Sunday, December 27, 2009

LP seeks Escudero’s support

Even as its standard-bearer leads the surveys, the Liberal Party is still courting Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for his support of its ticket in the May 2010 elections, a party stalwart said Friday.

“The LP hopes that Chiz will support the Noynoy-Mar ticket,” said LP spokesman and Quezon Representative Lorenzo “Erin Tanada III, adding that Escudero’s backing will boost the party’s candidates’ ratings in the survey and help ensure victory next year.

Tanada said it could not be denied that Escudero has his own following that could be transferred to the LP tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Escudero was one of the aspirants for the presidency until he left his party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and eventually withdrew from the race.

According to Tanada, Escudero has the same platform and principle as that of Aquino and Roxas.

“(They) fought the same battles in the Senate and stood for good governance, accountability, transparency, and was against corruption,” Tanada said.

He added that the three senators are “decent people with delicadeza (sense of propriety).”

The three supported the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and were vocal critics of moves to amend the Constitution through a constituent assembly, according to Tanada.

Tanada said he hoped Escudero would make his formal endorsement of the LP candidates next year.

Extend registration for overseas voters

Responding to a plea to extend the time to register to vote in the May 2010 elections, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision on December 8, 2009 extending the voter registration period to January 9, 2010.

Because the decision covers only voters in the Philippines, however, a petition to the court to extend its ruling to cover overseas Filipinos will shortly be filed with the court.

Filipinos in the Philippines had until October 31, 2009 to register to vote in the May 10, 2010 elections while those outside the country were given only until August 31, 2009 to do so. The period of voter registration for the former lasted 11 months starting on December 1, 2008 while those for the latter lasted only seven months starting on February 1, 2009.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Palatino v. Comelec directed the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) “to proceed with dispatch in reopening the registration of voters and hold the same until January 9, 2010.”

Citing Section 8 of the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996, the court held that Congress determined that the period of 120 days before a regular election was enough time for Comelec to make all the necessary preparations with respect to the coming elections. According to petitioner Raymond Palatino, Comelec had “usurped the power of Congress to legislate” by deciding that it needed 69 days more than what Congress had determined.

The Supreme Court decision did not cover all voters because the Palatino petition only involved the registration of Philippine voters which is covered by Republic Act 8189 (The Voter Registration Act of 1996) while that of Filipinos abroad is governed by another, RA 9189 (The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003).

Why did the Comelec set different expiration dates for the registration of voters in the Philippines and those abroad?

According to the Comelec, they were complying with Section 6 of RA 9189 which provides “that all applications for the May, 2004 elections shall be filed with the Commission not later than 280 calendar days before the day of elections.” August 31, 2009 is exactly 280 calendar days before the May 2010 elections.

But the very next line of that sentence in Section 6 stated: “For succeeding elections, the Commission shall provide for the period within which applications to register must be filed.” The reference to the 280 calendar days applied only to the May 2004 elections and not to “succeeding elections.” The Comelec was not barred by RA 9189 from setting a different deadline.

In fact, Comelec had the power to allow for a shorter preparation period as the 120-day timeline mandated by Congress only applied to RA 8189, voters in the Philippines. More Comelec resources are required to register voters in the Philippines while minimal Comelec resources are needed to register overseas voters as that function has been handled by Philippine consular officials.

A local consul disclosed that the Comelec’s role in registering overseas voters was simply to provide the consulates with voters’ registration machines, which are all still in the consulates and have not been shipped back to the Comelec. It will not take much to get the machines back into operation, the consul said.

The Comelec had set a goal of registering one million new overseas voters but fell far short of it, as only 225,000 new voters registered.

The Comelec’s failure to meet its stated goal may be due in part to the limited registration period. Instead of beginning registration on December 1, 2008 as it did with Philippine voters, it delayed overseas registration to February 11, 2009.

The Comelec also did not allocate funds and resources to publicize the registration of overseas voters (like placing ads in Balitang America), leaving that responsibility entirely to local consuls to do what they could with their own limited resources.

A review of Comelec press releases showed one that related to overseas voters: on July 13, 2009, the Comelec declared its intention to “tap the Iglesia ni Cristo, the Jesus is Lord Church, and the overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) group Migrante International to help them in its campaign to increase the turn-out of overseas absentee voter (OAV) registrants.” That was it.

Why did the Comelec wait so long to do so little?

One clue to the answer is the identity of the “Comelec Commissioner-in-Charge for Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV)”. It is none other than Nicodemo Ferrer, the same Comelec commissioner who rejected the lesbian gay party-list group, Ang Ladlad, from party-list accreditation on “moral grounds” even quoting from an Internet Christian website that described homosexuality as "unseemly" or "transgressive" to support his position.

When challenged about his religious views, Ferrer moved away from his “moral grounds” rationale to his unsupported claim that there were already too many gays in Congress so there was no need to accredit a gay party-list group.

Nicodemo Ferrer is also the same Comelec commissioner who issued rulings to unseat three incumbent provincial governors who incidentally are members of the Liberal Party—Governors Grace Padaca of Isabela, Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan—in favor of administration party challengers.

When the registration period for overseas Filipinos ended on August 31, Senator Noynoy Aquino had not yet announced his candidacy as the Liberal Party presidential standard-bearer and many overseas Filipinos did not yet have a presidential candidate to support.

This week, lawyers for the newly-formed US Pinoys for Noynoy-Mar (noymar2010.com) will file a petition with the Comelec to extend the Palatino ruling to overseas Filipinos. Given Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer’s track record, he will likely reject the petition, which will then be appealed to the Supreme Court.

This would not be the first time US Pinoys would go to the Supreme Court. In 2004, the Comelec issued a ruling that dual citizens were not eligible to vote in Philippine elections because they did not satisfy the residency requirement. Loida Nicolas Lewis, Greg Macanbenta, Alex Esclamado, and other Filipino-American leaders filed a petition with the Philippine Supreme Court to nullify the Comelec ruling.

On August 4, 2006, in the case Nicolas-Lewis v. Comelec, the Supreme Court overturned the Comelec and allowed dual citizens the right to vote in Philippine elections stating that the essence of the dual citizenship law is to “enfranchise as much as possible all overseas Filipinos.”

In filing the petition with the Supreme Court to extend its Palatino ruling to overseas Filipinos, the court will be reminded of its decision in Nicolas-Lewis v. Comelec and in the principle that the right of suffrage which is a fundamental right in a democracy must be treated as a higher right than the power of the Comelec to regulate the conduct of elections.

Robin Padilla supports Tamano

Actor Robin Padilla has expressed his support for the senatorial bid of fellow Muslim, lawyer Adel Tamano, the latter’s office said in a statement Friday.

The endorsement follows that of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari.

Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and president of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party.

According to the statement, Padilla’s endorsement came in the form of a handwritten personal note to Tamano dated December 9, 2009. In that note, Padilla wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesman well in his political journey.

"May Allah guide you and give you success," the note read.

Tamano, for his part, thanked Padilla for his show of support.

"I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence," the senatorial candidate said.

"Rest assured that I will continue to protect not only the rights of our fellow Muslims but of all Filipinos. Hopefully, if I get the privilege to serve in the Senate, I will help foster peace and acceptance," Tamano added.

Recently, Misuari made a subtle endorsement of Tamano before hundreds of MNLF commanders and leaders when he invited the latter to be the guest of honor during the 5th Bangsamoro National Assembly. Tamano was the only national politician allowed to attend the event.

Villar launches all-out war platform against poverty

Senator Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party (NP) has declared an all-out war against poverty as it launched its campaign platform for next year’s elections based on “pro-poor” and “pro-development” programs.

“We in the Nacionalista Party will fight for the poor. No single person or political party has waged a full and all-out war against poverty and sincerely fought for genuine social reform in our country. We rise up to that challenge now,” NP spokesman and senatorial candidate Gilbert Remulla said in a statement issued Sunday.

An NP victory in 2010, Remulla said, would be a victory for the Filipino people, a majority of whom live below poverty line.

He said Villar, the party's president and standard-bearer, has a “firmer grasp of the realities that surround a family living on empty stomach” since himself had experienced first-hand the plight of millions of Filipinos.

The latest member of the NP family, People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, also came from the poor and, like Villar, has experienced what it feels like to be impoverished in this country, said Remulla.

“Senator Villar and Manny Pacquiao represent the ideals of the Nacionalista Party. We believe that all of us can rise from poverty through hard work, perseverance and a sense of pride in ourselves.”

“But the government has a role to play, like making available livelihood opportunities for all those who need a helping hand and making sure that the funds intended for the welfare of the people do not end up in someone else's pockets,” the spokesman said..

A self-made businessman, a respected statesman and an experienced executive officer, Villar remains the “single, most competent” presidential aspirant among the list of hopefuls in next year's elections, Remulla said.

“And being poor once is a big factor,” he said, “The presidency does not belong up there in a pedestal where the people cannot reach you. It belongs with the hearts and minds of those you intend to lead.”

