CEBU, Philippines - Historical Plaza Independencia has once again hosted a political gathering but this time more feeling like a religious activity.
Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church founder and Bangon Pilipinas party senatorial candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva last night met his Cebuano supporters in a manner he is most comfortable with— a prayer rally.
According to Bangon Pilipinas Cebu point person Carlos Muncada, Jr., a total of 10,000 people came and joined the rally that they prepared in a week.
“We are short from our target of 20 to 30,000 which is understandable considering we barely had one week to prepare,†Muncada told The FREEMAN.
A combined police estimate however, had a lower turnout for the political rally, which started at 6 p..m. and ended after three hours.
Cebu City Police Office estimated about 5,000 people as of 7:30 p.m. while Waterfront Police Station chief Wildemar Tiu said his deputy- on-duty noted around 2,500 to 3,000 in attendance.
The activity was to start a seven-city caravan leading to the elections.
Cebu was chosen as the kickoff site since “it is a place of beginnings,†Muncada added.
The next six rallies will happen in Davao, Laguna, Villanueva’s hometown Bulacan, Quezon City and lastly Metro Manila right before the May 13 elections.
Villanueva, in his speech, revealed his planned landmark legislations should Filipinos give him a chance to fill a Senate seat.
One of which was a “multibillion people’s bank,†a cooperative-type of bank that can lend money to the public can lend at a much lower interest rate.
This, he added, will address the sorry situation of Filipinos who are “baon sa utang.â€
Four out of seven local candidates who confirmed attendance showed up.
Spotted at the venue were vice gubernatorial candidate Glen Soco of Pwersa ng Masa, Team Rama’s Hans Abella, and Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) candidates for re-elections Nida Cabrera and Alan Dizon.
Those who confirmed but did not show up were Cebu City South District Congressman and BOPK chairman Tomas Osmeña, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, and Sixth District Congressman Luigi Quisumbing. — (FREEMAN)