MANILA, Philippines – Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio announced on Tuesday his intention to run for president in 2010 and leave priesthood.

“I have every intention to file my candidacy on or before November 30 [the deadline of filing of candidacy]. I'm ready for all the consequences, including dispensation from priesthood,” he declared at the weekly forum arranged by the Catholic Media Network in Intramuros, Manila.

Panlilio, who became the first Filipino priest to sit in public office when he was elected governor in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's home province in 2007, said he believed running for president was God's calling.

“When I decided to offer myself [as candidate] I felt at peace. I'm doing this not for me, not for myself. I felt God wanted me to go on a higher service,” he said.

“I have said time and again I have no political agenda. There have been groups telling me to run for the presidency and thought I would pray again. After a period of discernment I said, yeah God is calling me to run for the presidency,” he continued.

Panlilio said he was not expecting the Catholic Church leadership to campaign for him since the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines never endorsed and would not endorse candidates.

He said he would formally request for dispensation from the Church “anytime between next month and November.”

But he reiterated his previous statement that he would want to be reinstated to the priesthood should he lose in the elections.

“If they would accept me back, yes. But the thing is, that could come later. What's important is, this priesthood that I love so much I'm willing to give up for a greater love and that is love for the country. For me the heart of priesthood is accepting the love of God in working for other people especially the poor,” he said

If elected, Panlilio said his government's main thrusts would be to address people's livelihood, malnutrition, corruption, food sufficiency, and insurgency. (Inquirer News Service)