CEBU CITY – The bid of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to return to the Senate got a major boost after he earned the endorsement of The Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church led by CIBAC party-list Rep. Brother Eddie Villanueva.
CIBAC’s formal endorsement solidified growing Christian support behind Pacquiao’s candidacy in the May 12 elections.
His endorsement came after Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva revealed that the JIL Church leadership was deliberating endorsements for select senatorial candidates, including former Sen. Tito Sotto, Sen. Pia Cayetano, and former Senators Ping Lacson and Kiko Pangilinan.
Sen. Villanueva noted that Pacquiao holds a special place in the Christian community due to his public expression of faith and life transformation.
“Manny has been an inspiration to many. His journey from hardship to heroism, and from the ring to the halls of Congress, reflects the kind of moral leadership our country needs,” Sen Villanueva said in a recent Kapihan sa Senado.
Pacquiao thanked the JIL Church for their trust and pledged to champion causes that reflect Christian values, social justice, and national progress.
“I am humbled by the endorsement of JIL and Bro. Eddie. I will continue to fight for the poor, defend the truth, and serve the Filipino people with integrity,” Pacquiao said in a statement.
With the JIL Church’s vast network of congregations with about three million members in the Philippines and abroad, this endorsement is expected to provide a significant boost to Pacquiao's senatorial campaign as the election season is coming to an end.