Bro. Eddie kicks off campaign at Luneta, unfurls RP's biggest flag

(Updated 12:20 p.m.) "Today marks the rise of a new beginning." This was the theme of the Bangon Pilipinas' (Arise Philippines) event in kicking off the campaign of its standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva. In a sea of green and yellow, supporters of the religious leader gathered at the Rizal Park in Manila early Tuesday morning to greet the sunrise. The rising sun is one of the symbols of the party. The supporters cheered loudly as the world's largest Philippine flag, measuring 180 meters by 92 meters, was unfurled on the field fronting the Quirino Grandstand. The unveiling of the flag symbolizes a gesture of hope for a new Philippines, organizers of the event said. "Ang pinakamalaking bandila sa buong Pilipinas ay iniladlad sa banal na lupa ng Luneta Park," an emotional Villanueva told the crowd, awestruck by sight before him. "Iwagayway ang pag-asa ng bagong Pilipinas," read the backdrop on the stage. The event marked Bro. Eddie's second attempt at the presidency, failing in 2004 amid his claims that he was cheated. "We are starting here in the country's 'Kilometer Zero' as a sign of hope for a new Philippines. This year is the year of God's favor for the Philippines," said campaign manager Lyndon Caña, in explaining why the event was held at the Rizal Park. The statue of national hero Jose Rizal seemed to gaze at the gigantic flag, which even reached the steps of the Quirino Grandstand. The flag, which weighs 3.8 tons, was first unfurled in Aritao in Nueva Vizcaya last Sept. 16, 2006. Businesswoman Grace Galindez Gupana, a supporter of Bangon Pilipinas Party, had the flag made. The supporters, mostly members of the Villanueva-led Jesus is Lord Movement, came from the group's local chapters across the country. They sported 'Eddie Tayo' shirts, caps, button pins, flags, and bandanas. "Babangon Tayo" flyers, shirts, umbrellas were also distributed to the supporters. A "Bangon Webbie" booth was also mounted near the stage where supporters can register their Facebook accounts in Villanueva's fan page. 'Servant leadership' In the program, Villanueva, running mate Perfecto Yasay, and the seven senatorial bets, namely Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Ramoncito Ocampo, Reynaldo Princesa, Alex Tinsay, Israel Virgines, and Adz Nikabulin, washed the feet of representatives from the country's marginalized sectors such as farmers, laborers, the elderly and indigenous peoples. Villanueva said the move was to re-enact what Jesus did for his disciples. "This act of humility is to recall Jesus Christ's earthly ministry," he said. "Bangon Pilipinas is about new politics. I am running as president of the Philippines to start fundamental reform which politicians, time and again, failed to deliver. I am running as president because it is the call of the times to stop the suffering of our country," Villanueva said. Denouncing corruption, poverty, hunger, and injustice, he then rallied the crowd in chanting: "Anim na taong walang korupsyon. Ating bansa ay babangon." Villanueva likewise urged his supporters to help him instill "genuine change." Songs like "Heal Our Land," 'Bayan Ko,' and other religious songs were played throughout the three-hour event. Eddie on surveys Villanueva had not fared well in recent surveys conducted by prominent pollsters Pulse Asia and Social Weather Statiosn (SWS). In Pulse Asia's preference polls conducted last January, he ranked fifth, garnering two percent voters' preference. His rating was a far behind Senator Benigno Aquino III's 37 percent, Senator Manuel villar Jr.'s 35 percent, and former Pres Joseph Estrada's 12 percent. Villanueva followed administration bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who got five percent. In the latest SWS survey still dominated by Aquino and Villar, Villanueva got 2 percent. Villanueva, however, stressed he was unfazed by his poor survey performance and even with what political analysts say that those who lost an election once has slim chances of winning if he or she was running again for the same position. At a press conference, Villanueva said that he lost in 2004 not due to lack of support but because he was cheated via the "Hello, Garci" scandal, where President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo allegedly rigged election results with the help of erstwhile Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garciliano. "Imposibleng matalao ang Bangon Pilipinas. It takes another magic para matalo ang Bangon Pilipinas," Villanueva said, referring to the 2004 alleged electoral fraud. The religious leader was the first to kick off his campaign among nine other presidential aspirants on Tuesday. His rivals are set to launch their campaign later in the day or some time this week. - RSJ/LBG/HGS, GMANews.TV