2 charismatic leaders set to join 2010 presidential derby

MANILA, Philippines - Two charismatic religious leaders with millions of followers worldwide are poised to join next year’s race for the presidency.

Bro. Mike Velarde, spiritual leader of the Catholic charismatic movement El Shaddai, said he needs to get 10 million signatures to run for president because he has 10 million followers worldwide.

Meanwhile, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who heads the Jesus is Lord movement, is expected to officially announce his presidential candidacy at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan today.

Velarde said he should get the support of each of the 10 million members of El Shaddai by November and would base his decision on the turnout of the signature campaign.

Velarde said since last week they have started getting the sentiments of El Shaddai members on whether they would vote for him for president next year.

“Our consensus campaign is like our signature campaign,” he said.

“We are encouraging everybody to get involved in the 2010 elections. If you don’t want me to run, then will you vote for the candidates I will endorse? Those are the only questions written in the paper.”

Velarde said he expects the results of the consensus vote to come in by the middle of November. If he decides to run, it would most likely be as an independent candidate, he added.

Velarde said El Shaddai needs to solidify as some people believe they could not come up with a solid vote for him or the person he would endorse.

“That is why we need the 10 million votes, we have to be solid,” he said.

He is also no longer waiting for the blessing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines because the bishops would not make any endorsements, he added.

Velarde said he could not just jump into politics on a whim because he has to consider the millions of people who have put their trust in him.

“I am not saying that I would run now, as much as possible I do not want to run but we are looking for a leader who would be able to unite the country and someone who can bring change,” he said.

Velarde said candidates with money should not expose themselves too early in the race.

“This would discourage the other contenders who might really be more capable but they do not have the money and the organization,” he said.

Velarde said he supports calls for amendments to the Constitution in terms of early campaigns and election spending.

“Maybe we should let the government spend for the election,” he said.

“We should appropriate funds so that all possible candidates would have equal chances.”

A source said Villanueva would be accompanied by some 10,000 members of the political group Bangon Pilipinas (BP) when he publicly makes known his decision to take another shot at the presidency.

In a statement, the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement said Villanueva would “make a special announcement for 2010 electoral participation” at the Barasoain Church or the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 9 a.m. today.

Villanueva chose Barasoain Church as the venue because of its historical significance, the source added.

It was in the 379-year-old church that the first Philippine Republic was inaugurated during the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1898.

It was also in Barasoain Church where President Emilio Aguinaldo was inaugurated in 1898 and President Joseph Estrada was sworn into office in 1998.

Velarde opens Asia’s largest place of worship

Velarde celebrated his 70th birthday yesterday and launched the El Shaddai House of Prayer in Barangay San Dionisio in Parañaque.

The billion-peso House of Prayer, reportedly the biggest place of worship in Asia, took almost two years to construct on a 10,000-square meter property.

It has a seating capacity of 16,000 but can accommodate as many as 25,000 people.

About 200,000 El Shaddai members attend their weekly prayer worship.

A crucifix protrudes from the El Shaddai House of Worship.

The altar was designed in the form of an ark surrounded by water.

“The rainbow is there just above the ark-shape stage which represents God’s covenant with Noah that they will no longer be disturbed by flood,” said Velarde.

Under the Noah’s ark-like stage is the Baptism Healing Pool.

At the back of the main fellowship area is the chapel – a traditional church-like European structure with stained glass.

There is also the adoration chapel and the Father’s Love chapel called the “Prodigal Son,” which will serve as a confessional area.

President Arroyo attended the inauguration of the El Shaddai International House of Prayer and College of Divine Wisdom.

Villanueva to pay tribute to Ninoy

“The heroic death of Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino is best honored by the birth of a new Philippines,” Villanueva said in tribute to Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Villanueva said as part of their tribute to Ninoy’s patriotism, people would be coming from four different points and march toward Barasoain Church.

“The call for change is real,” he said.

“This march for change will show that Filipinos are genuinely committed to support the birth of a new Philippines.”

The tribute for Ninoy on the 26th anniversary of his assassination would be called “Sigaw ng Pilipino: Parangal ng Bulakenyo para sa Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino.”

Bulacan officials led by Gov. Jonjon Mendoza will also join the occasion.

The BPBPM vision centers on the belief that Filipinos are capable of transforming the Philippines into a productive, prosperous and respectable nation through a seven-point roadmap: empower the people, emancipate the people, educate the people, energize the economy, elevate living standards, eradicate bad governance, and establish peace in the land.

The Commission on Elections has set the filing of certificates of candidacy from Nov. 20 until midnight of Nov. 30.

Palace welcomes Velarde candidacy

Malacañang has welcomed Bro. Mike’s reported plan to run for president next year.

Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said the administration has a lot of respect for Velarde’s intentions to run for president.

“We believe in his sincere intentions as far as seeking an elective post to bridge the gap between the rich and poor,” he said.

Claudio said Velarde has not given any indication that he wants to join the administration ticket.

“I’m not aware that he has spoken to any leader (in the party),” he said.

Velarde has as much right as any other Filipino to run for office, according to Anthony Golez, deputy presidential spokesman.

‘Bro. Mike will not win’

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago does not believe that Velarde would win the presidential elections next year.

“In all honesty, it will not be possible because the other churches will mobilize against him,” she said.

“The result will be divisive because the other religions will have to circle their own wagons. That is precisely why it is prohibited in our Constitution; there is wisdom in that church-state separation clause in our Constitution.”

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Santiago said the Election Code bans the Commission on Elections from registering any religious political party.

“In effect, he will register El Shaddai as a party because it is known as a religious organization,” she said.

“He will have to think of some other name and he will have to have a political rather than a religious or spiritual agenda.

“That is a constitutional provision – there is a separation between church and state. As an amateur theologian, I tend to concur with the opinion of some prime theologians that the religious should not run for public office.

“They should keep themselves in their pulpits and their homilies and to their charitable works where they can disseminate their own agenda if they wish.

“But they should not directly enter the arena of politics because that would be blurring the lines.”

On the other hand, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said it would be best if Velarde would just help a candidate for president.

“All those who are running know that somehow they can win,” he said. “He is also a force to reckon with.”

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said only Velarde could say if he could lead the country as president.

“Can he lead or not?” he asked.

“Only he can answer that, and of course, the electorate. It’s hard to judge a person. I have my own opinion, I’d rather keep it to myself.

“But I don’t think he has enough numbers to win the presidency. But a force to reckon with or with a following, definitely.”  – With Marvin Sy, Aurea Calica