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			{{Short description\|Filipino television evangelist (1947–2021)}}
	{{Infobox Person
			{{pp-semi-protected\|small=yes}}
	\| name = Eliseo "Eli" Soriano
			{{Use Philippine English\|date=February 2021}}
	\| image = Eli soriano philweb-nov-2005.jpg
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=February 2021}}
	\| image_size = 220 px
			{{Philippine name\|]\|]}}
	\| caption = Soriano at the 8th Philippine web awards
			{{Infobox Christian leader
	\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1947\|4\|4}}
			\| type =
	\| birth_place = ], ], ]
			\| honorific_prefix = {{abbreviation\|Bro.\|Brother}}
	\| death_date =
			\| name = Eli Soriano
	\| death_place =
			\| honorific_suffix =
	\| occupation = ]; ]
			\| title = Overall Servant<br />(formerly "Presiding Minister")
	\| parents = Triunfo Soriano </br>Catalina Fernando
			\| image = eli-soriano.jpg
	\| children =
	\| ~~website~~ =		\| image_size =
			\| alt =
	http://www.elisoriano.com/
			\| caption =
	\|}}
			\| native_name =
			\| native_name_lang =
			\| church =
			\| archdiocese =
			\| province =
			\| metropolis =
			\| diocese =
			\| see =
			\| elected = <!-- or \| appointed = -->
			\| term = <!-- or term_start / term_end -->
			\| quashed = <!-- or \| retired = -->
			\| predecessor = Nicolas Perez{{efn\|The ] 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 <ref>{{cite news \|last=Monton \|first=Inoh Francis \|date=September 24, 2017 \|title=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) \|language=en \|url=https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org/photos/a.1822119984468814/1822120994468713 \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/557919017555590/1822120994468713 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Wilson \|first=Domingo \|date=March 13, 2017 \|title=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) \|language=en \|url=https://www.facebook.com/1613891368625011/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/557919017555590/1613891368625011 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Lumiares \|first=Rodel Acuvera \|date=September 9, 2016 \|title=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) \|language=en \|url=https://www.facebook.com/1399518736728943/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/557919017555590/1399518736728943 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Policarpio \|first=Jeffrey \|date=March 13, 2017 \|title=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)\|language=en \|url=https://www.facebook.com/1613891411958340/ \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/557919017555590/1613891411958340 \|archive-date=2022-02-26 \|url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last=Grana \|first=Rhia \|date=February 13, 201 \|title=The making of a preacher: How Dating Daan's Bro. Eli took the path no one thought he would take\|language=en \|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/02/13/21/the-making-of-a-preacher-how-dating-daans-bro-eli-took-the-path-no-one-thought-he-would-take}}</ref>}}
			\| successor = ]
			\| opposed =
			\| other_post = <!---------- Orders ---------->
			\| ordination =
			\| ordained_by =
			\| consecration =
			\| consecrated_by =
			\| cardinal =
			\| created_cardinal_by =
			\| rank =
			\| laicized = <!---------- Personal details ---------->
			\| birth_name = Eliseo Fernando Soriano
			\| birth_date = {{Birth date\|1947\|04\|04}}
			\| birth_place = ], Philippines
			\| death_date = {{Death date and age\|2021\|02\|10\|1947\|04\|04}}
			\| death_place = ], Brazil<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Salaverria \|first=Jodee A. Agoncillo, Leila B. \|date=February 13, 2021 \|title='Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73 \|language=en \|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1395291/ang-dating-daan-founder-eli-soriano-dies-at-73 \|access-date=February 13, 2021}}</ref>
