Eli Soriano

**Eliseo "Eli" Fernando Soriano** (April 4, 1947 – February 11, 2021) was a Filipino preacher and televangelist. He was the "Overall Servant" (Tagalog: *Lingkod Pangkalahatan,* formerly called "Presiding Minister"), of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines. He was the main host of the radio and television program *Ang Dating Daan* (English: The Old Path, Portuguese: *O Caminho Antigo*, Spanish: *El Camino Antiguo*), which is considered as the longest-running religious program in the Philippines.

Soriano was known for his signature method of "Bible Expositions". It is a live Bible symposium where guests get the chance to ask impromptu questions personally or via live video streaming or telephone calls.

He was also known for straightforward preaching of what they believed are doctrinal errors of various local and international religious groups. He also had numerous religious debates with different church ministers and pastors.

An incident when he used a defamatory word in his television show consequently led to a three-month suspension of the program in a case that went to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

## Early life and education

Soriano was born to Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando in Pasay, Philippines, and is the seventh of eight children. He grew up in Pampanga. He started school at the age of eight.

Soriano was supposed to receive the highest honors of the school, but he dropped out three months before graduation due to an alleged religious debate between Soriano and the school administrator. On April 7, 1964, three days after his 17th birthday, Soriano was baptized in Seneguelasan, Bacoor, Cavite, and became an official member of the *Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan* (Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of the Truth) headed by Nicolas Perez where his parents were also members.

## Ministry

### Appointed minister

In 1969, Nicolas Antiporda Perez, who was then the church's presiding minister, bestowed upon Soriano the title "minister", making him the only minister in the *Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan* at that time. Rumors were circulating that Soriano was going to be Perez's successor. However, after the death of Nicolas Perez in 1975, Levita Gugulan was appointed temporary Presiding General Secretary of the group. Soriano initially accepted the appointment of Gugulan but subsequently denounced her leadership stating that women should not be leaders of the church according to the Bible.

### Schism

In 1976, Soriano and his allies left Gugulan's sect. In 1977, Soriano registered a new group, called *Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan* (Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth), which was later changed to *Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas* (Members of the Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth, Philippines).

Because of the similarity between the name used by Gugulan's group and Soriano's group, the former filed a suit, which was resolved by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2001 in favor of Gugulan's group and Soriano's group was ordered to change their church's name. In 2004 Soriano's group changed their church's name to *Members Church of God International.*Template:Citation needed

### *Ang Dating Daan*

Before starting his flagship TV program, Soriano would preach in different towns and municipalities in the Philippines. In 1980, Soriano started the radio program, *Ang Dating Daan*, which later became a television program in 1983. In 1983, Soriano was invited as a panelist in GMA-7's inter-religious program, *Dis [This] is Manolo and His Genius Family*. He, along with other representatives of religious groups, would debate and defend their beliefs in the show. Soriano won and was awarded "Most Outstanding Gospel Minister of the Year 1983". Soon, Soriano would receive multiple awards from different charity organizations, notably as *Bayani ng Lahing Kayumanggi* (Hero of the Brown Race).Template:Citation needed

On January 20, 1999, Soriano was invited to be the guest in Korina Sanchez's talkshow *Balitang K* (K News). There Soriano admitted that the *Ang Dating Doon* program, which is a parody of his *Ang Dating Daan* show, actually helped raise the popularity of the said religious program.

### Exile

He was in exile in order to evade various death threats he received over the course of his preaching in the Philippines and the countless libel cases he faced from the people he expose. He has since used this opportunity to preach in other countries.

Currently, *Ang Dating Daan* airs in 73 countries worldwide including the United States (as *The Old Path*), Brazil, Portugal (as *O Caminho Antigo*), Uruguay, Spain (as *El Camino Antiguo*), India, South Africa, and Saipan.

In his TV show *Itanong mo kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot!* ("*Ask Bro Eli, the Bible will Answer!*"), he invited people to ask him any Bible-related question.

### Charitable works

Soriano, through the help of his nephew Daniel Razon, has been spearheading many projects for the indigent. These include free medical and dental check-ups, a free bus ride and a free transient home for homeless people. Soriano and Razon created a free college scholarship program at the La Verdad Christian College in the Philippines and Africa which provides scholarships to deserving youth.