“That is why a vote for the Nacionalista Party is an affirmative vote against poverty. And we also intend to win because if we do, it will be a victory well-fought for the Filipino people,” he further said.

Enrile: If not Estrada, it’s Teodoro for me

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile acknowledged on Sunday that administration presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro could become a good president.

“If only I don’t have a commitment to my party, there’s no doubt that I will be one of his (Teodoro) followers and supporters,” said Enrile when he spoke before the assembly here of Quezon local officials from administration’s Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats.

Enrile is a member of Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and a long time ally of the party’s standard bearer, former president Joseph Estrada.

Speaking to reporters after the event, the Senate leader added that, “If Erap is not my partymate, I will be with Gibo (Teodoro’s nickname).”

Asked to choose, who would be the best between the two presidential candidates, Enrile declined to categorically answer, saying, “Both of them are good."

Enrile recognized that if Teodoro will be given a chance by the Filipino people to lead the country, “We can all peacefully sleep knowing that the government is being steered by good hands.”

But the Senate leader immediately clarified that he was still rooting for Estrada.

“Same with Erap, there’s no doubt that he can also effectively run the government because he once held the same position. Unfortunately, he encountered problems that cut short his term of office. But let us not talk about it anymore. That’s already part of our history,” he said.

Among all presidential aspirants, Enrile said, Estrada and Teodoro would be the top two choices of the Filipino people.

“Gibo has the brains, knowledge and experience to lead the government. I’m just telling the truth here,” he said, saying he was saddened that Teodoro was with another party.

Enrile also predicted a solid Ilocano vote for Teodoro, which was once enjoyed by deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. “He speaks fluent Ilocano much better than I could,” he said.

Teodoro, who was also in Quezon province on Sunday, played coy when asked about Enrile’s virtual endorsement, pointing out Enrile’s ties to a rival party.

“But for someone with the stature of Senator Enrile, it’s a great honor for me.” Teodoro told newsmen.

The administration presidential bet said he learned a lot from the senator in all aspects of governance. “I respect him that much,” he said.

Partylist hits Comelec’s 200-voter-limit in registration

A lawmaker is protesting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) policy to limit registration in each center to 200 voters a day, which is not enough to accommodate the estimated two million Filipinos expected to sign up in the extended period for registration.

Kabataan Party-list Representative Raymond Palatino, in a statement, said: “We have received reports nationwide of thousands of youths availing themselves of the extended registration period only to be sent home by Comelec officials. The general complaint we are getting is that Comelec centers accept only 200 registrants per day and then refuse to accommodate the rest despite long lines of prospective new registrants.”

Palatino said that this meant that the centers would close shop just an hour after its opening at 10 a.m. upon meeting their quota, leaving hundreds of voters frustrated.

Palatino said that other complaints included the late opening of registration centers, insufficient number of satellite offices and registration forms, and the unresolved difficulties in the process that necessitated multiple extensions.

He said the Comelec has so far ignored his group’s suggestions and help on how to improve the system.

Palatino said that the Comelec should be compelled to conduct the registration process up to Jan. 9 as mandated by the Supreme Court. The Comelec, however, has scheduled only five days for registration—from Dec. 21 to 23 and Dec. 28 to 29 with the remaining days allotted to settle disputes on registrations.

“We expect millions to avail themselves of the remaining two days of extended voter registration. We hope the Comelec re-opens, more prepared and accommodating,” he said.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Comelec backs early ARMM polls

The Commission on Elections urged Congress in a resolution on Tuesday to fast-track a law that would allow residents in the restive Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to vote ahead of the May 10 nationwide balloting.

“The Comission resolved… to urge both Houses of Congress to immediately pass the Early Voting Bills; provided that elections will be conducted not later than April 12, 2010, in the ARMM and only for one day,” the four-page resolution said.

The Constitution provides that local and national elections be held on the same date.

Comelec officials said only a new law could enable the poll body to set a date ahead of the scheduled national and local elections in the ARMM. The region is composed of the predominantly Muslim provinces of Basilan (except Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and Marawi City.

The Comelec said there were three pending bills in Congress seeking to ease election management problems.

One of the measures, House Bill No. 3437, aims “to uphold the vote of every voter and not disenfranchise the voters due to perceived rampant electoral fraud and also to minimize if not totally diminish electoral violence.”

The Comelec has been calling for separate balloting in the ARMM, which has a long history of election cheating and violence as in many other places in the Philippines, in order to concentrate its security and administrative forces there.

The call was repeated following the election-related massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao on Nov. 23, the worst election violence in the country’s history.

Recently, lawyers Macabangkit Lanto, a former justice undersecretary, and Benjamin Lanto filed a petition in the Comelec to set the elections in ARMM on April 12 instead of May 10.

“The electoral history of the areas of the ARMM will show that there was not a single election held in the area which was not tainted with irregularities and all forms of poll frauds,” they said in their petition

Pulse Asia Pre-Election Survey Top 12 Senatoriables

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada leads the senatoriables in the latest Pulse Asia Pre-Election Survey, with 55.1 percent of respondents saying they would include him in their senatorial line-up if the elections were held today.

This rating gives him a statistical ranking of first to third in the senatorial race, according to the polling outfit.

In the survey, respondents were made to choose 12 out of 80 names for their senatorial preferences. Results show that only 14 candidates included in the senatorial survey have a statistical chance of winning, said Pulse Asia in its media release on Monday.

Following Estrada is Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. (52.7 percent) and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (51.4 percent), both with a statistical ranking of first to fourth, said Pulse Asia.

Franklin Drilon (48.4 percent) is at second to fourth places, while tied at the fifth to ninth places are Sen. Pia Cayetano (43.1 percent), Ralph Recto (43.1 percent), Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (42.7 percent) and former senators Sergio Osmeña and Vicente Sotto III (both at 40.2 percent).

Also, statistically tied at the 10th to 11th positions are Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (31 percent) and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III (28.6 percent).

Rounding up the list of probable winners are Jose de Venecia III (24.3 percent), Sen. Manuel "Lito” Lapid (23.1 percent) and Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon (22.9 percent), who are all tied at 12th to 14th places.

The non-commissioned survey was conducted from Dec. 8-10, 2009 using face-to-face interviews with 1,800 respondents nationwide. It has a margin of error of plus-minus 2 percent.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Pulse Asia's December 2009 Survey

The survey fieldwork was conducted from December 8 to 10, 2009 using face-to-face interviews. Immediately prior to and during the conduct of the interviews for this survey, the following developments dominated the news headlines: (1) declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao; (2) the convening of Congress to review the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao; (3) filing of cases in the Supreme Court to nullify Martial Law; (4) the clash between Ampatuan supporters and police in Maguindanao; (5) the unseating of Bulacan Governor Mendoza and Isabela Governor Padaca by COMELEC; and (6) the disqualification cases filed against President Arroyo.

Based on a multistage probability sample of 1,800 representative adults 18 years old and above, Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey has a +/- 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level.  Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95% confidence level:   +/- 6% for Metro Manila,   +/-4% for the rest of Luzon and  +/-5% for each of Visayas and Mindanao. Face-to-face field interviews for this project were conducted from December 8 to 10, 2009.  (Those interested in further technical details concerning the surveys’ questionnaires and sampling design may request Pulse Asia in writing for fuller details, including copies of the pre-tested questions actually used.)

The December 2009 survey had 15 names included in the roster of presidential and vice presidential contenders and 80 names for the list of senatorial candidates.  The names were based on the official report of the Commission on Elections on those who filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) as of midnight of December 1, 2009. Those who were nominated by registered national political parties (i.e., Bayan Muna, Kapatiran, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, PDP-Laban, Promdi, Philippine Green Republican Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) or who have been allowed to run or have held national elective positions were automatically included in the lists (for presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidates).   The additional names were drawn randomly from among those who remained in the official list of the COMELEC.

Pulse Asia’s pool of academic fellows takes full responsibility for the design and conduct of the survey, as well as for analyses it makes based on the survey data. In keeping with our academic nature, no religious, political, economic, or partisan group influenced any of these processes.  Pulse Asia undertook this pre-electoral survey on its own without any party singularly commissioning the research effort.

Senator Benigno C. Aquino III continues to lead other presidential candidates by a sizeable margin

With less than five months before the May 10, 2010 elections, presidential candidate Senator Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino (Liberal Party) garners the support of 45% of the voters in the December 2009 national pre-elections survey.   Only two other contenders obtain double-digit support: Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party) with 23% and former President, Joseph “Erap” Estrada (Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino) with 19%. They are statistically tied for second place owing to the survey’s margin of error.

For the December 2009 survey, Senator Aquino obtains majority support among the voters in the Visayas (52%) and near majority support from the well-off ABC socio-economic class.   His electoral preference is basically at the same level across the other areas and socio-economic classes (NCR, Balance of Luzon and Mindanao and SECs D and E).


