MANILA, Philippines — Televangelist Eliseo “Eli” Soriano, best known for his “Ang Dating Daan (Old Path)” television program, passed away on Friday. He was 73.
Soriano allegedly left the country for Brazil in 2004 following cases filed against him.
“It is with deep sadness, yet with full faith in the Almighty, that we announce the passing of our beloved and one and only Bro. Eliseo ‘Eli’ Soriano – a faithful preacher, brother, father, and grandfather to many,” the Members Church of God International (MCGI) said in a statement.
According to its website, the MCGI is a Christian religious organization led by Soriano, its “overall servant,” and “seconded” by “assistant overall servant” and broadcaster Daniel Razon.
The MCGI did not disclose Soriano’s cause of death.
Soriano’s desire to read the Bible started when he was 17, as he was baptized in the “Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan (Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of the Truth)” by then Bro. Nicolas Perez, according to MCGI.
Two years after Perez died in 1975, Soriano registered his own group “Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Pilipinas (Members, Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of the Truth in the Philippines)” with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The group later on became MCGI.
In 1980, Soriano launched the radio program “Ang Dating Daan,” which became a television show in 1983.
The MCGI did not mention who would replace Soriano, but said it would continue the programs and projects initiated by him.
For his birthday on April 4 last year, Soriano asked his followers to assist underprivileged neighbors and those affected by the pandemic by giving them rice and corned beef instead of giving him gifts.
Cases
In 2018, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the conviction of Soriano in a libel case filed against him by Jesus Miracle Crusade evangelist Wilde Almeda, whom he called a “bulaang propeta (false prophet)” and “pastor ng mga demonyo (pastor of demons),” among other names.
In 2006, a male former assistant general secretary of the “Ang Dating Daan” filed charges of rape against Soriano for two alleged incidents at the group’s convention center in Apalit, Pampanga on May 17, 2000 and June 8, 2001.
Soriano denied the allegations, saying that it was “fabricated, baseless and malicious.” He posted P240,000 bail and another P500 to cover other fees before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in 2008.
Malacañang officials sent their sympathies to Soriano’s family.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Soriano’s “dedication to propagate the words of God in the Bible was a clear testament of his steadfast love to serve his brethren and the Almighty.”
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Soriano “led his followers to spirituality and morality through the teachings that he has imparted over the years and the commitment and dedication he has shown towards his faith and service.” – Christina Mendez