The Vote

This blog is not for the sole and mere purpose of campaigning but primarily to key my thoughts about the coming May 10 elections. I took time to research about criteria for choosing the best leader but I am oftentimes led to nonetheless second-hand, biased suggestions. To be honest, I have made up my mind. It has been quite a struggle deciding especially because competence-wise, more than two candidates bear outstanding qualifications. I admit to have not done sufficient research about the candidate I am voting for but I feel guiltless and shameless now, more than ever, to declare that I am for Eddie Villanueva.



I am a Christian and you can presume that anything I write from this point onward can be partial and would certainly advocate Christian leadership. At some point, you are right, but I prefer to term my stand the advocacy on “Applied Christian Leadership” – one where Christianity has become one’s lifestyle. It does not infer perfection on the individual but more on established relationship and the conscientiousness of his action. In other words, I am in favor of voting for one who is a “doer” more than the “label-bearer” although both are essentially understood to have journeyed the road of acceptance and confession of Jesus, as Lord and Saviour - they mainly differ in the score of maturity.



I would be lying if I’d say I didn’t get confused on whom to cast my vote for. My early top choices were Gordon, Gibo, (for a time) Noynoy and probably for affiliation reasons, Villanueva. On quick association, I have identified the first three for intelligence (likely due to published records of academic and social achievement), a plus on Gordon for solid political background, and Villanueva on faith (being known for spearheading Jesus is Lord Ministries). Like anyone going through perplexity, I, in time, narrowed down my choices, slowly weeding out and weighing down the factors by relevance and importance until I arrived to the bottomline where faith (with enough competence) reigns over mere wits and political records.

For some reasons, I am constantly swept and reminded of the story of David’s election as king to the nation, Israel (1 Samuel 16). Prophet Samuel found the anointing of the next king a difficult task to do. First, he was afraid because if Saul knew about it, he would kill Samuel. Secondly, God didn’t tell him specifically who among Jesse’s several sons has been chosen for the responsibility of ruling over Israel after Saul. At one point he picked from the obvious: Eliab, the sibling with great stature, build, and height. But, God cut him short by saying:

"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7 (New International Version (©1984))

This passage ended with the election of David as king.

To God, the matters of heart mean more than the physical attributes. Achievements and personal attainments merit us, but the heart that is for God, merits God. Not for selfish reasons, but, primarily for our common benefit.

The Boy-King, Josiah, was also noted to have made quite a difference in ruling God’s people because he was for God despite having been raised in the most unfavorable of circumstances. Like David, he could very well fail in the eyes of most men in terms of qualifications for leadership. He was only 8 years old, raised by idolatrous parents in a cruel environment, and certainly inexperienced in terms of political leadership. Nevertheless, his love for God caused him to be remembered as one of the upright leaders during their time.

Now, does this mean that only righteous leaders existed then? No! There were also many pagan leaders who succeeded their parents’ office. In the history of Israel’s kings, they were oftentimes the cause of major blunders. In every blunder, the entire nation of Israel, in one way or another suffered.

I am for Eddie Villanueva because he has subjected himself to God’s grace and applied Christian leadership. His credentials which prove his competency even in the field of education and accomplishments follow:

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor in Commerce, Major in Economics – Philippine College of Commerce (since renamed Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
• Bachelor of Laws – University of the Philippines

Professional/Public Service Record
• Founder, Jesus is Lord Church
• Televangelist

Significant Achievements/Other Info:
He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local land grabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.

Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.

Please read through the “Bangon Pilipinas” platform to learn more about his advocacies and beliefs.
Know what other Christians believe by reading on some blog comments found in the links below:
- http://www.dennissy.com/the-christian-president/#comment-2280
- http://www.dennissy.com/the-christian-president-question/

View Bro. Eddie’s website: http://broeddie.ph/.

Win or lose, I remain.

Note:
The statements used above tell only of the writer’s personal belief as a Filipino Christian. Such also in NO way condemn nor judge the faith and beliefs of the other presidential candidates mentioned in this blog whose religious stand is beyond the writer’s knowledge. Moreover, it is not discriminatory of people’s religion and status quo. God loves everybody.