Evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, head of Jesus is Lord Movement, formally announced Friday his bid to run for next year's presidential elections during a meeting with his supporters at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan Friday.

It will be his second attempt to capture the highest post in the land after his defeat in the 2004 elections.

Wearing his signature yellow polo shirt, Villanueva is now the standard bearer of the Bangon Pilipinas Party.

Speaking in Filipino, Villanueva challenged his supporters to join him towards “a new Philippines.”

"Gusto kong maging matapang at tanggapin ang inyong hamon," the evangelist told some 10,000 supporters who gathered for the event.

Villanueva likened Friday's event into a “last station” that represents the last stop of the Filipinos' journey towards a new Philippines.

"Mga minamahal kong kababayan, sulit naman po ang ating byahe. Sa umagang ito, nakarating na tayo sa hangganan ng lahat ng hirap sa byahe ng ating buhay bilang isang bayan. Last stop na, ika nga. Ituring natin ang makasaysayang lugar na ito bilang istasyon...isang istasyon kung saan maghahanda tayo sa isang bagong biyahe, sa pagpunta natin sa isang bagong Pilipinas," he said.

"Freedom is good, but it is not enough. Democracy is great, but by itself it is sorely lacking. Freedom must be faithful, fruitful and fair. Democracy must be decent and not deceitful, it must be developmental and not envelopmental. It must be transformative and not transactional," Villanueva said.

"Sa mahabang panahon, ito ang nakita at nagpahirap sa atin sa ating paglalakbay bilang isang bayan. Ito ang kasalukuyang sistema. Inugat na ito at parang mahirap nang mabuwal," he added.

For its part, Malacañang said it is amenable to have more preachers in public office in the hope they could bring “sanctifying grace” in the dismal state of local politics.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said they have no qualms about the possible presidential bids of Vikllanueva and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde since a democratic country like the Philippines allows all citizens an equal chance to stand for political office.

Remonde added that any potential presidential candidate with a large group of supporters should be taken “seriously.”

“These developments only show democracy is very alive in our country. The entry and advent of religious leaders in politics is very much welcome and may allow their entry into the political arena will bring about some sort of a sanctifying grace in Philippine politics,” he said.

Lawmakers also said they do not find anything wrong with religious leaders throwing their hats in the 2010 presidential race, saying they have the right to join politics for as long as their intentions are to serve the country and the people.

Aside from Villanueva and Velarde, Catholic priest-turned Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio has also announced plans to run for president next year.

Representatives Lorenzo Tañada III of Quezon, Ma. Milagros Magsaysay of Zambales and Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila said religious leaders have full right to take part in political process and governance provided they have real enthusiasm for serving the people irrespective of religion.

But while Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan agreed that Velarde, Villanueva and Panlilio have the right to join politics, she challenged them to disengage themselves from their religious affiliations citing the separation of church and state.

“While they have the right to run, still they should be able to disassociate themselves from their religious affiliation, which is a huge challenge of course. We have a separation of Church and state,” she said.

Tañada pointed out that “the Constitution does not prohibit religious leaders from running for public office.”

Tañada is a member of the Liberal Party, which will have Sen. Mar Roxas as standard-bearer in 2010.

“It is the right of Bro. Mike and Bro. Eddie to seek public office if they feel they have something better to offer to the Filipino people,” he said.

Villanueva's announcement coincided with the commemoration of Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.'s heroism. The religious leader remembered the good works of the slain senator 26 years ago.

Villanueva said it took him months of mulling over his decision to run for next year's polls while his party sought provincial consultations with supporters and find out whether they believe that Bangon Pilipinas should continue its pursuit of good governance.

The evangelist is convinced that he can improve the situation of the country.