Compared to the October 2009 Ulat ng Bayan survey, the support for Sen. Aquino III remains virtually unchanged. On the other hand, there is a significant improvement in voter preference for former President Estrada (8 percentage points, from 11% to 19%) and marginal increases in the support for Sen. Villar (+4 percentage points, from 19% to 23%) and Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilbert ‘Gibo” Teodoro (by 3 percentage points, from 2% to 5%).

Given a predetermined set of reasons to choose from, 27% of Filipinos say that they opted for a candidate because he/she cared for the poor, while 21% cited a candidate’s  being not corrupt or having a clean record.  The belief that a candidate is a good person (12%), can/is doing/will do something (11%) and helps/is helping others (11%) constitute the other reasons for respondents’ presidential preferences.


Virtually tied, Senator Manuel ‘Mar” A. Roxas  and Senator Loren B. Legarda, lead the vice presidential race.

Senator Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas (Liberal Party) and Senator Loren B. Legarda (Nacionalista Party) are statistically tied for first place in the vice presidential race, with each obtaining support from close to four out of ten Filipinos. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) ranks second place, statistically speaking, with 14% of the electoral preference nationwide.



If the elections were held at the time of the survey, Senator Roxas would get a majority of votes in the Visayas (58%), while Senator Legarda would have a plurality of the votes from Balance Luzon (43%). The two front-runners register the same level of support (41%) among Mindanao voters and essentially the same support from the D and E socio-economic classes. Sen. Roxas, however, obtains near-majority support  from the relatively well-off socio-economic class ABC.

Senator Legarda is the only vice presidential candidate who registers a significant change in voter preference (a gain of 14 percentage points) since October 2009.

Declining fill-out rates in the senatorial race: only 3 out of 10 Filipinos have a complete senatorial line-up

    With less than five months before the May 2010 elections, fewer Filipinos report having a full roster of senatorial preferences.  In August, 57% of Filipinos had a complete senatorial line-up of 12 candidates. This percentage declined to 40% last October 2009 and now stands at 31%.  While Filipinos were naming a mean of 10 and a median of 12 favored prospective candidates in August 2009, the mean and median are down to eight at present . (See Tables 6 and 7).

14 out of 80 individuals included in the senatorial probe have a statistical chance of winning, with Senator Jinggoy Estrada leading the list of probable winners

Currently leading the senatorial race is Senator Jinggoy Estrada, whose overall voter preference of 55.1% translates to a statistical ranking of 1st to 3rd places. Following closely is Senator Ramon “Kap/Bong” Revilla Jr. (52.7%) who is ranked 1st to 4th, a ranking shared by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago (51.4%). Former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (48.4%) is at 2nd to 4th places, while tied for 5th to 9th places are Senator Pia Cayetano (43.1%), former National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Ralph Recto (43.1%) , Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (42.7%) and former senators Sergio Osmena and Vicente Sotto (both with 40.2%). Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (31%) and Bukidnon Representative Teofisto TG Guingona III (28.6%) are tied for the 10th to 11th positions. Rounding up the list of probable winners are  Jose “Joey” De Venecia III (24.3%), Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid (23.1%), and Muntinlupa Representative Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon (22.9%), who are tied for 12th to 14th places.

Source: Pulse Asia Philippines

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Bayani Fernando

A professional Mechanical Engineer. He is the founder of the BF GROUP OF COMPANIES, dealing with construction, steel, manufacturing and real estate. He has built the country’s tallest building, shopping malls, industrial and residential subdivisions and facilities. He is a former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He was a three-term City Mayor of Marikina, who transformed the former municipality into one of the best-managed cities and a paradigm of responsive and effective governance. During his incumbency, Marikina City was accorded 55 citations and distinctions


As Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metropolitan Manila has been dramatically changing into a livable metropolis. With his exceptional administrative skills and leadership qualities that have now become the yardstick of performance, he continues to prove himself as an agent of positive change. This earned him the moniker “Mr. Governance”.

For his outstanding work, he was conferred the Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, Ateneo de Cagayan, The Outstanding Filipino(TOFIL) Award for Government Service, the H.R Reyes Academic Medallion of Honor, Central Colleges of the Philippines and Doctor of the Public Administration, Honoris Causa by the polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Mr. Political Will. “ Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re” a Latin phrase which means “ Gentle in manner, Resolute in action”. He speaks and deals with people from all walks of life with amiable bearing of a real gentleman but decides and acts with a firm political will, uncompromising with his principles. From his passion of building structures, he now prides himself as a builder of character.

The Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

THE REFORMER… PERFORMER.. AND PROBLEM SOLVER…

THE HONORABLE SECRETARY BAYANI “BF” FERNANDO

Jamby Madrigal

amby Madrigal is currently the Chairperson of four Senate Committees: Committee on Environment, Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations, Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, and the Committee on Cultural Communities.

Jamby Madrigal has filed bills in the areas of education, juvenile justice, gender equality, empowerment, anti-trafficking and anti-pornography. She has also authored bills on the protection of the indigenous peoples and their ancestral domain as well as the protection and conservation of the environment.



Jamby Madrigal likewise sponsored bills advancing national economic interests, such as the repeal of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, as well as measures seeking to place LPG under price control and for the recovery of PETRON and Malampaya.

Jamby Madrigal recently filed a bill repealing RA 7942, the “Mining Act of 1995″ and a bill for the imposition of a total log ban. Both bills aim to protect the last remaining natural resources from wholesale plunder.

In an opposition protest, she was on of the political leaders who were subjected to the Manila Police water cannons while attending a religious procession on October 14, 2005.

Madrigal has declared her candidacy for President in the upcoming 2010 presidential elections.

John Carlos JC de los Reyes

In 1995, John Carlos JC de los Reyes was elected as the city councilor of Olongapo City. During his term, he focused on the poor, the youth and cooperatives.

In the 2007 elections, among 27 local and national candidates, John Carlos JC de los Reyes was the lone winner of the Ang Kapatiran Party, placing second among ten slots for the Olongapo City Council. This was achieved despite a decade absent from local politics.


John Carlos JC de los Reyes free legal assistance program under an informal project named JUSTICE CRUSADE has been widely successful among his constituents. He is presently prioritizing the institutionalization of the Barangay Human Rights Action Centers, the office mandated by law for the protection and prevention of human rights violations in the barangay.

As councilor, de los Reyes has spoken out and campaigned against illegal drugs, rampant violations of worker’s rights at Hanjin, Subic Bay and has campaigned against illegal fish cages in the area. He has also led protests against the proposed coal power plant and has been outspoken in criticizing government’s plan to open more casinos in Subic.

The boldest statement he has made for good governance is the filing of numerous cases before the Ombudsman against high ranking government officials where he himself is complainant. This is in line with his political policy of alleviating the people’s suffering by addressing the problem of expensive and increasing costs of basic needs like water, electricity, medicines, health care, etc., and insuring that these basic services are kept free and far from graft and corruption.

John Carlos JC de los Reyes has been nominated as Presidential candidate to the Philippines for the 2010 elections.

Nicanor Perlas

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III, born January 10, 1950 in Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino activist and a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) in 2003. Currently, he is also a Philippine presidential aspirant for the 2010 presidential elections.

Perlas was the son of Jesus C. Perlas, Sr. and Anunciacion M. Pinda. He finished his elementary education at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1964 and finished his secondary education in the same school in 1968. While spending his high school years at the Ateneo, he was the Athlete of the Year and the recipient of the Silver Medal of the school’s Math and Science Club in 1968.


Perlas pursued his undergraduate studies at the College of Agriculture in Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. With the highest honors, he graduated Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Agronomy and minor in Agricultural Economics in the said educational institution in 1972. He would then seek to pursue his masteral studies at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, but would soon be forced to abandon his studies after being involved in the opposition of the Bataan nuclear power plant under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos.

n June 17, 2009, Nicanor Perlas announced his intentions to become one of the candidates for the Philippine Presidential Elections in May 2010. He announced this during a press conference at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City. [9]

“Perlas is the latest in the list of personalities offering themselves as alternatives to traditional presidential aspirants.”

Jejomar Jojo Binay

Jejomar “Jojo” Cabauatan Binay is the current mayor of the Makati City, Philippines. Jejomar Jojo Binay is also the President of the United Opposition (UNO), President of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) and President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Jejomar Jojo Binay studied at the Philippine Normal College Training Department, University of the Philippines Preparatory High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Bachelor of Laws from UP (LIB). In 1960, he joined Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity in the University of the Philippines (Eta Chapter).



Jejomar Jojo Binay passed the bar exam in 1968, and took masteral subjects in public administration and law in UP and University of Santo Tomas, respectively.

In between jobs and earning degrees, Jejomar Jojo Binay gave lectures and taught law, political science and public administration at the then Philippine College of Commerce (now, Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Philippine Women’s University and St. Scholastica’s College.

Jejomar Jojo Binay gave free legal assistance to poor clients and victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. His passion for protection of human rights developed during his student days in UP, where he was a member of the UP Student Council being University Councilor and was among the acknowledged firebrands of the burgeoning student movement.