			\| buried = <!-- or \| tomb = -->
			\| resting_place_coordinates =
			\| nationality = ]
			\| religion = ]
			\| residence =
			\| parents =
			\| spouse = <!-- or \| partner = -->
			\| children =
			\| occupation =
			\| profession = <!-- or \| previous_post = -->
			\| education =
			\| alma_mater =
			\| motto =
			\| signature =
			\| signature_alt =
			\| coat_of_arms =
			\| coat_of_arms_alt = <!---------- Sainthood ---------->
			\| feast_day =
			\| venerated =
			\| saint_title =
			\| beatified_date =
			\| beatified_place =
			\| beatified_by =
			\| canonized_date =
			\| canonized_place =
			\| canonized_by =
			\| attributes =
			\| patronage =
			\| shrine =
			\| suppressed_date = <!---------- Other ---------->
			\| module = {{Infobox YouTube personality\|embed=y
			\| channel_display_name = Brother Eli Channel
			\| channel_url = UCpfAIX0ty_Acz9_QpCKKq1g
			\| genre = ]
			\| years_active = 2021–present<br /><small>(via ])</small><br />1980–2021<ref>{{Cite web\|last=\|first=\|date=\|title=l\|url=https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org/photos/a.738990952781728/4199731546707634/\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212030401/https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org/photos/a.738990952781728/4199731546707634/ \|archive-date=February 12, 2021 \|access-date=\|website=Facebook}}</ref>
			\| subscribers = 226 thousand
			\| views = 24.7 million
			\| associated_acts = ]
			\| silver_button = y
			\| silver_year = 2020
			\| gold_button =
			\| gold_year =
			\| diamond_button =
			\| diamond_year =
			\| stats_update = September 18, 2021
			}}
			\| module2 = {{Infobox person\|child=yes
			\| URL = http://www.elisoriano.com/
			}}
			}}
			'''Eliseo''' "'''Eli'''" '''Fernando Soriano''' ({{IPA\|tl\|ˈʔɛli soɾˈjano}}; April 4, 1947 – February 10, 2021)<ref name=":0">{{Cite news\|title=Bro. Eli Soriano\|language=en\|url=https://www.mcgi.org/about-us/about-bro-eli/}}</ref>{{efn\|Or February 11, 2021 (UTC+8).<ref>{{cite news \|title='Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73 \|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/12/-Ang-Dating-Daan--founder-Eli-Soriano-dies-at-73.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211222905/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/12/-Ang-Dating-Daan--founder-Eli-Soriano-dies-at-73.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=February 11, 2021 \|access-date=February 12, 2021 \|work=CNN Philippines \|quote=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 . He was 73.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=It is with deep sadness... \|url=https://twitter.com/mcgidotorg/status/1359947163455811584 \|access-date=February 12, 2021 \|at=3:27 am (UTC+8)\|work=Twitter \|publisher=Members Church of God International}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Ang Dating Daan's Bro. Eli Soriano passes away \|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/12/21/ang-dating-daans-bro-eli-soriano-passes-away \|access-date=February 12, 2021 \|work=ABS-CBN News \|quote=… Ang Dating Daan's Bro. Eliseo "Eli" Soriano has passed away, his religious group Members Church of God International said early Friday .}}</ref>}} was a Filipino preacher<ref name=":0" /> and ]. He was the "Overall Servant" (]: ''Lingkod Pangkalahatan,'' formerly called "Presiding Minister") of the ] (MCGI), an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in ], Philippines. He was the main host of the radio and television program '']'' (]: ], ]: ''O Caminho Antigo'', ]: ''El Camino Antiguo''), which is considered as the ] ] in the Philippines.

