Bro. Eddie: No to people power

President Arroyo has found a reluctant ally in Bishop Eddie Villanueva of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Movement, who is rejecting opposition calls for another people power revolt to oust her.

Villanueva, who had earlier accused Mrs. Arroyo of electoral fraud, believes the truth must be revealed through peaceful means.

"The answer to our current problems is not people power," he said. "It is God’s power."

Villanueva said only prayers can solve the country’s socio-political problems.

"God said we should stand still and not fight for the battle is not ours but His. God’s spiritual power is much greater than all political, economic and religious power combined," he said.

Villanueva said their rally tomorrow to celebrate the JIL’s 27th anniversary will not be tainted by any political color.

"It will focus on praises and prayers to move the heart of God and

invoke His spiritual power over the country’s political and economic problems," he said.

A source in Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas Movement told The STAR that Susan Roces, widow of Fernando Poe Jr., is expected to join the gathering at the Qurino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park.

The insider said neither Mrs. Arroyo nor anyone in her camp has been invited to the rally despite Villanueva’s claim that it would be a "breaking down of walls."

Some Catholic bishops, leaders from different Born Again churches, and other prominent figures have been invited to join the prayer rally.

Villanueva remains hopeful that the search for truth, justice and solution to corruption in government would pay off with "divine guidance."

"I believe God will move mightily after this prayer march," he said. "God is merciful, as He said: ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’

"There is gross violation of God’s grand plan for the Filipino people and nation. As God’s people, we have to stand up for truth, justice and righteousness. Then and only then can we expect God’s blessing to flow over our country."