SARAH P. LIRA
Online news contributor
SURIGAO CITY: More witnesses have started to signify their intention to come out and testify against one of the preachers of the Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) who was earlier accused of extortion and electioneering.
Scandalized, these witnesses said they are willing to testify against the anomalous act of one of their leaders after a news expose came out in the Mindanao Enquirer.
In its website, the JMCIM claims to be “one of the largest and most successful apostolic churches based in the Philippines with millions of followers nationwide and still growing.”
It is led by known pastor and evangelist Wilde E. Almeda and wife Lina.
A certain Abdonay said he, his family and neighbors at Brgy. Luna is ready to stand witness once an investigation will be conducted by representatives from its Central Office in Manila.
He added that they will join the crusade of “Daday” in bringing out to the public the shameful deed of one of their leaders so that “appropriate action or sanction could be slapped on him.”
This Daday, it was learned, disclosed that the subject preacher demanded money from them for the “funding” of his 31 members.
She said she begged off from handing out some money because what they had at the time was intended for other beneficiaries but the preacher was adamant that Daday was left with no choice but to consent with the preacher’s demand.
In an interview with this writer, Daday claimed she gave the said unnamed preacher 31 envelopes containing P900 each. All in all, the amount totaled P27,900.
The said money was sort of an “enticement” in exchange for some 800 votes. But, as Daday later learned, the said preacher has ordered his church members to vote for candidates of the other group, not those of the one who gave him the money.
Some church members said it is not a practice among JMCIM local churches to extort money from politicians in exchange for votes.
Online news contributor
SURIGAO CITY: More witnesses have started to signify their intention to come out and testify against one of the preachers of the Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) who was earlier accused of extortion and electioneering.
Scandalized, these witnesses said they are willing to testify against the anomalous act of one of their leaders after a news expose came out in the Mindanao Enquirer.
In its website, the JMCIM claims to be “one of the largest and most successful apostolic churches based in the Philippines with millions of followers nationwide and still growing.”
It is led by known pastor and evangelist Wilde E. Almeda and wife Lina.
A certain Abdonay said he, his family and neighbors at Brgy. Luna is ready to stand witness once an investigation will be conducted by representatives from its Central Office in Manila.
He added that they will join the crusade of “Daday” in bringing out to the public the shameful deed of one of their leaders so that “appropriate action or sanction could be slapped on him.”
This Daday, it was learned, disclosed that the subject preacher demanded money from them for the “funding” of his 31 members.
She said she begged off from handing out some money because what they had at the time was intended for other beneficiaries but the preacher was adamant that Daday was left with no choice but to consent with the preacher’s demand.
In an interview with this writer, Daday claimed she gave the said unnamed preacher 31 envelopes containing P900 each. All in all, the amount totaled P27,900.
The said money was sort of an “enticement” in exchange for some 800 votes. But, as Daday later learned, the said preacher has ordered his church members to vote for candidates of the other group, not those of the one who gave him the money.
Some church members said it is not a practice among JMCIM local churches to extort money from politicians in exchange for votes.
They said they were given the free hand to vote for candidates whom they believe were best qualified and trustworthy to hold public office.
They further commented that the act of their preacher was against decency, their church’s laws and the bible.
They feared their local church is heading for disintegration if the preacher would insist on serving his restive and disappointed members.
The recent scandal involving this local JMCIM church and its preacher based in this city, has become a “hot subject” among residents and the media.
They further commented that the act of their preacher was against decency, their church’s laws and the bible.
They feared their local church is heading for disintegration if the preacher would insist on serving his restive and disappointed members.
The recent scandal involving this local JMCIM church and its preacher based in this city, has become a “hot subject” among residents and the media.