Dominador Chipeco, Jr

• Associate Attorney, Carlos J.Valdes & Associates (1968 – 1969)

• Tax Attorney, SGV & Co. (1969 – 1971)

• Tax Attorney, Esso Philippines, Inc. (1971 – 1973)

• Director, Legal Affairs & Human Resources, 3M Philippines Inc., (1973 – 1991)

• Elected to Board of Directors and Board Secretary, 3M Philippines, Inc., (1995 – 2001)

• Sr. Legal Counsel, 3M Southeast Asia Region (1991-1993)

• Former Law Professor, Arellano University

• Director and Legal Counsel, Community Rural Bank of San Felipe, Zambales (1974 to present)

• Director, St. John Colleges, Inc. (1989 to present)

• Consultant, Legal Affairs & Human Resources, Tulay sa Pagunlad (TSPI), Inc., (2007)

* Former Unit Head, Couples for Christ

* Former Coordinator, Ligaya Ng Panginoon

* Director, Pro-Life Philippines



















* Applying universal principles on honesty and integrity as affirmed by gospel based values, delivered seminars/workshops to 3M employees in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on the supreme importance of observing business ethics in the work and market places.

* Participated in the review and design of value formation training materials as a component of the lending program of TSPI to the poor and marginalized.

Loren Legarda

Lorna Regina Bautista Legarda, better known as Loren Legarda, is a Filipino broadcast journalist and politician. In the 2004 Philippines general election, Loren Legarda ran for the position of Vice-President as the running mate of Fernando Poe, Jr. As of 2007, Loren Legarda is serving her second term as an incumbent senator in the Philippines. As a journalist, Loren Legarda had received the national honor of the Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women (TOYM) award and for her humanitarian and environmental work she was named one of the Global Leaders for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and a United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) laureate included in the Global 500 Roll of Honour in 2001. In 2004, she became an Environment Awardee of the Priyadarshni Academy in Mumbai, India.


In 2008 Loren Legarda was appointed as UNISDR Asia Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. Loren Legarda recently participated in the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction, BBC World Debate and Forum on the Human Impact of Climate Change in Geneva, Switzerland.

During the launch of her humanitarian program Lingkod Loren in Luneta last October 23, 2009, Loren Legarda declared her intention to run for vice-president in 2010 under NPC. This week, NP Presidential candidate Manny Villar formally declared his team-up with Loren Legarda for the 2010 Elections.

Edu Manzano

Eduardo “Edu” Barrios Manzano is a Filipino actor, television personality, and politician. He is currently the host of Pilipinas, Game KNB?. Edu Manzano was previously the host of game shows Weakest Link and 1 vs. 100.

Edu Manzano is the co-founder of the non-profit advocacy organization called Ako Mismo, which is also supported by Manuel V. Pangilinan.



Edu Manzano entered politics in 1998 when he ran for Vice Mayor of Makati City. Edu Manzano garnered a majority of votes in the election, but his proclamation was suspended due to a case filed which alleged that he was not a citizen of the Philippines. The Comelec eventually ruled that he was indeed a Filipino citizen, clearing the way for his proclamation as Vice Mayor. Following a three-year term, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for Mayor of Makati City in 2001, losing to Jejomar Binay.

In 2004, Edu Manzano became the first chairman of the Optical Media Board, a government agency tasked with combating optical media piracy. Edu Manzano resigned the position in August 2009.

On November 13, 2009, it was announced that Edu Manzano will be Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s candidate for Vice President in the May 2010 election, and the running mate of presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro.

Jay Sonza

Jay Sonza, a veteran broadcaster, television host, commentator and columnist, is the station manager of UNTV37 and is a co-host of the daily morning show, “Good Morning, Kuya!” and of the evening news program, “Ito Ang Balita”.

Aside from his stint at UNTV, he juggles his job as political adviser, columnist/contributing editor for ABANTE: Una Sa Balita and TONITE, two national daily tabloids.

He is likewise the Chairman of the Board of TAPATAN Incorporated, a multi-media and consultancy firm, and the first Nine Food Ventures, Inc., a fast food service company.

He manages a modest mango farm in Davao, and orchard and gamefowl breeding at Sta Maria, Bulacan.


A pure-blooded Kapampangan, with roots from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Jose Yumang Sonza was born on September 21, 1955 and stayed there until his primary education in Sto. Rosario, Macabebe, Pampanga. The entire family migrated to Mindanao in the mid-60s.

In this Land of Promise, he graduated with honors from the Mabuhay Elementary School during his elementary years, the Narareth College and Holy Cross of Bansalan during his secondary years, and the University of Mindanao with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics course.

Jay is also lucky to have undergone special studies in economics, social work, human resource development, local government administration, politics and economies of Asia and the Pacific, journalism and satellite broadcast operations both here and abroad.

Governance is his humble professional beginning, starting off as a youth development worker of the Bureau of Youth Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Development. He later became a radio-producer-announcer of the Bureau of Broadcast, Ministry of Public Information; a regional information officer of the Commission on Population; and a public information officer and senior executive assistant of the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur.

This journalist is a recipient of all national broadcasting awards (Philippine Movie Press Club - Star Awards for Television, Cultural Center of the Philippine - Gawad Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, Rotary Club of Manila - Outstanding Journalist Award, Catholic Mass Media Awards for Public Service, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas - Golden Dove Awards), the New York International Television Festival Awards and the Asian Television Awards for broadcast excellence.

Because of his contribution to society and the country, he has been bestowed awards and citations by various organizations, schools, universities, national agencies, and local government units. Notable among them are the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Mindanao - Davao City, the Most Outstanding Pampango Award from the Pampanga Provincial Government, and the Outstanding Dabawenyo Award from the Provincial Govenment of Davao del Sur.

Perfecto Jun Yasay Jr

My Dear Friends and Supporters,

On November 29, 2009, I accepted the nomination of Bangon Pilipinas Party as candidate for Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. I will be the running mate of former evangelist, Brother Eddie C. Villanueva, who is the party’s nominee for President.

The nomination was a complete surprise for me, considering that I was also recommended by well-meaning friends to run under three other traditional political parties of the country that could enhance my chances of winning as Senator.

It is not easy for one who considers a government office as a public trust that requires competence, moral courage and a singular purpose of selflessly serving the people, to decide to seek public office. The standards for national leadership are high and must be taken very seriously by everyone.


I still recall the time that I was Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, when I stood up against the President – the most powerful man in the country - on the issue of corruption and abuse of power and disobeyed and exposed his unlawful commands and orders, thereby risking my life and the safety of my family. For this reason, I was given the EDSA People Power Freedom Award for Undaunted Courage as a key witness in the historic impeachment trial of that president. I was also named by the prestigious international magazine, Business Week in its July 3, 2000 issue as one of the Stars of Asia for being at the forefront of change in striving for a firmer foundation for a nation torn by crisis.

To be in public service is to face formidable adversaries much bigger than one’s strength because it is dominated by many vested interests that every effort at reform is met with obtrusive defiance and calloused resistance. It is like being thrown into a den of ferocious beasts where one will never survive, unless he has the moral courage, and yet the humility to puts his trust in God.

As I see it, there are two fundamental problems that have perennially resulted in the long sufferings of our people. The first is systemic corruption and dishonesty in government that has stunted our economic growth and engendered widespread inequalities. The second is lawlessness and violence stemming from the failure of government to address the years of social injustices and oppression endured by our marginalized brothers and sisters. Sadly, their resort to desperate illegal measures have been encouraged and justified by the blatant acts of the highest officials who have clung to power through deceit and the disregard for the rule of law.

It took me several weeks of prayer, asking God for guidance and strength before I could accept the nomination. I feel strongly that he has led me to Bangon Pilipinas and this is affirmed by friends who also prayed for my deliverance and who were simply awed and blessed by what God revealed to them.

Being with Bangon Pilipinas is running under a non-traditional political party committed to make a difference for change in the belief that deserving candidates for public office will win because of the people’s trust and not through a fraudulent and devastating electoral tradition that has undermined our democratic institutions and has given our nation the image of being the “sick man of Asia” and the reputation of being one of the most corrupt in the world.

I will be competing with traditional politicians backed up by powerful political parties with the organization and machinery to launch campaigns under the rotten electoral process that must be changed. They come from rich and influential families or are have already become prominent and permanent names in the political arena. This gives them an awesome advantage and makes my successful bid extremely difficult. Some of them were my allies when I stood up for truth and righteousness during the presidential impeachment trial. But more than adherence to what was morally right I believe they only did what was politically expedient at the time, as shown by their words and actions.

However, I know I will be making a big difference because, unlike them, I come from a very modest family, my father being a pastor and my mother a public school teacher. Despite the fact that my parents were poor, they taught their children the value of honest and hard work. We were trained not merely to survive, but to live and serve with honor and dignity. I learned from them immutable lessons in life, and to make choices on the basis of what is right and not on what is advantageous or practical. Above all, from them I have learned that the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom.

