Aquino still tops survey; opponents catching up

LIBERAL PARTY (LP) standard-bearer Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III is still the first choice among presidential aspirant if elections were held today, according to a recent noncommissioned survey conducted by Pulse Asia, Inc., but his opponents are starting to advance in the ratings.

Results of the Pre-Election National Survey held Dec. 8-10 showed that the rating of the only son of democracy icon the late former president Corazon C. Aquino was virtually unchanged at 45% from 44% in October.

Second-place Senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. of the Nacionalista Party (NP) had 23% from 19%, followed by deposed president Joseph "Erap" E. Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) at 19% from 11%, the biggest gainer with an eight-point jump.

Administration bet former Defense secretary Gilberto "Gibo" C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats had 5%, up three points, while Senator Richard "Dick" J. Gordon (Bagumbayan-New Volunteers for a New Philippines Party) and Eduardo "Eddie" C. Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas Movement) were tied at 1% from 0.3% and 1%, respectively.

A percentage preferred other candidates whose names were not provided in the survey, while 4% either did not give or refused to answer or were undecided.

The survey also found that being pro-poor (27%) and having a clean record (21%) were the top reasons for the respondents’ choices for president. Other qualification are good person (12%); can do something, is doing something or will do something and helps or helping others (11%); governing or has experience (8%); knowledgeable or intelligent (6%); listens to people (3%); and other factors (2%).

"The survey results validate our belief that the Filipino people continue to support our campaign for an honest government," said Edwin Lacierda, spokesman of Mr. Aquino.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. Villar, NP spokesman and former Cavite Rep. Gilbert C. Remulla said they are "confident" that the trend "will continue and the gap [between Messrs. Aquino and Villar] will close in the next few months."

"The situation is very volatile," he added.

Former Senate president Ernesto M. Maceda, spokesman of Mr. Estrada, said: "This confirms what we have been saying before that the reason Erap’s ratings were low is because there was a notion that Erap was not running," referring to legal questions on the ex-leader’s eligibility to run due to a constitutional ban on reelection.

"If and when it [disqualification against Erap] is finally ruled by the Commission on Elections and the Supreme Court, his ratings would peak," said Mr. Maceda.

For Mr. Teodoro, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary B. Olivar said: "This is not yet the basis for the actual elections. We are confident that the more people see them, the more they get popular."

Mr. Gordon said the survey "really favors those who have announced much earlier and those who have been spending a lot of money already and it does not favor those who tried to follow the law."

"However, I am not discouraged, but encouraged. It is a fact that the others have gone down; we intend to go up, and we will go up."

Tight VP race

Meanwhile, LP bet Senator Manuel "Mar" A. Roxas II and Senator Loren B. Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) were virtually tied at the top in the vice-presidential survey, with 39% and 37%, respectively.

Close to four out of 10 Filipinos are supporting Mr. Roxas and Ms. Legarda, running mate of Mr. Villar in the 2010 polls, Pulse Asia said. Mr. Roxas gained two points from the previous survey while Ms. Legarda 14 points.

The polling firm added that Ms. Legarda is the "only vice-presidential candidate who registered a significant change in voter preference since October."

Makati Mayor Jejomar "Jojo" C. Binay, Mr. Estrada’s running mate, placed third with 14% from 13%. He was followed by former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani F. Fernando, running mate of Mr. Gordon; and newcomer actor/game show host Eduardo "Edu" B. Manzano, running mate of Mr. Teodoro, at 2% each.

Other vice-presidential bets (names not provided) obtained 1%, while 4% did not give or refused to answer or were undecided.

Mr. Roxas, former Trade secretary, said he was "thankful" to the people who preferred him and added that the survey will serve as an "inspiration to continue to work hard for our people."

NPC spokesman and Valenzuela Rep. Rexlon T. Gatchalian said they "expected" the survey results, seeing as improvement the "timely platforms of governance" of Ms. Legarda such as climate change and protection of the environment.

In response to Mr. Binay’s ratings, Mr. Maceda said: "We are still hopeful that in due time, he will get the chance of winning."

Senate race

In the same survey, Senator Jose "Jinggoy" E. Estrada led the senatorial aspirants with 55.1%.

Following closely is Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. (52.7%); Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago (51.4%); former Senate president Franklin M. Drilon (48.4%); Senator Pilar Juliana "Pia" S. Cayetano (43.1%); former Socioeconomic Planning secretary Ralph G. Recto (43.1%); Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (42.7%); former senators Sergio "Serge" D. Osmeña III and Vicente "Tito" C. Sotto III (both with 40.2%); Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr., 31%; and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto "TG" L. Guingona III, 28.6%.

The statistically probable winners are businessman Jose "Joey" P. de Venecia III, 24.3%; Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid, 23.1%; and Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" B. Biazon, 22.9%.

Eighty names were provided based on the official report of the Commission on Elections of those who filed their certificates of candidacy as of midnight of Dec. 1.

The survey had a sample of 1,800 adults.

The significant events that occurred during the conduct of the survey were the declaration of martial law in portions of Maguindanao, the joint session of Congress to discuss the proclamation, and the filing of petitions at the Supreme Court assailing martial law, among others. -- Bernard U. Allauigan

Source

MANILA – The election fever has again hit the entertainment industry.

Political affiliations and ambitions of celebrities became clear a day before the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy (CoC) expires.

Next year’s election is again expected to be star-studded as many stars are seen to actively participate in the process.

Some celebrities have already been to the Commission on Elections to file their CoCs, ending months of speculations about their political plans.

Others, meanwhile, have endorsed their respective bets in the 2010 elections.

King of Comedy Dolphy and popular noontime host Willie Revillame, two of the biggest names in show business, for instance, joined the fray by formally endorsing the presidential bid of Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

On Sunday evening, Dolphy showed up at NP’s proclamation rally in Tondo, Manila. He was introduced on stage by Revillame, a known Villar supporter.

In his speech, Dolphy apparently tried to win the crowd by declaring that he, like Villar, grew up in Tondo.

"Noong sinabi sa akin na tiga-Tondo ang tatakbo, kailangan tulungan natin. Ayaw niyo ba na tiga-Tondo ang magiging presidente?” said Dolphy, addressing thousands of people who trooped to Macario Sakay Plaza.

Dolphy, along with his back-up singer and guitarist known as "Brad Pitt from Cainta," also performed songs during the proclamation rally.

Aside from Dolphy and Revillame, "Wowowee" host Valerie Concepcion also attended the event.

Filing of CoCs

Showbiz personalities also descended on Intramuros, Manila to file their CoCs.

Among the early birds were Lani Mercado for Congress, Alfred Vargas and Ogie Diaz for Quezon City councilors, Alma Moreno for Parañaque councilor, and Ara Mina for Quezon City 3rd district councilor.

They were accompanied by their respective families, friends and supporters.

Aiko Melendez is also running for QC vice-mayor under former president Joseph Estrada’s political party.

In Tacloban, actor Richard Gomez filed his CoC for representative of Ormoc. He is running under Liberal Party of presidential aspirant Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Former actress Jobelle Salvador also caught many by surprise when she formalized her bid to run for vice-mayor of Makati.

Re-electionist Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, actor Christopher de Leon (for Batangas congressman), and singer Imelda Papin (for senator) will file their CoCs on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, re-electionist Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos has this advice to her fellow actor-politicians: “"Intelligence is important but it's not all intelligence. Kailangan may puso ka at may pulso ka sa mamamayan at handa kang magsakripisyo." -With a report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News
as of 11/30/2009 8:04 PM

MANILA - Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon and former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando on Tuesday announced that they will be running mates for the 2010 elections under a new party.

Dubbing themselves the "transformers", the two filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila past 2 p.m.

Gordon, who is running for president, said the tandem was formed Monday night after finding out that he and Fernando have similar views on issues.

"Walang tamad sa tambalang ito. Wala rin tanga sa tambalang ito. Hindi kami kapos. We may not have much money but we have enough. Besides we already know what happened to leaders who love money too much," Gordon told reporters.

Fernando said he decided to run for vice-president and give way to Gordon because of the senator's longer political experience. He said he approached Gordon Monday with the intention of asking him to be his running mate.

