Palace exec unfazed by looming Panlilio, Villanueva 2010 bid

MANILA, Philippines – A senior Malacañang official said they are not threatened by the looming presidential bid of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva. “We are not all bothered by their prospective entry. They have their claims, standards, and visions of reform; we have ours," presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said in a text message to reporters Sunday. Claudio is a ranking officer of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), the party chaired by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Villanueva launched on Saturday his Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement (BPBPM), “for genuine change" in the government. The JIL leader said that a possible presidential bid is only second priority. Panlilio, a priest on leave, is being prodded by the Panlilio-Padaca Para sa Pagbabago (PPPP), a coalition of civil society groups, to run in the 2010 elections with Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca. Panlilio had repeatedly said that he is still in the process of discernment and that his running for presidency would depend on public clamor. Claudio, Lakas-CMD secretary general, said that it is up to the Filipinos to determine whether Panlilio and Villanueva are qualified to run the highest office. “We do not wish to pass judgment on their qualifications, their chances, or if it’s their right to mix politics and religion. The people will be the judge of that," he said. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV