Philippines May 2010 Election Post

May 2010 Philippines Senatorial Election Winners

2010-07-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

INSIDER'S DIARY
And the Winners Are…
By Mong Palatino

May 19, 2010

Twelve senators have already been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The new senators of the 15th Congress of the Philippines are:

1. Ramon 'Bong' Revilla
2. Jose 'Jinggoy' Estrada
3. Miriam Defensor-Santiago
4. Franklin Drilon
5. Juan Ponce Enrile
6. Pilar Juliana Cayetano
7. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
8. Ralph Recto
9. Vicente Sotto III
10. Sergio Osmena III
11. Manuel Lapid
12. Teofisto Guingona III

Their mandate will end on 2016. Six of the 12 winners are incumbents, while four are former senators. Two are children of former presidents, three are children of former senators, and three are grandchildren of former senators of the Republic. Four are actors and five are lawyers. Seven are from Luzon Island, four are from the Visayas, and only one came from Mindanao. Nine are candidates of the opposition.

The top senatorial candidate received more than 18 million votes while the 12th senator garnered almost 10 million votes. Surprisingly, a TV/film star topped the senate race. No actor won in the 2007 senatorial elections.

Despite the automated elections, it took more than a week before Comelec was able to proclaim the winners in the senate race. But the proclamation for the new president and vice president has been further delayed since Congress has yet to convene a session to canvass the official results of the elections. The race for the vice presidency is expected to be hotly contested because the leading candidate is only ahead by a small margin.

Elections are already over, but the canvassing is not yet finished. There are even provinces that have yet to transmit the results of the elections. Special elections will be conducted in several municipalities in Mindanao. Analysts are worried that the delay in the transmission of results could further affect the credibility of the auto polls.

Aquino - Binay Historic Proclamation

2010-06-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

Congress proclaims Aquino, Binay as new President, Vice-President
by Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak
Posted at 06/09/2010 3:21 PM | Updated as of 06/10/2010 11:17 AM

MANILA, Philippines – After over a week of wrangling over “null votes” and other alleged irregularities in the conduct of the May 10 elections, the joint session of Congress on Wednesday , June 9, finally convened to proclaim Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino IIIand Jejomar "Jojo" Binayas president-elect and vice-president-elect, respectively.

The Senate and the House of Representatives convened the joint session at 2:35 pm on June 9 in order to take up the report of the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

Shortly after session started, Senator Jinggoy Estrada read a statement from his father, former President Joseph Estrada, congratulating Aquino.

Afterwards, Senate majority floor leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate minority floor leader Aquilino Pimentel sponsored the report of the Joint Committee on the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Canvass for the May 10, 2010 elections on behalf of the Senate. House majority floor leader Arthur Defensor and deputy majority floor leader Neptali Gonzales II sponsored the report on behalf of the House contingent.

With no objections to the approval of the canvassing committee report, it was approved by the joint session of Congress at 3:38 pm.

After the committee report and resolution were approved, Congress shortly suspended session to allow Aquino and Binay to join the plenary for their proclamation.
Historic elections

In his sponsorship speech, Zubiri noted results of the canvass which showed that Aquino, garnered a total of 15,208,678 votes with a lead of 5,720,841 over the second placer Estrada.

“On the other hand, Jejomar Cabauatan Binay obtained the highest number of votes for Vice-President with 14,645,574 votes with a lead of 727,084 votes over his closest opponent,” Zubiri said.

“After the historic automated elections, which awed, bewildered, amused and even confused both the electorate and the candidates, with the speed of counting of votes and transmitting the results by the machine we know now as the PCOS or Precinct Count Optical Scan machines, Congress will now give its seal of approval, a Constitutional requirement, to the winning Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates,” Zubiri added in his sponsorship speech.

Fastest canvassing in history

Done 4 weeks after the May 10 polls, the proclamation of winners was the quickest in the history of the Philippines post-1986. The actual canvassing took only 8 days, beginning on May 27 when the first ballot box—for absentee voters from the Kingdom of Laos—was opened.

The last certificate of canvass (COC), from Lanao del Sur, was canvassed on Tuesday, June 8.

Aquino and Binay will take their respective oaths of office on June 30, the day the terms of office of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice-President Noli de Castro end.
In the 2004 presidential elections, President Arroyo was proclaimed before dawn of June 23 or just a week before the Office of the President was vacated. It was a tight race between Arroyo who led her closest rival, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., by around 1 million votes.

A year later, the "Hello, Garci" controversy erupted with Arroyo accused of cheating to win the elections. The scandal earned its moniker, “Hello, Garci,” from a wiretapped phone conversation between President Arroyo and then Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, where she asked about her lead in the election tally.

Arroyo refused to admit that the allegedly wiretapped conversation was authentic but apologized nonetheless for talking on the phone with a Comelec official. She said it was a "lapse of judgment."
Final Congressional Tally

Aquino's big margin

Aquino is the son of the late President Corazon Aquino, who led the restoration of democracy in the Philippines in 1986. Her death in August 2009 led to calls for her only son, an incumbent senator, to run for president.

Owing largely to the "Cory Magic," Aquino emerged victorious over 8 other candidates.

It was the vice-presidential race that was tight. Binay defeated Aquino's running mate, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, by a slim margin of 720,000 votes.

It's a double whammy for Roxas, the original Liberal Party standard-bearer. He slid down to the vice-presidential race to give way to Aquino's candidacy.

Roxas is mulling an election protest. His lawyers claimed "funny trends" in the results of the May polls, particularly the high number of "null votes" supposedly in the bailiwicks of Roxas. There were 2.6 million null votes, 3 times more than the lead of Binay.

Roxas lawyers moved to defer the canvassing of several provinces with high number of null votes but Congress, sitting as the NBOC, voted to deny it.

In response, the Binay camp said the high number of "null votes" was part of the birth pains of automated elections. They called for a review of the automated election system to make sure this will be addressed in the next elections. But they maintained that there was no proof that the null votes were votes for Roxas.

Zubiri said the small ovals could have been the reason for the big number of null votes. There could be at least 3 reasons for null votes: 1) the voters didn't vote for the position; 2) the voters voted for more than 2 candidates for vice-president; and, 3) they under-shaded or over-shaded the oval that the machine could not recognize them.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said he expects the next elections would be automated again, and it would be smoother than this year.

Earlier, there were fears that canvassing will also be delayed because several congressmen have raised issues against the automated polls. But the NBOC ruled that it was not the proper venue for election protests.

"It was a cooperative work between the Speaker and I. The Speaker and I understood each other, tried as best as possible to be even-handed [and] fair, rendering justice to whoever is entitled to it or needs it. No one was a friend or foe," said Enrile.

"We also allowed everybody to say his piece, whether you are a lawyer or a member of the panel. We allowed you to speak and take reasonable time. The moment we see that what you are saying is not repetitious and it’s not meant to delay, we are very lenient in allowing each and everyone to say their piece and ask anything they want," added House Speaker Prospero Nograles.

Noy-Bi

The Liberal Party tandem of Aquino and Roxas was rocked by issues that a faction of Aquino's relatives junked Roxas to support the candidacy of Binay.

Binay and the Cojuangcos--Aquino's maternal family--have long been political allies. Binay was the first Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-mayor appointed by President Aquino after the 1986 People Power Revolution. He and his family have not left Makati city hall since.

Makati was also the regular venue of anti-President Arroyo protests, some of which were led by the late Mrs. Aquino.

While the family denies it, Aquino-Roxas supporter Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado earlier told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak that the camp of former President Corazon Aquino's younger brother, Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr., campaigned for Binay.

Mercado is a professor at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City and founder of the Mindanao Leaders Coalition or Kusug Mindanaw.

"Ang dala ng mga Cojuangco ay Noy-Bi, not Noy-Mar (The Cojuangcos are carrying Noynoy-Binay, not Noynoy-Mar). They all came here [in Mindanao]. Tingting Cojuangco was here with Jun Simon," Mercado said in a previous phone interview.

"Of course, they still have their contacts during the time of Cory," Mercado added.

Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco is Noynoy’s aunt. She is the wife of Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., the younger brother of Mrs. Aquino, whose alleged deals and influence-peddling during her administration led a columnist to coin the word Kamag-anak Inc. (Relatives Incorporated).

Simon, on the other hand, is a member of Peping’s Council on Philippine Affairs (COPA). He was appointed by President Aquino as OIC Mayor of Quezon City in 1986.

For his part, Binay said he was not surprised that some relatives of Noynoy Aquino campaigned for him. – abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak

Source

NOY-BI, Election Winners

2010-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Final tally: Binay leads Roxas by 700,000 votes
By Maria Althea Teves, abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak
Posted at 06/08/2010 3:08 PM | Updated as of 06/08/2010 6:10 PM
ANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - It's final. Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Benigno Aquino III and Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) vice-presidential candidate Jejomar Binay will be proclaimed as the country's next president and vice-president, respectively.
Final Congressional Tally

The final tally of the National Board of Canvassers showed Aquino with 15,208,678 votes, winning the presidential race with no surprise. His lead over second placer PMP presidential bet Joseph Estrada was 5,720,841 votes. Estrada garnered 9,487,837 votes.

Binay, Estrada's running mate, on the other hand, won the vice presidency with 14,645,574 votes in the final count. Aquino's running mate, Manuel Roxas II, was in close second place with 13,918,490 votes.

There were talks that Binay won because relatives of Aquino, particularly the Cojuangcos, campaigned for the Noy-Bi (Aquino-Binay) tandem and not the LP tandem, especially in Mindanao. (Read: Peping camp campaigned for Noy-Bi)

The proclamation for president and vice-president has been scheduled on Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday said that it would be held at 2 pm.

Aquino had 15,072,053 votes in the June 7 tally while Estrada was 5 million votes behind with 9,471,029. Only the province of Lanao del Sur had to be canvassed on the last day.

National canvassing resumed at 2:14 p.m. on Tuesday.

It took Congress 1 hour and 10 minutes to canvass the votes from Lanao del Sur, a province with a reputation for being one of the cheating capitals in Muslim Mindanao. The province recently conducted special elections in 28 precincts.

After all the votes were counted, House Speaker Prospero Nograles said: "That's the last COC."

Aquino an obvious winner
Aquino was the obvious winner even before the Congress, sitting as the NBOC, started canvassing votes for President and Vice President.

Partial tally of the Commission on Elections, before the Lanao del Sur votes were considered, showed that his lead over Estrada was over 5 million votes.

Aquino even won in San Juan, Estrada's home city, with 22,225 votes against the former president who also served as San Juan mayor for over 20 years. Estrada received 21,341 votes in San Juan.

In Cebu, a bailiwick of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Aquino won with 759,938 votes.

This was achieved despite the fact that some members of the powerful Garcia family shifted their support to Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia remained with the Lakas-Kampi.

Administration standard-bearer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. finished in second place in Cebu with 344,783 votes while Villar was in third with 200,287 votes.

Cebu is the country's biggest voting province with 2.2 million registered voters. (Read: Lakas-Kampi defections: 'Gloriaquino' or 'Villaroyo'?)

Tight VP race
Last Thursday, the tight race between Binay and Roxas led Congress to decide that canvassing would not be terminated.

The canvassing on June 3 ended with Binay leading with 640,000 votes over Roxas, lower than his earlier canvassing lead of 800,000. (Read: Binay's lead over Roxas -- Congress)

Votes from some of the provinces and cities canvassed in the last days gave Binay a bigger margin. His lead in the provinces of North Cotabato, Batangas, Quezon City, Davao del Sur, Cagayan de Oro, Sultan Kudarat and Davao, Pasay and Makati cities ranged from around 20,000 to more than 100,000 votes.

Roxas led in Southern Leyte, Pampanga, Capiz, Marikina City, Cebu City and Surigao del Sur by thousands of votes.

Last Thursday, Binay's lead was only around 640,000. In June 2, when the NBOC suspended canvassing, the vice-presidential race was still very tight with Binay leading by around 120,00 votes over Roxas.

Poll fraud?
The Roxas camp claimed poll fraud in the vice-presidential contest owing to the higher incidence of null votes for vice-president. Binay's camp, however, countered that Congress is not a venue for investigating null votes. (Read: Roxas claims 'Garci' touched PCOS and Binay camp: Congress not venue for null votes)
Binay's camp initally said that they were looking to win with a 930,000 margin. They claimed that the Makati mayor would win fair and square since he won in 14 of the 17 regions.

They scored the LP camp for trying to condition the minds of the people into thinking that Binay cheated. (Read: Binay camp sees 930K winning margin)
Before the NBOC could canvass the Lanao del Sur votes on Tuesday, June 8, Roxas' lawyer Joey Tenefrancia objected to the opening the COCs from the province, raising a number of observations.

He said Roxas received 10 votes or less in 600 plus precincts, 40% of which are from Lanao del Sur, and zero to one votes in 94 clustered precincts, 64.66% of which were in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where Binay received majority of the votes. He also noted that those areas in the ARMM have an unusually high voter turn out of 97%.

On Monday night, Tenefrancia said he was disappointed that Congress did not pay attention to their concerns when he claimed that some precincts showed "statistical impossibilities" that favored Binay.

"Senator Roxas has sought to ensure that the true will of the electorate will be upheld. We have consistently manifested and moved that an accurate and complete count of the votes be conducted," Tenefrancia said before Congress before it suspended session on Tuesday.