"I wanted to convince him to be my vice-president but he was the one who convinced me. Lumabas na mas magaling pala siya sa akin," Fernando said.

The surprise tandem said they will run under a newly-formed party Bagumbayan for a New Philippines Party. They said they will run without a senatorial slate.

The two called themselves "transformers" as a result of the changes they made in Subic bay and Marikina City as local government officials.

Fernando also joked that their tandem color -- blue and pink -- makes them look like the MMDA's footbridge.

Gordon also took potshots at his political opponents' penchant for using money and popularity to win votes.

"You cannot hide behind money and say you're going to win because of money. You cannot hide behind a birthright or pedigree because it is not enough to become president. Money has never been enough. You need proven leadership, proven tasks that have been fulfilled," he added.
as of 12/01/2009 4:16 PM

Source

GMA gunning for House seat


MANILA, Philippines – It’s official: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for congresswoman of the second district of Pampanga.

President Arroyo formally declared her bid for a congressional seat in Pampanga’s second district, a report from a government-run radio station said today. She will be the first Philippine President to pursue a lower public office.

"I have been mulling different ways to stay involved. After much soul searching, I have decided I will file my certificate of candidacy for Congress
in order to serve the hardworking people of my province," Mrs. Arroyo said in a recorded statement aired over government-run dzRB.

Mrs. Arroyo added that she is not ready to leave public service. She is barred by the constitution from seeking a second term, and said today she'll step down following national elections in May, ending her administration's nine tumultuous years.

Atty. Romeo Macalintal, Mrs. Arroyo’s election lawyer, confirmed her decision to gun for a House seat in the May 2010 polls. He is currently holding a press briefing at the Malacañang Palace to discuss Mrs. Arroyo’s 2010 plans in detail.

The President’s certificate of candidacy (COC) will reportedly be filed by her representatives in Pampanga.

President Arroyo greets her townmates as they troop to Malacañang Palace last Friday to urge her to run in the May 2010 elections. Mrs. Arroyo heeds their call, formally announcing today her Congressional bid in the second district of Pampanga. AP

Comelec: GMA can run

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reaffirmed that there is no legal impediment in President Arroyo’s planned congressional bid.

"Yung pag-file ng Pangulo, walang problema dun, walang legal impediment," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told reporters.

Jimenez said the law does not prohibit the sitting or incumbent President to gun for a lower position in government office.

He noted that elective officials are allowed to return to their duties after filing their COCs.

Mrs. Arroyo's critics have earlier urged her to step down in the event she decides to run for a lower public office. – With Dennis Carcamo, AP

By Dino Maragay (The Philippine Star)

Updated November 30, 2009 03:54 PM

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 3) Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II filed their candidacies for president and vice president respectively at the Commission on Elections office in Manila Saturday.

Aquino and Roxas, who will run under the Liberal Party, filed their certificates of candidacy to coincide with the birthday of Aquino’s father, national hero and late senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

With Aquino and Roxas were their candidates for the Senate: former National Economic Development Authority chief Ralph Recto, Anakbayan Partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, lawyer Nereus Acosta, Teofisto Guingona III; and Sonia Roco, wife of the late senator Raul Roco.

Aquino was also accompanied by his sisters Balsy, Pinky, Viel, and television host and actress Kris.

Judy Araneta-Roxas, mother of Mar Roxas, and broadcast journalist and Roxas’ wife Korina Sanchez, were also present at the Comelec.

Aquino said his party would “continue to fight for change” by seeking to eradicate corruption, create jobs; and improve the education, health, and judicial systems after nine years of rule by incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, an estranged former political ally of his late mother, former president, and democracy icon Corazon Aquino.

“There are four that we would like to focus on: job generation is first. This is best explained by a father that I talked with before who said, ‘Bigyan niyo kami ng trabaho at kami na ang bahala sa kalusugan [Give us jobs and we will take care of health]’; education is second which is an essential tool for job creation, to start the reform of the justice system and even to advocate concern for the environment; third is health and fourth is judicial reform,” said Aquino.

Aquino also said that the Liberal party has a firm stand on the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom they believed lacked the power to stop graft and corruption among the country's public officials.

“[The] LP [Liberal party] has taken so many stands on the issues of the day – on impeachment, the North rail project, fertilizer scam. And despite the administration's attempt to stop us, we did not give in to their ways,” said Aquino.

"Its [The Arroyo administration’s] legitimacy is under question. It persecutes those who expose the truth about its legitimacy and corruption. It stays in power by corrupting individuals and institutions," his Liberal Party alleged in paid advertisements on national newspapers on Saturday, referring to allegations of poll fraud by Arroyo in the 2004 elections.

Roxas added that compared to other presidential bets of other parties who were claiming to be reformists, Aquino was the “real reformist” who he said was never involved in under-the-table negotiations, especially in the use of government funds.

“Lahat ng ibang kandidato sabi reformist sila. Ang sabi ko si Senator Noynoy walang kontrata sa gobyerno, hindi nakinabang sa kanyang pagiging opisyal ng gobyerno at hindi pinakialaman ang mga kalye na pinaggagastusan ng taxpayers at walang kaso na anomalya. Hindi lang yan pangako kundi nasa gawa [Other candidates claim they are also reformists. All I can say is this: Noynoy never dipped his hands on funds of government contracts, never used his position for his own gains, he did not get involved in anomalous road projects funded by taxpayers' money and has no charges of graft and corruption. That is a reformist who walks his talk],” said Roxas.

Aquino said they were still finalizing negotiations with two other prospective senatorial candidates, one in Maguindanao and one abroad. He added they wouldannounce by next week the outcome of the talks.

“Dumadaan pa sa masalimuot na pag-uusap pero palagay namin matatapos this afternoon [We still have ongoing negotiations with two other possible senatorial bets for the Liberal Party. We hope we could finalize the talks by this afternoon],” said Aquino.

Aquino added they would use people's campaign for their candidacy by tapping volunteers. Presently, they have at least 200,000 volunteers nationwide and growing.

“Hindi natin kailangang makipagsabayan sa mga infomercials ng ibang kandidato. Dadaanin namin ang pangangampanya sa tulong at sipag ng mga volunteers at gamit ang sapat na pondo para maisulong kampanyang pantay-pantay [Our party does not need to compete with the infomercials being aired by other candidates. We would use the people's campaign though our volunteers and enough funding to launch a campaign that does not level off the playing field],” said Aquino.

He denounced allegations that he was gaining more attention because of his star-studded infomercials available on YouTube, which featured popular actors and actresses in the country. He said they were a group of volunteers whose numbers started growing, three months after he announced his candidacy.

Instead of airing infomercials over television and radio which costs billions, Roxas said a people's campaign would be one that has “a stronger foundation based on the trust of the citizens.”

Prior to the filing, a rally was held outside the Comelec office by LP supporters clad in yellow, the signature color of the party. Seen in the crowd were Father Ed Panlilio and popular actors Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Aquino and Roxas were the first candidates for president and vice president from a major political party to have filed their CoCs. The Comelec started accepting CoCs last Monday.

Retired Brigadier General Danilo Lim, an “adopted” senatorial candidate of the LP, filed his candidacy Friday.

The withdrawn, bespectacled Aquino surged from nowhere to the top of the opinion polls after his mother died in early August from a long battle with cancer.

His main rivals for the presidency – Arroyo's preferred successor and ex-defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro, multi-millionaire developer and senator Manny Villar, and deposed former president Joseph Estrada – are all expected to register before the deadline on Monday.

An October national survey by Manila pollster Pulse Asia found Aquino with 44 percent support, with Villar on 19 percent, and Teodoro at just two percent.

The start of the election season leading up to the May 10, 2010 vote has been overshadowed by the massacre in the south on Monday allegedly by a former Arroyo ally of at least 57 people, including relatives of a local rival but also journalists and motorists who had no known quarrel with the suspects.

By Anna Valmero
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net

Escudero abandons 2010 presidential bid

Updated 3:03 p.m.) Saying this is not the right time, Senator Francis Escudero announced on Tuesday that he would not run in the coming May 2010 presidential elections.

