Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva

Eduardo Villanueva, popularly known as “Brother Eddie”, is a religious and political leader in the Philippines.

In 2004, he ran as president but lost to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, placing last in a field of five candidates. In 2010, he ran again as president but lost to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, placing fifth among nine candidates. In 2013, he ran again as a senator but also did not make the cut.

Before joining politics and officially declaring his leave of absence as its Spiritual Director during the launching of the Bagong Pilipinas Movement on March 28, 2009, he was best known as the founder and leader of Jesus Is Lord Church, a Christian church founded in 1978. A former atheist, activist, and professor who preached the gospel to his students,15 of them, he has guided JIL to what it claims to be to over 4 million strong with churches all over the Philippines and in neighboring Asian countries as well as Europe, Australasia, America, the Middle East, and Africa.

His eldest son, Eduardo “Jon-Jon” Villanueva, Jr., was charged with murder for allegedly ordering the shooting of a soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the May 2007 elections. His daughter, Joni Tugna, served as a municipal mayor until her death in 2020. His other son, Joel, is an incumbent senator and became the youngest member of the House of Representatives (HOR) when he was elected in 2002.

Villanueva is also the owner of ZOE Broadcasting Network, the broadcasting arm of JIL that plays a significant role in spreading the Christian faith, providing a platform for religious programming, and promoting values and principles aligned with the church’s teachings. Documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission show that Jesus is Lord Church, through their foundations, owns 90% of ZOE. Villanueva is the majority shareholder in these foundations.

On October 10, 2020, ZOE Broadcasting Network signed a partnership agreement with ABS-CBN Corporation after the latter’s shutdown of free television. ZOE TV rebranded itself as A2Z channel, featuring ABS-CBN shows on VHF Channel 11. It also operates Light TV Channel 33 - God's Channel of Blessings, which provides entertainment and religious programming to Philippine households.

The church and the media company are active on digital platforms, reaching a broader audience through their websites and social media channels. They aim to use media as a tool for spreading their message, promoting values, and inspiring spiritual growth.