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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE: PBBM NATIONAL BIKE-TO-WORK DAY AN EXCELLENT SDG INITIATIVE

November 30, 2023

CIBAC Party-List Representative and House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Chairperson Bro. Eddie Villanueva lauds President Marcos’ Proclamation 409 which declares the last working day of November every year as National Bike-to-Work day.

“We welcome the President’s Proclamation No. 409. The promotion of non-motorized transportation has three-pronged benefits – it will decongest traffic, promote environment protection and advance physical health consciousness. Further, it will promote an efficient yet low-cost alternative transportation to commuters who are not able or do not intend to use motorized vehicles,” says Rep. Villanueva.

“This initiative of the President is an excellent and pivotal move in putting sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the national consciosuness. Indeed, this step is but a milestone in cultivating a SDG mindset in the country,” says Villanueva.

Bro. Eddie says that the promotion of cycling or the use of non-motorized vehicles will contribute to the country’s performance in achieving targets in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The CIBAC solon also authors House Bill 5090 which aims to establish a network of bicycle lanes in the country.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE, PH CHRISTIAN GROUPS: WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL

November 10, 2023

CIBAC Rep. Bro Eddie Villanueva with country’s large Christian groups yesterday expressed unequivocal support and solidarity with Israel amidst the on-going Israel-Hamas conflict in the middle east.

The office of CIBAC Rep. Villanueva together with leaders of Christian organizations Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (PMCC), Ministerial Association of the Philippines (MAP), Capitol City Four Square Church and Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JIlCW) yesterday met with the office of Israeli ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss to convey their solidarity and commitment to support the cause of Israel.

“We express our solidarity with Israel because we don’t want our constituents and our countrymen to be deceived by prevailing anti-Israel disinformation and propaganda which says that the war is between the peace-loving people of Israelite and Palestine,” says the CIBAC solon.

“The war is against the terrorist organization Hamas which is the perpretator of inhumane acts and the real cause of conflict in Israel and Palestine. We recognize Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas and we call on everyone not to buy in to any move that will lead to the legitimization of its acts or strengthening of its ranks,” adds the CIBAC solon. “Israel is a state with which the Philippines has a strong bilateral relation anchored on deep historical and diplomatic ties. Israel provide us jobs, defense aid, economic gains, humanitarian aid, investments, visa-free entry, and many more,” ends the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE, GROUPS OPPOSE BILLS NEGATING PREFERENCE OF FATHER AND HUSBAND AS HEAD OF FAMILY

November 8, 2023

In a statement, CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Wednesday expressed his opposition against measures nullifying the preference given to roles of fathers and husbands on certain family issues.

Rep. Bro. Eddie shared the opposition of Christian organizations Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), and the Coalition of Concerned Families against House Bills 1335, 5281, and 8907 which nullify the preference given to roles and decisions of fathers and husbands on certain family issues. The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality deliberated on the measures on Wednesday.

The said measures aim to amend Article 14 of the Family Code which gives preference to a father’s decision in giving consent to the marriage of a son or daughter. The bills also aim to amend Articles 96, 124, 211 and 225 that give weight to the father’s decision in the administration and enjoyment of family properties, as well as in the exercise of parental authority of children and legal guardianship over children’s property.

HBs 1335, 5281 and 8907 seek to amend said Family Code provisions by giving each spouse the option to immediately go to courts for settlement.

CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie said the proposed bills are clearly against the interest of preserving the solidarity and harmony of the family.

“The family is the basic unit of our society just like what is a cell to body. If the cells are incohesive and weak, you cannot expect a healthy and strong body. In the same vein, we cannot expect to have a vibrant society if its basic units – the families – are vulnerable to collapse and are disjointed due to struggles and bitterness brought by legal problems catalyzed by a proposed legislation that has a destabilizing lure and effect to the family,” said the CIBAC solon.

“Let us not rock the boat. Resorting to courts to immediately settle disputes can consume valuable judicial resources. This immediate judicial route is expensive, long-drawn, unwise, and will violate family autonomy and the sanctity of family life enshrined in the Constitution. There are many protections in place already in case of abuse by the husband of his tie- breaking power – notable, for example, is Republic Act No. (RA) 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act, RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women,” said PCEC lawyer Atty. Aldwin Salumbides.