Sen. Francis Escudero, right, with wife Christine talks to the media after his announcement Tuesday that will not run for any position in the 2010 polls. Benjie Castro
"Akala ko madali magdesisyon, hindi pala. Hindi pala presidency at all cost kung lalamunin lang ako ng sistema. I decided not to run as president," Escudero said in a press conference held at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

(I thought it was easy to come up with a decision, but I was wrong. I don't intend to run for president if I would only be eaten up by the system. I decided not to run as president.)

"Marahil hindi ito ang tamang panahon para sa atin (Maybe this is not the right time for me to run as president)," he added.

Escudero said he remains undecided who to support in the presidential and vice presidential race.

In a text message to reporters, Senator Loren Legarda said she respects and welcomes Escudero's decision.

"I hope he can help me in fighting poverty, hunger and climate change," said Legarda, vice presidential bet of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).

In a statement, NPC spokesperson and Valenzuela City Rep. Rex Gatchalian said the party hopes Escudero would now throw his support behind Legarda.

“We are of strong belief that despite his decision to embark on his own political journey, Senator Escudero is still fully committed to seeing and bringing out changes for the betterment of our country, and the best possible way for him to realize his vision is for him to throw his support to Sen. Legarda’s bid," Gatchalian said.

Escudero has long been groomed to be the NPC's presidential bet in 2010, but on October 28, he announced his resignation from the party he joined in 1998. [See: Chiz leaves NPC, defers anew announcement of 2010 plans]

He cited three reasons for doing so: a presidential candidate must not belong to any party, a candidate must not be tied to his party, and that he believes he can perform his job better if he is his own man.

Only last Monday, former senator Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III claimed that Escudero will seek the vice presidency in next year's national elections. [See: Escudero will settle for VP in 2010 - Osmeña]

Escudero's announcement, however, proved Osmeña wrong. - with Jam Sisante/RSJ, GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines - Acknowledging the “big and arduous task” ahead for the ruling party, President Arroyo directed yesterday her party mates to work hard to ensure the victory of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro and running mate Edu Manzano in the May 2010 elections.

"Hindi po ako natatakot na tanggapin ang hamon na ito ‘pagkat di ko hamon ito, hamon po nating lahat," Teodoro his partymates and stalwarts, led by President Arroyo during Lakas-Kampi convention at PICC, Pasay City.

Mrs. Arroyo gave the order just before she formally relinquished the chairmanship of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD to Teodoro during the party’s jampacked national convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

She said with the party’s selection of “capable, competent, energetic leaders to lead us into the next generation, our national initiative to fight poverty and reach the First World within this generation can succeed.”

“But, first things first. Let us get them elected, elected with as big a mandate as you our leaders in the countryside and urban centers can win from our people, so that they can go beyond building on the gains of the programs of this administration and lead a new reform agenda on pro-people reforms, ever guided by the institutional ideology of our party, the ideology of Christian democracy enriched by your interfaith dialogue with our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

“This is a big and arduous task. But our party has been challenged many times before and has won,” she said.

“It is now time to consolidate our ranks and fortify our party for the electoral battle ahead,” she said.

Teodoro continues to rate poorly in surveys but administration officials said the ratings would go up once he goes out and presses flesh. Mrs. Arroyo described Teodoro as “young and brilliant.”

“This is a far-sighted decision and it keeps the tradition of free, democratic, and transparent selection of candidates that our party holds sacred,” the President said.

She said she was heartened by the presence of so many familiar faces and recognizable names that stood by Lakas-Kampi-CMD despite some defections.

“There’s no one here dragged or bused from just anywhere. But all are leaders, genuine leaders who are all here, as many as can fit in this room,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

“So many leaders here from all over the country with a genuine mandate from their own people demonstrates that indeed our party is a party that can win,” she said.

The President stressed that Lakas-Kampi-CMD has been the largest political party in the country for 15 of the last 17 years and that 72 percent of the country’s elected leaders are part of it.

“Think of it: almost three out of every four elected leader is a party member. This overwhelming majority confirms that our party is the true party of the people,” she said.

She also said the merger of Lakas-CMD and Kampi has been upheld by the Commission on Elections despite the “legal challenges thrown our way by those whose personal interests were prejudiced by the merger.”

“May each and every party leader and each and every party grassroots member work hard and work together for the victory of our party, our party’s standard-bearers, and all our party’s candidates in 2010,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Rule of law

“Our engagement in politics is to serve the people in the context of a peaceful Filipino society built on the rule of law that enables every citizen to pursue his dreams and renders to each citizen what is his due,” Teodoro said in his speech.

“We shall protect the life of each and every citizen. This respect for life shall be from the moment of conception to the moment of death. The protection of life is guaranteed by our Constitution, and on this principle, there is no compromise,” Teodoro said.

“The human rights of each Filipino citizen shall be guaranteed and promoted at home and protected abroad,” he said.

He also said family would take center stage under his administration.

“The right of parents to bring up their children cannot be violated since the children are the coming generations and on their will rests the structuring of the future of our country and of civilization,” Teodoro pointed out.

Job, education

He also promised to tackle unemployment squarely and complement the effort through enhanced public education and health.

“Every Filipino has a right to be fully employed, because it is in work that a person finds his fulfillment as a human being and gains the means to secure his dignity,” he said.

“And to assure our citizens the exercise of human rights, together, as a nation, we shall address the four faces of poverty: poverty of the mind, poverty of the pocket, poverty of the environment, and poverty of relationships,” he said.

“Education and health are fundamental rights of citizens, thus constitute a duty of the state. Like the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) for the LGUs, poor families shall have a direct share of the annual national income to ensure that their children have complete basic education,” he said.

“Access to tertiary education shall be universal and the state shall institute innovative financial arrangements to enable each home to have a college diploma, and in every family, a college graduate,” he pointed out.

“Indigent families shall be automatically and universally covered by state health insurance and shall pay no excess fees for their healthcare and hospitalization,” he said.

Defections belittled

He also belittled recent high-profile party defections

“It’s natural in politics. That’s the way it is. Some leave and some take their oath,” Teodoro said in Filipino, referring to Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, her husband former senator Ralph Recto and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte who moved to the Liberal Party.

Teodoro said he still has the backing of 17 regional Lakas-Kampi-CMD leaders who all attended the party’s national convention.

He said he welcomes offers of help, but stressed they should be in accordance with party principles and guidelines, including those coming from his uncle businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said President Arroyo doesn’t mind the defections very much, and that she doesn’t see them as acts of betrayal.

“When you get old in politics, you become very understanding, you have to give some leeway to the wishes of other people,” Ermita said in Filipino.

“But when you are still young, your first reaction is the opposite. If you don’t agree with what has been done, your reaction is to pick a fight immediately. When you get to be more matured, you become more understanding,” he added.

Ermita also said that defections are expected in these situations because not all of the aspirants can be accommodated.

In the case of Batangas, Ermita said that Santos’ transfer to the LP has made it easier for Lakas-Kampi-CMD to move.

“Now the battle lines are very defined. That’s what I mean,” Ermita said.

‘Game na’

Manzano said he’s got what it takes to be vice president and that he’s ready to face his opposition rivals who are faring better in surveys.

“In questioning my qualifications for the vice presidency simply because of one of my professions, my detractors virtually made a wholesale condemnation of those in the entertainment industry as being unfit and incapable of providing competent leadership to our people,” Manzano said in his acceptance speech.

He said his being asked to be Teodoro’s running mate was “a daunting challenge that I find most difficult to reject.”

“What they (detractors) do not realize is that in effect, they also question the intellectual capacity of everyday Filipinos to decide who their leaders should be,” Manzano said.

Manzano proudly claimed that he probably had more experience at 54 than any of his opponents from the other political parties.

He served in the United States Air Force during his younger years and was able to take up a course in civil engineering as part of his military service.

When he returned to Manila as a young adult, Manzano studied economics at the De La Salle University and on the side, became a judo black belter and champion.

He became vice mayor of Makati City in 1998. He ran for mayor in 2001 but lost to Jejomar Binay.

Manzano said he sees nothing wrong with a political party bringing in some star power to boost its chances in the polls.

“There’s nothing wrong with that. I think even John McCain did it and many people jumped on the Obama bandwagon,” he said.

“Celebrity appeal is always something that’s a given. Any candidate for that matter always looks for someone who can boost his chances and I can only be so glad to help Secretary Gibo,” he said.

“Sarah Palin’s experience was limited to Alaska. In my case, I’ve been president of the Vice Mayors’ League for a long time. I have been around the Philippines. I had a chance to network with my fellow vice mayors who are now mayors and governors so I think I bring a little bit more to the table than just celebrity appeal,” Manzano said on being compared to former Alaska governor and US vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Palin provided star power to the Republican Party but she had to face ridicule during the campaign for her limited knowledge in foreign affairs.

Doomed

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the administration is destined to lose in the elections because of the many controversies that hounded it in the past eight years.

“I don’t think that they are running at all. And the biggest question mark is (Vice President) Noli (de Castro). Why is Noli so quiet? Has he entered into a modus vivendi with (President) Gloria (Arroyo)? So that when Gloria runs for congresswoman in Pampanga she can make an announcement that she resigns and lets Noli become president in the meantime… That is a malicious scenario,” Pimentel said during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.

Pimentel also said Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri’s father, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri, might also bolt the administration party to join the Liberal Party.

“One thing is certain, the administration has no hope of attracting more followers,” he said.

“If (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) miserably failed to deliver the votes in the 2007 Senate elections despite their machinery, how will they be able to deliver the votes now in an even more challenging presidential race? If they failed then despite being more or less a party intact, how will they deliver now when they are facing massive defections?” Pangilinan asked.

“I don’t know. He’s not here but he has not left the party. I cannot comment on the matter,” Zubiri said on his father’s rumored defection to the LP. The younger Zubiri himself said he would remain with Lakas. –With Marvin Sy, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jess Diaz, Aurea Calica, Dino Balabo - By Paolo Romero and Jaime Laude (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Senators Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP) and Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) yesterday formally announced their teamup for the 2010 elections.

“Today, I can face the Filipino people and say that my choice for vice president was not motivated by political accommodation but by a common vision for the country,” Villar told a crowd of supporters at the historic Laurel House in Mandaluyong City.

The announcement ended months of speculation over Villar’s running mate.

He formally introduced Legarda as a candidate who will work for the poor and the environment.

Legarda, for her part, said her pairing up with Villar would not mean she would be abandoning the NPC.

Legarda said she would still remain in the NPC but would support Villar and the NP since they share the same platform of governance.

She said NPC founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. has allowed her to find a good and credible presidential candidate whom she would support.

“We share the same vision of a nation where there is lasting peace and sustained Manny Villar and the Nacionalista Party because I believe our partnership will ensure a new beginning and a better future for all Filipinos,” she said.

Villar added their partnership was not borne out of popularity or any political consideration.

“This tandem was not made overnight. This tandem was made out of the common desire to help uplift the Filipinos from poverty, to protect the environment, uplift the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, promote equality for Muslim brothers and sisters, attain peace in Mindanao and to work for good governance and transparency in the government,” he said.

Villar and Legarda made the formal declaration amid a backdrop of questions surrounding their different political stands in recent years.

Legarda was among the 14 senators who voted to install Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile as Senate president, replacing Villar, exactly a year ago.

Villar was forced to step down amid the accusations that he used his power to make a double insertion in the 2008 national budget to finance the C-5 road extension project that would benefit the housing projects in Las Piñas and Parañaque City that he owns.

Legarda had joined Senators Panfilo Lacson and Jamby Madrigal in calling for the investigation of Villar over the C-5 Road controversy.

She later explained that move was part of her function as a lawmaker and member of the Senate. The senator stressed she had no regrets about it.

“That was my position and this is the Senate, this is democracy and the Senate as an institution,” Legarda said.

“If there were criticisms and harsh words I made against Senator Villar, these are the usual questions in the Senate hearings,” she said.

Legarda also defended her earlier criticisms against Villar, accusing the senator of spending millions to run political advertisements in preparation for seeking the presidency.

“Our team up here, as I have said, is not based on political expediency or just assuming a position of power for the sake of power itself,” she stressed.

Like Clinton against Obama

Legarda even likened her situation to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US President Barack Obama during their runoff in the selection of the presidential candidate.

“Secretary Clinton and US President Obama, during the primaries, had barely speaking words for each other. And now she is the more effective secretary of state supporting (Obama’s) administration,” Legarda said.

Legarda, who called Villar “my president” during the gathering, said there is a need to set aside issues now that they have agreed on a common platform and vision to help the Filipino people.

Legarda is now all praises for Villar, whom she described as being circumspect on the issues despite the criticisms he had been getting from his colleagues in the past.

“I am in all admiration for his character that he does not bear grudge against anyone,” Legarda declared during the press conference after the official declaration.

Legarda stressed she and Villar have both shared concerns for good governance.

“We share the same goal to build a strong and vibrant national economy competitive in a global market, yet ensuring an equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities for all Filipinos,” Legarda said.

Legarda said she shared the humble beginnings of Villar, the son of market vendors in the slum district of Tondo, Manila while she was the daughter of a middle class couple in the perennially flooded town of Malabon.

Villar stepped in quickly and defended Legarda from criticisms.

Villar said he has no problem with the past political differences between him and Legarda, remarking these even “spice up” their relationship.

Villar went on to praise Legarda for her environmental concerns.

Roxas wishes Loren luck

Sen. Mar Roxas welcomed yesterday the entry of Legarda in the vice presidential contest.

“This move by Senator Loren Legarda is an expected political development. Finally the senator found a home with Senator Villar,” said Roxas, who will be the Liberal Party’s vice presidential bet next year.

“We can expect the vice presidential race to be very interesting,” added Roxas, who is the front-runner in recent surveys among vice presidential candidates conducted by reputable polling organizations.

“I believe in the capability of the Filipino people to choose who is the most trustworthy and best qualified among the candidates. I know this election will be anchored on who has the strongest platform,” the senator said.

Malacañang, on the other hand, said the tandem of Villar and Legarda would pose a serious threat to the already divided opposition.

“We wish them well now. They are more a threat to the rest of the opposition than the administration,” Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said.

He said Villar and Legarda as standard-bearers of the NP ticket would further divide the opposition against the lone administration candidate.

Claudio though admitted Villar-Legarda is “a formidable team-up.”

“The personal chemistry and geographical complementarity are there,” he said.

For the United Opposition, Legarda’s teaming up with Villar would make the vice presidential race in 2010 “very interesting.”

Lito Anzures, spokesman of UNO’s vice presidential candidate Jejomar Binay, said the recent results of the Pulse Area survey pointed to the Makati mayor as the third preferable choice at 13 percent.

“We began at near zero preference and the climb has been steady. As the trend continues, it should be a very interesting fight,” Anzures said.

Binay is the running mate of former President Joseph Estrada under the UNO. – With Paolo Romero, Jose Rodel Clapano - By Christina Mendez (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
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Who is Edu Manzano?

MANILA, Philippines—Eduardo Manzano ran for vice mayor of Makati in 1998, but his citizenship was brought up by his rival's supporter as ground for his disqualification.

Manzano was born in San Francisco, California on September 14, 1955, and acquired US citizenship by operation of the US Constitution. Manzano however insisted his Filipino citizenship as he was born to Filipino parents.

On May 7, 1998, four days before the elections, the Commission on Elections Second Division disqualified Manzano for his dual citizenship.

The next day, in a press conference, he held up his American passport before tearing it up to pieces, asking Makati constituents to vote for him as his camp filed a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec.

Manzano won the May 11 elections, but it was only in August 31 when the Comelec, in an en banc decision, ruled that he is a Filipino citizen as records showed that Manzano asked the Bureau of Immigration to cancel his alien registration in 1993.

During his term, he became the national president of the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines.

He was awarded the Outstanding and Unblemished Vice Mayor Award by the National Press Club and the Outstanding Vice Mayor Award by the Consumers Union of the Philippines.

In 2001, Manzano ran for mayor, but lost to incumbent Mayor Jejomar Binay.

In February 2004, Arroyo appointed Manzano as chairman of the Optical Media Board, which regulates the production of optical discs and combats piracy. He resigned from the post in August 2009.

The 54-year-old multi-awarded actor is one of the hosts of the morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda" and the main host of the game show, "Pilipinas, Game KNB?", both on ABS-CBN.

