Administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro joined the candidates, who trooped here on Sunday to campaign at the 15th Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival), emerging most confident of cornering the city's votes in the May 2010 election.
Senator Manuel Villar and his senatorial slate, and Senator Richard Gordon were also in the festival and went around the packed city to woo votes. Villar and Gordon are also running for president.
Teodoro squeezed through the throng of people at the historic Burnham Park en route to the Athletic Bowl Field to watch the parade of the floats adorned by fresh flowers. He was later joined by two of his senatorial candidates in the Lakas-Kampi slate, re electionist Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Lito Lapid.
He proceeded to the SM City Baguio where he was mobbed anew by mall-goers, who went to him to shake hands and pose for pictures.
Teodoro will meet with the bishops in the afternoon and will have dinner with executives of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the evening.
Asked about his chances in Baguio, he said he was “quite confident” of getting about 90 percent of the voters here.
“I am confident that I have big chance of winning because the local leaders here is with us. I know the situation in Baguio,” he said in an interview with reporters.
“It also helps that there is some familiarity with me here. I speak the language that roots in this city. And most of all, people here in Baguio are thinking voters. I cannot put words in their mouth but it is up to them to judge who is the best for Baguio,” he said.
Five of the governors of the provinces belonging to CAR are expected to attend the dinner with Teodoro, one of his close aides said.
CAR is composed of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province, and one chartered city, Baguio City. It hjas about one million voters.
Teodoro said it was expected for candidates like him to attend festivals like the Panagbenga because they know people would be there.
“It's part of the campaign strategy. You cannot deny that people from all over the Philippines will be trooping here. The important thing is for us not to distract the program. I think it is open and fair for everybody,” he said.
This was his third time, he said, to attend the flower festival in Baguio, which he calls his second home.
“Baguio is my second home because my grandmother is from here, so she is an old-timer here,” he said.
Teodoro said he was touched by the warm reception of the people when he arrived here. In his younger years, he said, he and his cousins spent their summer vacations and Christmas here.
“Coming back here relives a lot of memories, of my grandmother, of my great grandfather who is buried here. It relieves a lot of very, very fond memories,” he added.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Loren Legarda’s loyalty questioned
-Senator Loren Legarda has been criticized by an official of the Liberal Party (LP) for her persistent claim of loyalty to the Filipino people when what she has shown was her “penchant for butterfly-ism.”
“Butterfly-ism” is the word being used by some people to describe a politician, who always jumps from one party to another.
LP director-general Chito Gascon said that if there was truth to Legarda’s claim that she feels sincerely for the people, then “she should be the epitome of loyalty to the people, instead of her personal political interests as shown by her butterfly attitude.”
“She has shown nothing but her penchant for political butterfly-ism,” Gascon said in a statement on Sunday.
He then noted how Legarda had joined and left political parties and alliances and even reversed her own stand on major issues to advance her political ambitions.
Legarda first ran as a senator under the banner of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats during the 1998 elections and supported the impeachment of then President Joseph Estrada.
But in 2004, the senator ran and lost for vice president as the running mate of Estrada’s close friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr.
Legarda is again running for vice president, this time, however with Nacionalista Party’s standard-bearer, Senator Manny Villar.
“How can she support a presidential candidate she has condemned before and worked to remove as Senate President because of his involvement in the C-5 road anomaly?” Gascon asked.
Legarda was among the senators who ousted Villar from the Senate presidency and later on pushed for the Senate investigation into his alleged involvement in the anomalous C-5 road extension project.
“How can she justify political butterfly-ism? Just because it is convenient for her so she can pursue her political dreams outside her own political party? Is this the true EDSA warrior, or a politician just using EDSA to ride on the popular tide of emotion spawned by people's remembrance of the grand people's action that threw out dictatorship and corruption?” Gascon further asked.
“Butterfly-ism” is the word being used by some people to describe a politician, who always jumps from one party to another.
