The camp of Bro. Eddie Villanueva is open to endorsing another presidential candidate if there's very little chance of him winning in the May 10 polls, according to a member of his Jesus Is Lord (JIL) religious group.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who is supporting JIL founder Villanueva, said there's talk the TV evangelist may just endorse another bet if he sees that he won't be able to win the presidency in his second attempt.
"May mga ganoong usapan. Pero siyempre, lahat naman ng kampo, nakikipag usap din kay Bro. Eddie. Maraming puwede pang mangyari. Medyo very fluid pa yung takbo ng ating sitwasyon ngayon," Hagedorn said.
Hagedorn issued the statement in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan where his friend, former President Joseph Estrada, was campaigning with his party mates in the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Despite their current political differences, Hagedorn said he has kept his close ties with Estrada. "Ang atin namang pagkakaibigan hindi naman masisira yan sa pulitika lang e," he said.
Hagedorn alleged that the camp of Sen. Manny Villar was one of the groups said to be in talks with Villanueva, who is running under Bangon Pilipinas.
Bro. Eddie denies claim
Villanueva, however, ruled out the possibility of him backing out of the race.
"Sino nakaisip ng propaganda na yan?" he said, laughing. "Ni wala sa guni-guni namin yan e."
Villanueva, who was campaigning in Bicol on Wednesday, said that aside from JIL, he is also being supported by the Philippines for Jesus Movement, a global coalition of Christian churches, and other like-minded groups.
Villanueva also ran in the 2004 presidential elections and came last among 5 presidential candidates.
His campaign hasn't taken off as well this year. The February 24-28, 2010 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed him getting only 3% support, good for only 5th place among 9 presidential candidates.
Estrada wants JIL's support
Estrada expressed hope that he would be the one endorsed by Villanueva in case he withdraws from the race.
He said the JIL has 2 million followers, which would boost his presidential campaign.
Estrada has placed 3rd in the recent presidential surveys of Pulse Asia and SWS behind front runners Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III of the Liberal Party and Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.
He has recovered in the recent surveys, especially in Mindanao. "Siyempre, marami namang followers si Bro. Eddie," he said.
Estrada said he and Villanueva both want to fight corruption.
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