Manzano is the ex-husband of Batangas Governro Vilma Santos, who is now the wife of former socioeconomic planning secretary Ralph Recto.

Manzano was also married to actress Maricel Soriano.

By Inquirer Research
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:37:00 11/13/2009


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If the ruling party’s presidential bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. thinks that choosing TV host-politician Edu Manzano as his running mate would ensure a win in the 2010 elections, he could be wrong, a political analyst said.

For Teodoro to choose Manzano only made the Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet look “desperate," because it showed that none of the popular vice presidential bets, whom the administration reportedly courted, wanted to run the race with him, Ramon Casiple explained.

“The fact that he ended with Edu meant nobody wanted to run with him," he said in a phone interview with GMANews.TV on Friday.

Casiple added that it was “debatable" why Manzano was chosen, because the TV host-politician does not even have the “masa appeal" of a celebrity endorser – often the main reason why candidates with poor poll ratings go for popular actors.

It was also one of the “conventional traits," Casiple said, that Teodoro needed to endear himself to ordinary folk to pull up his poor ratings in the presidential surveys. Conventional traits include machinery, money, organization, popularity, among others.

In a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Teodoro garnered only four percent of the votes when respondents were asked for their most preferred successor to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to Casiple, what made the Teodoro-Manzano tandem look more desperate is that they came from two different sectors – show business and politics. “They might end up not appreciating each other. They may end up having disagreements because they don’t have the same platforms."

Ronaldo Puno, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary general, stressed however that choosing the actor was a right move and that he would “never bet on losers."

But Casiple thought otherwise, saying that based on Manzano’s record in the political arena, he does not even have the continuous track record of a winner. A former Makati City vice mayor, Manzano had lost to incumbent Mayor Jejomar Binay in the 2001 mayoral race.

The administration bets “must really do their homework" if they wanted to win next year’s elections, the analyst stressed.

Casiple stressed that the 54-year-old actor would be pitted against Binay once again in the 2010 vice presidential race, along with “more popular candidates" Senators Loren Legarda and Manuel “Mar" Roxas II. – Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV

THE Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) is looking at the possibility of a Mindanaoan as running mate of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

This came up during a meeting yesterday of the Lakas-Kampi national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Malacañang.

"Leaders of the party or members of the execom coming from Mindanao were very vocal and very passionate about the need for the party to consider somebody who will represent the interest of Mindanao," said Gabriel Claudio, presidential adviser for political affairs Gabriel Claudio and party secretary general.

He said the NEC members also suggested that the party give "top priority to somebody who belongs not only to the party but to the national executive committee itself."

Lakas-Kampi’s vice presidential and senatorial bets are expected to be known on November 19 when the party holds its national convention at the PICC.

During the national convention, Teodoro will take over the chairmanship of the party from President Arroyo who will assume the post of president emeritus.

Claudio said three prominent personalities are being considered as Teodoro’s running mate but declined to name them.

Among the names earlier floated were Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. of Lakas-Kampi, former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano, and Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano.

Revilla declined, saying he would be a more effective public servant as a senator.

He also said he could not turn down the appeal of his father, former senator Ramon Revilla, form him to remain a senator.

There are seven Mindanaoans in the NEC. They are Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is the party’s president for Mindanao; Rep. Simeon Datumanong, senior vice president; Tawi-Tawi Rep. Nur Jaafar, vice president for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao; and Prospero Pichay, head of the Local Water Utilities Administration.

The three others are regional chairmen -- Surigao del Norte Rep. Glenda Ecleo (Caraga), Gov. Aurora Cerilles (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan of ARMM.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, asked about Zubiri’s chances in the vice presidential race, said anyone the administration chooses is expected to "fair very, very well" in the elections.

Zubiri was elected in 2007 and will serve as senator until 2013. If ever he runs in 2010 and loses, he could resume his position as senator.

Ermita said a Teodoro-Zubiri tandem would bode well for the administration as the two are expected to complement each other, present a balanced team, and eventually boost each other’s chances in the elections.

He added it would show Mindanaoans their interests are not forgotten.

Zubiri is not inclined to run as vice president.

"I cannot abandon my post at this point. I still have a lot of work to do here," he said.


‘DELIBERATE’ SEARCH


Ermita said the administration is not having difficulty finding a running mate for Teodoro. He said the party just wants to be "deliberate" in the search instead of rushing into a decision.

He said the party has a "deep bench" of potential candidates.

Ermita said the party is looking for a vice presidential candidate who was "presidential traits," noting the vice president assumes as acting president when the chief executive is on a foreign trip.

He said the party is also looking for someone who could generate votes not just for himself but for Teodoro as well.

He stressed the party is not closing its doors to candidates who are not from Mindanao or Lakas-Kampi members.

Claudio belied talks the party is having difficulty getting a partner for Teodoro because of Teodoro’s low survey ratings.

He said surveys are "very temporary conditions" and Teodoro’s rating would improve once he steps down form his post as defense secretary, likely next week before the convention, and focuses on his preparations for the elections. – With JP Lopez

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Who's Gibo's VP? It's a choice among Bong, Edu, Ace, Loren

Source: GMA News TV

Posted: 11/5/2009

Two male stars, an equally good-looking tourism official, and a "prodigal daughter." One of them could add luster to the candidacy of Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. by becoming the running mate of the administration party's top bet, who remains lagging in presidential preference surveys.

Party president Eduardo Ermita has confirmed reports that Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., television host Edu Manzano, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, and Senator Loren Legarda, are among those being considered as the vice presidential bet of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

“Ace Durano, that’s correct. Si Edu Manzano was mentioned also. Revilla, Ace, Edu," Ermita confirmed to reporters on Wednesday during a press briefing in Malacañang.

However, Revilla earlier expressed reluctance to run for vice president. Last March, Revilla said that his ailing father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., discouraged him from seeking the second highest post in the land because he could be risking his political career.

No word yet from Manzano's camp. The actor, who resigned as chair of the Optical Media Board last August, is also being considered as among the senatorial bets of the United Opposition.

The chances of Teodoro pairing up with Durano, meanwhile, are unclear, as Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) spokesman Rex Gatchalian said earlier in the day that Durano is part of their senatorial slate.

Durano, who has been serving the Arroyo Cabinet for several years now, was the spokesperson of the ruling party in the 2007 elections. He was appointed as acting general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority in May 2008. He served as representative of Cebu’s fifth district, the bailiwick of his family, from 1998 to 2004.

Prodigal daughter

Ermita said the ruling party was also considering Legarda as Teodoro’s running mate, adding that the administration was ready to welcome back its "prodigal daughter."

Legarda sought a senatorial seat in 1998 under the administration’s Lakas-NUCD-UMDP party. She received the most votes (more than 15 million) in the race.

In the impeachment trial against former President Joseph Estrada at the Senate in January 2001, Legarda was among those who voted “yes" to open the controversial “second envelope" containing supposed evidence showing Estrada held a secret P3.3 billion bank account under the name “Jose Velarde."

However, in 2004, Legarda shifted loyalty to the opposition, and became the running mate of actor Fernando Poe Jr. in the national elections. The tandem lost to administration bets President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and then Senator Noli de Castro.

In 2007, Legarda remained with the opposition and ran as second-term senator. She became the front runner in the race, receiving more than 18 million votes.

Despite the perceived turncoatism, Legarda is still regarded as an asset of the administration. Ermita said Lakas-Kampi-CMD "is very serious" in forging a coalition with the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the party that will field Legarda as its vice presidential bet.