LP director-general Chito Gascon said that if there was truth to Legarda’s claim that she feels sincerely for the people, then “she should be the epitome of loyalty to the people, instead of her personal political interests as shown by her butterfly attitude.”
“She has shown nothing but her penchant for political butterfly-ism,” Gascon said in a statement on Sunday.
He then noted how Legarda had joined and left political parties and alliances and even reversed her own stand on major issues to advance her political ambitions.
Legarda first ran as a senator under the banner of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats during the 1998 elections and supported the impeachment of then President Joseph Estrada.
But in 2004, the senator ran and lost for vice president as the running mate of Estrada’s close friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr.
Legarda is again running for vice president, this time, however with Nacionalista Party’s standard-bearer, Senator Manny Villar.
“How can she support a presidential candidate she has condemned before and worked to remove as Senate President because of his involvement in the C-5 road anomaly?” Gascon asked.
Legarda was among the senators who ousted Villar from the Senate presidency and later on pushed for the Senate investigation into his alleged involvement in the anomalous C-5 road extension project.
“How can she justify political butterfly-ism? Just because it is convenient for her so she can pursue her political dreams outside her own political party? Is this the true EDSA warrior, or a politician just using EDSA to ride on the popular tide of emotion spawned by people's remembrance of the grand people's action that threw out dictatorship and corruption?” Gascon further asked.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Bro. Eddie: Evangelist presidential bet vows ‘zero corruption’
Promising “six years of zero corruption” if elected, evangelist-turned-presidential candidate Eduardo “Brother Eddie” Villanueva led his Bangon Pilipinas party proclamation rally at the historic Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila on Saturday.
The proclamation rally was preceded by a motorcade participated in by about 1,000 vehicles that started from the People Power Monument along Edsa, Quezon City at 6 a.m..
The motorcade traversed the highway up to Monumento in Caloocan City, briefly stopping at the monument of Philippine Revolution leader Andres Bonifacio before heading to Quiapo.
Traffic was jammed on the Lawton-bound lane of Quezon Boulevard because of the many vehicles parked there. Despite the heat of the sun, some supporters, who all came in yellow “Eddie Tayo!” shirts, stayed in the middle of the plaza in front of the Quiapo Church using their own umbrellas during the five-hour program that started about 9 a.m.
A huge tarpaulin on the covered makeshift stage proclaimed the party's slogan, “Ibalik ang dangal! Anim na taong walang korapsyon (Restore our pride! Zero corruption for six years) with blown-up pictures of Villanueva, running mate and former securities and exchange chief Perfecto Yasay Jr. and their six senatorial candidates.
Before taking the stage, Villanueva told reporters that they chose to start their proclamation rally at the People Power Monument as Bangon Pilipinas' way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution that ended the 20-year Marcos dictatorship.
Villanueva, the founder of the Jesus is Lord Church, added they chose Plaza Miranda, site of the bombing of the 1971 Liberal Party campaign rally that preceded the imposition of martial law in 1972, because it has always served as “a symbol of public opinion historically.”
“EDSA revolution brought back democracy. But sadly it did not bring back righteous governance,” said Villanueva, who described himself as a radical activist during the Marcos regime.
“People power is not merely an occasion that is celebrated every year. The essence of People Power is the empowerment of every Filipino in a democratic environment. With this power, the Philippines can liberate itself from the shackles of corruption and rise again,” he went on.
He thanked Bangon Pilipinas' supporters for the “show of force,” expressing his surprise at the turnout at the motorcade.
“The show of force is a clear statement of Filipinos who are tired of traditional politics. I challenge every Filipino who loves God and country to remember our history. We are a nation of heroes. Let us become heroes again. The answer to the nation’s woes is in your hands,” he said.
“Under our Constitution, People Power is recognized. But for nine years (under the Arroyo administration) we restrained ourself from staging People Power. We waited for the May 10 elections to bring back real change,” said Villanueva.