			Soriano was known for his signature method of "]". It is a live Bible symposium where guests get the chance to ask impromptu questions personally or via ] or ]s.<ref> {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311151624/http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-736908 \|date=March 11, 2013 }} CNN iReport January 26, 2012</ref>
	'''Eliseo Fernando Soriano''' (born April 4, 1947), a controversial ] evangelist, is presiding minister of the ]-based ]. He is known as Bro. Eli in the Congregation he leads, and through his radio and television programs ] (The Old Path), Ask Soriano, Bible Guide and Truth in Focus.
	Soriano is known for criticizing various other religious groups for doctrines and practices he considers to be against biblical truths. Soriano and his followers claim him to be the ''Pantas'' (Wise man) according to Daniel 12:9-10 who would understand the bible in the last days. This is exhibited in his program "Itanong mo kay Soriano (Ask Soriano)" where he claims to be able to answer all kinds of Bible questions similar to the self-styled "''Bible Answer Man''", ].

			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.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Eli Soriano debate: Mga aral sa lumang tipan atbp.\|url=https://www.angdatingdaan.org/eli-soriano-debate-mga-aral-sa-lumang-tipan-atbp/\|access-date=2021-02-15\|website=ANG DATING DAAN\|language=en-US\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225170519/https://www.angdatingdaan.org/eli-soriano-debate-mga-aral-sa-lumang-tipan-atbp/\|archive-date=February 25, 2020}}</ref>
	==Biography==
	Soriano was born to Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando in ] and is the seventh of eight children. He grew up in ]. He was shy as a child and started school at the age of eight.

			An incident when he used a defamatory word in his television ] consequently led to a three-month suspension of the program in a case that went to the ].<ref> GMA News TV. April 29, 2008</ref><ref> {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613144759/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090430-202412/SC-upholds-suspension-on-Ang-Dating-Daan \|date=June 13, 2010 }}. Tetch Torres. INQUIRER.net. April 30, 2009</ref>
	Soriano then dropped out of high school three months before graduation to devote his life to study the bible.{{Fact\|date=November 2008}} On ], ], three days after his 17th birthday, Eliseo was baptised in Seneguelasan, ], 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 in English) founded by Nicholas Perez where his parents are also members.

			==Early life and education==
	In 1969, Nicolas 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. Rumor then was circulating that Soriano would become the successor of Perez. After the death of Nicholas Perez however in 1975, a woman by the name of Levita Gugulan was appointed as presiding minister 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.<ref></ref> When Soriano voluntarily left the group, he was excommunicated by the group of Gugulan.
			Soriano was born to Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando in ], Philippines, and is the seventh of eight children. He grew up in ]. He started school at the age of eight.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.angdatingdaan.org/about/about_ministers.htm \|title=About Us \|publisher=Ang Dating Daan \|date=April 7, 1964 \|access-date=June 1, 2010 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927035107/http://www.angdatingdaan.org/about/about_ministers.htm \|archive-date=September 27, 2009 }}</ref>

			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.<ref name="soriano bio">{{Cite book\|author=Elesterio, Fernando G.\|title=Three essays on Philippine religious culture (Monograph series)\| publisher=De La Salle University Press}}</ref> On April 7, 1964, three days after his 17th birthday, Soriano was baptized in Seneguelasan, ], ], 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.<ref name=":0" />
	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 in English), which was later changed to ''Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas, Inc.'' (Members Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth, Philippines, Inc. in English).

			==Ministry==
	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 ] in 2001 in favor of Gugulan's group and Soriano's group was ordered to change its church's name not similar to Gugulan's.<ref></ref>Soriano changed his church name to ''Bayan ng Katotohanan'' (City of Truth Inc. in English) and later to ''Iglesia Ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH Inc.''(Church of YHWH and YHWSA HMSYH Inc. in English). In 2004 Soriano registered and used the name '''Members Church of God International'''.
			===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.<ref name="soriano bio" /> 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.<ref> {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018071141/http://www.angdatingdaan.org/biblicaltopics/bib_apostle_2.htm \|date=October 18, 2007 }}</ref>

			===Schism===
	Soriano started his first radio broadcast in 1980 and TV program ] in 1983.
			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).<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Members Church of God International History & Background\|url=https://www.mcgi.org/about-us/church-history/\|access-date=2021-02-26\|website=MCGI.org\|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="thebereansdotnet">{{cite web\|url=http://www.thebereans.net/prof-add.shtml\|title=Iglesia Ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH ('Ang Dating Daan')\|last=Justyn\|publisher=thebereans.ne\|access-date=January 11, 2009\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311233211/http://www.thebereans.net/prof-add.shtml\|archive-date=March 11, 2007\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

