Villanueva recounts political attacks on family, JIL Church; says faith remains his refuge

MANILA – Senator Joel Villanueva on Saturday recounted the emotional toll of what he described as political attacks and malicious accusations against him, his family, and the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide, saying his faith in God sustained him through the ordeal. 

Speaking at the church’s 48th anniversary celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Villanueva said the attacks, which he claimed were intended to destroy his reputation, were particularly painful when they involved his loved ones and the religious organization founded by his father, evangelist and CIBAC Party-list Representative Brother Eddie Villanueva.

“Iyong mga mafia at forces of darkness nagkaisa para ibagsak at yurakan ang aking pagkatao. Alam niyo po, napakasakit. Marami pong tao, kahit JIL people, hindi alam kung gaano kahirap,” he said.

“[Kung] gaano kasakit iyong dumaan sa grabeng pangungutya, sa grabeng pang-aalipusta. Kulang na lang po sabihin, nandito ako sa bagong bayan at ako ang pumatay kay Jose Rizal,” he added. 

He said that the attacks became even more difficult to bear when his family and the church were dragged into the controversy.

“Ang hirap-hirap po, napakasakit. Ang mas masakit po sa lahat, kapag binabanggit iyong pamilya mo. Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat, kapag binabanggit iyong JIL Church, talaga pong nagdurugo iyong puso ko,” Villanueva said.

The remarks came amid the controversy over alleged irregularities in flood-control projects in Bulacan, where former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official linked Villanueva to anomalous schemes during a House inquiry in September 2025. 

The senator denied the accusations and questioned the credibility of photographs presented as purported evidence linking him to corruption.

His anniversary speech, however, did not explicitly identify the flood-control controversy as the subject of the attacks he described. 

The senator said the experience reminded him of the importance of turning to God for comfort and reassurance, rather than relying on public approval or recognition.

His testimony formed part of a broader message centered on the anniversary theme, “Abba Father,” which emphasizes God as both a sovereign ruler and a loving father who offers comfort, protection, and provision to believers.

Villanueva said he experienced persecution and major difficulties alongside the church while growing up as a member of JIL, but maintained that the organization remained steadfast because of its faith.

Villanueva also tackled the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning against excessive reliance on the technology and stressing that technological advances should not come at the expense of human responsibility and faith.

“Alam niyo po, sa mga panahon ngayon, maraming tao lumalapit kung kani-kanino. Maging kapag kailangan ng tulong, minsan lumalapit doon sa AI,” he said.

“Napakahalaga na ang mga tao ay mag-step up at maging in control sa mundong ito. Tayo pong mga Kristiyano, lagi tayong lumapit sa ating Diyos, hindi po sa AI, hindi po paggising sa umaga, telepono na ang hawak, social media na,” he added.

Amid technological advances and uncertainties, Villanueva said the anniversary’s central message remained the assurance that believers could turn to God for strength amid hardship, uncertainty, and criticism. 

The JIL Church Worldwide marked 48 years of ministry with the gathering at the Quirino Grandstand, bringing together members, leaders, families, and guests from the Philippines and more than 83 countries, according to the church’s media advisory.

Founded by Eddie Villanueva in 1978, the church framed the celebration as an expression of gratitude for what it described as God’s enduring faithfulness throughout its nearly five decades of ministry.