The Roxas camp confirmed that they are planning to challenge the results of the vice presidential elections. - abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak

Source

Saluting Manny Villar for his Act of Statemanship

2010-05-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

"If only for this, you have my high respect"

05/11/2010 | 11:13 AM
4 presidential bets concede defeat, congratulate Noynoy

(Updated 4:54 p.m.) As the picture of a Noynoy Aquino administration becomes clearer, four of his rivals for the presidency on Tuesday threw in the towel as they congratulated him for what seems like his impending victory.

First to admit defeat was Aquino’s colleague in the Senate and fiercest rival to the presidency during the campaign period, Nacionalista Party’s Manny Villar Jr.

"Humaharap ako sa inyo ngayon upang tanggapin ang pasyang ito. Upang igalang ang boses ng sambayanang Pilipino (I now face you all to admit my defeat). I congratulate Senator Noynoy Aquino on his victory. The challenges he and our country faces are enormous and we should all work together," he said, reading a prepared statement during a press conference in Mandaluyong City.

Villar's move earned him admiration from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

"The commission expresses its deep admiration for Senator Manuel Villar for his act of statesmanship for conceding the elections," said Comelec chairman Jose Melo at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon.

Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan, Ang Kapatiran’s JC de los Reyes, and Lakas-Kampi-CMD's Gilberto Teodoro Jr. followed Villar's steps. In a statement posted on his Facebook account, Gordon congratulated Aquino for his "spectacular victory" and called upon the nation to unite and support the new administration.

"We accept the will of the people. Today, we have a victory for democracy with the successful exercise of our first nationwide automated election despite naysayers and doubters," said Gordon.

In a text message to reporters, De los Reyes said that although Aquino’s platforms differ from his, he would still "support his government in other reform efforts we have in common."

Teodoro, who is Aquino's cousin, said he is happy with the results of the elections.

According to GMA Network's partial and unofficial tally as of 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Aquino remained at the top spot with 13,036,271 votes. Villar ranked third with 4,680,580; Teodoro at 4th with 3,470,136; Gordon at sixth place with 446,203; and De los Reyes at ninth with 37,726.

Thank you’s

Villar thanked his party mates at the Nacionalista Party and supporters who supported his presidential bid, and said he would continue working for the welfare of the poor.

"Bagama’t ako ay hindi pinalad, ang aking pangarap na tapusin ang kahirapan ay hindi pa nagwawakas. Ito ay aking ipagpapatuloy bagama’t sa ibang paraan (Although I didn’t win, my efforts to end poverty in this country will continue)," he said in a sober tone.

Villar, a self-made billionaire, also thanked his supporters and volunteers who helped him through the campaign. He, however, expressed sadness about the allegations and negative propaganda that have hounded him throughout his campaign.

"Ako ay naniniwala na sa darating na mga araw ako ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na linisin ang aking pangalan upang maliwanagan ang ating mga kababayan. Yan ay mahalaga sa akin higit sa anupamang bagay," he said.

(I believe that soon I’ll be given a chance to clear my name before the public. That’s the most important thing to me.)

Villar smiled but declined to take questions from the reporters, leaving the Nacionalista Party headquarters immediately after the press briefing.

Life after campaign

Teodoro, a former lawmaker and Defense secretary, said he has no plans of staying in politics, adding that he would rather return to being a family man. “Malaki ang utang ko sa kanila (I now owed a lot to my family). I will go back to being a good husband, a good father," he said.

“I have served my country the best I could. I don't think anyone can ask more of me," he added. He also dismissed calls for him to run for senator in the 2013 midterm elections.

Teodoro thanked his supporters whom he said did not support him but his idea of national unity and positivism. He said he is not blaming anybody for his defeat.

Gordon likewise thanked his supporters, especially his volunteers particularly "those who gave up their limited resources as a manifestation of trust in his brand of leadership and track record."

"I ran a very truthful, straightforward and candid campaign and thought we could run on the basis of our platform, track record and volunteerism," he said. — with Carmela Lapeña, Aie B. See, and Kim Tan/LBG/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

Gibo, Gordon, and JC concede to Aquino

2010-05-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

05/11/2010 | 04:26 PM
Gibo admits defeat to cousin Noynoy
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMANews.TV

Administration bet Gilberto “Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday afternoon joined the ranks of presidential aspirants who conceded defeat to his cousin, Liberal Party’s Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.

“Bagama’t hindi pa official, mukhang si Senator Aquino na (Although it’s not yet official, I think Senator Aquino is already the winner in the elections)," Teodoro said during a press briefing at the Lakas-Kampi-CMD headquarters in Greenhills, San Juan.

“I am so far happy with the results [of the elections]," he added.

Partial elections results showed Teodoro at fourth place behind Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) and Sen. Manny Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party).

As of 4:15 p.m., the GMANews.TV partial and unofficial tally on presidential aspirants showed Teodoro with 3,470,136 votes compared to Aquino’s 13,036,271; Estrada’s 8,345,826; and Villar’s 4,680,580.

Before Teodoro, Villar, Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan) and JC de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran) had also admitted their defeat to Aquino, son of the late President Corazon Aquino and slain Sen. Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Teodoro, a former lawmaker and Defense secretary, said he has no plans of staying in politics, adding that he would rather return to being a family man. “Malaki ang utang ko sa kanila (I now owed a lot to my family). I will go back to being a good husband, a good father," he said.

“I have served my country the best I could. I don't think anyone can ask more of me," he added. He also dismissed calls for him to run for senator in the 2013 midterm elections.

Teodoro thanked his supporters whom he said did not support him but his idea of national unity and positivism. He said he is not blaming anybody for his defeat.

“I did not fight for a political position for myself but for an idea. What can we do right for the country? Winning or losing is secondary. We fight for an idea—an idea of competence. Basic education reform, college graduate opportunities for every family, food security, genuine sustainable agrarian reform, localized peace processes, strong foreign relations, and several others," he said.

He also thanked the media which he said was mostly supportive of him. “Those in front of me, you have been fair. But those not here, I’ll have to reserve my judgment."

Teodoro said he has not spoken with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about his plans after the elections. —KBK, GMANews.TV

05/11/2010 | 03:44 PM
Gordon concedes to Noynoy

Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard "Dick" Gordon on Tuesday became the third presidential aspirant to concede defeat to Liberal Party’s Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Gordon congratulated Aquino on his “spectacular victory" and called upon the nation to unite and support the new administration.

“We accept the will of the people," said Gordon who, as of 3:40 p.m., ranked 6th (446,203 votes) among nine presidential aspirants in GMANews.TV’s partial and unofficial tally.

“I ran a very truthful, straightforward and candid campaign and thought we could run on the basis of our platform, track record and volunteerism," he added in admitting his defeat.

He also said he would like to congratulate all the winners and pray that they serve the country well.

Gordon thanked his supporters, especially his volunteers and “those who gave up their limited resources as a manifestation of trust in his brand of leadership and track record."

Above all, Gordon expressed exhilaration that the country’s first nationwide automated elections on Monday went well despite glitches in the machines used.

“Today, we have a victory for democracy with the successful exercise of our first nationwide automated election despite naysayers and doubters," he said. —Carmela Lapeña/KBK, GMANews.TV

05/11/2010 | 01:08 PM
Ang Kapatiran's JC de los Reyes concedes to Noynoy

Ang Kapatiran Party Presidential candidate John Carlos de los Reyes has conceded to Sen. Benigno"Noynoy" Aquino III of the Liberal Party, a day after the historic nationwide automation was held.

"I conceded as to the electoral count but not as to the platforms I was tasked to push," de los Reyes said in a text message sent to his party's media officer.

"Sen. Aquino is not one with us in these radical reform we need for our country, but I will support his government in other reform efforts we have in common," the text added.

De los Reyes is the youngest among the nine presidential contenders.

His party, which promotes the social teachings of the church, has been supported by several bishops all over the country.

De los Reyes lagged behind pre-election surveys conducted by pollsters Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV

Philippines Election Survey Rankings as of May 3, 2010

2010-05-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Erap overtakes Villar, Binay edges Loren: poll
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 05/03/2010 10:34 AM | Updated as of 05/03/2010 10:38 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada has overtaken Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr. to take second place in the presidential race, according to the latest Manila Standard Today (MST) pre-election survey.

The survey, which interviewed 2,500 registered voters nationwide from April 25-27, showed Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the lead with 38%, which is 16 percentage points above Estrada's rating of 22%. Villar was in 3rd place with 20%.

According to MST resident pollster Pedro Laylo, the negative attacks on Villar have taken a toll on his survey performance.

Other presidential bets, meantime, got single digit results: Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. (9%), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (3%) and Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon (2%).

The survey had a margin of error of plus-minus 2%.

The new survey came less than a week after private pollster Pulse Asia released the results of its own pre-election survey. In the April 23-25 survey, Aquino gained 2 percentage points with 39% support, compared to 20% support for both Estrada and Villar.

Meanwhile, in the vice-presidential survey, Laylo said Makati Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay has pulled away from Sen. Loren Legarda and is reportedly setting his sights on frontrunner Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Roxas still led the pack with 38% while Binay is at 28%. Legarda slipped to 3rd place with 20% followed by Edu Manzano (3%) and Bayani Fernando (2%). All the other candidates had ratings of 1% or lower.

The survey said 6% of voters were undecided about their choice for president while 7% were undecided on their vice-presidential bet.

Binay earlier surged past Legarda in the April 23-25 Pulse Asia survey. – With a report from Ces Drilon, ABS-CBN News

Noynoy Still Leading 9 Days Before Election

2010-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Lucky streak keeps Noynoy on top
By Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNews.com/ Newsbreak
Posted at 05/01/2010 5:46 PM | Updated as of 05/01/2010 7:54 PM

MANILA, Philippines—The rise of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III from a low-key politician—who almost lost the 2007 senatorial elections—to what surveys say is the most popular presidential candidate is a result of pure luck.

The story, of course, begins with the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, in August 2009. Seeing the outpouring of public sympathy toward Mrs. Aquino, her allies started egging Noynoy to run for president as early as her funeral.

Since Noynoy decided to run, he has never left the top spot in the surveys by 2 major polling firms—the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia, which, until just before he joined the race, was owned by his relatives.

Noynoy got his highest rating at 44 points in the October 2009 Pulse Asia survey. His Liberal Party (LP) acknowledged it was “Cory Magic” at work.

He never recovered his 44% at the height of the euphoria, but he enjoys a big 19-point lead over his closest rivals in the latest survey. In Pulse Asia’s latest survey, conducted 2 weeks before May 10, Noynoy registered 39 points.

Senator Manuel Villar Jr. of the Nationalista Party (NP) and former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) tied for 2nd place with 20 points.

“We are confident. Senator Aquino’s numbers seem to have solidified,” said LP campaign manager Florencio Abad.

“Cory Magic has never left Noynoy…. He’s a lucky guy. He’s also lucky because other parties are having problems—because of their own makings. May mga kapalpakan sila,” added De La Salle University political analyst Allen Surla.

February: Noynoy share’s Erap’s luck

It was not always an easy ride for Noynoy. In late January, Villar got close to his numbers. His 37 points was statistically tied with Villar’s 35 points.

For the LP, it was the worst time for Villar to catch up. The survey results were released shortly before the official start of the campaign period on February 10.

Villar was gaining momentum because of effective political advertising. “The ad ratio was something like 10 to 1. It was because of the sheer volume of his ads. He was heard. We were not being heard,” said Abad.

At the same time, some groups supporting Noynoy were arguing against using political advertising as a campaign tool. “Some people [wanted it to be] an alternative campaign and we should not do ads,” Abad recalled.

Abad said the debate was settled when the following SWS survey came out, showing Aquino and Villar still in statistical tie.

Meanwhile, the LP also attacked Villar on various issues such as his heavy spending on political advertising, his alleged coalition with President Arroyo and, most aggressively, the C-5 road controversy.

When Noynoy regained his lead in the following survey (Feb. 21-25), the LP ascribed it to the C-5 controversy. But they were wrong.

Analysis of the survey numbers show that it Estrada was eating a big chunk of Villar’s support base in Mindanao. (See "Erap, not C-5 caused Villar's survey drop")

Noynoy's numbers then were steady at 36%, but But Villar suffered a 6-point drop.

Estrada pulled a surprise when he gained 6 points, from 12 points in January to 18 points in February.

It was a result of the January decision of the Commission on Elections junking the disqualification cases against Estrada. It erased the doubts on voters' mind that their votes would go to waste if they would choose Estrada.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said, who is PMP’s vice president for Mindanao, said the January survey didn’t capture this because Estrada’s political advertisements informing voters of the legal victory came out only in February.

Indirectly, Noynoy was a beneficiary of Estrada’s advantage.

It seems that Estrada continues to shrink Villar’s base in Mindanao. In the April 23-25 survey, Villar lost 7 more points in the region. Estrada gained 5 points, although it was equal to the error margin.

"We're not really surprised that President Estrada's ratings rose. We stuck to our strategy of going directly to the people, and they have realized that Estrada is the real leader of the poor,” said PMP spokesperson Ralph Calinisan.

March: Lakas defections, ‘not poor’ claims

It had been downhill for Villar since. In the Pulse Asia survey conducted March 21-28, he lost 4 more percentage points. It’s a total of 10 points decrease since he was statistically tied with Noynoy.

Noynoy, on the other hand, continues to benefit from the failures of his rivals to address issues against them.

A part of Noynoy’s luck, if it may be called that, is his poor track record. Unlike Villar—who has been a businessman, a House Speaker, and a Senate President—Noynoy has never held a major leadership position that would test his character.

Noynoy's record is clean because it’s blank. In his 12 years in Congress, he is yet to pass a single one of his major bills. In his 9 years as Tarlac congressman, in fact, the only law he passed was the one declaring as special holiday the foundation day of Tarlac City.

There was hardly any issue to hit Noynoy except his family’s failure to distribute to farmer-beneficiaries Hacienda Luisita, a 6,000-plus hectare estate that the Cojuangcos were supposed to have returned to government more than 4 decades ago. But it did not seem to resonate with the voters.

“It did not. We did a lot of focus group discussions (FGD) on it. It’s because they overloaded the issue. They entirely put the blame on Noynoy. They even accused him with the massacre,” said Abad.

Even years before the NP supporters brought up the issue of the 12 farmers and 2 children who were killed at the picket lines outside Hacienda Luisita, however, various reports had quoted farmer groups and witnesses saying that those who shot at the farmers were came from inside the hacienda and were known bodyguards of Noynoy.

Recently, NP camp tried to cast doubt on Noynoy’s ability to govern by circulating spurious psychological reports. They were immediately denied by the people supposedly involved in the evaluation.

What appears to be Villar’s strategy in the final days of the campaign period is to hit Noynoy’s poor track record and incompetence—directly in interviews and indirectly in ads.

With a number of issues hounding Villar, it is difficult to pin down what particular issue hurt Villar’s campaign.

Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes said the “Villaroyo” tag may have hurt Villar in the March survey.

During the survey period, one of the biggest headlines was the defection of some of President Arroyo’s allies to the NP camp. It boosted LP’s allegation of the supposed coalition between President Arroyo and Villar.

Later in March, the resignation of administration bet former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. resigned as chairman of the ruling party Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi CMD).

This happened after the survey was conducted, however.

Although Teodoro later denied it, news reports then exposed that his move was sparked by the call made by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo to Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia Sr. to ask him to shift support to Villar. Cebu is the country’s biggest voting population with 2.2 million voters.

Other camps have also been attacking Villar’s character throughout the campaign period.

In March, newspaper columnists Solita Monsod of Phililppine Daily Inquirer, Lito Banayo of Malaya, and William Esposo of Philippine Star debunked Villar’s claim that he was poor, the foundation of his entire campaign.

(The 3 columnists had worked with the Cojuangcos before. Monsod was economic planning secretary during President Aquino's time, when her husband was chief elections commissioner. Banayo was involved in the Aquino-Laurel snap elections campaign in 1986, and was postal official during the Aquino administration. Esposo is with Noynoy's uncle, Peping Cojuangco, in the political group Council on Philippine Affairs.)

Surla said the claim that Villar didn't have dirt-poor beginnings had an impact on his campaign. “The problem is he over-dramatized his poverty. That did it for him,” he said.

To belie the allegations, Villar’s mother recently held a press conference to defend his son. She also appeared in advertisements. These developments have not been capture in the surveys.

April: Villar’s plunge

Noynoy’s numbers hardly moved. But Villar, who was hit by one controversy after another, continues to go down.

The April 23-25 surveys shows Villar is down with 20 points. He is now tied with Estrada for 2nd place.

Villar’s camp said the surveys numbers are a result of a concentrated black propaganda.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen intensified black propaganda and vicious attacks from both the Erap and Aquino camps,” said NP spokesman and senatorial candidate Gilbert Remulla said.

“Jamby, si Erap, si Gordon, and the Liberal Party, they’re all hitting Manny [Villar] at the same time. There has been a flurry of negative campaigning. It’s below the belt,” said another NP spokesman, Adel Tamano.

Among the key developments identified by Pulse Asia during the survey period are the following:

* Defections from Lakas-Kampi CMD to NP and LP
* Allegations made by Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile that while serving Senate President in 2007, Villar used his position to pressure the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to decide in his favor on a matter concerning the public offering of his real estate company’s shares.

Surla said the possibility of the numbers changing in the “last two minutes” of the campaign cannot be discounted, although the other camps will have to work double time.

“Based on statistics, the chances are getting slimmer for Villar. But statistics is just one dimension,” he said.

Surla said there are other factors that could affect the result of elections—local machinery, resources, and voter turnout among others.

Abad said they will not be complacent. “In Philippine politics, until you are proclaimed, you are never sure. A big question mark is the automated elections. You cannot be complacent,” he said. (abs-cbnNews.com/Newsbreak)

NOYMAR, Still on Top of Surveys as April 23, 2010

2010-04-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Noynoy, Mar keep survey lead
By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated April 23, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and his running mate Sen. Manuel Roxas II have maintained their leads in various surveys three weeks before the elections.

The Manila Broadcasting Co.-dzRH survey on April 16 with 6,900 respondents showed Aquino leading the race with 38.6 percent, followed by Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. with 22.8 percent. Former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino got 21.2 percent; former Defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, 11.3 percent; Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas, 2.7 percent; Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan, 1.6 percent.

Vetellano Acosta, who had been disqualified, got 0.3 percent, while environmentalist Nicanor Perlas and Sen. Jamby Madrigal each got 0.2 percent. Olongapo City Councilor JC de los Reyes scored 0.1 percent.

In the vice presidential race, Roxas registered a 41.4 percent rating while Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay got 27.3 percent and Sen. Loren Legarda, 22.9 percent.

Former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando got 2.9 percent; former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay, 0.9 percent; news anchor Jay Sonza, 0.4 percent and Dominador Chipeco, 0.1 percent.

Aquino and Roxas also topped surveys by local governments.

In Iloilo City, a survey conducted from April 17 to 18 with 600 respondents showed Aquino garnering 45.5 percent, followed by Villar with 29.5 percent; Teodoro, 9.5 percent; Estrada, 7.8 percent; Perlas and Villanueva, one percent each; and Gordon, 0.5 percent.

Roxas got 71.2 percent; Binay, 11.5 percent; Legarda 10.7 percent; actor Edu Manzano, 1.2 percent; Fernando, one percent; and Yasay, one percent.

In Legazpi City, a survey dated March 26-29 showed Aquino was favored by 54.3 percent of respondents; Villar, 23 percent; Estrada, 6.2 percent; Teodoro, 5.4 percent; Gordon, 1.3 percent; Villanueva, 0.7 percent; De los Reyes, 0.3 percent. Madrigal got zero.

Roxas received 54.9 percent; Binay, 18 percent; Legarda 17.2 percent; Fernando, 1.5 percent; Manzano, 0.8 percent; Yasay, 0.3 percent; and Sonza, 0.1 percent.

In Davao, an April 20 survey among 6,000 respondents also showed Aquino leading with 46.18 percent; Estrada, 31.07 percent; Villar, 12.40 percent; and Teodoro, 5.57 percent.

Roxas got 50.11 percent; Binay 28.29 percent; Legarda 15.59 percent; and Manzano, 1.42 percent.

LP campaign manager Florencio Abad said they were furnished the survey results by various groups and local officials who commissioned them.

Aquino and Roxas, in a statement, vowed to rev up their campaign and not be distracted by black propaganda.

Roxas, also LP president, said the party was banking on an outpouring of support from various sectors and defectors from other camps as a result of their positive campaigning.

Earlier, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda bolted the administration party to support Aquino and Roxas.

Several national unions affiliated with the Lakas Manggagawa Labor Center have formed an umbrella group called Workers for Aquino and Roxas.

The group comprises the Philippine Association of Free Labor Unions, Alliance of Filipino Workers, Union of Filipino Workers, Construction Workers Solidarity, Workers Welfare Watch-Philippines, Ladies Garments Textile Workers Welfare Association and the National Labor Union.

Meanwhile, a Filipino seaman was the first to vote personally on Wednesday in the overseas absentee voting (OAV) at the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles.

The consulate said Ulysses Tumamak Toling became the first registered seafarer to cast his vote at the Consulate General.

Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv said overseas absentee voters continue to flock to the embassy to cast their votes. The Overseas Absentee Voting officially opened last April 10. With Pia Lee-Brago

Source

SWS Philippines Presidential Survey as of April 11, 2010

2010-04-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Noynoy still leads in survey commissioned by Villar ally

Presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party) remains on top in a recent survey commissioned by an ally of rival Sen. Manny Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party) .

According to the results of the survey conducted from March 28 to 30 and purportedly commissioned by House Minority Floor Leader Ronaldo Zamora, Villar scored 29 percentage points, or eight points behind Aquino’s 37.

The NP claimed the survey was from Social Weather Station (SWS), although the poll firm has yet to confirm it. Calls made by GMANews.TV to its office were not answered.

In the SWS survey last month that was commissioned by BusinessWorld, Villar got 28 percent while Aquino got 37 percent.

In a statement, the NP still expressed exultation over the latest survey, saying it was a “leap" from the 12-point lead enjoyed by Aquino in the March 21 to 28 survey by rival pollster Pulse Asia, where the LP bet got 37 percent compared to Villar’s 25.

“That’s a leap of four points [25 percent in Pulse Asia to 29 percent in SWS], immediately after the field personnel of the other survey firm were just wrapping up their own results," said NP senatorial candidate and spokesperson Gilbert Remulla in a statement.

“Misleading the public"

The LP, meanwhile, castigated NP for allegedly trying to mislead the public by hyping on the supposed cut in Aquino's lead.

In a text message, LP spokesman and Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada said if the Zamora-commissioned survey is true, then it showed that Villar gained only a point – from 28 percent to 29 percent – compared to the SWS poll that preceded it.

“You do not compare survey results from different survey companies," he pointed out, adding that the four-point cut in Aquino’s lead that the LP stated in its statement was actually based on the results of SWS and Pulse Asia surveys.

“Again the NP is trying to mislead the public," Tañada said. “Obviously the NP is desperately trying to look for ways to cover up the fact that the lead of Senator Aquino seems to be stable if you compared the commissioned and the non-commissioned surveys of the SWS."

He added that the one-point gain by Villar in the two SWS surveys “is within the margin of error and is negligible."

The LP has accused Villar of being the “secret candidate" of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Other presidential bets

The Zamora-commissioned poll also showed former president Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) falling to 17 percent from previous 19 percent, and administration bet Gilberto Teodoro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) picking up two points to score eight percent.

The statement did not indicate the preference ratings for other presidential aspirants Sen. Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan), evangelist Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas), Sen. Jamby Madrigal (independent), environmentalist Nicanor Perlas (independent), and Olongapo City councilor John Carlos delos Reyes (Ang Kapatiran). - KBK, GMANews.TV

Source

Aquino Still on Top, Pulse Asia Survey as of April 6, 2010

2010-04-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Villar falls 4 points; Aquino, Erap, Gibo steady: Pulse Asia

ABS CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III leads in the latest Pulse Asia survey with a 12 percentage-point advantage over closest rival, Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr.

In the Pulse Asia survey conducted from March 21 to 28, Aquino got 37% support followed by Villar with 25%, former President Joseph Estrada with 18%, administration bet Gilbert Teodoro with 7%, Sen. Richard Gordon with 2%, Bro. Eddie Villanueva with 3%.

Nicanor Perlas, John Carlos "JC" de los Reyes, and Jamby Madrigal were chosen by less than 1% of respondents.

Aquino was statistically the same as in the February 21-25 survey while Villar dropped by 4 percentage points. He widened his lead over Villar from 7 points in February to 12 points in March 21 to 28.

Estrada was steady at 18%, and Teodoro also failed to get more support with 7%, the same level as in February.

All the other candidates did not improve their survey ratings.

'Noynoy sustains lead'

"Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' C. Aquino III sustains his lead in the presidential race," Pulse Asia said in its April 6 media release from Prof. Ronald Holmes, president of the polling firm.

"Senator Aquino enjoys a slight significant lead over the second running contender in almost all areas and socio-economic classes ranging from a low of 7 percent in the Balance Luzon (where Sen. Aquino's preference is at 33% versus Sen. Villar's 26%) to a high 32% for the upper socio-economic class ABC (where Sen. Aquino's voting support is at 49% against 17% for Sen. Villar)," Pulse Asia said.

"In Mindanao and the lowest socio-economic class E, Sen. Aquino's preferences (37% and 34%) are statistically close to the preferences of former President Estrada (in Mindanao at 29%) and Senator Villar (for Class E at 28%)," the survey firm added.

Mar keeps lead, Binay gaining over Loren

In the vice-presidential race, Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II kept a comfortable 20 percentage-point lead over closest rival, Sen. Loren Legarda. He had 43% support while Legarda got 23%.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay continued to improve in the surveys, gaining 4 percentage points from 15% in February to 19% in March 21 to 28.

Legarda fell by 4 percentage points, from 27% in February to 23% in March 21 to 28.

The rest of the candidates--Bayani Fernando (3%), Edu Manzano (2%), Perfecto Yasay (1%), Jay Sonza (0.5%), Dominador Chipeco (0.1%)--did not improve their survey ratings.

The latest survey was done with 3,000 adult respondents with a margin of error of plus/minus 2%. A sample ballot "that is a facsimile of the COMELEC official ballot" was used for the survey.

Source

SWS Survey as of March 29, 2010

2010-03-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

Aquino opens up lead versus Villar--SWS

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino has arrested a slide in support while his nearest rival, Manual "Manny" Villar of the Nacionalista Party, lost ground ahead of elections on May 10, an opinion poll showed on Monday.

The Businessworld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, conducted on March 19-22 before the start of campaigning for Congress and local positions last Friday, also showed administration candidate Gilberto "Gibo" Tedoro remained a distant fourth in polling.

Support for opposition senator Aquino, son of the country's democracy icon, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, stood at 37 percent, basically steady with his February reading of 36 percent although well below a support level of 60 percent last September.

Billionaire senator Villar dropped six points to 28 percent, and former president Joseph Estrada, forced out of office in 2001, saw his support rise four points to 19 percent.

Support for Teodoro, a former defence secretary in outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration, was unchanged at 6 percent, the SWS poll showed.

