Bro. Eddie Villanueva still undecided on 2010 bid

MANILA, Philippines – Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva might have formed a new political movement for good governance, but he remained unsure of running in the 2010 presidential race. GMA News’ Weekend Report said that Villanueva launched the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement (BPBPM) at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday. The event drew thousands of JIL members and Villanueva’s supporters. “I decided to lead this movement seriously for genuine change. Whether I run or not, that is secondary," Villanueva said. Villanueva ran in the 2004 presidential elections under the Bangon Pilipinas party, which he also founded. He lost to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In JIL’s 30th anniversary celebration last October 2008, Villanueva hinted that he might seek the presidency in 2010 but said that he was not yet entertaining the idea of throwing his hat in the 2010 ring. During Saturday’s event, members of the newly-formed BPBPM said that should Villanueva decide to run again, he would be groomed as the movement’s standard bearer. The vice presidential slot, however, remains vacant, but BPBPM members said in a press conference that they are eyeing Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, who is also reportedly mulling a presidential bid. Panlilio, a priest on leave, said last week that he is “still discerning whether to run, but I see myself more as a convenor of a reform constituency for a reformist presidential candidate." Last week, an alliance of non-government organizations launched the Panlilio-Padaca Para sa Pagbabago (PPPP) to push for the tandem of Panlilio and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca in the 2010 elections. Panlilio and Padaca are key figures in the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership. - GMANews.TV