The Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church has officially endorsed five senatorial candidates for the upcoming May 2025 national elections, emphasizing their alignment with Christian values and principles.
In a public statement, the influential religious organization led by CIBAC party-list Representative Brother Eddie Villanueva announced its support for Manny Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Ping Lacson, and Kiko Pangilinan’s candidacies.
JIL explained that the endorsement followed a strict evaluation process based on “stringent criteria rooted in Christian values,” particularly those that highlight a candidate’s commitment to truth, justice, and righteousness.
“This is in keeping with Proverbs 14:34, which says, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,’” the JIL leadership noted. The group said it has mobilized all 1,509 chapters across 82 provinces in the Philippines and in 70 countries to promote awareness of their endorsement.
JIL also revealed that a second batch of endorsements is expected to be announced in the coming days.
The candidates welcomed the endorsement warmly. Former senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao expressed gratitude, saying the support inspires him to continue fighting for the rights of ordinary Filipinos. “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,” he said in a separate statement.
Former senator Kiko Pangilinan also responded, saying he finds strength in JIL’s prayers and guidance. “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,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
JIL has long played a role in shaping electoral outcomes by guiding its millions of members, both in the Philippines and abroad, in choosing leaders aligned with biblical principles. The endorsements are expected to influence Christian voters, particularly evangelical communities, ahead of the 2025 elections.
The remaining candidates to be endorsed are expected to reflect similar values and advocacies, according to JIL’s leadership.