Major campaign issues are corruption, poverty and managing the economy and a large budget deficit.

Aquino portrays himself as a "change" candidate, promising to fight corruption, reform development spending and improve transparency, and has said he would investigate allegations of corruption against Arroyo.

His Liberal Party lacks the national scale of the ruling Lakas-Kampi coalition, whose grassroots organisation could boost Teodoro's ratings now that local campaigning has started.

However, if Teodoro is unable to lift his ratings soon, analysts believe Arroyo's supporters could swing behind Villar.

The SWS results are very similar to support levels in a late February poll by Pulse Asia, another independent pollster.

The opinion poll results were posted on the SWS website http://www.sws.org.ph/

The survey of 2,100 people has a 2 percent margin of error.

Voter fatigue to Villar ads?

Edwin Lacierda, spokesman of the Aquino campaign, attributed the rise in Aquino's survey ratings to voter-fatigue to Villar's ads and the success of Aquino's campaign message against corruption.

"It's really because of all these things that have come out - the fatigue on the commercials, overspending, the C-5 report, Villaroyo alliance - as well as our own message of 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,'" he said in an ANC interview.

Lacierda said Villar tried but failed to overtake Aquino's lead despite spending close to a billion pesos in ads before the start of the official campaign period in February. He said the closest that Villar ever got to toppling Aquino's lead was when they reached a statistical tie in the February 24-28, 2010 SWS survey. (Read Aquino's lead falling steadily: SWS chief) http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/09/10/aquinos-lead-steadily-falling...

He said the latest March 19-22 poll put Aquino ahead of the pack in terms of both geographic area and socio-economic class, although he saw his support drop in Metro Manila (39% from 42%) and Mindanao (32% from 35%). He overtook Mr. Villar in the Balance of Luzon (35% versus 30%), and among the class ABC (45% vs. 17%) and class E (33% vs. 31%).

Support for Villar erodes

Mr. Villar saw his support eroded in almost all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila where he kept his score of 20%, keeping him third behind Joseph Estrada. Mr. Aquino’s nationwide gain was limited to one point as his 3-point losses in Metro Manila and Mindanao offset increases of 4 points in the Visayas and 2 points in the Balance of Luzon.

"We really studied per region and per class. We realized where our weak areas were so we mapped out a strategy in reinforcing those weak areas. I think the people's response has been very positive. They have responded to our message of good governance, the character and the integrity of Sen. Aquino, and the dividends of good governance," Lacierda said.

He said Aquino's sister, Kris, was also instrumental in bringing in crowds during LP campaign sorties in Northern Luzon.

"The presence of Kris was also a big gain in areas where we are weak. It shows her drawing power. At the same time, it shows we are not done yet with our campaign. We have not yet mobilized our entire resources for the rest of the campaign, and we will do so as the election draws nearer," he said.

Gibo still 4th

The March 19-22 poll showed administration candidate Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD remaining in single digit territory with his score staying at 6%.

There were minimal changes with respect to the rest of the presidential bets: Bagumbayan’s Sen. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon picked up a point to score a fifth-placed 3%, overtaking Bangon Pilipinas’ Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva who lost a point to 2%. Following were Ang Kapatiran bet John Carlos “JC” G. De Los Reyes with 0.3%, and independent candidates Jesus Nicanor “Nick” P. Perlas (0.1%) and Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” A. S. Madrigal (0.04%).

Votes for disqualified Kilusang Bagong Lipunan candidate Vetellano “Dodong” S. Acosta were classed under the undecided and others.

As with the previous Feb. 24-28 survey, the SWS respondents were asked to privately fill out a ballot containing the names of the official candidates in alphabetical order.

A total of 2,100 registered voters were polled nationwide, divided into random samples of 300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins used were ±2.2% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, and ±4% for the rest of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Palace: Wait for impact of local campaign

Asked about his reaction to the survey, Teodoro said: "Wala na akong magagawa don. I've stopped relying on surveys."

Meanwhile, the Palace downplayed the continued dismal survey performance of Teodoro.

"The (latest) survey started before the start of the (local) campaign. Di pa kasama diyan yung umpisa ng local campaign. Syempre up and down, see-saw ang ganung positions. Mararamdaman na po ang strength. This isn’t something that bothers the administration party. Hindi pa reflective sa kampaniya yun. The administration party pa rin, their belief is they have best candidate out eh," said Deputy Presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar.

Olivar also downplayed the defection of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson to the camp of Villar. He said Singson defected to Villar's camp in response to the call of local leaders.

He also dismissed rumors that Singson's defection is proof that President Arroyo has forged an alliance with the Nacionalista bet.

Aquino also leads MST poll

Meanwhile, the LP said Aquino is also leading in the results of the Manila Standard Today (MST) pre-election survey, scoring 39% over Villar's 26%. Estrada and Teodoro, meanwhile, garnered 17% and 6%, respectively.
The Standard survey indicated a surge in Aquino’s popularity over the regions and the classes, noting that “[a]mong the very poor Aquino held a 12 point lead over Villar, or 39 percent to 27 percent.”

According to Pedro Laylo, the Standard’s resident pollster, “[s]upport for Villar is in the downtrend in urban areas specifically in the National Capital Region where he lost seven points while Aquino added eight more points.”

Meanwhile in the vice-presidential race, Aquino’s running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, also enjoys a commanding lead in both the SWS and the Standard surveys, scoring at 42% and 39%, respectively. His closest rival, the NP’s Loren Legarda, came in at 25% in the SWS survey, and at 29% in this month’s Standard survey.

LP General Campaign Manager Florencio “Butch” Abad attributed Aquino’s surge to the strategic focus provided by former Senator Serge Osmeña, who has recently taken a leave of absence to focus on his own senatorial campaign, and to the tireless assistance of Aquino’s hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers.

Aquino has been campaigning on a platform of good governance and freedom from the culture of corruption that is a major cause of poverty in the country.

Abad sees Aquino’s constant lead in the pre-election polls as indication that “the Filipino people continue to believe in Aquino’s ability to bring about a clean and compassionate government that will put an end to corruption and alleviate poverty.” -- with Reuters, BusinessWorld, ANC
as of 03/29/2010 6:05 PM

After Son's Death, Will Cesar Montano Still Runs?

2010-03-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

Montano 'dedicates' election campaign to dead son

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/27/2010 8:31 PM

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Cesar Montano is reportedly inclined to continue campaigning for a gubernatorial seat in Bohol province in honor of his dead son who committed suicide last Friday.

According to director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, a close friend of Montano, the actor will carry on with his campaign as a tribute to his 23-year-old son Christian Angelo, who committed suicide on March 26.

“He's inclined to pursue his candidacy as homage to Angelo and the youth,” said Diaz-Abaya.

She said Montano is still heartbroken over his son’s suicide, which was allegedly spurned by "love problems."

The actor has requested the public to respect their privacy and refused to talk more about his son's death.

Diaz-Abaya said Christian Angelo was very close to his father. Christian was Montano's son by a first wife who passed away some years ago.

The young Montano was said to have shot himself in the head with a .45 pistol inside their home along Yakal Street, Tivoli Royale subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City at around 6 a.m.

Radio DZMM reported that Christian Angelo was talking to someone over the phone before he ended his life.

The remains of Montano’s son will be cremated on Sunday morning.

Montano said in a media statement that he was in Bohol with his current wife, actress Sunshine Dizon, and their daughter Angela when he heard the news of his son's death. The actor immediately flew back to Manila.

"I was just with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive," Montano said.

"No words can describe the grief that my family and I are experiencing with this devastating news. He was young, a cheerful, thoughtful and loving son who ha[d] a generous heart and spirit." Report by Jing Castañeda, ABS-CBN News.

Pacquiao as Villar's Endorser

2010-03-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

Villar seen to capitalize on Pacquiao victory

MANILA, Philippines - After successfully defending his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt, boxer Manny Pacquiao is expected to come home to an even tougher fight in the political ring as candidate for congressman and endorser of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar.

Villar said Pacquiao's endorsement could add the much needed boost to his campaign that would propel him to the top of the presidential surveys ahead of the May 10 elections.

“Sure it will help,” Villar told reporters when asked how Pacquiao’s victory Sunday over Joshua Clottey would help his (Villar's) chances of winning the election.

Villar said Pacquiao’s victory shows the importance of perseverance in any fight. He said he identified with the boxer and TV host Willie Revillame who both rose from poverty because of perseverance and hard work.

"We all had nothing in the past. Now that we have accomplished something, we just want to give back to the poor. One who forgets his past will not reach his destination," he said in a statement.

Pacquiao, a former stalwart of President Arroyo's Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, jumped ship to join Villar's NP ticket for Congress in the lone district of Sarangani.

A Malacañang official, meanwhile, said Pacquiao's victory should be seen as the triumph of all Filipinos and not just one political party.

In a statement, deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar downplayed the Filipino boxer's decision to be identified with the opposition. "We trust that Manny will continue to maintain himself above all else as a symbol of national unity and national pride," he said.

Olivar said any form of hero's welcome to the Pambansang Kamao should not be seen as a form of electioneering by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said Malacañang will discuss this week what type of award it will bestow on Pacquiao when he returns next week.

Comelec: Don't politicize Pacquiao parade

The Comelec, meanwhile, reminded candidates for national office not to use the outpouring of support for Pacquiao to their own advantage.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the usual parade for Pacquiao should not be used by other candidates to push their own candidacies.

"Spare the event from politics," he said. "This is an event that belongs to the Filipino people. It cannot be claimed by any person, candidate, or political party."

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez added that there are proper avenues for candidates to promote themselves, such as campaign rallies. He said they may join the parade if they want, but must not post campaign posters and woo voters.

Local candidates, meanwhile, are exempted from the rule since the official campaign period for local bets has yet to start.

Jimenez said candidates who posted posters and streamers in venues where the Pacquiao-Clottey fight was shown are at risk of being disqualified. He added that candidates may only put their campaign materials in places provided for in the Fair Elections Act and during official political functions such as sorties.

Jimenez called on the public to report such cases by sending pictures of the posters, for example, so the Comelec can act accordingly. Once the violation is proven, the candidate will be disqualified and imprisoned from 1 to 6 years, since he or she committed an election offense. -- with a report from Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News

Pastor Quiboloy gets upset over Noynoy

2010-03-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

"Lets just wait for his birthday announcement on who will get his endorsement, its April 25"

Aquino apologizes; Villar won’t explain Davao no-show

MANILA, Philippines—Liberal Party standard-bearer Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III made a public apology while Nacionalista Party (NP) bet Manny Villar appealed for “understanding” in response to the sharp words the two leading contenders received for skipping a forum organized by a religious sect leader in Davao City on Tuesday.

Campaigning in Zamboanga City Wednesday, Aquino aired his apology to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, head of a sect called Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name, which claims millions of members and several radio stations.

“When I go to Davao I will seek an audience and explain to him, that it was something beyond my control,” said Aquino in a press conference at the Orchid Garden Hotel. “Getting a cold is something that I cannot schedule.”

Quiboloy, disappointed at the non-appearance of the top two contenders, had called them men with “no word of honor.”

Aquino said he had a cold after his visit to the Visayas last week which prevented him from flying to Davao on Tuesday, as he had promised Quiboloy.

“My doctor advised me to take medicines and he asked for at least two days of rest. I still have a cold at this time,” said Aquino. He said “there would have been no problem if he had everything under his control.”

But Aquino said he pushed through with his Zamboanga sortie Wednesday because he “could not hold it off anymore.” Aquino is set to go to Davao next week.

On the other hand, Villar, campaigning Wednesday in Kabacan, North Cotabato, did not reveal his reasons for not attending Quiboloy’s forum, adding, “We ask for your understanding.”

Before flying to Koronadal City, Villar told reporters he had many reasons—“a hundred reasons”—why he skipped Quiboloy’s forum as well as another one held at the Ateneo de Davao University.

“What happened should be left to us. We will just talk among ourselves,” he told reporters.

Villar said he had explained his decision to the organizers of the lawyers and businessmen’s forum, but did not elaborate.

“I have the same reason for both (forums), but I don’t want to specify. You know, the campaign exacts a heavy toll on the candidates, and sometimes it’s really hard for us to attend all the forums,” he said.

‘They blew it’

Meanwhile, in Naga City, veteran politician and Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino campaign manager Ernesto Maceda said the two top contenders lost their chance to get the religious group’s support.

“Pastor Quiboloy did not hide his displeasure and as far as I’m concerned, without meaning to preempt (Quiboloy’s group), that would imply that they’re out of contention as far as Quiboloy’s concerned for the moment,” Maceda said.

Maceda said only the PMP’s standard-bearer, deposed President Joseph Estrada, administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro and evangelist Brother Eddie Villanueva remain in the running for the endorsement of Quiboloy’s group.

But Estrada himself said he would not read too much into the situation.

“Medyo nagtampo lang siya (He was just a little upset),” Estrada said on Quiboloy’s reaction to the no-show of Aquino and Villar.

Source

Aquino Survey Downfall

2010-03-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

Aquino's lead steadily falling: SWS chief

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/09/2010 2:13 PM

Mangahas: C-5 issue hurts Villar in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - The presidential surveys conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) since December 2009 show a consistent decline in support for Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, according to SWS president Mahar Mangahas.

In an interview on ANC's Dateline Philippines on Tuesday, Mangahas said what's clear from the four presidential surveys conducted by SWS from December 5-10, 2009 to February 24-28 2010 is that Aquino's lead is now much smaller.