“Kung saan inaakala na mananalo siya at magagawa niya ang kaniyang gagawin, yun ang napakahalaga (What’s more important is where we think she could win and continue her endeavors)," said Ermita. - GMANews.TV

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NOYNOY & MAR FOR US !!! LOVE THE VIDEO AND THE MESSAGE... sana bawat pinoy ay mahalin ang bansa lalo na ang nasa goberno. I believe that Noynoy do love our country and will try his best for us. meron tayong matalino ( Gloria ) , popular ( ERAP ) na presidente pero hindi naman mahal ang bayan , naniniwala ako kung mahal nila ang bayan , hindi sila corrupt at puro sa bulsa nila ang punta. gusto ko dati si Chiz kaso sourgrape at hindi matunong magbigay , Si gibo , tao ni Gloria .
thina75

A star -studded and very touching video but it would have been nice and more convincing to the ordinary people to listen again to the song and ponder what the message in the song means if the video also includes different sectors to send a clear message to us that Filipinos can and should unite and fight for reforms regardless of status in life for the country.

rgsling

galing ng video. Vote for nonoy. Si Tita Cory wala din namang kaalalam alam sa politika e. Pero totoong tao si Cory na ang hangarin nya lang is to make a change in the government. Si Grolia, daming alam sa politika, pero anong nangyari sa tin? maaasahan ba siya? masaya ka ba? di ka ba naloko dahil sa nice and good government na pangako nya? Trapong trapo na yan si Grolia. Gorilla?hahahhaha
bran822

I think people are just glad they finally found a candidate they can actually trust and believe in. The video just helped to drive that point home.

Sentimental? Maybe. But let's not forget that the biggest problem of the Philippines is that the people no longer trust the established institutions of government. Electing a president that is not backed by traditional means (makinarya) seems like the first step to rectifying that. Bring some trust back.
eyestrained07

This is awesome video. We all need to pitch in to solve our country's problems. Although Noynoy will not solve our problems, electing him to the highest office in the country is a good start. What we need is someone we could trust and look up to. We don't need another thief like C5 at Taga (Villar), or Galing at Talino Wala naman Prinsipyo like Gibo. Si Villar magnanakaw lang, si Gibo magaling kuno but look at how NDCC was managed, dumating si Ondoy dadalawa rubber boats, what vision is that?
joeyreyes100

Catchy din yung "Siya Na Nga" campaign ni Noynoy. Si Ogie din ba ang nagsulat nun?

Regarding the suggestiong that Noynoy is "hawak ng simbahan", I've heard him say that he openly supports the Reproductive Health Bill.

That alone is suggestive that he has the BALLS to go against the Church if need be. Villar could not even give a STRAIGHT answer in his Probe Team interview when he was asked by Che-Che on that issue.
eyestrained07

Isang maganda at pinagpalang umaga at maraming salamat po sa pagdalo niyo sa umagang ito.

Madalas ko pong sinasabi na ang desisyon, o pagkakaugnay sa pagtakbo o di pagtakbo, o pagtakbo sa partikular o ano mang posisyon dapat personal sa isang tao at hindi dapat pinapasa o inaasa kanino man.

Let that be the first test of leadership of any putative candidate --for that person to decide on his own whether or not he will run, and what position he will run for.

Hayaan niyo pong patunayan ko yan sa araw na ito. Nais ko pong ipabatid na ako po ay nagpaalam na at nagresign na bilang miyembro ng Nationalist People's Coalition o NPC.

Ito po ang partidong kinabilangan ko mula pa noong 1998, noong ako ay pumasok sa larangan ng pulitika. Ito po ay aking ginagawa sa tatlong kadahilanan.

Una, sino man po ang nagpapaplanong tumakbo bilang pangulo, dapat wala pong partidong kinabibilangan --NPC, LP , NP, Lakas o ano pa man. Ang dapat na partidong kinabibilangan ng sino mang nagpaplanong tumakbo, dapat po Pilipinas. At lahat ng mga kapartido niya, dapat lahat din ng Pilipino. Lahat ng Pilipino --bata man o matanda, babae o lalake, mayaman o mahirap, nakapag-aral o hindi, dilaw man o pula ang kulay, binoto ka man o hindi, dapat ituring mo ng pantay at pareho. Hindi po pwede na ang tinititigan mo lamang at pinapakinggan ay palaging mga kapartido mo, habang tinitingnan mo na lamang mula sa malayo ang mga hindi mo kapartido, ang mga hindi mo kagrupo.
Wala pong isang partido na nagmamay-ari ng lahat ng galing at talento kaugnay sa pagresolba ng problema ng ating bansa. Kailangan po kasama kayo. Hindi pwede halimbawa na ako lamang mismo, dapat pati kayo mismo. Hindi pwedeng ako lang palagi ang simula, dapat kayo din ang maging simula.

Pangalawang rason, sino mang tumatakbo, o tatakbo o magiging pangulo ng ating bansa, hindi po pwedeng nakakadena ang kamay at paa sa partido.

Hindi po pwedeng nakapiring ang mata, at nakabusal ang bibig. Dahil kung ganyan po ang mangyayari, dating gawi na naman at paano niya mareresolbahan ang mga problema ng ating bansa. Para po sa akin, hindi dapat idikta ng isang partido ang gagawin ng sino mang tatakbo. Dahil kung ganoon, paano niya mapapanagot ang mga tiwali sa gobyerno kung ito ay kagrupo o kasama niya.

Papaano niya i-aabolish ang pork barrel, at i-institute ang line item budgeting kung kasama niya ay puro kongresista at puro senador.

Papaano niya ipagtatanggol ang mga security guard, janitor at mga clerk kung hindi niya ipaglalaban ang contractualization na hindi na magamit laban sa mga taong ito.

Paano niya titiyakin na ang pulis at sundalo, trabahong-pulis at sundalo at hindi bodyguard, taga bukas ng pinto o taga bitbit ng bayong ng asawa ng opisyal o heneral.

Papaano niya titiyakin na ang mga ambassador natin sa iba't-ibang parte ng mundo hindi magsisilbing tour guide lamang ng mga kongresman, kundi magsisilbi sa mga OFW na kinakailangan ang kanilang tulong.
Papaano halimbawa magagawa yan ng sino mang magiging pangulo kung siya ay nakatali at nakakadena.

Papaano niya aamyendahan at ire-repeal ang oil deregulation law --para magpantay man lamang ang mayaman at mahirap. Ang mayamang kumpanya ng langis pwedeng magtaas ng presyo kahit kailan, at kung ayaw niyang ibaba hindi pwede. Ang mahirap na tsuper ng jeep, kailangan magpaalam muna sa isang ahensiya ng gobyerno bago siya magtaas ng kita o pamasahe. Kung pwede ang mayaman, dapat mas pwede ang mahirap. Kung bawal ang mahirap, dapat mas bawal ang mayaman.

Pangatlo po at higit sa lahat, ako'y lumilisan sa aking partido dahil naniniwala po ako na mas matatanaw ko ang dapat kong gawin at papel na dapat kong gampanan kaugnay sa darating na halalan.

Sa pagkakataong ito at sa minutong ito, hindi bilang miyembro ng anumang partido, hindi bilang kasama ng sino mang tao, kung hindi, ako lamang po bilang ako. Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng nandito ngayong umaga. Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng mga Bicolano, sa lahat po ng naniniwala at nagtitiwala.

Hiling ko po ay panahon para ako ay magpasya --ako bilang ako at hindi diktado o hindi sinasabihan ng sinuman. Nais kong patunayan ito upang sa gayon mapatunayan ko rin sa inyo at sa aking sarili na ito ay ginagawa ko sa mga tamang rason --hindi para sa anumang interes, hindi para sa kanino mang tao, kundi para sa inyo at para sa sambayanan.

Paumanhin at panahon ang aking hinihiling. Sana'y igawad ninyo po ito sa akin --bilang ako. Maraming salamat po muli sa inyong pagdalo at isang magandang at pinagpalang umaga po.

Political figures, media personalities and thousands of common folk witnessed the much-awaited wedding of Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II and broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez at the historic Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon. Wearing a serpentina-style gown in a Filipiniana motif, a teary-eyed Sanchez walked down the aisle with her brothers taking turns in escorting her to the altar, where a beaming Roxas awaited her. Eschewing tradition, the bride did not wear a veil with her Pepito Albert gown.

The members of the entourage wore native Filipino attire, with men in embroidered barong Tagalog and women in long Maria Clara gowns.

An estimated three thousand people witnessed the wedding ceremony inside the church, while an additional crowd of about two thousand milled outside.

In an interview with reporters, Roxas said he last talked with his bride Sanchez on Monday morning. Roxas said Sanchez sent him this text message on Tuesday morning: “Pray for me so I will not trip (during the wedding)."

