by Aries Rufo, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 09/03/2009 6:13 PM
MANILA - Who’s afraid of the yellow magic?
Not when you think God is behind you.
Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva said Thursday that he is not backing out of the presidential race, contrary to circulating rumors.
“The only way to achieve Bangon Pilipinas’ vision of a new Philippines and platform of righteous governance is to stay on in the race,” Villanueva said in a statement.
Villanueva is also founder of the Christian denomination, Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement.
“Bangon Pilipinas respects the decision of Senator Mar Roxas to give way to his fellow Liberal to take on the torch of the Party’s leadership for the 2010 elections. But the Liberal Party’s move does not influence Bangon Pilipinas’s own plans,” Villanueva added.
The statement was prompted by inquiries on whether Villanueva would follow the lead of other declared presidential aspirants who have retreated from the race amid the supposed growing clamor for the Aquino scion, Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III.
Liberal Party President Roxas on Tuesday backed out of the presidential race to give way to Aquino, who is now on a spiritual retreat to seek divine guidance.
Pampanga Governor Ed 'Among' Panlilio has said he is willing to put aside his presidential bid, but will first consult his supporters.
"He could be the one that could unite the reformed constituency and disallow traditional politicians to become the president of the country. This could be a happy development," Panlilio said of Aquino.
No politics for Bro. Mike
Another would-be aspirant with religious background who has dropped out is El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde. Velarde has indicated last month that he wants to join the race, but consulted first his flock.
But sources close to Velarde said that an in-house survey conducted to determine the El Shaddai members’ sentiment was overwhelmingly against Velarde seeking the presidency.
In an earlier statement, Bangon Pilipinas stressed that the task of transforming the nation is not achieved by simply changing personalities.
“A bigger and more crucial question of confronting the entire nation, and that is whether we are willing to change, to go back to God's values, ways and precepts and principles concerning the blessing of a nation,” it said.
Villanueva was chosen following nationwide consultations held since February regarding the party’s participation in the May 2010 polls.. On August 21, the party nominated Villanueva as its standard-bearer.
Bangon Pilipinas is composed of different Christian and other religious organizations.
“All parties offering a platform most responsive to the pressing needs of the country should be able to go through the electoral process by presenting such platform to the Filipino people, participating in debates on issues, going to the campaign trail, and ultimately, allowing the people to choose the best candidate based on the dictates of their conscience. This is the reason why we cannot and should not withdraw from the race,” the party’s statement said.
In the 2004 presidential race, Villanueva ran and landed in last place, in a field of five candidates. He got 1.9 million votes.
as of 09/03/2009 6:15 PM
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