'Moral Force Movement not political'

MANILA, Philippines - Former ambassador to Rome Henrietta “Tita” de Villa yesterday denied reports that the newly formed Moral Force Movement would be used to jumpstart the presidential candidacy of Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

De Villa, who was chosen as one of the movement’s eight council members, assured the public that the new civic organization’s intention was to fight corruption and to search for transformational leaders. 

“This would not evolve into a political group. Chief Justice Puno himself has said that he has no plans of entering politics or becoming a presidential candidate,” De Villa said in an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas.

She emphasized that they came to the understanding that they would not join any partisan group, and even Pampanga Gov. Eduardo Panlilio, who is reportedly contemplating on running for president, would not be allowed to join their organization.

Monsignor Gerardo Santos, Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP) president, supported De Villa and added that the group’s intention was to shed light on the morality aspect in politics. “This is what we call formation of our social concern among all Filipinos.”

De Villa said joining the movement made her realize that there are also several organizations working to put an end to the culture of corruption in the country.

She said the group’s first measurable project, the upcoming 2010 elections, is one of the reasons why she agreed to join.

Aside from being a member of the movement, De Villa is also chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the National Citizen’s Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).

She said the country should no longer be content with “lesser evil” candidates, but should have deserving leaders. There should also be “zero tolerance” against corruption.

 Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Puno and his so-called Moral Force can go about advocating a new type of leader for the nation, but as far as Malacañang is concerned, the sitting President would go out next year knowing she has done a lot to improve the lives of the people. –With Marvin Sy