			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 ] in 2001 in favor of Gugulan's group and Soriano's group was ordered to change their church's name.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2001/dec2001/gr_137592_2001.html\|title=G.R. No. 137592\|website=lawphil.net\|access-date=February 17, 2020}}</ref> In 2004, Soriano's group changed their church's name to ''Members Church of God International.''{{Citation needed\|date=April 2021}}
	==Charities ==
	For almost two decades Soriano has maintained the ADD Foundation key charities for the widowed, disabled, neglected and fatherless.{{Fact\|date=November 2008}} He established a charitable organization named "Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel Foundation" to help the poor people in his country. {{Fact\|date=November 2008}}.

			===''Ang Dating Daan''===
	==Senate disqualification==
			{{main\|Ang Dating Daan}}
			Before starting his flagship TV program, Soriano would preach in different towns and municipalities in the Philippines.<ref name="soriano bio" /> In 1980, Soriano started the radio program, '']'', which later became a television program in 1983. In 1983, Soriano was invited as a panelist in ]'s inter-religious program, ''Dis 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".<ref name="soriano bio" /> Soon, Soriano would receive multiple awards from different charity organizations, notably as ''Bayani ng Lahing Kayumanggi'' (Hero of the Brown Race).{{Citation needed\|date=April 2021}}

			On January 20, 1999, Soriano was invited to be the guest in ]'s talk show ''Balitang K'' (K News). There Soriano admitted that the '']'' skit from the GMA sketch comedy show '']'', which is a ] of his ''Ang Dating Daan'' program, actually helped raise its popularity.<ref name="specialreport">Castro, Levi M. (March 2000). "Special Report". Ang Dating Daan magazine (The Old Path) 58 (10): page 12.</ref> Conversely, ]–who went by the ] "Brod. Pete" as a play on American actor ]–expressed his appreciation towards Soriano in an interview with UNTV News, stating that ''Ang Dating Daan'' helped him better understand the Bible. Salvador cited Soriano's sense of humor and ability to interpret and explain the scripture for creating the ''Ang Dating Doon'' skit.<ref name="untv">{{Cite web \|title=Brod Pete to Bro. Eli: "Marami akong natutunan sa Biblia dahil sa kanya" \| website=] \| date=December 9, 2016 \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8rijp7dX0Y \|access-date=2024-03-16 \|language=en-GB}}</ref>
	Soriano was declared a nuisance candidate and disqualified by the En Banc Comelec (Commission On Elections) on ], ] when he stood for a position of senator.<ref></ref> Soriano was running as an independent candidate.<ref> </ref>

	==~~Rape case~~==		===Exile===
			He was in exile<ref name="newsinfo.inquirer.net"> {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819084937/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100519-270823/12000-watch-concert-for-Maguindanao-dead \|date=August 19, 2015 }} '' The Philippine Inquirer'' March 19, 2010</ref> 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 exposed. He has since used this opportunity to preach in other countries.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web\|date=2021-02-15\|title=The Bro. Eli Soriano legacy - UNTV News\|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/the-bro-eli-soriano-legacy/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=UNTV News\|language=en-us}}</ref>
	In May 2006, Soriano was indicted on ] charges at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, following a complaint filed by former ] assistant secretary general Daniel Veridiano that he was sexually assaulted in Apalit, Pampanga on two occasions.<ref></ref> According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer report in June 2008, Soriano allegedly abused his influence by directing Veridiano "to come into his room, massage him and have anal intercourse", an act that was against the consent of Veridiano.<ref name="Lopez">{{cite news\|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20080621-144027/Dating-Daans-Ely-Soriano-posts-bail\|title=Dating Daan’s Ely Soriano posts bail \|last=Lopez\|first=Allison\|date=2008-06-21\|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer\|publisher=The INQUIRER Company\|accessdate=2008-08-17}}</ref> In his counter affidavit, Soriano described Veridiano's accusations as "fabricated, baseless and malicious" and said that Veridiano was simply retaliating for being expelled from Members Church of God International.