On May 17, 2010, Soriano appeared (through a live video patch) in a concert conceptualized by Daniel Razon and was titled *Protest Broadcast 3*. The concert aims to help the families of the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre. The victims' representatives received the net proceeds of the concert. The media workers' orphaned children would also be granted scholarships. During his appearance, Soriano harshly criticized former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom he blamed for his legal troubles.

On August 1, 2010, Soriano-Razon's free college program would receive further financial support from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) through a basketball game to be played by the PBA. The game, titled "Hoopsters Meet the Legends: Kahit Isang Araw Lang" was scheduled for the Cuneta Astrodome. The teams involved were the "PBA legends", Hoopsters (led by Razon), and the KAPI team. All the net proceeds would be given to support the free college program of Soriano and Razon.

Soriano and Razon were also involved with the donation and launch of two Mobile Schools (dubbed *Dunong Gulong* Project) equipped with learning tools suited for the ALS (Alternative Learning System) of Philippine Education. The project was initially conceptualized during a talk between Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro and Razon in the latter's television program *Good Morning Kuya*.Template:Citation needed

On November 27, 2010, Education Secretary Luistro signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Daniel Razon at the ADD Convention Center regarding the *Dunong Gulong* launch. The two *Dunong Gulong* mobile school buses were launched at the SM Mall of Asia on November 28, 2010. "And words became action." This is how Luistro described the project. He is impressed because of the support given by public service channel UNTV and the benevolent group, the *Ang Dating Daan* then headed by Soriano, to the anti-illiteracy campaign of the Philippines.Template:Citation needed

## Death

Soriano died on February 11, 2021, in Santa Catarina, Brazil at the age of 73. The Members Church of God International released a statement on the same day announcing his demise, but did not state his cause of death.

## Legacy

Different celebrities, religious groups and politicians including President Rodrigo Duterte sent their condolences and sympathies. They also sent messages of support and recognition of the late preacher's services and charity works. On April 4 to April 10, 2021, the Members Church of God International hold a special week-long charitable event called "The Legacy Continues". The event coincide with the 57th year since the late preacher was baptized in the Church. The event included the MCGI Global Feeding Program, the opening of the MCGI Free Store branches (originally launched on March 14, 2021), a Wish Granting and a special episode of *Serbisyong Bayanihan*.

## Notes

1. ↑ The Members Church of God International recognized Nicolas Perez, who was the presiding minister of the *Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan*, as their former Overall Servant and Soriano's predecessor
2. ↑ Or February 12, 2021 (UTC+8).