Meanwhile, the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM) – a coalition of more than 7,000 Christian churches nationwide says that there is nothing wrong with Family Code provisions because it was drafted with the intention of keeping Filipino customs, values and ideals in mind.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There should be a head in the family to keep the balance of roles. These bills are more of a guise for equality because it will lead to strife and hostility between couples and ultimately to breakdown of marital and family relations” says PJM lawyer Atty. Mary Traje.

The Coalition of Concerned Families of the Philippines, represented by Atty. Aristogerson Gesmundo, asserted there is no need for said amendments because there are already sufficient safeguards in the Family Code, Civil Code and even jurisprudences.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE CASTS VOTE IN BOCAUE, BULACAN

October 30, 2023

To demonstrate the need for Filipinos to actually go out and vote, CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva casts his vote for barangay elections in his hometown in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The CIBAC solon arrived at the Bunlo Elementary School polling precinct and joined his fellow Bocaueños in voting.

“I call on all Filipino voters to go out today and vote wisely. Remember that the barangay leaders who will be elected today will determine the quality of public service and development not only in our respective barangays but also in the entire nation. So, go out and vote wisely. God bless you all,” says the CIBAC solon.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE: PRAY FOR SAFE, HONEST AND SUCCESSFUL BARANGAY ELECTIONS

October 28, 2023

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on all Filipinos Saturday to pray and work for a safe, honest, and successful conduct of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“I call on all Filipinos to pray to God for a safe, honest, and successful 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. I call on everyone to be vigilant, and not to allow any effort that will disrupt the peaceful exercise of our God-given and Constitutionally-granted right to choose the leaders in the most basic unit of our government – the barangay,” said the CIBAC solon.

Close to 92 million Filipinos will cast their votes on October 30, 2023,  for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls to elect  leaders for 42,027 barangays nationwide.

A total of 336,216 posts for Barangay Chairpersons and Kagawads are up for grabs, while additional 336,216 positions are to be filled by those who will be elected members of SK in each barangay.

Rep. Villanueva added, “Filipinos should ask for the Lord’s guidance as they practice their privilege to vote – which is actually both a right and an obligation before God and country. We should discern and choose with utmost care the people we will empower to govern our barangay halls, because the results of this election will be pivotal and crucial to our progress as a nation. Remember that these barangay officials will be the implementers of laws and dispensers of public funds on the ground so we cannot afford to be remiss in selecting the right ones.” “May the Lord guide all Filipinos to elect the barangay officials who will give us the kind of governance that God wants us to have,” said Rep. Villanueva.

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JIL TURNS 45; BRO. EDDIE CALLS FOR GLOBAL SURRENDER TO GOD

October 14, 2023

All roads led to Luneta, Manila yesterday, as multitudes of people came in waves from overseas and the provinces, spilling over from the Quirino Grandstand to Taft Avenue, and from P. Burgos Avenue to Kalaw Avenue, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JIL), headed by its Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, commonly referred to as “Bro. Eddie.”

Bro. Eddie, became a born-again Christian in 1973 when he was deep into radical activism and intellectual communism. He started a campus ministry at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) where he was teaching. With 15 students as his core group, Bro. Eddie started the Jesus is Lord Fellowship in 1978. His small group expanded and soon reached out to communities, multiplying their number daily. As Bro. Eddie tirelessly preached whenever he was given an opportunity, JIL spread from the Philippines to other parts of the world and is now present in 70 countries.

In his anniversary message, Bro. Eddie gave a call for urgent action for believers to covet revival upon the Philippines and the world. He emphasized the “lordship” of Jesus, saying, “It is easy to have Jesus as our Savior, Healer, or Provider. But it is difficult to

truly have Him as Lord because having Him as “Lord” means we no longer follow our own will, it means we no longer live for our selfish ambitions, but we live for Him, to the exclusions of other gods.”

”Revival is preceded by contrition, repentance, and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. And one would not surrender to His Lordship without first believing in Him as the only Way to the Father, the only One who can save,” Bro. Eddie said.

Also in attendance were Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Bocaue Mayor Jonjon Villanueva, Bocaue Vice Mayor Sherwin  Tugna, and JIL Vice President Rev. Pastor Jovi Villanueva-Binalla.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE CONDEMNS UNPROVOKED ATTACKS VS. ISRAEL TODAY

October 7, 2023

As an advocate of peace and Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Human Rights of the House of Representatives, CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva condemns on strongest possible terms the attacks launched against Israel on Saturday.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked attack on Israel and its people in the streets, in bomb shelters and in their homes. We call on the Philippine government to deplore and issue an outright statement condemning this inhumane and barbaric act of violence against Israel,” says the CIBAC solon.

