Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES – A Filipino lawyer who also preaches at a Christian church here has filed a certificate of candidacy to run for senator in the 2010 national elections in the Philippines, "to make a stand against graft and corruption." Attorney Ramoncito Ocampo announced his candidacy at Salakot Grill and Restaurant on Sunday, November 15, surrounded by dozens of relatives and supporters.

"What can I do outside the system?" Ocampo asked. "There is only so much you can do outside the system," Ocampo declared. "But nothing is impossible."

He will be one of the seven senatorial bets being fielded by Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Jesus Is Lord (JIL), a Christian church which reportedly has six million members. "Bro. Eddie calls the slate the Magnificent 7," Ocampo said.

Ocampo flew to Manila on Monday, November 16 to file his certificate of candidacy before the November 30 deadline. He told supporters that he was frustrated with the system in the Philippines. "I am a preacher; I like to preach the word of God, but I don’t have a church. I belong to El Shaddai; but I am just a disciple."

"I preach the word of God when I am assigned," Ocampo revealed. "But I want to preach the word of God to millions and millions of people – to really preach the gospel."

After having read Ocampo’s writings published in local newspapers and in Manila, JIL head Bro. Eddie Villanueva asked him to join his ticket. Villanueva told him, "Monching, I am running for President in the Philippines in 2010, and I am inviting you to become one of my senatorial bets." Ocampo told Villanueva that he knew what it took to run for office. "I know how much money is spent on elections. So I am not going to do it. I don’t have that kind of money."

Villanueva said, "The Lord will provide. When you talk biblically, you listen and have to understand that the Lord will provide." Ocampo told Villanueva that his comfort zone was in the United States and that he was happy here, where he has been a practicing lawyer for 16 years out of the 28 years that he had been residing in America. "I have a comfortable life in the States, why would I aspire for any position, go back to the Philippines and be involved?"

But Villanueva was unrelenting. He said to Ocampo: "Bro.Ramon, to whom much is given, much is required. I am inviting you because you have a passion in your heart. Come back; help me preach the gospel of righteousness."

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