Coming from a poor family has made me understand the problems and needs of the underprivileged masses for whose hopes and burdens I share; as a product of our inadequately funded public school system I appreciate the urgent need to invest much more of the nation’s wealth and resources towards the education of our youth, rather than to waste them needlessly in election campaigns or divert them through the pockets of corrupt public officials. I also believe in the urgency of addressing the fundamental inequalities in our socio-economic and agrarian environment with the view of democratizing wealth and broadening the opportunities for wealth creation amongst our people.

I realize that the real change this country need, must start with the right foot. This means that all those who aspire for public office must, above all, be morally strong and upright. They must not be part or encourage a destructive electoral process that requires enormous and unreasonable sums of money for one to be elected; where if elected either by their own resources, or through the contributions of interest groups, will be forced to recover these amounts while in office and thus promote an endless system where the rich become richer and the poor, poorer.

It is for this reason that I feel God has led me to Bangon Pilipinas because it is the political party that offers the people the best alternative for real change that they can hope for in leaders who will be true to their words and commitment to serve than those provided by traditional politicians who have retained power through deception and empty promises.

Perfecto Jun Yasay Jr

Mar Roxas

Manuel “Mar” Araneta Roxas II is a Senator of the Philippines. Mar Roxas is the son of former Senator Gerry Roxas, and the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas.

A graduate of the Wharton School of Economics, Mar Roxas worked as an investment banker, mobilizing venture capital funds for small and medium enterprises. Mar Roxas served as the Representative of the 1st District of Capiz from 1993 to 2000. Mar Roxas stint as Congressman was cut short after he was appointed by President Joseph Estrada as Secretary of Trade and Industry. Mar Roxas resigned from the position at the height of the EDSA Revolution of 2001 and was later re-appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her new Cabinet. Mar Roxas resigned again to run for a Senate seat in the 2004 Philippine election. Mar Roxas was elected as Senator with 19 million votes, the highest ever garnered by a national candidate in any Philippine election.




















Initially one of the leading contenders in the Philippine presidential election, 2010, he has slid down to becoming a vice-presidential candidate to make way for Noynoy Aquino. Though Mar Roxas’s supporters assert that this demonstrated his selflessness, his critics claim that he had done so as a way to secure a graceful exit as he was not performing well in the surveys leading up to the decision.

Is the Philippines ready for Dick Gordon?

With his track record as a leader and executive, it is not a question of whether Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon is ready for the presidency but whether Filipinos are ready to vote for him.

Without much hype or preamble, Gordon had announced he was running for president on December 1 as he filed his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections.

The announcement came as a surprise.

It was his running mate, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando, who was bent on running for president.

Their tandem, under the newly formed Bagumbayan Party, was seemingly formed at the last minute and without a senatorial slate.

Gordon told reporters they teamed up Monday night (November 30), the eve of the deadline for the filing of candidacy.

Fernando said he gave way to his new party mate, owing to Gordon’s senatorial experience.

“No one is lazy on this team. No one is stupid on this team. 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 after his announcement.

Thus began what political analyst Benito Lim describes as either a perfect pairing or a political headache.

‘Tough love’

Gordon has been called a “dictator” both for his single-minded drive to achieve a vision for his constituency and his brutal frankness, interpreted as arrogance or abrasiveness.

“He does not know how to consult with his people. He runs things as if he were the only one capable of thinking and the rest are all nincompoops,” said Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, a long-time critic of Gordon, in a Probe Profiles interview.

Philippine Star columnist Boo Chanco, a good friend of Gordon's and Fernando's, described it as a “lack of inclination to listen to contrary opinions.”

“I get the impression that once they make up their minds on a course of action, [there] is absolutely little chance they will consider other options,” he wrote in his December 4 column titled “Demand and Supply.”

In numerous interviews, Gordon insisted that his straightforward approach is simply his way of “teaching others.”

He does not mince words and swiftly points out incompetence, qualities that are often misinterpreted.

“My name is Dick, but I’m not a ‘tator’,” Gordon quipped in a Probe Profiles Interview. “If I get mad at you, that means I love you. If I don’t talk to you, that’s when you should worry, because then you are nothing to me.”

Two dictators?

Gordon’s partnership with Fernando, who is viewed as a dictator and tough disciplinarian, could be a potential liability for Gordon’s campaign.

“It’s like [Gordon] was looking for a headache,” Lim said in a phone interview “Bayani is really hard-headed. Many voters dislike [Bayani].”

“He (Bayani Fernando) has a public image as… a ‘Hitler’ (dictator) because of what he did to the vendors and the continuous traffic,” Lim added. “In that sense, Gordon will have to contend with negative reactions.”

Though credited for his numerous public works and traffic system projects, Fernando’s violent dispersal of sidewalk vendors and demolition of squatters' houses has not endeared him to the masses.

The twin values of discipline and strictness are the pillars of Gordon’s no-nonsense leadership style, just like his running mate.

In their view, discipline and order is exactly what the country needs.

“I tell things like it is. I tell people off. And if [people] don’t like that, fine, I can live with that. But don’t complain if you get somebody you like and not somebody that’s needed,” Gordon said in another interview.

Decisive, no nonsense

Gordon’s strongest suit by far is his experience. At 64, Gordon has held a variety of top positions, both in government and in the private sector.

A law student at the time, he was the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. He was brand manager of Procter & Gamble and was a litigation lawyer of ACCRA Law Offices.

Taking after his father (James L. Gordon) and mother (Amelia Gordon), who ran the city in 1963 and 1967 respectively, Gordon became mayor of Olongapo City in Zambales from 1980 to 1986.

He turned the former “sin city” into a model one by boosting police accountability through I.D. systems, proper health and sanitation, waste management and the strict enforcement of color coding in public transport.

In 1992, while in his second term as Olongapo City mayor, he became the founding chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Charged with converting the former US naval base into a prime economic zone, Gordon attracted 300 foreign and local investors to Subic Bay. It became the site of the 1996 APEC Summit.

Dual roles

He vacated his mayoral post and assumed full capacity as SBMA Chairman after a citizen in 1993 complained of his dual role and the Supreme Court ruled he should only have one role.

His wife, Katherine Gordon, replaced him as Olongapo City mayor in 1995.

From February 2001 to January 2004, he was appointed secretary of tourism and vigorously publicized the “Wow Philippines!” campaign, which enticed foreign tourists to the country.

In 2004, he ran and won for Senator under Lakas-CMD, garnering over 12.7 million votes at 5th place in the Senate race. He has helped pass the New Automated Elecion System Law and tax laws.

As head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he helped expose corruption in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration by publishing a report on the NBN-ZTE deal.

He has also been part of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) for 40 years and stands as its Chairman and CEO. Gordon is credited for helping modernize the PNRC’s rescue equipment and facilities, and boosting its blood bank.

For his dual role as PNRC Chairman and senator, he is the subject of an ethics complaint in the Senate. Gordon said his role as PNRC chairman has not interfered with his role as senator.

‘The transformers’

Gordon’s platform prioritizes health issues and education, including raising teachers’ salaries and disease prevention.

To fund basic social services, Gordon wants to call for a moratorium on debt servicing. He vowed to “use his diplomatic skills to fight the World Bank and International Monetary Fund” in this regard.

Gordon said he plans to decongest Manila and spread businesses out to other urbanized cities like Subic, Clark and Pangasinan.

He also plans to develop core industries like tourism in the country’s island groups. Visayas will be the country’s “beach capital” while Mindanao will focus on aquaculture and agriculture.

Most of all, Gordon’s Bagumbayan party focuses on his favorite adage since the 1980s: “What the country needs is not a change of men but a change in men.”

For Gordon, this means a switch from transactional leadership (a reactionary, rewards and punishments-based leadership) to transformational leadership (proactive and motivational leadership).

Gordon and Fernando have taken to calling themselves “the transformers.”

Need for exposure

Gordon impressed political and media analysts at ANC’s “Harapan 2010: The Presidential Forum” on December 2 with his articulate answers and specific plans of action on issues.

He had also raised sensible questions and gave a fiery speech during the much-publicized joint session of Congress on Martial Law.

However, one of the major challenges Gordon faces, campaign-wise, is to gain more and more exposure.

“He is not that well known. Maybe with the voters of Zambales he is, but as a national candidate, at least based on surveys, he is not,” Lim said. “He doesn’t have the machinery and range to reach voters.”

In a December poll survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), Gordon’s voter preference stood at 0.5%, compared to those who have dominated election surveys like Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (47%) and Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. (20%).

Even before he announced his bid for the presidency, Gordon had less than 1% voter preference in presidential surveys and less than 2% in vice presidential surveys.

Further, both Gordon and Fernando’s votes will most likely come from the rich and middle class, Lim said. This is only a small portion of the electorate.

“He has a nice platform and slogan (change from transactional to transformational leadership) but he has to translate it in simple terms so that ordinary voters can understand. He has to prove he is different,” Lim said.

