HONG KONG — Senator Manuel Villar, Jr. has gotten the nod of the influential leader of the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai after its leader Bro. Mike Velarde made a virtual endorsement of his candidacy as well as that of his running mate Sen. Loren Legarda, further intensifying the rivalry among presidential contenders in the May 2010 campaign.

Velarde’s “choice” for president in the May 2010 elections was cheered on by his followers, about a hundred of them, who showed up in the prayer rally despite the cold and rainy weather.

El Shaddai followers were most seen wearing an orange and white, the official campaign color of Villar and Legarda, respectively.

“You can’t serve both God and money…say it again, money,” Velarde said at the first part of his speech which elicited applause and cheers from his followers.

“But without favoring anybody alam naman natin na yung ating panauhin ngayon ay may malasakit sa inyong mga nasa ibang bansa (we know that our guest today has a heart for you who are working abroad),” he further said.

“Malugod ko pong pinapakilala ang matagal ko nang matalik na kaibigan, (I am happy to introduce to you my long time friend, the Manny that you want. Don’t take care about the money, he can take care of himself,” Velarde told his followers.

Before he called Villar to take the center stage, Velarde first called for the two “important” women in Villar’s life at the moment: his wife Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar and Legarda.

Congresswoman Villar and Legarda each thanked Velarde for his invitation to join the El Shaddai’s anniversary celebration in Hong Kong. Velarde described Legarda as Villar’s “second inspiration” next to his wife.

When Velarde called Villar’s wife up the stage, he addressed her as “madam, first lady.”

Velarde said that while the El Shaddai does not endorse candidates during elections, they thoroughly examine each candidate running whether in local or national position.

But Velarde took a swipe on the other presidential candidates joining the race, saying some of them have not yet even shown they have done anything worthwhile for the nation.

“You are trying to show your color very early. Maaga pa ang kampanya (the campaign is still early). Susuriin muna natin sila, (we will scrutinize them, first) we will check their backgrounds to see if they are worthy and if they have done anything,” Velarde told his supporters.

In choosing Villar, Velarde extolled the man as the “candidate who have a heart for Filipinos working abroad.”

Villar, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude to Velarde whom he described as a long time friend.

“Alam nyo po matagal ko nang kaibigan si Bro. Mike. Mayroon siyang marubdob na hangarin lalo nap o para sa mga OFWs. Diyan po kami nagkasama talaga (We have long been friends. He has compassion especially for our OFWs and that is what we have always agreed on),” Villar said.

Prior to the El Shaddai engagement, Villar met with several members of migrant workers groups such as Gabriela, a women’s party list group and Migrante International, a coalition of militant workers organization advocating the rights of OFWs at a restaurant also in the same district.

Eman Villanueva said overseas–based Filipino workers have three major concerns that they want Villar to address once he becomes president of the Philippines.

“One is the high government fees that OFWs incur for processing fees, considering that we do not get high salaries even here in Hong Kong,” he said.

Another problem they see is the lack of welfare assistance the government extends to OFWs. Villanueva said they believe under a Villar leadership, legal and medical assistance to OFWs would get a boost.

“Another problem OFWs face is illegal recruitment which is very prevalent,” he said.

Villar vowed to address concerns of the OFWs saying he has given attention to the plight of overseas workers as one of his main priorities should he win.

“Nalulungkot ako pag nakikita ko kayo pero sa Middle East mas grabe ang hirap nila duon. Wala silang matakbuhan,” (I am saddened when I see your plight, but in the Middle East they are facing grave hardships over there.) said Villar, who has been known for actively helping OFWs in dire situations particularly those working in the Middle Eastern countries.