Jesus is Lord Movement joins calls for Arroyo ouster

Religious group Jesus is Lord (JIL) Movement has joined the ranks of those calling for President Arroyo to step down on the heels of the ZTE-National Broadband Network scandal, ABS-CBN News learned Saturday.

In a special prayer rally at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday, thousands of JIL members gathered to pray for the resolution of the political crisis "through the Holy Spirit."

The movement, headed by losing 2004 presidential candidate Eddie Villanueva, said that their prayer rally is also their response to the call for communal prayer by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.

It was also during the rally that they officially announced their call for Arroyo's resignation.

The movement said that Malacanang's involvement in corruption has been "uncovered" after the President, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, and other high-ranking Palace officials have been linked to the anomalous ZTE deal.

During the rally, Villanueva suggested a system to replace President Arroyo in case she steps down from office. He endorsed Chief Justice Reynato Puno to succeed in the presidency.

After their vigil, the JIL, as well as the Bangon Pilipinas Movement, said they will have more gatherings.

The JIL rally was held a day after a major rally of anti-Arroyo groups at the financial district of Makati. - From a report by Cecille Lardizabal, ABS-CBN News