Gordon is certainly in for a tough battle for the presidency. But as Gordon said in one of his magazine interviews, he never backs down from a fight.

Source: ABS CBN NEWS

Ninoy Aquino brother joins Nephew’s Campaign

Paul Aquino, a veteran of three presidential campaigns and uncle of Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, has joined his nephew’s campaign.

Aquino, who helped President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo win the last presidential election, has been serving as a “consultant” in his nephew’s campaign for a month now, according to LP overall campaign manager Florencio Butch Abad.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, designated by the party as “campaign manager for the senatorial slate,” said that Aquino had been actively helping the campaign but preferred to “stay in the background.”

“He’s taking a low-profile role,” he said of Aquino, the youngest brother of martyred Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Nevertheless, Pangilinan added, some members of the party tended to refer to Aquino as the “campaign guru.”

Both Abad and Pangilinan said Aquino would be a big help, given the latter’s expertise in running a presidential campaign, noting that he helped not only Ms Arroyo but his sister-in-law, the late President Corazon Aquino, and before that presidential candidate Ramon Mitra, who lost the 1998 race to former President Fidel Ramos.

It was not clear though if Aquino has left his job as president and chief executive officer of Energy Development Corp. (EDC, formerly PNOC Energy Development Corp.). He was appointed to the position by President Arroyo in 2004.

In a phone interview, Abad said it was Sen. Noynoy Aquino who asked his uncle to help in his campaign.

Abad said rumors that he had been replaced as campaign manager by Aquino were not true. “He (Aquino) has expertise in three presidential campaigns and local campaigns. He is a valuable asset,” he said.

Strategizing

Abad said Aquino had been “very helpful,” giving “inputs on organizing sorties” that would be obligatory to national candidates of the 2010 polls starting on Feb.8.

Aquino’s role will be giving advice on “strategizing and messaging,” according to Abad.

Pangilinan for his part said he had accepted Noynoy Aquino’s offer to be on top of the campaign to put the party’s senatorial slate in the winning column. He said the designation would be finalized after the holidays.

Pangilinan said his job would be to “help (the senatorial slate) get together and organize the group into a team so we can maximize the 90 days of campaign.”

He said, “The dust is settling down and we’re now in the midst of organizing the campaign,” he said.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Pacquiao endorses Villar

The Philippines' boxing icon Manny Pacquiao endorsed Senator Manuel Villar for the elections on May 10, 2010 after he formalized his party's alliance with the tycoon's Nacionalista Party (NP) on Friday.

All members of Pacquiao's local political party, People's Champ Movement, were present when the new World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion signed an oath of affiliation in the presence of Villar at around 1 a.m.

The alliance was formally sealed after Pacquiao's 31st birthday celebration at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City.

"Siya ang karapat-dapat dahil alam niya ang nararamdaman ng isang mahirap. Alam niya ang tunay na kalagayan ng mga mahihirap," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao's alliance with Villar's political party ends speculations on who he will support for president in 2010.

Pacquiao was courted by the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, which is backing former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. His hands have also been raised by former President Joseph Estrada, presidential candidate of the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

"Iginagalang ko naman ang Lakas. May pambato silang iba. Ako naman, dapat may national na kaalyado rin," said Pacquiao

Commenting on the endorsement, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, a leader of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said: "[It's] definitely an added advertisement value for them considering that this election is gearing towards the Stars."

Malacañang said it respects Pacquiao’s decision to join forces with Villar.

"I will not be surprised if he would have preferred to be with the administration party. But it's his decision to make," said presidential spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar.

Lakas officer and Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Prospero Pichay, meanwhile, said that Pacquiao’s agreement with NP came in too late.

He said Pacquiao, who earned the distinction of being the first boxer to win 7 world titles, will remain in the Lakas-Kampi stable because he failed to beat the deadline imposed by the Commission on Elections for those who want to switch parties.

“Nananatiling Lakas-Kampi and partido ni Pacman sa candidacy na finile niya sa COMELEC... December 15 ang last day ng substitution,” he said.

Value of Pacquiao's endorsement

But how important is Pacquiao's endorsement?

In the October 22-30 survey of polling firm, Pulse Asia, 1,800 respondents were asked: "Kung sakali na ang isang kandidato sa pagka Presidente ay suportahan ni Pacquiao, siguradong iboboto ninyo, malamang na iboboto ninyo, malamang na hindi iboboto, siguradong hindi ninyo iboboto ang kandidatong inindorso ni Pacquiao?"

"In case Pacquiao supports a presidential candidate, will you surely vote, probably vote, probably not vote, surely not vote for his endorsed candidate?"

The survey found that 2% of respondents said they would "surely vote" for a presidential candidate endorsed by Pacquiao, while 19% said they would "probably" vote for Pacquiao's bet.

On the other hand, 35% of respondents said they would "probably not vote for" Pacquiao's presidential bet, while 36% said they would "surely not vote for" his candidate.

A total of 3% said Pacquiao's endorsement would not have any effect, while 3% refused to answer.

The survey has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.

Villar can cut Nonoy's big lead

With a 21% value (2% surely vote/19% probably vote), Pacquiao's endorsement may allow Villar to cut Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III's big lead over him.

According to the latest, Social Weather Stations (SWS) presidential survey conducted November 4-8, Aquino had a big 27% lead over Villar.

Aquino got a 47% presidential preference rating while Villar was second with 20%.

The survey has a margin of error of plus/minus 3%.

Pacquiao is seeking the lone congressional district seat of the province of Sarangani.

This is Pacquiao's 2nd congressional bid. He lost to South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio in 2007.

Villar, meanwhile, said more 2010 candidates are forging an alliance with the NP. He said all NP alliances will be formalized before the start of campaign period in February next year.

The property tycoon is running with vice-presidential candidate, Senator Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition.

Real reason for poll counting machines delay bared

Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials on Thursday virtually acknowledged Smartmatic-TIM’s failure to deliver the agreed first batch of 42,000 units of counting machines for the May 2010 polls due to production constraints of the manufacturing subcontractor in Shanghai, China.

Comelec chair Jose Melo earlier said that Smartmatic-TIM could only deliver 30,000 this month because of the high shipping costs due to the holidays.

But in Thursday’s hearing of the joint Congressional oversight committee on automation, it was disclosed that Smartmatic has only manufactured 30,000 units this month, not 40,000 as earlier announced.

Initially, Comelec officials stuck to the alibi that the first batch of 40,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines may not arrive as scheduled because of delivery problems.

“It is actually a delivery problem because of the lack of maritime vessels that would bring the PCOS from Shanghai to Manila. It is Christmas season and everything comes from China,” Comelec executive director Jose Tolentino said when asked whether it is delivery or manufacturing problem that causing the delay in the automation project.

But when pressed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman whether the 40,000 to be delivered this December were already manufactured and ready for shipping, Tolentino backtracked.

Tolentino admitted that only 30,000 have been produced so far, and that the 10,000 units are still to be manufactured.

“We have a team that went to Shanghai, and based on the production run that was conducted, the spare parts available at the manufacturing plant, it's correct that more or less about 30,000 will be available by December,” Tolentino said.

Under the P7.1 billion contract signed between Comelec and Smartmatic, the latter is supposed to produce 82,200 PCOS machines for the country’s first ever nationwide polls.

The machines were supposed to be delivered in two batches, with the first batch of 40,000 last November.

However, only 9,800 would be delivered this month, and another 20,200 units after the holiday rush.

Revised timetable

Smartmatic, however, maintains that the delays in the automation project pertained only to delivery problems.

In spite of the apparent production problems, Comelec is optimistic that Smartmatic would be able to complete the manufacture of machines by February.

Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that based on a revised timetable, Smartmatic will be able to beat the deadline of the delivery of machines by one week.

Concerns have been raised over Smartmatic’s failure to beat its deadline in the delivery of machines, which is causing a domino effect on Comelec’s timetable.

The field testings and mock elections should have been held last November and this month, but the lack of machines prompted Comelec to revise its schedule.

The Comelec has also yet to start training teachers and poll officials on poll automation.

Extended poll registration only for first time voters

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Friday that it will accommodate only first time voters during the extended registration period ordered by the Supreme Court.

The poll body's 3-page resolution specifies that only new voters can go to the election offices in their respective municipalities or cities.

The Comelec will no longer accept requests by previously registered voters for a transfer of polling precincts or for changes in the entries in their registration records.

The Supreme Court has ruled for the reopening of the voters registration after Ang Kabataan party-list group challenged the Comelec's resolution to set an earlier deadline for voters' registration due to preparations for the poll automation.

The first deadline set in an earlier Comelec resolution was December 15. The poll body pushed it back to October 31.

The extended voters' registration period is from December 21 to 29. The deadline for the filing of opposition to registrants will be on January 6. The hearing of petitions to disapprove applicants will be held on January 9.

