By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — As political tensions continue to grip the Senate, CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva has advised his son, Sen. Joel Villanueva, to remain guided by his conscience and faith rather than by the influence of political allies.
Addressing members of the Jesus Is Lord Church on Sunday, the veteran evangelist and legislator said he had counseled the senator to make decisions based on principles and divine guidance amid the ongoing leadership dispute in the upper chamber.
“I told Joel to follow his conscience and the perfect will of God, not his politician friends or companions,” Villanueva said in Filipino.
The lawmaker emphasized that political calculations should never outweigh moral conviction, urging his son to focus on what he believes is right rather than on competing demands from various political groups.
“Your decisions should not be based on what politicians want. They should be based on what God wants for your life,” he said.
Villanueva also cited biblical teachings, reminding the senator that public officials cannot expect to satisfy everyone and must remain steadfast despite pressure from different factions.
“One political camp wants one thing, while another camp wants something else. Forget them all and seek the Lord,” he added.
The elder Villanueva’s remarks came as Sen. Joel Villanueva confirmed his willingness to attend a possible special session of Congress that may be called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The special session is widely viewed as a possible venue for addressing the leadership impasse that has divided the Senate in recent weeks.
The senator has previously acknowledged that the prolonged dispute has affected not only lawmakers but also Senate employees and the institution itself.
Notably, Joel Villanueva is the only member so far of the bloc aligned with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano who has publicly expressed openness to attending the special session, a development that could influence efforts to break the deadlock and restore stability within the chamber.
ia/xf