Seen in attendance were prominent political leaders including Vice President Noli de Castro, former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney. Media personalities including television host Kris Aquino-Yap and GMA Network President Felipe L. Gozon were also spotted in the church. Aquino-Yap, who arrived with husband James Yap and son Baby James, wished the couple “much happiness and a baby right away." Some people in the crowd outside the Sto. Domingo Church arrived as early as 7 a.m. to witness what they called “the wedding of the year." Joey Bongolan, 47, said he just wanted to see the groom. Bongolan said he was able to interact with Roxas two years ago, when the senator went to Divisoria mall in Manila. “Nandito ako para makita siyang ikasal. Natutuwa ako kahit andito ako sa labas (I’m here to see him get married. I’m happy even if I’m here outside)," he said. More than 10 bishops and priests, including Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Sorsogon Bishop Angel Valera and Bishop Raul Martin of Quezon City, are officiating the wedding mass. The UP Madrigal Singers sang an a capella rendition of “Ave Maria" and “Umagang Kay Ganda" while the bride walked down the aisle. Principal sponsors of the wedding include Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Jovito Salonga, ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez II, Roxas’ uncle Jorge Araneta, broadcast journalist Cecilia Lazaro, Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, Helen Costales, Ruby Roxas, and Maria Fores. – GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines - The tandem of Lakas-Kampi standard-bearer Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for the 2010 elections is emerging as negotiations for what the administration sees as a powerhouse team-up are nearing the homestretch, officials said yesterday.

A highly placed source privy to the talks said the negotiations to have Garcia as the Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s vice presidential candidate have reached “the crucial stage and an announcement would be made anytime soon.”

The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD is expected to hold its national convention on Nov. 12 in Cebu where the party is set to formalize the selection of Teodoro and his running mate for the 2010 elections.

“It was Gibo (Teodoro’s nickname) who really wanted Gwen, and she was the real target,” the source said amid reports that the ruling party was wooing either Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) or Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos to be the defense chief’s running mate.

“This is a powerhouse team. They are both young and well-experienced executives with good credentials and track record. Together, that counts a lot for the reconstruction and reform in the country,” the official said.

The official said Garcia, who won by a historic margin of half a million votes in the 2007 elections, would bring “geographic balance” to the campaign of Teodoro, who appears to be gaining ground in some parts of Luzon and Mindanao.

The source said talks gained ground after Teodoro met with Garcia some two weeks ago during the latter’s birthday bash in Cebu where she turned over some P20 million as her province’s donation for the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the National Disaster Coordinating Council following two typhoons that cut a wide swath of destruction through much of Luzon.

The turnover was witnessed by 45 mayors and more than 1,500 local political leaders and barangay captains. The donation is the biggest from a local government unit and Teodoro said “Cebu demonstrated its solidarity with the Filipino nation by extending its charity to our people in distress.”

“In truth, he (Teodoro) never considered Sen. Legarda,” the official said, adding the governors, who were pushing for her, did not ask her to leave NPC but suggested a coalition with Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio earlier admitted that Teodoro’s choice of running mate would be given much weight in the selection of the administration’s vice presidential candidate.

Cebu is vote-rich and during the hotly contested 2004 presidential elections, gave President Arroyo nearly a million votes that were later affirmed by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

The official said the League of Municipalities of the Philippines is also considering formally endorsing Teodoro.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) earlier expressed support for Teodoro’s bid to be president.

Garcia also belongs to the Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Claudio said yesterday the endorsement of the tandem of Teodoro and Legarda and a coalition of Lakas-Kampi-CMD and NPC “was a multi-partisan initiative of governors comprising the executive committee of the LPP and it was not necessarily the position of the administration party.”

“We have not even formally discussed it. Asked for reaction (from the media), we said we recognize and continue to recognize the fine qualities of Sen. Legarda as a leader and advocate of many worthy causes,” Claudio said.

“But the fact is we already have a standard-bearer and Loren belongs to NPC. It’s up to her to assess her political prospects given these conditions. It’s no problem to us if she stays with the opposition,” he said.

He said “the more earnest talks the administration party is having in relation to Gibo’s running mate is with prominent members of the party itself, which is not wanting in excellent materials for vice president.”

He said “an overwhelming number of governors, other local executives and congressmen have pledged support for Gibo not because they are party mates but because they believe in him as a leader with firmness, integrity and substance.”

“Those local leaders are the same nationwide machinery that could support Sen. Legarda but only on the condition that she is in tandem with our standard-bearer. The dilemma is probably hers, not ours. Just the same, we wish her the best,” Claudio said. - By Paolo Romero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

MANILA - Sen. Loren Legarda confirmed Friday that she is running for vice-president in the 2010 elections.

"Opo, magdedeklara na po ako. Hangarin kong maglingkod ng walang humpay, walang pasubali at may malinaw na plataporma sa paglilingkod sa ating bansa," Legarda said in a rally at Rizal Park in Manila.

Running under a "pro-poor, pro-environment" platform, the senator said it was her intention to educate and protect every Filipino from the effects of poverty and climate change. She said the devastation caused by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng could be blamed on poor urban governance, vulnerable livelihoods and decline of ecosystems.

"We all need a strong economy but it should be felt by every sector and every Filipino. No Filipino should die for lack of money for hospitalization or lack of medicine. No Filipino should die of hunger because they have no food. We should take care of the farmers and the fishermen. We should help feed the people who are feeding us," she said.

Legarda later told reporters that she would run for vice-president but will remain with the opposition.

Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco earlier said the Nationalist People's Coalition will field Senators Francis 'Chiz' Escudero for president and Legarda for vice-president in the May 2010 elections.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Cojuangco said his father, NPC chair emeritus Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco Jr., is committed to supporting the Chiz-Loren tandem and the rest of the NPC candidates in next year's national and local elections.

He belied reports that his father may also back Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

ABS-CBN - Friday, October 23

10/19/09
Posted under 2010 Elections, Polls, Surveys

By Harvey S. Keh

IN the last two weeks, two very telling survey results conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) was released. The first survey showed that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s satisfaction ratings have continued to plummet with a -38% rating as compared to -31% last June. The other survey which was also conducted between September 18-21, showed that among all aspiring Presidentiables, it was Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III with a huge 60% rating whom the people overwhelmingly chose as the best possible leader to succeed our unpopular President. In past SWS surveys where Aquino’s name wasn’t included, no other Presidentiable has actually received more than 35%.

Aside from the growing disgust of people in our present leadership, the two surveys also show that one of the most important qualities that Filipinos from all walks of life are looking for in our next President is his or her moral and ethical fiber. Aquino is the only son of the martyred former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and the well-loved former President Cory Aquino, two known icons of good governance, ethical leadership and democracy in our country. The younger Aquino is now seen as the anti-thesis to the present leaders of this administration which has been swamped with seemingly unending graft and corruption charges and several political scandals including the infamous 1 Billion Peso Fertilizer Scam and the NBN-ZTE Broadband deal.

Moreover, if you look closely at the SWS Survey, you will notice that in June 2009, there were18% of Filipinos who were undecided on whom to vote for. Three months later, in the September 2009 survey where Aquino was part of, this number was drastically reduced to 6%. This shows that with Aquino’s entry into the Presidential derby, more Filipinos now have a clear choice on whom to vote for in the 2010 polls. In my own personal experiences as a college teacher at Ateneo de Manila University, many of these undecided voters are young Filipinos who like many of us are desperately longing for genuine and lasting change in our country. These young Filipinos aged between 18-35 years old comprise more than 40% of our voting population and if united can actually swing the tide in favor of its chosen Presidential candidate. Unfortunately, many of these young Filipinos have yet to register given that the deadline for voter registration
is fast approaching on October 31,2009.

It was therefore timely that Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s Register and Vote (RV) Movement together with Aksyon Kabataan and Kaya Natin! recently called on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to extend the voters registration beyond October 31 given the spate of calamities that our country went through the past few weeks. I am sure that recent developments in the political sphere of our country has brought about a renewed sense of hope and reform that has encouraged more first time voters to take the time to register and vote for the right leaders in 2010. Let us hope that the COMELEC will give these young voters a chance to shape the kind of future and country that they want to see. In 2010, let us make sure that the voice of the Filipino youth be heard not only in the streets and the internet but more importantly, in the polling stations.

Besides, it’s their future at stake here, right?

Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com

Harvey S. Keh is Director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo School of Government.