Unlike in the regular voters' registration period, the Comelec this time will not have satellite registration sites.

The Comelec’s information technology department will develop an appropriate program that will separate the records of voters registered before November 17, and for registrants who will be approved on January 9.

As of July 20, the Comelec approved about 1.8 million new registrants.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Voters can still register until January 9, 2010

The Supreme Court has extended the voters’ registration for the 2010 elections to January 9 after it nullified a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution that limited the said registration to October 31, 2009, a radio report said on Tuesday.

In its nine-page ruling issued on Tuesday, the high tribunal moved the registration’s deadline as a reply to the petition of Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino to extend voters’ registration.

The congressman questioned the shortened period for registration, saying that according to Section 8 of the Voter Registration Act of 1996, "registration should be daily and 120 days before election."

“We welcome this decision of the Supreme Court. We hope that more of the youth will go out and register for the coming elections," Palatino told GMANews.TV in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

Palatino said he was expecting the poll body to come up with guidelines on the resumption of voters’ registration as soon as possible.



Difficult situation

Comelec chairman Jose Melo said the decision had placed the poll body in a difficult situation. “Medyo mahihirapan na tayong ihabol ang listahan (It’s going to be hard for us to come out with the voter’s list on time)," he said at a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that aside from the tedious process of approving voters, the consolidation of the master list and its distribution to the precincts would take a lot of time.

Melo said there would be problem on the voters' part if the list does not reach a specific precinct in time for the May 10 elections. A voter’s list indicates whether a voter can vote in a specific precinct.

“Paano boboto ang mga tao kung walang voter's list (How can people vote if there is no voter’s list)?" he said.

Year-long registration

The poll body has repeatedly said in the past that there was no need for an extension of registration because they were given ample time to register. Registration ran for almost a year, from December 2008 to October 31, 2009.

It added that it’s not them but the Filipino “national behavior" of waiting for the last minute to do something is to blame for the “disenfranchisement" of some voters.

But Melo said that since what the SC says is law, they cannot do anything but follow it. “We’ll see how we can do it," he said, adding that they are yet to receive a copy of the ruling.

Earlier, the Comelec said that as of the December 10, the number of registered voters had reached 49,271,492.

In the 2007 elections, there were 45,029,443 registered voters.

Partial list of qualified 2010 bets

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will release Tuesday an initial list of candidates qualified to participate in the 2010 elections.

“Tomorrow we will come out with the list of those who are qualified to run for president, vice president, senators, and probably party-list," Chairman Jose Melo told reporters in an interview Monday.

He said they included in the list people who have submitted the needed formal requirements and are capable to pursue a national campaign.

Melo said those who will not be included in the list will be given three days after the announcement of the Comelec decision to file their motion for reconsideration.

Those who will be disqualified from running are mostly "nuisance" candidates, according to Melo.

Comelec Resolution No. 8678 states that a nuisance candidate is one who “put(s) the election process in mockery or disrepute, cause(s) confusion among the voters by the similarity of names of registered candidates, or one who has no bona fide intention to run for the office."

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Comelec main office, which ran from November 20 until midnight of December 1, drew 99 presidential hopefuls compared to 84 in 2004. Of the 84, only five were considered official candidates.

On the other hand, there are 20 vice presidential candidates who filed their COCs this year, which is one candidate shy of the 21 in the previous national elections. Of the 21, only four were allowed to run during the election proper.

For senatorial aspirants, a total of 158 filed for next year compared to only 88 in 2004. Of the 88, only 48 were declared official candidates.

A total of 68,000 candidates ran in the May 2004 elections while some 46,000 aspirants filed their COCs in the 2007 local elections.

Comelec OKs candidacies of 8 presidential, 8 VP, and 58 senatorial bets

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the candidacies of eight people running for president, another eight eyeing the vice presidential post, and 58 other individuals seeking a seat at the Senate in the 2010 elections.

During Tuesday’s press conference at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, the poll body’s chairman, Jose Melo said that only eight of the 99 presidential hopefuls were granted the right to run in next year’s elections. They are:

* Aquino, Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" III (Liberal Party)
* Delos Reyes, John Carlos “JC" (Ang Kapatiran)
* Ejercito Estrada, Joseph M. (Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino – UNO)
* Gordon, Richard J. (Bagumbayan)
* Madrigal, Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby" AS. (Independent)
* Teodoro, Gilberto Jr. C. (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
* Villanueva, Eddie C. (Bangon Pilipinas)
* Villar, Manuel Jr. B. (Nacionalista Party)

The approved list of presidential candidates did not include Nicanor Perlas.

But Melo said the list was not yet final. He said those who were not included on the list would have until Monday (December 21) to file a verified opposition to the poll body’s decision.

“We will give them five days, they have up to Monday. We’ll probably be able to make a decision by the end of the next week," said Melo.

Likewise, only eight of the 20 vice presidential hopefuls got the nod of the poll body on the initial list. They are:

* Binay, Jejomar C. (PDP-Laban)
* Chipeco, Dominador “Jun" Jr. F. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Fernando, Bayani F. (Bagumbayan)
* Legarda, Loren B. (National People’s Coalition)
* Manzano, Edu B. (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
* Roxas, Manuel “Mar" II A. (Liberal Party)
* Sonza, Jose “Jay" Y. (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan)
* Yasay, Perfecto Jr. R. (Bangon Pilipinas)

Meanwhile, the 58 out of the 158 senatorial aspirants are with approved candidacies are:

* Acosta, Jr. Nereus O. (LP)
* Albani, Shariff Ibrahim H. (KBL)
* Alonto, Zafrullah M. (Bangon Pilipinas)
* Baraquel, Ana. Theresa H. (LP)
* Bautista, J.V. Larion (PMP)
* Bautista, Martin D. (LP)
* Bello, Silvestre III H. (Lakas)
* Biazon, Rozanno Rufino B. (LP)
* Revilla, Ramon “Bong" B. (Lakas)
* Caunan, Henry B. (PDP-Laban)
* Cayetano, Pilar Juliana US. (NP)
* David, Rizalito Y. (Ang Kapatiran)
* De Venecia, Jose III P. (PMP)
* Defensor-Santiago, Miriam P.(People’s Reform Party)
* Drilon, Franklin M. (LP)
* Enrile, Juan Ponce (PMP)
* Estrada, Jinggoy E. (PMP)
* Guico, Ramon, Jr. N. (Lakas)
* Guingona, Teofisto III D. (LP)
* Imbong, Jo Aurea M. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Incencio, Ma. Katherine Luningning R. (Bangon Pilipinas)
* Lacson, Alexander L. (LP)
* Lambino, Raul L. (Lakas)
* Langit, Rey M. (Lakas)
* Lao, Yasmin B. (LP)
* Lapid, Manuel M. (Lakas)
* Lood, Alma A. (KBL)
* Lozada, Jose Apolinario Jr. L (PMP)
* Maambong, Regalado E. (KBL)
* Marcos, Ferdinand Jr. R. (NP)
* Maza, Liza L. (Independent)
* Millora, Ma. Judea G. (KBL)
* Mitra, Ramon B. (NP)
* Ocampo, Ramoncito P. (Bangong Pilipinas)
* Ocampo, Saturnino C. (Bayan Muna)
* Ople, Susan V. (NP)
* Osmeña, Sergio III D. (Independent)
* Palparan, Jovito Jr. S. (Independent)
* Papin, Imelda A. (KBL)
* Paredes, Zosimo Jesus II M. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Pimentel, Gwendolyn D. (PDP-Laban)
* Plaza, Rodolfo Rodrigo g. (NPC)
* Princesa, Reynaldo R. (Bangon Pilipinas)
* Querubin, Ariel O. (NP)
* Recto, Ralph G. (LP)
* Remulla, Gilbert Cesar C. (NP)
* Riñoza-Plazo, Maria Gracia DV. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Roco, Sonia M. (LP)
* Sison, Adrian O. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Sotto, Vicente III C. (NPC)
* Tamano, Adel A. (NP)
* Tamayo, Reginald B. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Tarrazona, Hector M. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Tatad, Francisco S. (Grand Alliance for Democracy)
* Tinsay, Alexander B. (Bangon Pilipinas))
* Valdehuesa, Manuel Jr. E. (Ang Kapatiran)
* Villanueva, Hector L. (KBL)
* Virgines, Israel N. (Bangon Pilipinas)

The basis

Melo was quick to note, however, that being excluded from the list did not necessarily mean that an aspirant was already considered a nuisance candidate.

According to Comelec Resolution No. 8678, a nuisance candidate is one who “put(s) the election process in mockery or disrepute," “cause(s) confusion among the voters by the similarity of names of registered candidates," or one who “has no bona fide intention to run for the office."

“Most of them have well intentions but have no financial networking systems," added Melo.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the poll body based its decision on the aspirant’s ability to pursue a national campaign.

Petitions and disqualification cases

On the other hand, Melo said the Comelec would raffle off the cases of the candidates who have disqualification cases lodged against them.

