Bro. Eddie launches campaign in Rizal Park (2:58 p.m.)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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MANILA -- Tele-evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva kicked off his second Palace bid by unfurling the world’s largest Philippine flag as an indication of new beginning for the country.
The flag – measuring 180 meters x 92 meters – was first unfurled in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya on September 16, 2006. Weighing 3.8 tons and costing almost P10 million, it was created by businesswoman Grace Galindez Gupana, a supporter of Bangon Pilipinas.
“The biggest Philippine flag was unfolded in the holy land of Luneta Park. Let us wave the hope of a new Philippines,” said Villanueva before a sea of green and yellow supporters at the Rizal Park Tuesday morning.
“We are starting here in the country's 'Kilometer Zero' as a sign of hope for a new Philippines. This year is the year of God's favor for the Philippines," said campaign manager Lyndon Caña, in explaining the choice of Rizal Park.
Supporters sported “Eddie Tayo” shirts, caps, button pins, flags, and bandanas. “Babangon Tayo” flyers, shirts, umbrellas were also distributed to them as well.
The group also set up a "Bangon Webbie" booth near the stage where supporters can register their Facebook accounts in Villanueva's fan page.
During the program, Villanueva, running mate Perfecto Yasay, and the seven senatorial bets, namely Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Ramoncito Ocampo, Reynaldo Princesa, Alex Tinsay, Israel Virgines, and Adz Nikabulin, re-enacted the “washing of the feet” of representatives from the country's marginalized sectors such as farmers, laborers, the elderly and indigenous peoples.
“Bangon Pilipinas is about new politics. I am running as president of the Philippines to start fundamental reform which politicians, time and again, failed to deliver. I am running as president because it is the call of the times to stop the suffering of our country,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva, whose running on the platform “Anim na Taon na Walang Korapsyon, Ating Bansa ay Babangon,” emphasized that traditional politics has led the country to “the devastating effects of corruption.”
In 2004, Villanueva ran against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three others for the country’s top post. He lost though but insisted he was robbed of victory due to the administration’s alleged cheating machinery. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)
