Enough, Pls.

An article in abscbnNEWS.com last night literally caught my attention.

BRO. EDDIE MAY TEAM UP WITH BRO. MIKE IN 2010.

On Saturday, a pastor friend told me that he was invited by another pastor (from the Jesus Is Lord Movement) to come and attend a gathering at the Araneta Coliseum on March 28, 2009. Apparently, the gathering is being organized to launch Villanueva's new Political group, Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino. The group said that their aim is to elect a "God-fearing" president.

Also on Saturday, Bro. Eddie floated the idea that he might again run for the Presidential elections in 2010, giving support to the rumor which has since been cirulating among churches about a year ago, that he is actually open to the idea of running. Bro. Eddie campaigned and lost during the 2004 elections.

To add spice, Villanueva expressed that he is open for a Bro. Eddie-Bro. Mike Tandem, thereby forecasting about 9 to 10 million strong votes from their congregation combined.

Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai group, meanwhile, is said to be happy with the invitation.

Villanueva also floated the possibility of absorbing Among Ed Panlilio, and Grace Padaca in their party.

Villanueva is quoted as saying, "Napakasakit sa akin ang desisyon na pansamantalang iwan ang pagpapastor. Pero mahal ko rin ang Pilipino. Mahal ko rin ang kaisa-isa nating bayan."


Forgive me for crying my heart over today.

I have to admit I voted for Bro. Eddie in 2004. Being a christian, I felt it was the right thing to do at that time, though, I have to clarify that our Pastor NEVER urged us to meddle with politics and/or support any candidate.

As we all know, Bro. Eddie lost and Gloria Arroyo won over allegations of cheating via the Hello Garci scandal.

Bro. Eddie, to me, transformed from becoming an evangelist to be a political opposition, ready to take charge against everything of Arroyo's moves.

Let's admit it. The 2004 elections caused division in the body of Christ. Christian leaders did try to patch things up and thought of ways for a national reconcilliation. And while things are starting to normalize, we are again confronted with the possibility of another of the same situation in 2004- and this time, Bro. Mike Velarde from a different sect is appearing in the picture.

Imagine the 2010 elections pitting Villanueva, Velarde and Panlilio in the Political Arena. We all know that the strong Iglesia ni Cristo is also meddling with the electoral process. Imagine the drama and the comedy.

Are they only the ones affected? Or will the whole of the congregations and various sect members be dragged onto the political fiasco? Do we see a battle royale among the churches?

With all due respect, Bishop Bro. Eddie, mahal din namin ang Pilipinas. Subalit masakit makita na patuloy tayong nahahati bilang isang katawan ni Kristo dahil sa mga pangyayaring ganito. Hindi kaya mas magiging malakas na puwersa tayo upang gumawa ng pagbabago sa bayan kung tayo, bilang isang katawan ni Kristo ay nagkakaisa sa ating mga adhikain para sa bayan?