“Israel is a close ally and mutual friend of the Philippines with which we share a deep historical, economic, military, political, social and cultural ties. This is an opportune time that we stand on behalf of Israel. I call on every pillar of Filipino nation – from the government to the churches – to denounce this inhumane attack to the Jewish people,” adds Rep. Villanueva.

In the early hours of Saturday morning October 7, 2023, Hamas fired a barrage of thousand rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory while militants infiltrated into a number of different locations in the Jewish country. The unprovoked attack caused the Jewish government to immediately declare a state of war alert across Israel.

Israel has been attacked on the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah, a day which is supposed to be one of joy. At least one Israeli woman was reportedly killed and hundreds were wounded as of writing.

“I encourage everyone to continue supporting and praying for peace in the land of Israel,” ends Villanueva.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE VILLANUEVA CELEBRATES PH HISTORIC WIN IN ASIAN GAMES BASKETBALL FINALS

October 6, 2023

CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva congratulates the Philippine basketball team Gilas Pilipinas after it beats Jordan, 70-60, to bag a historic gold medal in 2023 Asian Games Men’s Basketball.

“The stunning victory of Gilas Pilipinas is not only an additional accolade in our national sports histroy. It also gives us in such as time as this a needed inspiration and sense of confidence that we can emerge victorious amidst all challenges and hardships that we are braving now as a nation,” says the CIBAC solon.

This win by the Gilas Pilipinas breaks the 61-year gold drought of the country after it won its last gold back in 1962. “We join with the entire Philippine nation in celebrating this monumental victory in international sports. To God be the glory!” ends Villanueva.

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CIBAC REP. BRO. EDDIE VILLANUEVA FILES HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING HAGEDORN

October 5, 2023

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva files House Resolution 1348 which seeks to express the profound sympathy of the House of Representatives on the passing of Congressman Edward Hagedorn and its recognition of his legacies and valuable contribution to nation-building especially in the areas of environmental protection, tourism, agriculture, peace and spiritual upliftment.

“His legacies as a long-time leader of Puerto Princesa, now known as a popular eco-tourism destination, include the designation of Underground River by the

UNESCO World Heritage Site as a New Wonder of the World, the establishment of the city bay walk, the construction of the city coliseum and the construction of the New City Hall – all ushered Palawan to be a dynamic and progressive city,” the resolution says

“His leadership initiatives to cite a few: Oplan Linis Program (Clean and Green Campaign), Bantay Puerto Program (Puerto Princesa Watch), and comprehensive housing, agriculture, livelihood, education, health and infrastructure programs are forever etched in the hearts of all Palawenos,” furthers the measure. “We mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who leaves behind a legacy of dedication, seflessness, love and compassion,” ends the measure.

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BRO EDDIE VILLANUEVA MOURNS PASSING OF EDWARD HAGEDORN

October 3, 2023

CIBAC Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva mourns the passing of Congressman and former Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn – an outstanding public servant, a dear friend and an ambassador of God’s love.

“Mayor/Congressman Ed is a treasured gem in the annals of Philippine governance and politics. I am a personal witness not only to his outstanding and visionary leadership which catapulted the Underground River in Palawan to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World, but more to his exemplary self-less public service dedicated in helping the poor and the needy, especially the Palaweños,” says Bro. Eddie.

“But more to his accolades as a public servant, Congressman Ed, like me, was a former hopeless man who became recipient of God’s amazing love and a transformed life. His changed life has led many to come and receive God’s message of hope and love. He

served his life to be an ambassador of God’s help to those who are in need. What a life full of earthly and eternal significance. I will greatly miss him,” adds the CIBAC solon.

“My deepest sympathies to his family. May we all find comfort in God’s surest promise in John 11:25 that those, including Cong Ed, who believe in Jesus, even though they die, will surely live in a far more greater place of God’s presence,” ends Villanueva. In the House of Representatives, Hagedorn and Villanueva jointly authored House Bill 5837 which declares a holiday in Puerto Princesa in commemoration of it being declared as City of the Living God, and House Bill 6373 which declares the surroundings of Kalayaan Islands Group and Scarborough Shoal as marine protected areas.