MANILA - This is the result of the first presidential survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations that includes Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The survey was taken between Sept. 5 and 6 and was commissioned by a number of private individuals, including some members of the business community.

It was not a national survey but it covers Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Region 3 and Region 4A, an area that covers an estimated 40 percent of registered voters.

10 percent of the respondents belonged to the A, B and C classes, or the wealthy and middle class, while 90 percent belong to the D and E classes, or the poor.

Despite having declared his candidacy after the survey, a whopping 50 percent of respondents said they would vote for Aquino, followed by 14 percent who said they would vote for Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar.

Statistically tied with Villar for second place is former president Joseph Estrada with 13 percent. Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero had 12 percent and vice president Noli de Castro came in last with 7 percent.

Liberal Party leaders expected Aquino to benefit from public sympathy over the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, but were surprised by how high his numbers are.

With 8 months to go before the election and his relatively late entry into the race Aquino is still putting his campaign together, but already he seems to have has become the front runner.

However, in an election season that is becoming full of surprises, the challenge is to keep those sky high numbers for falling back to earth.



source: www.abs-cbnnews.com


Comments
sa ganang akin totoo sa pagkakataon na ito ang tungkol sa survey

na mataas talaga survey nila aquino at roxas. parehong malinis ang pangalan apilyidong roxas at aquino na tatak sa bayan natin at ang lahat ng tao ay patay gutom at uhaw sa pagbabago dahil sa mga naranasan natin namalas na nunal ni gma ,at di natin maalis na sila ay tumiwala sa mga pangalang me tatak na sa kabutihan
Submitted by freedom.com on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 21:40.

the challenge lies in our

the challenge lies in our hands!!! the FILIPINOS...it surely is true that a lot of surprises are yet to unveil especially 2-3 months before the election. and i would say that's the period when the administration will unleash all their powers and machinery just to be able to win the slot. so let us be vigilant and consistent!!! sana tayong lahat will educate all our brethren whom i say na madaling masilaw sa pera especially yong nasa mga provincia na kung sino ang i-endorse ni mayor ay siya na ring iboto nila. please, please, help fight the evil of corruption and greed!!!
Submitted by free2write on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 15:03.

Survey is survey....

Kapani-paniwala man o' hindi ang survey, basta sa mundong ito ang lahat ng bagay ay maaaring manipulahin. Ang mahalaga bumuto ng naaayon sa ating nararamdaman, pinaniniwalaan, at hindi nagpapadala sa sabi sabi ng kung sino-sino lang. Kung ano ang sinasabi ng iyong konsiyensa iyon ang iboto mo. Kung sino ang pinaniniwalaan mo, iyon ang iboto mo. Kung sino ang nararamdaman mong karapatdapat sa paningin mo, iyon ang iboto mo. Kaya dapat ang boto mo, ipatrol mo. AKO MISMO ANG SIMULA. KAYA NATIN, ITO ANG PAGBABAGO...
Submitted by Patroller on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 14:58.

Sa palagay ko si Noynoy na

Sa palagay ko si Noynoy na nga ang dapat maging pangulo ng Pilipinas. Walang ng ibang mapipili puro patapon na. The way he answers questions, he's a smart decent guy. Ito na I hope ang magpapabago. Sana linisin ang gobyerno at parusahan lahat ng nag kurakot all levels of governtment. maging effective na sana ang ombudsman, ang COA natutulog lagi. Ang pork barrel alisin na. Tutukan ng maigi ang development wag na ipahawak anf pera sa mga walang kwentang congressman. Abolish na lang kaya ang congress?
Submitted by epgomez on Tue, 09/15/2009 - 08:34.

KUNG HINDI SI NOYNOY SINO PA? ANG MAGANDA ANG REPUTASYON?

KUNG HINDI SI NOYNOY ANG PRESIDENT? SINO PA? SINO PA? SI VILLAR BA NA HANGGANG NGAYON AY HINAHABOL NG CONTROVERSY SA SENADO? SI ESTRADA BA? NA HANGGANG NGAYON AY MAY KASO PA RIN NG PANGUNGURAKOT. SOBRA KATANGA NG MGA PINOY KUNG MULI SIYANG IBOBOTO, SI NOLI DE CASTRO BA? NA NANATILING TAHIMIK AT NATUTULOG SA PANSITAN SA KABILA NG KALIWA'T KANANG KONTROBERSYA, NAKU NAMAN, ANG KAILANGAN NATIN AY PRESIDENTENG MARUNONG LUMABAN KUNG KAPAKANAN NG MAMAYAN ANG NAKATAYA, SI CHIZ ESCUDERO BA NA INAANAK NI PRES ARROYO, ABA, ABA DI KO PINANGARAP NA IGISA ANG BANSA SARILING MANTIKA.HINDI UUSAD ANG PINAS SA MATABIL NA DILA LAMANG NA WALA PANG NAPAPATUNAYAN, YUNG IBANG PRESIDENTIABLE, LAHAT TRAPO NA..................................LINDA IN DAVAO CITY
Submitted by RAKERZ on Mon, 09/14/2009 - 20:41.

regardless...

REGARDLESS OF CRITICISMS ABOUT SURVEYS, A 36% LEAD OVER THE NEXT RIVAL IS A FORMIDABLE LEAD AND A VERY SERIOUS INDICATOR. IT WOULD TAKE UNPARDONABLE MISTAKES ON THE PART OF NOYNOY TO SURMOUNT THIS LEAD. SORRY TO SAY THIS, BUT A COALITION WITH ERAP TOPS THE LIST OF THOSE SERIOUS UNPARDONABLE MISTAKES!

KAYA YONG IBA DYAN, MAGISIP-ISIP NA HABANG MAAGA PA!!!

PARENG ERAP, MUKHANG NAGKAMALI YATA TAYO SA PAGSABING "FEEL PEOPLE'S PULSE FIRST" AH! PERO TEKA LANG, MAGBAYAD KA ULI PARA SA SARILING SURVEY AT TIYAK MALI YONG RESULTA, DI BA???

NOONG NANGUNGUNA ANG MGA MANOK NILA SA SURVEY, SUPPORTERS WERE CITING IT AS A JUSTIFICATION THAT THERE CANDIDATES HAVE A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING. NOW THAT NOYNOY TOPS THE SURVEY, THEY ARE THE SAME PEOPLE QUESTIONING THE SURVEY RESULTS. KUNSABAGAY, NATURAL LANG SA TAO NA LAGING MAY PALUSOT.
Submitted by rockymickeyquick on Sun, 09/13/2009 - 23:20.

Who's Survey

Survey is business and politics is the source of money.I dont beleive that surbveys are impartial , and fair.This is paid by businesman not only thier business interests but to have an idea whom they will support when times come and at the same time some who are supporting a certain candidates,Wag na tayong mag kunwari anf survey ay pwedi ring doktorin dahil sa pera.This is also an strategies in where to convince the people who is leading and vote not because of candidates credibility of capabilities but based on the surveys.This business is intended for those KABABAYANS who don't have enough knowledge to figure out candidates.Ibig sabihin sa mga manga-mang nating kababayan.At itoy pag sasamantala sa karapatan ng mga mamamayan na bilogin ang kanilang sariling pananaw sa pag pili ng kanilang kandidato basi sa kanilang kagustuhan.
Kaya, itigil na itong mga survey , dahil ito ay isang instrumento sa isang corruption.Kong kayo na nag susurvey ay minsan ay walang tiwala sa goberno ganun sin kami sa inyo sala rin kaming tiwala sa mga survey na yan.
Submitted by rafiq.49 on Sun, 09/13/2009 - 17:31.

from Yahoo Answers

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

And the "No" vote says...

no. because his MMDA methods are way to the right of the political spectrum.

imagine a guy who's willing to demolish entire city blocks or confiscate private property all in the name of "looking good with my pogi-posing picture" running for a position with the executive powers to do anything he wants.

Bayani Fernando is that type that if he doesn't like a system that's worked for a lot of people, he won't improve it... he'll just tear it down and put up his own system, whether it works or not won't bother him... just as long as he shows people that he's doing "something" and it pisses off people along the way.

- Papa Alpha

no...he'd better stay in MMDA

- Ghostman

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