			Currently, '']'' airs in 73 countries worldwide including the ] (as '']''), ], ] (as ''O Caminho Antigo''), ], ] (as ''El Camino Antiguo''), ], ], and ].<ref> {{webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715230441/http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=21&newsID=102364 \|date=July 15, 2011 }} '' Saipan Tribune''</ref>
	Macabebe Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Siyangco issued the warrant of arrest. Soriano was allowed to post a P400,000 ] bond (P200,000 for each count).<ref></ref> The charge was dismissed but was later refiled in a higher court by the country’s Department of Justice Secretary, Raul Gonzales.

			In his TV show '']'' ("''Ask Soriano, the Bible will Answer!''"), he invited people to ask him any Bible-related question.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=The Old Path.tv - The Official Website of The Old Path.TV\|url=https://www.theoldpath.tv/\|access-date=2021-02-14\|website=The Old Path.tv\|language=en}}</ref>
	In November 2006, an ] was issued against Soriano by Judge Lucina Dayaon, ]. After more than a year and a half of living as a ], news came out that Soriano finally emerged from hiding and posted a P240,000 ] at a police Station in ], ] on ], 2008. <ref name="Lopez" /> However, ] reported that on ], 2008, Soriano and two others were sued for violation of Art. 171, ] (] of public documents) at the ] City Prosecutor's Office. It was discovered that the arresting officer, PO3 June Gumaru, and Soriano's secretary, Belen Talentado, conspired in faking the certificate of detention to permit his release by posting bail for his ] case. PO3 Gumaru admitted in a sworn affidavit that he had never seen the church group leader, that Soriano did not really surrender to him, and that he is, in fact, still a fugitive.<ref></ref>

			===Charitable works===
	==Criticisms==
			Soriano, through the help of his nephew ], 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.<ref> ''Philippine Star'' August 21, 2009</ref> Soriano and Razon created a free college scholarship program at the ] in the ] and ]<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2012-04-19\|title=La Verdad's Free School Opens Branches in Ghana and Liberia\|url=https://www.danielrazon.com/la-verdads-free-school-opens-branches-in-ghana-and-liberia\|access-date=2021-02-26\|website=Daniel Razon\|language=en}}</ref> which provides scholarships to deserving youth.<ref> ''Manila Bulletin'' August 21, 2009</ref>
	Soriano's manner of preaching is a target of criticism. He swears and is highly critical of his religious opponents who he calls "false prophets" in his programs{{Fact\|date=July 2008}}.

	In 2005, ] banned Soriano's programs because of statements made by Soriano against the ], the ], and the MTRCB. He was prohibited from uttering libelous and defamatory statements against INC. Soriano had used terms like ''iglesiang pumapatay ng kapwa tao'' (church who murders) and ''iglesia ni Manalo'' (church of Manalo) to malign the INC in his programs.<ref></ref> Soriano protested the ban claiming the MTRCB had violated his freedom of religion and speech.{{Fact\|date=November 2008}} The ] ruled that MTRCB overstepped its authority by banning Soriano's TV programs in 2005.{{Fact\|date=November 2008}}

			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 ] ], whom he blamed for his legal troubles.<ref name="newsinfo.inquirer.net"/>
	As a result of Soriano's frequent attacks on the ], INC launched a TV program, ], to counter Soriano's criticism of INC's teachings and practices and to expose what they say are Soriano's false teachings and contradictions on the show. To insult and malign Soriano, The INC hosts would often refer to him as ''manloloko'' (deceiver), ''dayukdok'' (ravenous), ''mandarambong'' (plunderer), ''mangongotong'' (extortioner), ''manghohostage'' (hostage taker) and the like. This has sparked a ].