His senatorial candidates are Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, lawyers Reynaldo Princesa and Ramoncito Ocampo, broadcast journalists Kata Inocencio and Alex Tinsay, Count Habib Adz Nikabulin, and educator Dr. Israel Virgines.
Villanueva ran for the first time in 2004 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won her presidential bid. The 2004 victory of Arroyo -- who was first catapulted to Malacañang in the 2001 EDSA revolt that ousted Joseph Estrada from the presidency -- was disputed a year after when tapes of Arroyo’s conversations with an elections commission official surfaced. Arroyo later apologized for her lapse of judgment but insisted she did not mean to ask the official to cheat for her, but was just following up the status of her vote count.
The proclamation rally was preceded by a motorcade participated in by about 1,000 vehicles that started from the People Power Monument along Edsa, Quezon City at 6 a.m..
The motorcade traversed the highway up to Monumento in Caloocan City, briefly stopping at the monument of Philippine Revolution leader Andres Bonifacio before heading to Quiapo.
Traffic was jammed on the Lawton-bound lane of Quezon Boulevard because of the many vehicles parked there. Despite the heat of the sun, some supporters, who all came in yellow “Eddie Tayo!” shirts, stayed in the middle of the plaza in front of the Quiapo Church using their own umbrellas during the five-hour program that started about 9 a.m.
A huge tarpaulin on the covered makeshift stage proclaimed the party's slogan, “Ibalik ang dangal! Anim na taong walang korapsyon (Restore our pride! Zero corruption for six years) with blown-up pictures of Villanueva, running mate and former securities and exchange chief Perfecto Yasay Jr. and their six senatorial candidates.
Before taking the stage, Villanueva told reporters that they chose to start their proclamation rally at the People Power Monument as Bangon Pilipinas' way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution that ended the 20-year Marcos dictatorship.
Villanueva, the founder of the Jesus is Lord Church, added they chose Plaza Miranda, site of the bombing of the 1971 Liberal Party campaign rally that preceded the imposition of martial law in 1972, because it has always served as “a symbol of public opinion historically.”
“EDSA revolution brought back democracy. But sadly it did not bring back righteous governance,” said Villanueva, who described himself as a radical activist during the Marcos regime.
“People power is not merely an occasion that is celebrated every year. The essence of People Power is the empowerment of every Filipino in a democratic environment. With this power, the Philippines can liberate itself from the shackles of corruption and rise again,” he went on.
He thanked Bangon Pilipinas' supporters for the “show of force,” expressing his surprise at the turnout at the motorcade.
“The show of force is a clear statement of Filipinos who are tired of traditional politics. I challenge every Filipino who loves God and country to remember our history. We are a nation of heroes. Let us become heroes again. The answer to the nation’s woes is in your hands,” he said.
“Under our Constitution, People Power is recognized. But for nine years (under the Arroyo administration) we restrained ourself from staging People Power. We waited for the May 10 elections to bring back real change,” said Villanueva.
His senatorial candidates are Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, lawyers Reynaldo Princesa and Ramoncito Ocampo, broadcast journalists Kata Inocencio and Alex Tinsay, Count Habib Adz Nikabulin, and educator Dr. Israel Virgines.
Villanueva ran for the first time in 2004 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won her presidential bid. The 2004 victory of Arroyo -- who was first catapulted to Malacañang in the 2001 EDSA revolt that ousted Joseph Estrada from the presidency -- was disputed a year after when tapes of Arroyo’s conversations with an elections commission official surfaced. Arroyo later apologized for her lapse of judgment but insisted she did not mean to ask the official to cheat for her, but was just following up the status of her vote count.
Marcos son charms the ladies in campaign sortie
Call him heartthrob Bongbong.
