Velardes, Buhay part ways
THE Velarde family of the influential Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai has ended its 21 years of partnership with the pro-Life Buhay Hayaang Yumabong (BUHAY) party-list group being represented by Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza this 18th Congress.
In a three-page resignation letter, former BUHAY Reps. Rene del Monte Velarde, second nominee in the present 18th Congress, and Michael del Monte Velarde Jr., BUHAY secretary general, severed ties with BUHAY led by Atienza, running mate of presidential candidate and Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, and Mel Robles.
“As a result of their discussion on the 4th of June 2021, Bro. Mike decided to sever his support, association and all organizational links with Buhay Hayaang Yumabong Partylist,” the Velarde brothers said.
“And we the undersigned, collectively resign as officers and members of BUHAY PL,” they added.
The Velarde brothers are sons of popular evangelist Bro. Mike Z. Velarde who is the servant leader and founder of El Shaddai Ministry.
Other El Shaddai personalities who signed the resignation letter include Jose A. Descallar, Buhay chief auditor; Enrique B. Sunico, Sammy Vincent Sales, Dawn Melanie S. Diaz, and Jose Ponciano E. Malonzo.
The elder Velarde noted and signed the resignation letter.
The charismatic group’s solid support to BUHAY party-list had ensured a series of election successes for the group.
The Velarde brothers cited Atienza’s alleged refusal to honor an agreement he had with the El Shaddai leader in connection with the placement of BUHAY nominees for the 2022 party-list election.
“Rep. Atienza seemed to have lost confidence and adherence to Bro. Mike’s discernment, decision-making and stewardship for his flock, hence, Rep. Atienza’s resistance to honor the standing agreement in the nomination for the 1st seat,” the letter’s signatories stated.
“We can assume that if Rep. Atienza does not adhere to their agreement and to Bro. Mike’s discernment and decision-making on this matter, what can prevent him to totally disregard Bro. Mike’s guidance’s as Head Servant on other issues and concerns on our advocacy and legislative agenda?,” they asked.
