, being called in the five fold ministry gifts is the highest call because it's God who appoint. In the presidency, it is the people who chose.

As expected, that question was asked.

So I listened intently with Bro. Eddie's response to understand his decision  to run then (2004), and now.

According to him,

• The group "Bangon Pilipinas", which is composed of former communist rebels, former generals and other nation loving citizen, approached him and prodded him to run.
• He initially refused but the group came back  with a study and presented to him the present state of the country, he felt compelled to do something to save the country.
• Because of his desire to put a stop to  moral decay, poverty and corruption, he was convinced to run as no other candidate has moral ascendancy to bring about change
• His theological belief is that the "kingly calling" is higher than the "priestly call", his decision to run is not in conflict with the church.
• To Bro. Eddie, it will be a sin if he will stay in his comfort zone (JIL leadership) and do nothing to bring about righteous governance by obtaining political power. Likewise, he does not want the next generation of Christians to judge him for not doing anything, and for history to condemn him.
• And as proof that he is not trapo, anytime, if he finds anyone who can carry the fight for righteous governance, he will gladly step aside and support that person.

A lot was discussed in the meeting but I will just focus on the issue above, I believe that is the first and most common question voters would like to ask Bro. Eddie personally.

While we write articles to help voters know the person behind the platforms, it will still be the voters responsibility to evaluate each candidate base on credentials and motives, and make the wise decision come election day.

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!

View video playlist of the interview of Ed Villanueva.

Photo by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado. Some Rights Reserved.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites