JIL endorses 5 senatorial bets for Eleksyon 2025

The Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church has endorsed five senatorial candidates for the May 2025 elections.

In a statement, JIL has backed the following senatorial candidates: Manny Pacquiao, Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Ping Lacson, and Kiko Pangilinan.

JIL said it has adopted a set of “stringent criteria rooted in Christian values,” especially on the candidate’s “commitment to truth, justice, and righteousness,” in selecting the candidates for endorsement.

“This is in keeping with Proverbs 14:34, which says, ‘Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” said JIL, which is led by CIBAC party-list Representative Brother Eddie Villanueva.

“Pastors are instructed to ensure that all our 1,509 chapters across 82 provinces in the Philippines and 70 countries worldwide are completely informed of this endorsement.”

JIL also said a second batch of endorsement will be released in the coming days.

Reacting to JIL’s endorsement, Pacquiao vowed to advocate for causes that reflect “Christian values, social justice, and national progress.

“I am humbled by the endorsement of JIL and Brother Eddie. I will continue to fight for the poor, defend the truth, and serve the Filipino people with integrity,” Pacquiao said in a separate statement.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan said JIL’s prayer, guidance and support will be his inspiration to advocate for truthful and honest governance.

“Nananalig ako na sa ating sama-samang pagkilos at pananampalataya sa Diyos, maisusulong natin ang mas masaganang ani, mas murang pagkain, at mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Pangilinan said in a Facebook post.

(I believe that with our collective action and faith in God, we can promote more abundant harvests, more affordable food, and a better future for every Filipino family.)

Endorsements for Abalos

In Facebook reels, host Vice Ganda endorsed senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos.

“Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa Top 12, dito na ako (Abalos),” Vice Ganda noted, without specifying who the useless candidates are.

(Instead of useless candidates entering the Top 12, Abalos is here.)

In a statement, Abalos said he gained endorsements from  former vice president Leni Robredo and former senate president Franklin Drilon, as well as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the Vice Mayors' League, the League of Cities, the Philippines Councilors’ League, and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Caloocan

Meanwhile, Caloocan City Representative Oscar Malapitan backed TRABAHO Partylist during the Team Aksyon at Malasakit’s grand rally along North Diversion Road, Bagong Barrio. 

“106 Trabaho Partylist will synergize with Team Aksyon and Malasakit for the betterment of public service here in your city, especially in expanding your access to quality and sustainable jobs and livelihood,” Malapitan said in a statement. 

“I would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude for Mayor Along Malapitan and Cong. Oca Malapitan’s valuable support for 106 TRABAHO Partylist,” TRABAHO Partylist first nominee Atty. Johanne Bautista said in the same statement.

The group’s nominee also vowed inclusivity for women, senior citizens, persons with disability, and members of the minority, such as the LGBTQIA+ community.

TRABAHO Party-list further expressed its stance to defend the freedom of the press, and the right of the people to ask, to speak, and to educate.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News

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