The influential religious group Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Worldwide is expected to announce its endorsed senatorial candidates within the week, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Tuesday, Villanueva revealed that JIL has been actively deliberating on potential candidates through a designated search committee. Villanueva, a devout Christian and son of JIL founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva said that he had been invited to participate in the discussions multiple times but has left the decision-making to the group’s internal process.
“There is a search committee, and their meetings are ongoing. I was invited several times — I think for three times now and their deliberations are ongoing. So I’d just leave it to the search committee,” Villanueva said in Filipino.
He added that the group has not yet finalized the number of candidates it will support. “I have to say that based on discussions, they are open to endorsing twelve or not. I think they will announce it in the next two to three days. I’m not sure if it’s complete,” he noted.
Senator Villanueva also said he offered some advice to the committee, encouraging them to consider incumbents who are seeking reelection. “I advised them to look at reelectionists because they are already sitting senators,” he said.
The endorsement from JIL could prove to be significant in the upcoming elections, as the group has millions of members both in the Philippines and abroad. Religious organizations like JIL often play a crucial role in shaping voting blocs, especially among faith-based communities.
The upcoming senatorial elections are expected to be highly competitive, with numerous candidates vying for a limited number of seats. With JIL’s endorsement potentially coming in just a few days, political observers are watching closely to see which candidates will secure the group’s backing.
JIL’s formal announcement is anticipated to influence both national political dynamics and grassroots campaign strategies, especially in regions where the group maintains strong local chapters.
Will the endorsement boost some candidates’ chances or stir debate on religious influence in politics? All eyes will be on the list once it’s released.