			On August 1, 2010, Soriano-Razon's free college program would receive further financial support from the ] (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.<ref> ''Philippine Star'' (Aug 1)</ref>

			Soriano and Razon were also involved with the donation and launch of two Mobile Schools (dubbed ''Dunong Gulong'' Project<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://kuyadanielrazon.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/dunong-gulong-isang-natatanging-proyekto-mula-untv-deped-at-add/\|title=Dunong-Gulong, isang natatanging proyekto mula UNTV, DepEd, at ADD\|last=fansofkuyadaniel\|date=December 2, 2010\|website=A Fan Blog for Kuya Daniel Razon\|language=en\|access-date=February 18, 2020}}</ref><ref></ref>) equipped with learning tools suited for the ALS (Alternative Learning System) of ]. The project was initially conceptualized during a talk between ] ] and Razon in the latter's television program '']''.{{Citation needed\|date=April 2021}}

			On November 27, 2010, ] Luistro signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ] at the ] regarding the ''Dunong Gulong'' launch.<ref></ref><ref></ref> The two ''Dunong Gulong'' mobile school buses were launched at the SM Mall of Asia on November 28, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Education_20/DepEd_launches_mobile_school_called_Dunong-Gulong.shtml \|title="DepEd launches mobile school called 'Dunong-Gulong'" PNM \|access-date=December 19, 2010 \|archive-date=December 5, 2010 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205005244/http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Education_20/DepEd_launches_mobile_school_called_Dunong-Gulong.shtml \|url-status=dead }}</ref> "And words became action." This is how Luistro described the project. He is impressed because of the support given by public service channel ] and the benevolent group, the ''Ang Dating Daan'' then headed by Soriano, to the anti-illiteracy campaign of the Philippines.{{Citation needed\|date=April 2021}}

			==Death==
			Soriano died on February 10, 2021,<ref>{{cite web \|title=About Bro. Eli \|url=https://www.elisoriano.com/about/ \|website=About Bro. Eli\|access-date=1 August 2021}}</ref> in ], Brazil at the age of 73.<ref name="tributes">{{cite news\|date=February 12, 2021\|title=Tributes pour in for Brother Eli Soriano's works, services – UNTV News\|language=en-us\|work=UNTV News\|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/tributes-pour-in-for-brother-eli-sorianos-works-services/\|access-date=February 12, 2021\|quote=The host of the longest-running religious program in the Philippines, "Ang Dating Daan," died on Thursday (February 11) at the age of 73}}</ref> The ] released a statement on the same day announcing his demise, but did not state his cause of death.<ref>{{Cite web\|title='Ang Dating Daan' founder Eli Soriano dies at 73\|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/12/-Ang-Dating-Daan--founder-Eli-Soriano-dies-at-73.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211222905/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/12/-Ang-Dating-Daan--founder-Eli-Soriano-dies-at-73.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=February 11, 2021\|access-date=February 12, 2021\|website=cnn\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|date=February 12, 2021\|title=Bro. Eli Soriano of Ang Dating Daan passes away at 73 – UNTV News\|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/bro-eli-soriano-of-ang-dating-daan-passes-away-at-73/\|access-date=February 12, 2021\|website=UNTV News\|language=en-us}}</ref>