The latest SWS survey, commissioned by the newspaper BusinessWorld, and e-mailed Tuesday to news organizations by the camp of Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar, showed Aquino's lead down to only 2 percentage points, with Aquino at 36% and Villar at 34%.

"Ang talagang conclusion diyan ay napakaliit na [ang lead ni Aquino] compared to before. That's very clear," Mangahas said.

Aquino's lead over Villar was 19 points in December 5-10, 2009, 11 points in December 27-28, 2009, 7 points in January 21-24, 2010, and 2 points in February 24-28.

"If you look at our series, talagang steadily, steadily paliit ng paliit. So ngayon, nasa 2 (point lead si Aquino)," he added.

Mangahas disagreed with interpretations of the latest SWS survey results which described the two leading presidential candidates in a statistical tie.

Given the margin of error of 2%, Mangahas said Aquino may actually be leading by 4 percentage points.

He said the correct way of interpreting the results of the latest survey is that it's either a statistical tie or that Aquino has a 4 percentage point lead.

C-5 affects Villar in Metro Manila

Mangahas also said another important shift in the February 24-28, 2010 survey results is the drop in Villar's ratings in Metro Manila.

In the National Capital Region, Villar's ratings fell from 26% in January 21-24, 2010 to 20% in February 24-28, a drop of 6 percentage points.

"Villar fell in Metro Manila, and the second-placer is actually Erap," Mangahas said. "It's Noynoy, Erap and then Villar in Metro Manila."

"So para sa akin, this issue about the C-5 could be said to have had an effect in Metro Manila. Because doon siya talagang nahirapan, nahihirapan," he added.

However, Mangahas said Villar improved in the Visayas, which is why his overall ratings have been just steady since December.

"He [Villar] improved in Visayas kaya't medyo steady lang siya, at 1 puntos lang ang bawas niya unlike Noynoy who fell all around, in all parts of the country, kaya't nabawasan siya ng 6 points," he said.

He refused to say whether Villar's ads were responsible for the NP's survey ratings, adding that the SWS does not monitor ad spending.

"Hindi kasama yon sa analysis namin...at saka wala kaming special access sa mga ganoon (ads)," Mangahas said.

Asked why Aquino's ratings have fallen since December, Mangahas said he does not have the data that would explain the drop.

"We do not know the progress of the ads in all parts of the country. We don't have those additional bits of information," he said.

Mangahas said the SWS will have surveys in March, April and around a week before the May 10 elections.

If the last survey a week before May 10 would show the same results as the February 24-28, 2010 survey, Manghas said they would then say: "Well, we cannot call the winner because it's too small but it's a two-point lead and we have to say that at this point, mas llamado si Aquino ng konti."

The February 24-28, 2010 BW-SWS survey used face-to-face interviews with 2,100 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.

Villar, Aquino respond to SWS survey

Meanwhile, Villar said the results of the latest SWS polls are also reflected in the warm reception he and the rest of his team are getting in their sorties.

“Mas nagiging mainit ang pagtanggap sa atin saan man kami dumako at mas lalong nagiging buo ang grupo ng Nacionalista kasama ang aking running mate na si Loren Legarda,” he said in a statement.

He said he has been able to spread the word about what they intend to do if they win the polls through their sorties.

Villar said they are getting more support due to their message of hope plus a better grasp of his team's platform of government.

He added he was happy with the survey results and expressed hope he would soon overtake Aquino, who holds only a 2 percentage point lead.

Liberal Party campaign manager Florencio 'Butch' Abad, meanwhile, said the results of the SWS survey showed that their message of anti-corruption and good governance is holding.

“The campaign of Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III is pleased with the results of the Social Weather Stations’ February 21 to 25 survey, which clearly shows that Aquino has retained his lead," he said.

“Despite our closest rival’s excessive, beyond-the-COMELEC-limit spending on TV ads and the obscenely funded propaganda machine, the people have maintained their trust in Noynoy Aquino’s candidacy," Abad said.

“What this survey tells us is that our message is holding and we must continue delivering that to places like the Samar Islands and Northern Luzon, where we see greater opportunities recruiting more supporters. For this purpose, the Aquino campaign intends to aggressively expand its volunteer base of 200,000 in these places," he added.

“Although the race has become tighter, we are confident that our message of change and freedom from corruption will hold sway in the end, and that the voters will make the right decision come the May elections," Abad said.

Source

Pulse Asia Survey as of March 6, 2010

2010-03-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Noynoy widens lead

Philstar.com - Saturday, March 6

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has widened his lead over Sen. Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP) in the latest survey by Pulse Asia on presidential candidates for the May 10 elections.

Aquino obtained 36 percent against Villar’s 29 percent in the Feb. 21-25 survey results released yesterday.

Still coming in third was former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino-United Opposition with 18 percent, followed by the administration’s Gilberto Teodoro of Lakas-Kampi-CMD with seven percent.

Aquino improved his lead over Villar, with whom he was “statistically tied” in the January survey of Pulse Asia. Aquino then had 37 percent and Villar 35 percent.

Aquino gained momentum after Villar fell by six percentage points in February.

Estrada, on the other hand, posted the biggest gain of six percentage points in the latest survey.

Teodoro also improved his ratings, posting a gain of two points in the latest survey compared to January.

Pulse Asia said the other presidential candidates registered voter preference of seven percent or less.

Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas came in fifth with two percent, followed by Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan Party with one percent.

The other candidates who posted less than one percent include Sen. Jamby Madrigal (0.3); environmentalist Nicanor Perlas (0.2 percent); Vetellano Acosta (0.04 percent); and Olongapo City councilor John Carlos de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party (zero percent).

The survey, conducted from Feb. 21 to 25, had included Acosta before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified the KBL candidate last Thursday.

In the same survey, Aquino remains the favorite in the National Capital Region (NCR), obtaining 40 percent preference from among the upper socioeconomic classes ABC (43 percent) and D (36 percent).

Aquino and Villar received almost the same percentages in balance Luzon (33 percent Aquino; 31 percent Villar) and the Visayas (39 percent Aquino, 38 percent Villar) and among the poorest class E (36 percent Aquino; 33 percent Villar).

In Mindanao, 38 percent of respondents chose Aquino while 31 percent picked Estrada as their presidential bet.

Compared to the January 2010 survey, Pulse Asia said voter support for Aquino is virtually unchanged.

The survey also found that six percent of Filipino voters have yet to decide on their presidential preference or have no preferred candidate if the May 2010 elections were held during the survey period.

As in the previous survey, about the same number of voters with a presidential preference say that they opted for their candidate because he/she is not corrupt (26 percent) and cites his/her caring for the poor (22 percent).

Other reasons cited for preferring a candidate are that he/she can do/ is doing /will do something (14 percent); helps/is helping others (11 percent); is a good person (10 percent) and is used to governing/has experience (seven percent).

On the vice presidential bets, LP’s Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II continued to lead with 43 percent of voter preference.

Villar’s running mate, Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, came in second at 27 percent followed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay with 15 percent.

The other contenders who obtained voter support of four percent or less were former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando (four percent); Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet actor Edu Manzano (two percent); former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay (one percent); broadcaster Jay Sonza (one percent); and Dominador Chipeco (0.1 percent).

Seven percent of voters said they have no vice-presidential preference, Pulse Asia said.

Pulse Asia said Roxas has the advantage over his opponents across areas and socioeconomic classes except in balance Luzon and among the poorest socioeconomic class E, where voter support for him is statistically tied with that for Legarda.

Voter preference for Roxas is marginally higher in balance Luzon (36 percent versus 31 percent), while Legarda has the edge, although marginal, among the poorest class E (39 percent against 35 percent), the polling firm said.

Pulse Asia said preferences for the vice-presidential candidates are virtually unchanged since January, there being but marginal increases and marginal declines even among the top four contenders.

Binay and Fernando both posted marginal increases of two percentage points, while Roxas and Legarda registered marginal declines of four percentage points and one percentage point, respectively.

The non-commissioned survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 representative adults 18 years old and above with a plus or minus two percentage points error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Confidence level

Aquino and Roxas were both elated with the latest Pulse Asia survey, which they said reflected the people’s hope for change “rather than believe the lies being spread by those who want to destroy us.”

“I am happy because the survey shows the outpouring of support from the people who aim for real change in the country because I won’t stop until we are able to give our fellow Filipinos a leadership that is clean and can be trusted,” Aquino said.

Roxas, for his part, said the pre-election surveys were a strong indication of how voters would pick the country’s second highest elective official in this year’s national elections.

Villar, on the other hand, said he is still satisfied with the latest survey even after falling by six points in ratings against Aquino.

“I’m still happy about it. As I said earlier, as long as the lead is still in the single digit, I’m still happy,” Villar said at a press conference after meeting with local leaders in Davao City.

Legarda, for her part, said the surveys can be used as “gauge” in the campaign. She said surveys mean nothing compared with the support of the people attending their campaign sorties.

The NP said they remain unfazed by the drop in ratings by Villar.

NP spokesperson and senatorial candidate Gilbert Remulla said the elections are still three months away and anything can happen.

Remulla attributed the results of the latest survey to the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution, which rekindled the memories of the late former President Corazon Aquino.

“But it should also be pointed out that the survey was conducted on the same week that the nation was commemorating EDSA 1, thus, people were remembering Noynoy’s mother Cory,” he said.

Remulla also pointed out Villar’s ratings also went down in another survey, the Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), as much as 41 points last month.

Aquino spokesman Edwin Lacierta said Remulla “tried to pull off another spin” in citing the TNS survey, and was simply trying to downplay the Pulse Asia survey by citing another.

“The numbers do not correspond with the money dole-out simply because the Filipino people are tired, they want change, and can now smell the stench of corruption no matter how expensive the perfume,” Lacierta said.

On the other hand, Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas party (BPP) said the numbers in the latest Pulse Asia survey revealing their presidential candidate in fifth place were “quite improbable.”

“Before the official start of the campaign, Bro. Eddie Villanueva was already at two percent. After visiting key cities and provinces, even Hong Kong where Bangon Pilipinas gathered the biggest crowd... the party just cannot simply believe that ratings would still remain at two percent,” the BPP said in a statement.

The BPP said the survey results run contrary to the outcome of the surveys by other social networks that showed Villanueva remains the popular choice, particularly among Facebook users.

The BPP cited Villanueva’s interviews with the media that he does not believe in surveys.

Villanueva had cited the cases of former President Fidel Ramos and detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who were both lagging in surveys but won anyway. -With Aurea Calica, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan, Christina Mendez - By Helen Flores (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Can another Aquino become RP president?

2010-03-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

Manila Bulletin - Monday, March 1

(Reuters) - Opposition senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, son of the Philippines' democracy heroine Corazon "Cory" Aquino, said he may consider raising taxes if elected if it was clear the budget gap was unlikely to be cut quickly.

Here are some questions and answers on Aquino and his prospects:

HOW LIKELY IS AQUINO TO WIN?

Difficult to say. Aquino has kept his position as frontrunner in various opinion polls for the May presidential election, but his ratings suffered a big blow in January when the latest survey from independent pollster Pulse Asia Inc. showed him at 37 percent, down from 44 percent a month earlier.

His main rival, billionaire lawmaker Manuel "Manny" Villar, has been closing in on Aquino's lead. Villar's rating jumped 12 percentage points in the same poll last month, helped by his well-oiled ad campaign, pointing to a close race in the May 10 poll. Analysts say the election is still wide open, and that it is still too early to establish a trend more than two months away from the actual casting of ballots.

Some believe Aquino's popularity might be borne by media hype following the outpouring of public emotion when his mother died in August 2009 and the people's respect for his namesake father, who was assassinated upon his return in 1983 from political exile during the rule of strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

The hundreds of thousands of people who came out for the funeral of Aquino's mother, former President Cory Aquino, represent a huge vote bank, some analysts say.

Aquino has no executive experience and his record in his nine years as a lawmaker is not regarded as impressive.

Funding and organization could also be a problem since most other candidates started campaign preparations as early as 2007. Aquino's Liberal Party is a small organization, and is counting mostly on volunteers and donations from civil society groups.

WHAT ARE HIS ECONOMIC POLICIES LIKELY TO BE?

Aquino vowed on Saturday to go after tax evaders and big smugglers, a campaign that he hopes would collect 150 billion pesos ($3.3 billion) and raise the government's tax efficiency rate by 2 percentage points from the current level of around 13 percent.

He said he would strengthen an existing carrot-and-stick mechanism at the country's two main tax agencies to raise the Philippines' perenially weak revenues and push for higher salaries for these agencies to prevent workers from resorting to corrupt practices.

Aquino's action plan in his first 100 days as president includes forming a group to review possible changes to economic provisions in the Philippine constitution, one of Corazon Aquino's most important legacies to the Philippines during her term in office from 1986 to 1992.

Its political provisions specify term limits for elected officials, a reaction to Marcos' two decades in power, but it also has strongly nationalist economic provisions, including restrictions on foreign investment in some sectors and on foreigners owning land.

An economics graduate from the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, Aquino is running on an investor-friendly platform of transparent and good government, raising standards in education and improving tax collection by plugging leakages instead of imposing new revenue measures.
Manuel "Mar" Roxas, a Liberal Party colleague who has withdrawn his own nomination to make way for Aquino, was the preferred choice of markets for the presidency.

Roxas has served as trade secretary for two administrations and worked in an investment bank, while Aquino has only held legislative posts.

Roxas is standing as the Liberal Party's vice-presidential candidate and is campaigning along with Aquino.

WHAT WILL BE HIS POLITICAL PLATFORM?

Aquino's Liberal Party is strongly centrist and has been likened to the Democratic Party of the United States.

He has been opposed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, once an ally of his mother, after she became enmeshed in charges of corruption and election fraud.