“That will be given preference," he said, adding that four of those allowed to run for president have disqualification cases filed against them – namely Aquino, Estrada, Teodoro, and Villar.

He said their names will remain on the ballot whatever the decision of the poll body and of the Supreme Court (if the case is elevated there) may be because the printing of the ballots will be conducted on January 7 or 8, leaving no time for sudden changes in its layout.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Eddie Villanueva

Bro. Eddie: A radical student reformist during the 70’s, professor of economics, finance and political economy in PUP and Christian evangelist that has helped transform the lives of millions of Filipinos here and abroad.

ACADEMIC RECORD

Tertiary : Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) 1969
Student leader and consistent academic scholar, 1969-1976
Course : Bachelor of Science in Commerce
Major : Economics
Minor : Finance

Adjudged : Best Debater of the Year College of Law, University of the Philippines SY 1971-1972
Adjudged : Best Debater of the Year Polytechnic University of the Philippines SY. 1967-1968

PRESENT POSITIONS

• President, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Worldwide Movement (already resigned)
• President and Chairman, ZOE Broadcasting Network (franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33)
• Chancellor, Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc.
• Chairman, Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement
• National Chairman, Philippines for Jesus Movember (PJM)
• Member, Board of Trustees International Bible Society-Philippines
• Chairman, International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom (a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world)
• Vice-Chairman of Executive Council, Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) 1989 to date; Bangkok, Thailand
• TV Host, Jesus the Healer, ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7; Diyos At Bayan, ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7
• Columnist, Abante and Abante-Tonite and monthly publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan

PAST POSITIONS

• Longest-Sitting Member, Board of Regents, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP); honored by the University for donating his entire honorarium to the PUP Scholarship Fund.
• Radio Host, Tinig sa Itaas, DZJV 1458 (Station located at Calamba, Laguna)
• Author, Find It! Straight From The Word (Copyright 2004, Eduardo C. Villanueva); Surest Covenant (Copyright 2004, Eduardo C. Villanueva)
• Contributor, Legacy (Copyright 2005, Church Strengthening Ministries); This Is My Story (Copyright 2004, Cityland Foundation, Inc.)
• Part-Time Faculty Member, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), 1978-1979
• General Manager, Agape Trading Company, 1976-1977
• Export Manager, Maran Export Industries, 1973-1975
• Full-time Faculty Member, Department of Economics & Finance, Philippine College of Commerce, now, PUP, 1969-1972



INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL HONORS AND CITATIONS

• Conferred with Doctorate Degree on Divinity by Promise Christian University through Dr. Michael McKinney on August 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California, USA
• Conferred with “Doctor in Education Management, Honoris Causa” from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, November 28, 2003
• Conferred with “Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, Honoris Causa” from Bulacan State University, October 3, 2003
• Conferred with "EDSA People Power Freedom Award" for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 on February 25, 2001, Edsa .
• Conferred with "Gintong Ama" (Golden Father) Award for Socio-Civic/Religious Sector by Golden Mother and Father Foundation on June 16, 1996 at Metro Theater, Manila
• Conferred with the "Office of Episcopacy" by the cross-section of the Body of Christ in the Philippines on April 12, 1996 in Manila, Philippines

Richard Gordon

Dick Gordon is a consistent and proven transformational leader.

In the 2004 national elections when he ran as senator of the Philippines, despite the initial low public opinion surveys, Gordon won and received the fifth highest number of votes from the electorate even without sectoral and religious command vote support. Filipinos warmly received his very positive personality and track record of achievements.

He passed the very first law in the 13th Congress, Republic Act No. 9333, fixing the regular elections at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and several other important laws, including Republic Act No. 9369, the New Automated Election System law; Republic Act No. 9334, the Sin Tax Law, Republic Act Nos. 9399 and 9400, fixing the tax regime in Special Economic Zones and Freeports in Clark in Pampanga, Poro Point in La Union; and John Hay in Baguio; Republic Act No. 9346, the abolition of the death penalty law; and Republic Act No. 9367, the Biofuels Act of 2007.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Senate Committee of Constitutional Amendements and Revision of Laws, he upheld the supremacy of the Constitution at all times. Though he may not have voted for the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, he took an oath to preserve and defend it. He insisted on the lawful process of charter change only according to the process set forth in the Constitution. He opposed the unconstitutional People’s Initiative and was one of the triumphant parties in the case of Lambino and Aumentado vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 174153, October 25, 2006.

He also preserved the separation of powers in government and asserted the Senate’s constitutional right and duty to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation against Executive Order No. 464 in Senate, et al. vs. Ermita, G.R. No. 169777, April 20, 2006, and Executive Order No. 1 in Sabio vs. Gordon, et al., G.R. No. 174340, October 17, 2006.

In 2001, he transformed the moribund Philippines Tourism industry: plagued by a negative image of kidnappings and SARS disease and complicated by an era of continued threat of terrorism. As Secretary of Tourism he accomplished this with his campaign: "WOW Philippines! More than the usual!" This resulted to increased tourist arrivals that rejuvenated the industry, becoming the country’s acknowledged fastest way to address poverty and unemployment. In addition, in his capacity as World Tourism Organization (WTO) Commissioner for East Asia and the Pacific in 2002 and Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for 2003, he became the chief advocate of Third World countries that have been unduly affected in tourism and trade by unfair Travel Advisories imposed by Western governments.

In 1992, he led the successful conversion of the former United States’ naval facility in Subic Bay. He turned it into the Philippines’ primary trade zone. This was when the Philippine Senate rejected a treaty extension ending a century of US military presence in the country. He lobbied in Congress for the passage of a bill he drafted based on an old plan to convert the American naval and air force facilities in Subic and Clark respectively into economic enclaves by the creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

As founding Chair and Administrator of the SBMA, he inspired an army of 8,000 volunteers who protected and preserved the U.S.$ 8 billion facility. Together with the volunteers, he successfully transformed Subic into a premier investment hub that hosted the 4th APEC Leaders Summit in 1996. By the time he left in 1998, SBMA had over 300 investors including notable American companies: Federal Express, Coastal Petroleum and Enron. It even had British firms, BICC Cables and Shell Exploration as well as Taiwan’s Acer Computers and France’s Thompson Audio. More than 90,000 jobs were created under his leadership.

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan- PDP-LABAN

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan- PDP-LABAN

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or the Philippine Democratic Party-People’s Power, is a government political party in the Philippines. According to the Philippine House of representative, the political party holds 4 out of 235 seats (state of the parties, of June 2005). It is governed by the current Philippine senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr..

Other Information

  • Leader : Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
  • President : Jejomar Binay
  • Chairman : Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
  • Secretary-General : Sergio Osmeña III
  • Founded : 1982
  • Headquarters : Makati City
  • Political ideology : Social democracy, Social conservatism
  • International affiliation : None
  • Colors :Red, Yellow and Black
  • Seats in the Senate : 1
  • Seats in the House of Representatives : 4

Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas

PDSP stands for Partido Demokratiko-Sosyalista ng Pilipinas. The PDSP is a nationwide political party whose membership are drawn from all classes and sectors of Philippine society: workers, farmers, fisherfolk, women, youth & students, elderly, moro and indigenous people, urban poor, transport groups, religious groups, and some progressive elements of the professionals and persons in business. It embodies the interests and aspirations of the people of the Philippines and works for their empowerment, especially of the poor and disadvantaged who are marginalized by unjust societal structures.

PDSP is the political party that champions peace-making in the Philippines. It traces its root with the ceaseless struggle for peace and for fundamental social changes. It professes democracy and works for the preservation of the democratic space and the democratization of the Philippine society. It works to transform the existing inequitable and inhumane societal systems to establish a society that equally cares for all.
The PDSP is a Consultative Member of the Socialist International (SI). It has in its fold as members 143 political parties in 105 countries all over the globe.

Other Information

  • Leader : Norberto Gonzales
  • President : Chairman Norberto Gonzales
  • Secretary-General : Atty. Ramel Muria (acting)
  • Founded : May 1, 1973
  • Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
  • Political ideology : Social democracy
  • International affiliation : Socialist International (consultative)
  • Colors : Red, White, and Green
  • Seats in the Senate : 0
  • Seats in the House of Representatives : 3

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

The Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Filipino Masses), formerly Partido ng Masang Pilipino (Party of the Filipino Masses) is a populist political party in the Philippines. It is the political party of former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. In the 1998 Presidential elections, it aligned itself with other political parties to create Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino or LAMMP (Struggle of the Patriotic Filipino Masses).

Other Information

  • Leader : Joseph Estrada
  • President : Jinggoy Estrada
  • Chairman : Joseph Estrada
  • Secretary-General : Joseph Victor Ejercito
  • Founded : 1991
  • Headquarters : San Juan City, Metro Manila
  • Political ideology : Populism
  • International affiliation : None
  • Colors : Orange and Green
  • Seats in the Senate : 2
  • Seats in the House of Representatives : 3