			== Legacy ==
			Different celebrities, religious groups and politicians including President ] sent their condolences and sympathies.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Message of Appreciation\|url=https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org/photos/a.630757243605100/4214029555277833?_rdc=1&_rdr\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=www.facebook.com\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422095109/https://www.facebook.com/MCGI.org/photos/a.630757243605100/4214029555277833?_rdc=1&_rdr \|archive-date=April 22, 2021 }}</ref> They also sent messages of support and recognition of the late preacher's services and charity works.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-02-18\|title=MCGI thanks those who offered support, tributes for the late Bro. Eli Soriano - UNTV News\|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/mcgi-thanks-those-who-offered-support-tributes-for-the-late-bro-eli-soriano/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=UNTV News\|language=en-us}}</ref> On April 4 to April 10, 2021, the Members Church of God International held a special week-long charitable event called "The Legacy Continues".<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-04-12\|title=MCGI Remembers Brother Eli: Love Abounds, The Legacy Continues\|url=https://www.mcgi.org/love-abounds-the-legacy-continues/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=MCGI.org\|language=en-US}}</ref> The event coincided with the 57th year since the late preacher was baptized in the Church.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-30\|title=In Remembrance of Brother Eli's Life and Works, MCGI to Hold 'The Legacy Continues' from April 4 to 10\|url=https://www.mcgi.org/the-legacy-continues/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=MCGI.org\|language=en-US}}</ref> The event included the MCGI Global Feeding Program,<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-04-14\|title=Free breakfast with coffee, offered by MCGI in Pasig City - UNTV News\|url=https://www.untvweb.com/news/free-breakfast-with-coffee-offered-by-mcgi-in-pasig-city/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=UNTV News\|language=en-us}}</ref> the opening of the MCGI Free Store branches (originally launched on March 14, 2021),<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2021-03-15\|title=MCGI Free Store Now Officially Open with More than 670 Branches\|url=https://www.mcgi.org/mcgi-free-store-now-open/\|access-date=2021-04-22\|website=MCGI.org\|language=en-US}}</ref> a Wish Granting and a special episode of ''Serbisyong Bayanihan''.<ref name=":1" />

			== Notes ==
			{{notelist}}

	==References==		==References==
	{{~~reflist~~}}		{{Reflist\|2}}

	==External links==		==External links==
	*		*
	*		*
			{{Members Church of God International}}
	*
	*
	*
	*

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Soriano, Eli}}
	===Critical===
	*

	{{Dating Daan}}

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Soriano, Eliseo}}
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Latest revision as of 15:19, 20 October 2024

Filipino television evangelist (1947–2021)

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Fernando and the surname or paternal family name is Soriano.

Bro.
Eli Soriano

Overall Servant
(formerly "Presiding Minister")

Predecessor

Nicolas Perez

Successor

Daniel Razon

Personal details

Born

Eliseo Fernando Soriano
(1947-04-04)April 4, 1947
Pasay, Rizal, Philippines

Died

February 10, 2021(2021-02-10) (aged 73)
Santa Catarina, Brazil

Nationality

Filipino

Denomination

Members Church of God International

YouTube information

Channel

Brother Eli Channel

Years active

2021–present
(via archive footage)
1980–2021

Genre

Religious

Subscribers

226 thousand

Total views

24.7 million

Associated acts

Daniel Razon

Creator Awards
	100,000 subscribers	2020

Last updated: September 18, 2021

Website

http://www.elisoriano.com/

Eliseo "Eli" Fernando Soriano (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈʔɛli soɾˈjano]; April 4, 1947 – February 10, 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.

Ang Dating Daan

Main article: 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 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).

On January 20, 1999, Soriano was invited to be the guest in Korina Sanchez's talk show Balitang K (K News). There Soriano admitted that the Ang Dating Doon skit from the GMA sketch comedy show Bubble Gang, which is a parody of his Ang Dating Daan program, actually helped raise its popularity. Conversely, Isko Salvador–who went by the stage name "Brod. Pete" as a play on American actor Brad Pitt–expressed his appreciation towards Soriano in an interview with UNTV News, stating that Ang Dating Daan helped him better understand the Bible. Salvador cited Soriano's sense of humor and ability to interpret and explain the scripture for creating the Ang Dating Doon skit.

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 exposed. 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 Soriano, 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.

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.

Death

Soriano died on February 10, 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 held a special week-long charitable event called "The Legacy Continues". The event coincided 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

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
Or February 11, 2021 (UTC+8).