He said on Saturday he believed it was not yet time for the Philippines to shift to a parliamentary system, a controversial issue due to moves by Arroyo's allies to extend her term.

Aquino is also risking the support of influential Catholic bishops, staunch allies of his mother, over his position on a controversial reproductive health bill in Congress. Aquino supports the measure being pushed by his party.

"I will not steal," Aquino has made a vow in his political advertisements aired on radio and television, promising a clean and honest government and holding the current government accountable for rampant corruption.

Source

Villar, the most trusted in Surveys...

2010-02-24T20:10:00.000-08:00

Villar most trusted poll bet, survey reveals

Manila Bulletin - Wednesday, February 24

Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Senator Manuel Villar Jr. is the most trusted candidate in the May 10, 2010 elections, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.

While Villar and rival Liberal Party standard-bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III both enjoy majority trust ratings among the candidates vying for the presidency, the NP bet had a better trust rating of 70 percent, against the LP candidate's 64 percent.

This developed as nearly seven out of 10 Filipinos expressed distrust in President Arroyo, attaining the highest distrust rating of 68 percent since March, 2001.

The nationwide survey conducted from January 22 to 26 with 1,800 respondents showed that public distrust in President Arroyo remains the predominant sentiment toward her, four months before her term of office ends.

Based on the same survey, Villar's trust rating improved from the last survey released in December by the same agency, where it showed him and Aquino almost in a virtual tie with a margin of error of negative (-), positive (+) 2 points.

Aquino's trust rating in this survey dropped by 8 points, while the rate of undecided respondents went up to six percentage points to 23 percent.

The newest survey conducted last January 22-26 had at least 1,800 respondents and highlighted key political developments in the Philippines, including the impending retirement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Victor Ibrado and the issue of whether President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should appoint their replacements or leave the task to the next president.

Notably, the survey was also done at a toxic time for Villar when the Senate Committee of the Whole deliberated on the committee report seeking his censure over the C-5 road extension project and the alleged attempt by his allies in the Senate to unseat Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who chairs the said committee

The survey also came at a time when questions regarding the certainty of the automation of the May, 2010 elections amid delays in the delivery of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and the training of teachers for the automated election system (AES).

Coming in third in the ranking of the most trusted presidential candidates was former President Joseph Estrada with 33 percent, followed by administration bet former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, 32 percent.

In a statement, Villar welcomed the results of the survey which he likened to a "report card for public servants" like him.

"I am grateful to the Filipino people for continuing to put their trust in me and our candidacy.

Source

Makati Business Club for Gilbert Teodoro?

2010-02-20T03:35:00.000-08:00

Is affiliation with Pres. GMA a bad move for Gibo?

Teodoro impresses MBC, tops mock poll
Manila Bulletin - Thursday, February 18

Officials of the Makati Business Club (MBC) claimed Thursday that Lakas Kampi CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., who they have admired for his impressive credentials and untainted record in public service, could have been in the forefront of the presidential race for the May 10 elections if not for his association with President Arroyo.

"He's (Gibo) a very impressive person, he has impressive credentials but it's a pity that he is associated with somebody who, to our minds, is not particularly an impressive leader (Mrs. Arroyo)," Ramon del Rosario, MBC chairman, said in an interview.

Del Rosario, who served as finance secretary during the term of then President Fidel V. Ramos, made the comment about Teodoro after he appeared during the presidential candidates' forum hosted by the influential business organization at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.

This developed as another campus in Mindanao has gone green for Teodoro after he topped another mock election at the Mindanao campus of the University of the Philippines.

Thirty-three percent of those who voted in the UP Mindanao mock election picked Teodoro, 45, and the 1989 Bar topnotcher, as the most competent and most qualified among the presidential candidates in the May 10 elections.

Senator Benigno Aquino III came in second with 24.4 percent, 20 percent for Sen. Richard Gordon, third with 20 percent, and Sen. Manny Villar, fourth with 13.3 percent. (Aris Ilagan)Officials of the Makati Business Club (MBC) claimed Thursday that Lakas Kampi CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., who they have admired for his impressive credentials and untainted record in public service, could have been in the forefront of the presidential race for the May 10 elections if not for his association with President Arroyo. (Aris Ilagan)
Source

Presidential Survey Results: Noynoy regains lead over Villar

2010-02-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

ABS-CBN - Saturday, February 20

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III has regained the lead over Sen. Manuel Villar in the latest presidential survey conducted January 28-February 3 by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS).

According to the TNS survey obtained by ABS-CBN News' Ces Oreña Drilon, Aquino was chosen by 41.54% of 3,000 respondents while Villar was picked by 30.63%.

TNS is a global market research firm with an office in the Philippines.

Aquino and Villar were statistically tied in a Pulse Asia survey conducted from January 22 -26, or around a week before the TNS survey, with the Liberal Party bet garnering 37% and the Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer getting 35%. (Read: Aquino, Villar tied in Pulse Asia survey)

Third in the Jan. 28-Feb. 3 TNS survey was former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) with 11.66%, statistically the same as in the last Pulse Asia survey where he got 12%.

Administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD was fourth with 5.21%, the same as in the last Pulse Asia survey.

Bro. Eddie Villaneuva got 2%, Senator Richard Gordon got 1.7%, Senator Jamby Madrigal got 0.22%, also statistically the same as what they received in the January 22 to 26 Pulse Asia survey.

Villar ethics case as factor

The TNS survey was done around a week after a heated controversy over Villar's ethics case erupted in the Senate, which could be one reason for the changes in the ratings of the two leading presidential candidates.

The Senate committee of the whole's report accusing Villar of unethical conduct in connection with the C-5 road extension project was taken up during the plenary on January 25. The committee had ordered him to return over P6 billion in government funds that were allegedly wasted for the project. (Read: Senators clash in plenary over Villar ethics case)

On January 26, Senate President Enrile also accused Villar of trying to bribe him to change his stand on the issue. (Read: Enrile claims Villar tried to buy him off)

The Senate, however, failed to act on the report after Villar's supporters failed to show up on the last session day of the 14th Congress.

NP downplays survey results

The TNS survey was apparently commissioned by the Aquino camp.

Asked for his comment, NP spokesman and senatorial bet Gilbert Remulla said the report does not disclose how the questions were phrased and whether they were slanted for or against any candidate

"Alam namin na ito ay galing sa Liberal Party. Ayaw nilang banggitin 'yung pangalan eh. Dahil doon, hindi rin namin alam kung ano 'yung mga tanong, kung ano ang slant n'yan, kaya sa ganon ay hihintayin na lang namin ang magiging resulta ng survey ng SWS at Pulse Asia," Remulla said.

("We know this was commissioned by the Liberal Party. They don't want to disclose the name. We also do not know the questions, whether these were slanted...So, we'll just wait for the results of SWS [Social Weather Stations] and Pulse Asia.")

According to the TNS website, it first set up an office in the Philippines in 1983. It offers "full service operations covering all aspects of marketing research and consulting" and claims to be "No. 1 in the Philippines for customised market research."

"Almost 30 years of research experience has made us experts in understanding the Philippines trade and consumer environment. These insights are critical to helping our clients make their important business decisions," TNS Philippines says.

"TNS Philippines offers in-house field and data processing services backed by stringent quality control procedures to make sure the analysis and recommendations we deliver are accurate and timely," the firm says on its website. – report from Ces Drilon, ABS-CBN News

Source

Manny Villar, ang Magtatapos ng Kahirapan?

2010-01-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

What can you say about this guys? Is he really the one who will make the Filipinos rise from the dead? Maybe, maybe not...

Get Real
Manny Villar blameless?

By Solita Collas-Monsod
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:06:00 01/30/2010

WHILE the Senate is declaring a moratorium on the discussion of the ethics case against Sen. Manny Villar, here are some incontrovertible facts, presented in Q & A form. The source of the information is also given.

Question: What roadway projects are the subject matter of the Villar ethics controversy? Answer: 1. The Manila Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP), the original C-5 south extension project, linking SLEX with the Coastal Road; 2. the DPWH C-5 Extension project (CX-5), which together with 3. the Las Piñas-Parañaque Link Project (LPPLP), also links SLEX with the Coastal Road. Source: Senate Report (SR) 780.

Q: Is the CX-5/LPPLP project a realignment, as Sen. Jamby Madrigal describes it, or has there been no realignment, as Senator Villar’s allies insist? A: Technically there has been no realignment, because these are two separate roads linking C-5 from SLEX to the Coastal Road. But they are very close together and, in some areas, overlap, as can be ascertained from a site map. Source: interactive map available at www.gmanews.tv

Q: Are there any differences between the MCTEP and the CX-5/LPPLP? A: Yes. 1. The MCTEP is a joint-venture project between the government and a private Malaysian partner, with the government’s financial exposure limited to P2.68 billion for the purchase of the road right-of-way; the private partner is responsible for the construction of the project, for which tolls will be charged. The CX-5/LPPLP is a toll-free, wholly-financed government project costing P6.96 billion; 2. The CX-5/LPPLP is longer than the MCTEP, its extra length essentially covering the LPPLP portion; 3. The CX-5/LPPLP passes through more Villar properties than the MCTEP. Source: DPWH project documents cited as Exhibits A, B and TTTT in SR 780; site map from www.gmanews.tv.

Q: How large are the Villar company landholdings in the immediate vicinity of the questioned road projects? A: At least 50-52 hectares: 40 hectares in the vicinity of the LPPLP; 10-12 hectares in the area between Sucat Road and Multinational Avenue. Source: testimony of Anastacio Adriano Jr., senior vice president and general manager, chief operating officer of Adelfa Properties Inc. and other Villar-owned companies up to 2008; self-styled consultant and political officer of Senator Villar since August 2008. Nota bene: Senate employment records do not include his name. Nota bene: it is not clear whether the 50-52 hectares mentioned above include properties cited in SR 780—roughly 10 hectares in area—to be developed by Villar companies in joint venture with their owners.

Q: What is the involvement of Villar in CX-5 and LPPLP? A: 1. The Project Feasibility Study of the DPWH for CX-5 states: “The conceptualization of and the initial release of funds for the CX-5 Project was initiated by Sen. Manuel Villar whose same efforts also paved the way for the funding of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Link Road [LPPLP]”; 2. Various insertions and amendments (Priority Development Assistance Fund, read pork barrel) in the national government budget over the years 2002-2008 for CX-5 and LPPLP; 3. Adriano (cited above), in the office of and presence of Villar, dictating to the director general of the Senate’s Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) Villar’s proposed amendments to the 2008 budget, including a P400-million appropriation for the CX-5. Source: documents submitted by DPWH, lawyer Yolanda Doblon of the LBRMO, testimony of both Doblon and Adriano, cited in SR 780.

Q: Were the Villar properties bought for road right-of-way overpriced? A: SR 780 argues for the affirmative; PSR 1472 (the resolution signed by Villar and his allies exonerating him from all charges) argues for the negative. This calls for a conclusion of the reader. And to help that along, I have—based on the documented prices and acreage of the lands purchased in connection with the LPPLP—computed the weighted average prices that were paid for the Villar and related properties, and those paid for the non-Villar properties. The results: The Villar/related properties, comprising 23,455 square meters, were bought for P168.1 million. The non-Villar properties, comprising 11,685 square meters, were bought for P22 million. That comes to a weighted average of P7,168 per square meter for Villar’s properties, and P1,880 per square meter for the non-Villar properties. That has to be a statistically significant difference.

Given the above facts—which no one can contest, since they are based on official documents, and not on a he-says-she-says set of assertions—it has to be reasonable to conclude:

1. Since there was already an ongoing project (the MCTEP) linking C-5 to the Coastal Road, it was totally unnecessary to build a second one.

2. Which means that there was a waste of scarce resources. Instead of using only P2.6 billion of government funds for the first project, the government had to spend an additional P6.9 billion for the second, which practically duplicated the first, except for the additional length which happily for Senator Villar, traversed his properties.

3. This unnecessary, wasteful project was certainly Villar’s idea. It is specious to argue that it is a DPWH project. As the DPWH feasibility study states (in black and white), both the CX-5 and the LPPLP were conceived and initially funded by Villar.

4. Villar benefited tremendously from the second project. Certainly, his companies were paid significantly more per square meter for the road right of way (which were mostly bought from him). But that pales into insignificance compared with the tremendous increase in the values of his real estate holdings in the area—at least 50-52 hectares.

Is he blameless? Is the Pope protestant?

Source

SWS: Aquino 52%, Villar 44% in a one-on-one

2010-01-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 52% of Filipinos would have picked Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III while 44% would have chosen Sen. Manny Villar had a two-man presidential race been held last December 27 to 28, according to a special Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Villar camp.

The survey, disclosed by the SWS on Thursday, asked 2,100 respondents the question: Among the names found in this list, who will you probably vote for as President of the Philippines if elections were held today?

The survey has a plus/minus 2.2% margin of error.

The SWS said it disclosed the results of the survey on Thursday after the sponsor authorized its release.

The same question was asked in an October 1-4 SWS survey. The results showed that 65% would have chosen Aquino, while 28% would have picked Villar.

The Villar camp said the survey results showed that Villar had significantly cut Aquino's lead from 37 percentage points in October to 8 percentage points in December.

Other scenarios

Aside from a list that contained only the names of Aquino and Villar, the respondents were also asked to choose from lists that had more names of presidential candidates, namely: former President Joseph Estrada, Lakas-Kampi-CMD's Gilbert Teodoro, Brother Eddie Villanueva, Sen. Richard Gordon, Jamby Madrigal, and Ang Kapatiran's JC de los Reyes.

