April 11,2007 - Only three out of the 37 candidates for senators were able to get the support of the evangelical group Jesus Is Lord (JIL) movement.

Cibac party-list Representative Joel Villanueva, who is the chairman of JIL committee on political and public concern, said they are still in the process of selecting the final 12 candidates but so far, Genuine Opposition (GO) nominees Panfilo Lacson and Allan Peter Cayetano and independent candidate Manuel Villar were able to make it to their list. 

"We set talks with candidates and grill them. Then, we'll ask them to sign a covenant on anti-jueteng and against the establishment of 'Pagcor City' which will make the Philippines a virtual Las Vegas," he said.

Villanueva said they are set to release the final list next week and Team Unity candidate Edgardo Angara would be grilled next.

Asked what would be their guidelines and criteria in endorsing a candidate, Villanueva said they don't only consider character but also includes "God-fearing, competence, integrity, courage, patriotism, and principled existence".

He also admitted that being an anti-Arroyo is a plus factor "but it's not the only thing we're looking for."

Likewise, Villanueva defended that while JIL is not practicing the block voting, they could still influence people to vote by guiding them on choosing the right candidates to vote for.

"It's the duty of the church to guide them. But we will not force our members to vote for anybody," he added.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has refused to come out with a list of candidates whom they would support in the upcoming elections, saying it would be partisan if they would do so.

Candidates are wooing religious groups for their support during the election period. Among those being courted are Iglesia ni Cristo and the charismatic group El Shaddai.

Source: MSN/Sunnex