JIL National Operation

Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on Malacanang to recall the appointments of all officials in a recent   spree of so-called midnight appointments.

Villanueva also stressed that the appointees could very well be illegal since they might have been made after the March 10 ban on appointments.

But even if the appointments were made before March 10, Villanueva said these were not ethically or morally acceptable.

“The legality of the appointments should be questioned. But more than that, Bangon Pilipinas does not believe it is acceptable and ethical, much less moral, for the President to make any appointments just before the March 10 ban,” Villanueva said.

He also said the Palace must be transparent and show the public the  appointment papers of the appointees.

The recent appointments disclosed only last week were criticized as  “midnight appointments.” It has not been revealed when the President signed the appointments.

This is not the time to remain neutral.

Religious leaders urged the faithful to take a stand in the upcoming elections saying 2010 is a make or break year for the nation.

In an interfaith prayer rally held in Luneta early Saturday, religious leaders from different denominations exhorted believers to heed the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to vote according to conscience and not be swayed by surveys.

About 100,000 believers from different Christian churches trooped to Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Part to pray for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

“The May 2010 elections is a make or break for our country. Whatever is the outcome of the elections will either bring blessing or curse to our nation. So we must pray and seek the Lord,” said Bishop Dan Balais of the Intercessors for the Philippines .

The gathering was graced by two internationally renowned evangelists – American Dr. Cindy Jacobs and Malaysian Dr. Dexter Low. Jacobs is known in the Christian community to be an advocate for the Philippines . She has been preaching for many years about the “prophetic destiny” of the Philippines , which would see the country as a key leader in the region.

“There may be more people outside of the Philippines who believe in your destiny more than you do,” Jacobs told the crowd.

She said she sense that the Philippines is in a crucial stage of history and urged believers to take in the upcoming elections.  “You are in the hinge of history.  This is no longer a time to be neutral. Be the Davids of this generation.”

David, one of the popular characters in early Biblical times, killed the giant Goliath armed only with a slingshot.

“There is no natural solution to the problem of the Philippines .  Only an intervention from God can bring you to your destiny…Take a stand,” Jacobs said.

MASBATE CITY, Masbate -- “I ran to win.”

Citing the snowballing support to Bangon Pilipinas Party, Bro. Eddie Villanueva vowed to relentlessly pursue the presidential race and give the electorate a chance to vote for a non traditional candidate.

“Tumatakbo po ako para manalo kaya walang makikinabang sa boto ng mga tapat na taga-suporta dahil hindi po ako aatras (I ran to win and so no one else will benefit from the votes of our loyal supporters because I will not withdraw),” Villanueva said in a statement.

He added: ‘’Ang laban na ito ay hindi personal na laban kundi isang malawakang krusada para ibangon ang ating minamahal na bansa (This fight is not my personal fight but an extensive crusade to uplift our beloved nation).”

Villanueva said he has been encouraged by the massive support and warm welcome everywhere Bangon Pilipinas goes.

A number of local officials or those running for local positions have vowed to support Villanueva and the whole Bangon Pilipinas slate. Among the known political personalities who have endorsed him are Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari, who is currently running as provincial governor of Sulu.

Hagedorn, one of the well-respected leaders in Philippine politics, said he strongly believes Villanueva would win in the upcoming elections. He branded as “exaggerated and out of context” earlier reports quoting him that Villanueva might consider supporting another candidate.

“I will never say that Brother Eddie is willing to compromise because we don’t believe in surveys and we strongly believe we will win,” Hagedorn said.