The SWS said four other scenarios were also tested in the December 27-28 survey. From a list showing 7 names without Estrada, Aquino got 49%; Villar 38%; Teodoro 6%; Villanueva 2%; Gordon 1%; Madrigal 1%; de Los Reyes 0.3%.

From a list showing 7 names without Teodoro, Aquino remained on top of the survey with 45% followed by Villar with 35%, Estrada 14%, Gordon and Villanueva 2% each, Madrigal 1%, de los Reyes 0.4%.

In a 3-way race, 50% chose Aquino followed by Villar with 40% and Teodoro 7%. A separate 3-way survey, meanwhile, still showed Aquino leading with 47%,Villar 37%, and Estrada 14%.

Source

Election 2010 Popular Tunes and Jingles

2010-01-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Elections beat to sound of familiar tunes
Pocholo Concepcion Cora Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

December 13, 2009

MANILA, Philippines--It’s beginning to sound a lot like the election campaign period: From Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s melodramatic “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” sung by Regine Velasquez to Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s upbeat “Eddie Ako,” performed by rapper Gloc-9 to MMDA chief Bayani Fernando’s catchy “Macho Guwapito.”

Aquino and Villanueva are running for president; Fernando has slid down to vice president but this has nothing to
do with his choice of political jingle.

Sen. Manny Villar picked the music of Parokya ni Edgar and 6cyclemind for his TV commercials.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno—before he officially backed out of his candidacy for vice president—had his own TV ad which used the song “May Bukas Pa” from the popular teleserye that starred the child character Santino.

The TV commercial of former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.—who was supposedly running for president until he also bowed out—featured the song “Nobody” by the South Korean group Wonder Girls.

A senatorial bet, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., currently has his own TV ad that features the song “Tuloy Pa Rin Ako” originally by the group Labuyo.

Some of these candidates paid hefty sums to use the music of contemporary bands and artists. All of the advertisements are competing to establish image and identity through songs that would move hearts of the TV audience and hopefully, capture the votes to win the 2010 elections.

Just business

For some of the songs’ composers, it’s just business.

Chito Miranda, vocalist of the pop-rock group Parokya ni Edgar, told the Inquirer that the band has collectively decided not to endorse any candidate. “I don’t care about the politician. I did it for the money,” he quipped—referring to the use of his song “Akala” for the first of Villar’s series of TV commercials.

The song’s original subject—a lighthearted look at taking chances and mistaken notions and which Miranda said he wrote on a whim—was replaced with lyrics that debunk critical perception of Villar’s reputation and character.

Richard Tan, Parokya’s manager, said permission to use the song was coursed through the band’s record label, Universal Records. “The fee paid to us was not that high; it was based on standard rates for publishing rights (which is P15,000), multiplied by 10, as negotiated by the record label,” he said.

But Miranda, the song’s composer, said he was paid a hefty sum, the amount of which he requested not to be published, so he won’t be forced to have a standard price for his other tunes.

Tan pointed out that the agreement stipulated that the band would not sing the song in the commercial. The advertising agency DM9 wrote the revised lyrics that starts with “Akala mo trapo ’yun pala mali ...” (“It’s wrong for you to think he’s a traditional politician ...”

Tan added that the band agreed to perform in Villar’s campaign sorties, but not to directly endorse him and “Akala” would be performed in its original version.

For the OFWs

Another pop-rock band, 6cyclemind, has two songs, “Sandalan” and “Walang Iwanan,” also in Villar’s TV commercials.

The songs were written and recorded several years ago, but were apparently chosen for the touching lyrics (“Iiyak mo na ang lahat sa akin;” “Walang iwanan kahit sa’n ka mapadpad”) that matched Villar’s special concerns: OFWs.

The band’s members and manager believe it was Villar’s eldest son, Paolo, who pushed for the songs to be used in the ads.

The deal—including the making of the commercials themselves—was likewise handled by DM9, which paid song publishing fees to Music R Us (MRU), the firm that oversees the publishing rights to compositions by artists signed to Sony Music Philippines. 6cyclemind is a Sony Music artist.

“There are no fixed rates,” said MRU president Merwin Tee. The song publishing rights for such ads “is a little less than P2 million” per song.

Tee said the money was usually divided between the composer and the interpreter. But since 6cyclemind is both the composer and interpreter, the band collected everything.

Asked if 6cyclemind also agreed to endorse Villar when campaign season starts, 6cyclemind manager Darwin Hernandez said: “We actually started performing last Nov. 23 … And we believe in what [Villar] is doing. There’s nothing wrong with being identified with him.”

Before he decided not to run for president, Sen. Chiz Escudero had a TV commercial that featured the song “Bagong Umaga.” It was performed by singer-composer Bayang Barrios, who co-wrote it with husband Mike Villegas. The song was first performed in 1996 for Fernando Poe Jr.’s TV ad for the 2004 presidential elections.

Barrios said it was Escudero’s wife Christine who first inquired about “Bagong Umaga.” Barrios added that she and Christine are friends, so it was not difficult to negotiate.

Asked how much she was paid for the two ads, Barrios hinted that the fee was quite substantial when Escudero used it.

Grand production

Senator Aquino’s TV commercial disguised as a music video has a running time of more than 3 minutes. The grand production features a new song, “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” with a powerhouse cast of more than a dozen show biz celebrities.

Pop singer Regine Velasquez sings the theme that was composed by singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid.

Alcasid admitted that he didn’t charge anything for the song. “I wrote it as a gift to the Aquino family.”

The making of the music video itself was all done free of charge, according to TV host/talent manager Boy Abunda, its producer.

He said he and Kris Aquino—a close friend, TV co-host and the senator’s sister—handled everything, talking to the talents and the entire production and post-production team—who all readily agreed to work without pay.

Noel’s commitment

Singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, who has lent two original songs for Aquino’s presidential campaign, expressed a commitment “to carry him all the way to the polling place.”

One of the songs, “Ako’y Isang Mabuting Pilipino,” has been adapted as the theme of Mabuting Pilipino, a volunteer group for Aquino whose name was inspired by the song.

“When I give my song to a candidate, I have to believe in him and join his campaigns,” said Cabangon, who said his appearances in Aquino’s campaign are free. “It’s not just selling your song and then leaving it. The song and the composer-singer are one. You cannot separate them. The song is a reflection and soul of the person.”

Hip hop for God

Just last Thursday, Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s TV ad was launched in between the early evening newscasts. Like Senator Aquino’s ad, it is a full music video and uses a song specially written for Villanueva’s campaign.

The song, “Eddie Ako,” was composed by Pol Armasin, a member of Villanueva’s Jesus Is Lord (JIL) religious community, and features Pinoy hip hop’s hottest artist, Gloc-9.

“I’m not a member of JIL, although I’m a [born-again] Christian,” Gloc-9 told the Inquirer. “When I was asked to appear in the video, I felt everything finally fell into place because there were other candidates who wanted me and I kept saying no to them.”

Gloc-9 said he was paid an honorarium to sing in the video, “a small amount compared to the rate I would charge for such a project.”

Does it matter?

Another singer-songwriter, Gary Granada, has reportedly turned down offers by some candidates to use his music for their media campaign.

Asked by the Inquirer to comment on the proliferation of political TV ads, Granada wrote in an e-mail: “The fact that ‘jingles’ play a significant role in elections further emphasizes the role that media and the ‘arts’ assume in shaping society ... Cost-wise and sense-wise, public interest is better served if political ads were banned ... Do [musicians] have to believe in the candidates they sell? The correct answer is yes. But considering the crap and incoherent platforms that we hear from the crop of candidates we regularly have, does it really matter?”

Noynoy Aquino still on top...Survey Says

2009-12-24T04:16:00.000-08:00

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

Manny Villar Endorsed by Willie and Dolphy

2009-12-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

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

Richard Gordon and Bayani Fernando team up for 2010 polls

2009-12-05T01:33:00.000-08:00

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 runs for Congress

2009-11-30T03:32:00.000-08:00

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

Aquino, Roxas file bids for president, vice president

2009-11-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

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

Chiz Quits on 2010 Presidential Bid

2009-11-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

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

GMA: Ensure Gibo-Edu win

2009-11-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

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)

Villar and Loren Tandem on 2010

2009-11-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

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)
source

Is Manzano qualified for VP Race?

2009-11-15T04:57:00.000-08:00

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

source

Edu Manzano: wrong VP choice for Gibo Teodoro?

2009-11-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

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

Will a Mindanao VP bet rise for Gibo? Revilla passes

2009-11-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

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

Source

VP Choices for Gilbert Teodoro

2009-11-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

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

Comments on Noynoy Aquino's "Hindi Ka Nag-iisa" Music Video

2009-11-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

Source

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

Escudero announces decision to leave NPC

2009-10-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

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.

It's a Filipiniana wedding for Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez

2009-10-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

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

Gibo-Gwen Tandem Emerging for Lakas

2009-10-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

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)

Sen. Loren Legarda confirmed to run for VP in 2010

2009-10-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

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

Understanding Surveys and Extending Voters Registration

2009-10-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Comments on Aquino Topping SWS Presidential Preference Survey

2009-10-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Enrile, Jinggoy confirm Erap-Binay tandem

2009-10-13T05:22:00.000-07:00

As far as Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is concerned, former President Joseph Estrada is definitely running in the 2010 presidential elections. And Estrada's running mate ? Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

ERAP-BINAY? Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile says on Tuesday former Pres. Joseph Estrada (left) and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (right) are the most likely tandem for the 2010 polls. Benjie Aves and AP (File photos)Interviewed by Senate reporters Tuesday, Enrile said it would be a matter of time before Estrada formally announces his tandem with Binay in next year's polls.

"Sa palagay ko done deal na yun (I believe it is already a done deal)," said Enrile, chairman emeritus of Estrada's Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) party.

Binay is concurrent president of PDP-Laban of the United Opposition (UNO), composed of political groups critical of the Arroyo administration.

Estrada's son, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, confirmed the tandem of his father with Binay. "Yes, it is," was the younger Estrada's reply when asked about the tandem.

Fighting cocks

Enrile likened the Erap-Binay tandem to Texas fighting cocks.

"Magagaling, kung sa pintakasi yan ay meron din kaming manok na Texas. Alam mo itong eleksyon na ito, it’s a joust. It is a political joust, maiwan ang matibay," Enrile said. Asked who could be Estrada’s closest rival, Enrile aid he cannot say as "everybody is a close rival of Erap (the former president’s nickname)." He added seven months is still a long time in politics. “Many things can still happen." On the other hand, Enrile said Binay should not be underestimated as he can get the votes of the Ilocanos and Ibanags and even the country’s mayors. Still, Enrile said the formal announcement would have to come from Estrada himself. "Alam ko ang petsa pero hindi ko sasabihin, siya lang ang makakapagsabi niyan (I know the date but I wouldn’t tell you, only Estrada can divulge it)." Earlier reports have it that Estrada would officially declare his renewed bid for the presidency either on Wednesday [Oct. 14] or a week later on Oct. 21.

But in a text message to GMANews.TV Monday, Margaux Salcedo, Estrada’s spokesperson, said the former president will make his announcements at the appropriate time. "He has in fact cancelled all scheduled political activities in light of the recent calamities this week," Salcedo said. "October sana but it may change depending on how fast relief can be brought to those affected by Ondoy and Pepeng."

Senate slate In the same interview, Enrile confirmed that he is included in the senatorial slate of the PMP together with Jinggoy. He said he does not know if the late actor Fernando Poe Jr’s daughter, Grace Poe, and Senator Ma Ana Consuelo Madrigal are included in the slate. Madrigal had earlier admitted she was interested in seeking the presidency. "Hindi ko alam kung sino ang mga kasama...hindi ako aktibo sa pagpipili ng ibang kandidato," Enrile said. "Hindi ko alam kung sasama siya sa amin, nababanggit din siya na kasama sa pangkat ni Sen. (Manuel) Villar. Alam ko na nasa pangkat namin siya sumasama dati," Enrile said on the possible candidacy of Poe. On Madrigal, he said he is not convincing her as he knew that she is eyeing the presidency. "Hindi ako nagkukumbinsi ng mga kandidato, mahirap yung nang-aakit ka ng kandidato na sasama sa iyo sa partido dahil responsibility iyon e, Enrile said. Enrile believed that PMP or any other political parties would not be able to have a complete slate and would instead adopt other candidates. "Malamang hindi (makakabuo), merong puwang yan. Kung i-a-adopt ako ng lahat e OK lang sa akin yun. Pati kay Noynoy (Senator Benigno Simeon Aquino III) pag in-adopt ako sasabihin ko ke Noynoy, ‘Salamat Noynoy sa tulong mo’," Enrile said.

Cesar confirms Gubernatorial Bid

2009-10-13T01:07:00.000-07:00

MANILA – Cesar Montano is willing to take a leave from show business to concentrate on his political career.

Montano is running for governor of Bohol in 2010 elections. This will be his second attempt to enter the political arena. In 2007, Montano, or Cesar Manhilot in real life, ran for senator but lost.

Once Montano files his certificate of candidacy before the Commission on Elections next month, he is required to take a leave from his television shows, including his top-rating singing program, “The Singing Bee.”

Montano, however, has already made up his mind.

"My heart is fixated sa Bohol, lalo na sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan at mga disenteng hospital na kailangan namin. Unang-una, gusto kong i-regulate ang fishing sa Bohol, dalhin ang quality education dito sa Manila sa Bohol, [at] dumami ang prep schools sa Bohol," Montano said.

For the meantime though, Montano is gearing for his two big films - an action and drama movies.