## References

1. ↑ Monton, Inoh Francis (September 24, 2017). Brethren from the time of the late Bro. Nicolas Perez, former MCGI Overall Servant, fill the ADD Convention stage to sing their humble song of praise to God. They are all thankful to God for His decades of love and protection for each and everyone of them. (Photo: Bro. Inoh Francis Monton / Photoville International) (en).
2. ↑ Wilson, Domingo (March 13, 2017). Sis. Luz Cruz happily interviews old members from the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez for their testimonies of faith through decades of service to God. (Photo Courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Bro. Wilson Domingo) (en).
3. ↑ Lumiares, Rodel Acuvera (September 9, 2016). Brethren that were baptized during the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez offer a song of gratitude to the Almighty during the weekly Thanksgiving to God event of MCGI last September 4, 2016 at the Ang Dating Daan Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga. (Photo courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Rodel Acuvera Lumiares) (en).
4. ↑ Policarpio, Jeffrey (March 13, 2017). Bro. Armando Policarpio, a worker from the time of Bro. Nicolas Perez, gives his testimony all the way from the Locale of San Francisco Bay, USA to impart his experiences of serving to God through the years with brethren. (Photo Courtesy of MCGI/Photoville International - Bro. Jeffrey Policarpio) (en).
5. ↑ Grana, Rhia (February 13, 201). The making of a preacher: How Dating Daan's Bro. Eli took the path no one thought he would take (en).
6. ↑ Salaverria, Jodee A. Agoncillo, Leila B. (February 13, 2021). 'Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73 (en).
7. ↑ l.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Bro. Eli Soriano (en).
9. ↑ 'Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73. *CNN Philippines*. “Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 12) – Televangelist and "Ang Dating Daan" founder Bro. Eli Soriano has died, a statement from Members Church of God International confirmed on Thursday [Feb 11]. He was 73.”
10. ↑ It is with deep sadness.... *Twitter*. Members Church of God International.
11. ↑ Ang Dating Daan's Bro. Eli Soriano passes away. *ABS-CBN News*. “… Ang Dating Daan's Bro. Eliseo "Eli" Soriano has passed away, his religious group Members Church of God International said early Friday [Feb 12].”
12. ↑ "On Overnight Bible Exposition, Preacher Encourages Guests to Be Spiritually Awake" CNN iReport January 26, 2012
13. ↑ Eli Soriano debate: Mga aral sa lumang tipan atbp. (en-US).
14. ↑ "P1M reward offered for information on TV host's killers" GMA News TV. April 29, 2008
15. ↑ "SC upholds suspension on 'Ang Dating Daan'" Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (June 13, 2010).. Tetch Torres. INQUIRER.net. April 30, 2009
16. ↑ About Us. Ang Dating Daan (April 7, 1964).
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Elesterio, Fernando G.. *Three essays on Philippine religious culture (Monograph series)*. De La Salle University Press.
18. ↑ Does a Woman have the Right to Preach in the Church of God? Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (October 18, 2007).
19. ↑ Members Church of God International History & Background (en-US).
20. ↑ Justyn. Iglesia Ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH ('Ang Dating Daan'). thebereans.ne.
21. ↑ G.R. No. 137592.
22. ↑ Castro, Levi M. (March 2000). "Special Report". Ang Dating Daan magazine (The Old Path) 58 (10): page 12.
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "12,000 watch concert for Maguindanao dead" Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (August 19, 2015).  *The Philippine Inquirer* March 19, 2010
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 The Bro. Eli Soriano legacy - UNTV News (en-us) (2021-02-15).
25. ↑ "Members Church of God International Worldwide Bible Exposition" Error on call to Template:cite web: Parameters **url** and **title** must be specified (July 15, 2011).  *Saipan Tribune*
26. ↑ The Old Path.tv - The Official Website of The Old Path.TV (en).
27. ↑ "Daniel Razon's second album out" *Philippine Star* August 21, 2009
28. ↑ La Verdad's Free School Opens Branches in Ghana and Liberia (en) (2012-04-19).
29. ↑ "Spring Films promises new season in Philippine cinema" *Manila Bulletin* August 21, 2009
30. ↑ PBA meets Hoopsters *Philippine Star* (Aug 1)
31. ↑ fansofkuyadaniel (December 2, 2010). Dunong-Gulong, isang natatanging proyekto mula UNTV, DepEd, at ADD (en).
32. ↑ "DepEd launches Dunong-Gulong (Mobile School)" Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
33. ↑ "DepEd introduces mobile school to lighten illiteracy problem"
34. ↑ "DepEd to launch mobile school project" Manila Bulletin
35. ↑ "DepEd launches mobile school called 'Dunong-Gulong'" PNM
36. ↑ Tributes pour in for Brother Eli Soriano's works, services – UNTV News (en-us). *UNTV News* (February 12, 2021). “The host of the longest-running religious program in the Philippines, "Ang Dating Daan," died on Thursday (February 11) at the age of 73”
37. ↑ 'Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73 (en).
38. ↑ Bro. Eli Soriano of Ang Dating Daan passes away at 73 – UNTV News (en-us) (February 12, 2021).
39. ↑ Message of Appreciation.
40. ↑ MCGI thanks those who offered support, tributes for the late Bro. Eli Soriano - UNTV News (en-us) (2021-02-18).
41. ↑ MCGI Remembers Brother Eli: Love Abounds, The Legacy Continues (en-US) (2021-04-12).
42. ↑ In Remembrance of Brother Eli's Life and Works, MCGI to Hold 'The Legacy Continues' from April 4 to 10 (en-US) (2021-03-30).
43. ↑ Free breakfast with coffee, offered by MCGI in Pasig City - UNTV News (en-us) (2021-04-14).
44. ↑ MCGI Free Store Now Officially Open with More than 670 Branches (en-US) (2021-03-15).

## External links

* EliSoriano.com
* Eliseo Soriano profile at Ang dating daan site

Template:Members Church of God International