Montano said he is still in the process of finding a new leading lady for his upcoming action film. Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin, and Bea Alonzo are among those who are being considered, he said.

Montano recently graced the feast of Birhen del Pilar in Zamboanga City where he was greeted by thousands of his fans.-Report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

"what do you think guys?"

Would You Vote for Bayani Fernando as President?

2009-10-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

from Yahoo Answers

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Yes, I will vote for Bayani Fernando.

1. He is pro poor - relocated 11,000 squatters, open up sidewalks for ordinary people to pass, he provided cheap dwellings in the port area for poor provincianos staying in Manila.

2. He is an EDSA 1 hero - as a young businessman, he used his construction equipments to safeguard the people against probable attacks of pro - Marcos soldiers and tanks.

3. He is religious - a sacristan when he was young, and contiunues to give concerts for the benefits of the church.

4. He is not corrupt, Grace Dyjamco, whose lot in Tondo was bought by MMDA for a anti flood pump told me that what Chairman Bayani Fernando requested from her is to provide for the families squatting on her lot.before MMDA will agree to buy her lot.

5. "Sa buong buhay ko, wala pa akong pinapatay" he always say., Yes, he is not a man of violence. His politics is politics of performance.

6. He is nationalistic- his native name, and his daughters native name, Tala, speaks for itself.

7. He gets things done - solve the garbage and traffic problems in Metro Manila.

8. He wants equality of the poor and the rich as seen by his advocacy, "pantay pantay pag may disiplina". so, kahit urban poor ka man or anak ng milyonaryo, sa mata ni Bayani Fernando, pantay pantay lang kayo.

9. Matapang sya - ang backers ng mga colorum bus at FX ay mga generals pero, pina impound pa rin nya to. Di sya takot mamatay alang alang sa bayan.

10. May solution sya sa ano mang problema - and very unique ang solution nya na if you analyze it deeper --ultimately pro poor.Example: Metro Guapo sa Recto..inayos nya drainage, inayos at pinaganda ang mga bahay ng mga mahihirap. San ka nakakita ng tao na itataya nya ang pangalan at buhay nya para lamang makapagsilbi sa mahihirap at sa publiko. Si Bayani Fernando, kayang gawin yan.

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

2009-10-05T02:31:00.000-07:00

VILLAR READILY EXTENDS HELP TO COUNTRYMEN IN NEED

October 4, 2009

from politicalarena.com

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar’s willingness to extend aid to those who require it, is again displayed as he lends a hand to a mother in dire need of assistance.

While Sen. Villar was in Radyo Natin’s Saturday program “Sa Maunlad na Kabukiran”, a mother from Sultan Kudarat called the program line asking for help which made the senator instantly answer the mother’s plea.

Mrs. Adora Hornoz of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat asked Radyo Natin to help out her son, Julius Hornoz and three other companions; Dondon Mark Hulleza, from Isulan as well; Michael John Botapora; and Jun Ray Era, both from Surallah, South Cotabato.

She mentions that Julius and the three that are with him have been experiencing extreme hunger and cold for several days now. They are now staying at the Marikina Gymnasium since the factory where they work at had been completely flooded due to the typhoon Ondoy.

“I truly cannot deny our fellow countrymen who are in need of help and assistance,” said Villar. “Especially coming from a mother who is worried sick of her son that lives far away, I understand what she is going through since my own mother still shows her utmost care and worry for me,” added Villar.

Aside from taking care of the travel expenses of Julius and his companions, Sen. Villar also gave P5,000 additional capital to Mr. Ricardo Dignum of Macalaya, Castilla, Sorsogon for his tinapa business during the same program. The estimate earnings from the additional capital will be P1,000 per day.

Mr. Dignum wrote to the program “Sa Maunlad na Kabukiran” through the project “Sagip Agrikultura.”

After extending help to the callers of the said program, Sen. Villar immediately went to Tondo, Manila to continue giving relief aid and assistance to the residents who were affected by the disaster brought by typhoon Ondoy.

Aquino Leads In Latest Election Survey

2009-10-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

Source: Xinhua

The only son of beloved late Philippine president Corazon Aqunio would have won the presidential election by big margin in the vote-rich Luzon region if it was held in early September, results of a latest opinion poll show.

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino was already preferred by 50 percent of 1,200 respondents polled by the Social Weather Station, an independent survey firm, before he actually announced his candidacy for the president, local media reported Monday.

The survey was conducted on Sept. 5 to 6 after Aquino's colleague in the Liberal Party -- Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, son of late President Manuel Roxas, withdrew his presidential bid in favor of Aquino.

Other competent presidential aspirants, Senator Manuel Villar, deposed former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Francis Escudero and Vice President Noli de Castro, came way below Aquino by more than 30 percent in preference statistics, said the survey, which has a margin of error of 3 percent.

The survey was conducted in National Capital Region, central and southern Luzon region. Though it was not a nationwide survey, political analysts considered the public opinion in this vote-rich Luzon corridor a "good indicator of a candidate's chances," the local TV news network ABS-CBN said.

Aquino's chances only surged in August when millions of Filipinos took to streets to mourn the passing of her mother, former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. She is considered a national icon of democracy as the housewife-turned-politician led the mass revolt in 1986 to unseat the country's strongman ruler then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

Despite Cory Aquino's six-year term being peppered with failed coup attempts, she is remembered for leading a relatively corruption-free government.

Political analysts said people have the same hope for Senator Aquino at a time when corruption is believed to have deeply plagued the current administration. But it is unclear if the nostalgia and the outpour of support at the wake of Cory's death could last until May when the election is slated to be held.

Country Before Self

2009-09-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

from 'The MAR ROXAS BLOG'

Country before self. Good versus evil.

These are not mere catchphrases, nor marketing tools to sway people to vote this way or that. This is the simple truth that cannot be clouded by layers of lies and unfulfilled promises of a government that now is known as the most corrupt that we Filipinos have ever had.

As you know, a few weeks ago I made the most difficult decision of my life. It was certainly heart wrenching and painful to tell family, friends, and supporters in Club Filipino that I was going to give way to Noy... but I believed then, as I do now, that it was the right thing to do. Not just for myself or for those who supported me, but for a country eagerly waiting to be united against a familiar foe. Of course, I speak of graft, corruption, and the many evils that follow in their wake. I know that most of you may see these traditional lines as motherhood statements or the usual words politicians use to gain votes, pacify the crowd, and continue this ruinous cycle. I tell you now, with what conviction that I can muster, that these are not abstract words; that they exist in the highest offices of the land; and that the most opportune time to fight this evil is May 2010.

And this is where Noy comes in. People are beginning to believe again. As recent events have shown, he captured the passion of a country and united it against this overwhelming sense of paralysis. Stepping aside, though a hard decision on my part, is a small role to play in this struggle.

A movement has been born. I ask you to join it and reclaim a government that is rightfully yours. A few weeks ago I took the first step towards this direction. I intend to take many more steps in the near future. Let this serve as an invitation to you, reader, activist, scholar, and friend, to do the same.

Hindi ko kayo pababayaan. Mahal na mahal ko kayo. Lalaban tayo!

I salute you Sen. Mar Roxas! Mabahay ka...

Teodoro stands by pro-RH bill

2009-09-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:07:00 09/18/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Gilberto Toedoro stood pat on his pro-reproductive health bill position, despite fears of losing the support of the church.

“Ay syempre takot ako pero yun ang paniniwala ko anong magagawa ko (Of course I’m afraid but that’s my belief so what can I do)?” Teodoro told reporters when asked about his stand on the bill.

“Takot na takot talaga ko pero ang laban ng simbahan ay dapat sa kaluluwa natin, sa panalangin (I am very afraid but the church’s fight is over our souls, in our prayers) and our spiritual and moral formation. That's the challenge but not through a law, not through a governmental action,” he said.

Teodoro said he is for freedom of informed choice but against abortion and “enforced belief” that contraception is bad.

The state, he said, should not adopt the view of any particular religion.

“The state should be non-religious, non sectarian. It should give opportunities to all those based on what they personally believe,” he said.

“The advocacy of the Church is important, very important but that is a matter for an individual conscience and own soul, that is not a matter of government enforcement,” he further said.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon, principal author of the bill in the Senate, was also unfazed by the Catholic Church's threat to campaign against those supporting the measure.

Biazon said the Church campaigned against him in 2004 “and yet I'm here.”

He said he is ready to lose that support again but would not abandon his advocacy.

Aquino Declares Presidential Bid

2009-09-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net, Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 4) Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III finally broke his silence and announced he would join the 2010 presidential race to continue the work of his famed mother, who played a crucial role in overthrowing dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The announcement came following a highly-publicized spiritual retreat and made on the 40th day of former president Corazon Aquino’s death Wednesday, as the family ended the traditional period of mourning.

“I accept the plea of the people. I accept the advice of my parents. I accept the responsibility to continue the fight for the people. I accept the challenge to lead in this fight. I will run in the coming elections,” Aquino, 49, told a crowd of cheering supporters.

Vowing to fight against corruption that pervades the nation, Senator Aquino said he would be a leader for all sectors of society and not just the rich.

"I will be there because of the people, I will stay there because of the people and hopefully I will be true to my word to serve the people," he said.

Aquino made the announcement at Manila's historic Club Filipino, where his mother, Corazon, was sworn in as president in 1986 after leading the "People Power" revolution that ended Marcos's 20-year reign.

Senator Aquino’s sisters—Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris—were also there. They were all wearing black as was the senator.

Aquino, however, could not say yet who would be his running mate.

At a press conference after the announcement, Aquino declined to say if Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas would join his ticket as vice president, saying he would just let the former trade and industry secretary make the decision himself.

“I offered the vice-presidency slot to him, am waiting his decision” he said.

Roxas, Aquino’s colleague at the Liberal Party, surprised the public when he dropped his presidential bid early last month to give way to Aquino.

Aside from Roxas, two other opposition presidential hopefuls—Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio—have announced to stand down and offer their support.

This leaves Aquino with the task of getting deposed president Joseph Estrada and Senator Manny Villar, the two aspirants currently leading in the polls, to fall behind him to ensure the opposition vote is not split.

The ruling coalition of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a new six-year term, has yet to announce its candidate ahead of the November 30 deadline for filing candidacies.

Aquino's Liberal Party has been a fierce critic of Arroyo, alleging widespread corruption in her administration.

Arroyo's spokesman Lorelei Fajardo conceded Aquino has emerged a strong contender for the presidency, while calling him a "welcome addition to the race."

But Estrada, the 72-year-old former movie star who spent time in prison after he was toppled in a bloodless 2001 military coup and convicted of corruption, said the opposition should let the electorate decide.

The choice was not for "the elites and the bourgeois" to make, he said, in a dig at the Aquino camp.

Binay, however, said he was giving way to Aquino "to pave the way to uniting the opposition."

Aquino's decision also opens the tantalizing prospect of a two-way race for the presidency against his first cousin, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who is a leading candidate to run for the ruling coalition.

Prior to his mother's death, the bespectacled, balding Aquino was best known as a low-profile politician with no major legislative achievements after nine years in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.

He was better known as the former boyfriend of a broadcast journalist, Korina Sanchez, and the brother of TV celebrity Kris Aquino.

Aquino said he only began seriously considering a presidential bid after seeing the massive outpouring of support for his family following his mother's death from cancer.

People across the country mourned former president Aquino’s passing and hundreds of thousands poured into the streets to pay their final respects to the country’s “Icon of Democracy.”

Soon, grief turned into a campaign for Senator Aquino to carry on the work of his mother.

Aquino said he would rely on the help of ordinary Filipinos to become president, just as they propelled his mother to power.

"The reason why I am on this path is because I believe the public will support and help me in the campaign," he said.

"I want to make democracy work not just for the rich and the well-connected, but for everybody."

His father, martyred senator Benigno Aquino Jr., is held in equally high esteem by many throughout the Southeast Asian nation of 92 million people.

As then opposition leader, Marcos gunmen shot him dead at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from exile.

His assassination led to Cory reluctantly moving into politics and becoming president for six years, a period that has been widely acclaimed for restoring democracy after a generation of martial law.

Senator Aquino called on Filipinos to recall his mother's achievements when they considered who they wanted to be their next president.

"During my mother's time, she was not corrupt. Even the policeman on the street had second thoughts of being corrupt," he said.

Nevertheless, his family belongs to one of the powerful clans that have dominated Philippine life for generations, and observers have pointed out that a win for Aquino would be another victory for the elite.

Corazon Aquino's cousin, Eduardo Cojuangco, is majority owner of brewing giant San Miguel and, according to the latest Forbes rich list, the seventh wealthiest man in the Philippines.

With Senator Aquino’s formal declaration to run for President came offers to volunteer and even raise funds for his campaign.

After the announcement, former Secretary Karina David said she was swamped with text messages from "non-political'' friends inquiring about how they could pitch in in Aquino's campaign.

According to the former Civil Service Commission chair, the messages ran the gamut of "Ma'am, we want to volunteer," "We are with you," "What can we do?" and "My entire family wants to help.''

Political analyst, UP Political Science Professor Clarita Carlos, meanwhile, said it was too premature to conclude that Aquino could bring together personalities, parties and civil society groups to support his campaign in the “afterglow'' of his mother's death.

Between now and May 2010, the first-term senator has to deal with the “realpolitik forces in the country,” and many “imponderables” such as political realignments, campaign funds, and volunteers, she said.

“Everything is in the realm of conjectures. The elections is 10 months away. A lot of things can happen,” she said by phone, asking: “Will the afterglow be sustained and translated into votes? Will it galvanize the collective consciousness to support this person?”

There are no easy answers, she said.