A group of ladies -- young and old alike -- nearly disrupted a press conference of the Nacionalista Party (NP) at a restaurant here on Saturday while trying to get a snapshot of senatorial candidate, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
Standing near the entrance of the function room, the women who were dressed in identical hot pink shirts and appeared to belong to a women's organization could not contain their excitement upon seeing Marcos, son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
They spoke loudly among themselves as they tried to get a glimpse and a picture of Marcos who was seated with his fellow senatorial candidates and vice presidential candidate, Sen. Loren Legarda, at a long table across the room.
The women were hushed several times by the candidates' staff members and reporters when they could no longer hear some of the candidates' answers to questions posed by the local media.
Finally, a staff member of Marcos went up to the lawmaker to ask him to greet the women, who giggled as he made his way towards them, never mind if he was already disheveled and his red, blue, and white checkered dress shirt was already wrinkled from half a day of campaigning in the province.
Some of the older women hugged Marcos tightly. He led them outside the function room where they finally had their much awaited photo opportunity.
The younger Marcos was Mr. Popular here in the Nacionalista Party's campaign sortie, eliciting loud cheers and applause from the crowd where the group had staged mini-rallies in Rosales and Villasin towns.
Marcos has served as Ilocos Norte governor and congressman since he returned to the country in early ‘90s, years after the ouster of his father via the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution.
A group of ladies -- young and old alike -- nearly disrupted a press conference of the Nacionalista Party (NP) at a restaurant here on Saturday while trying to get a snapshot of senatorial candidate, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
Standing near the entrance of the function room, the women who were dressed in identical hot pink shirts and appeared to belong to a women's organization could not contain their excitement upon seeing Marcos, son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
They spoke loudly among themselves as they tried to get a glimpse and a picture of Marcos who was seated with his fellow senatorial candidates and vice presidential candidate, Sen. Loren Legarda, at a long table across the room.
The women were hushed several times by the candidates' staff members and reporters when they could no longer hear some of the candidates' answers to questions posed by the local media.
Finally, a staff member of Marcos went up to the lawmaker to ask him to greet the women, who giggled as he made his way towards them, never mind if he was already disheveled and his red, blue, and white checkered dress shirt was already wrinkled from half a day of campaigning in the province.
Some of the older women hugged Marcos tightly. He led them outside the function room where they finally had their much awaited photo opportunity.
The younger Marcos was Mr. Popular here in the Nacionalista Party's campaign sortie, eliciting loud cheers and applause from the crowd where the group had staged mini-rallies in Rosales and Villasin towns.
Marcos has served as Ilocos Norte governor and congressman since he returned to the country in early ‘90s, years after the ouster of his father via the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution.
Teodoro unsure of Singson vote even after attending daughter’s wedding
Administration standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro attended the Saturday wedding of the son of Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson Jr., but remained unsure of Singson's support.
Teodoro and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stood as principal sponsors at the wedding of Singson's son Ryan and Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano's daughter Patch in Vigan City Saturday afternoon.
“Until the last day, we have to really work for each and every vote,” Teodoro told reporters here Saturday morning when asked if he was confident of Singson's support for his presidential bid.
His acceptance of the young Singson's invitation for him to stand as a wedding sponsor should not be construed that he had the elder Singson's unequivocal support in the bag, he said.
``For me, the choice of sponsor is Ryan's choice. He has asked me to stand as a sponsor as early as last year. I wouldn't put politics into it,” he said at the opening of the Agri-Trade and Tourism Expo in the city.
Speculations had been rife that Singson would follow boxing champ Manny Pacquiao's lead and pick Nacionalista Party candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. over Teodoro.
Singson, a staunch administration ally, fanned these speculations when he told the press Friday that the Ilocos leaders have not reached a consensus on whether to support the administration candidate.
Teodoro, who barnstormed Ilocos Norte, La Union and Ilocos Sur in a bid to clinch the “Ilocano vote,” said he respected the local leaders' decision process.
“I believe they're still making a decision in their own province. And we respect the process they're undertaking in their party,” he said.
La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, who accompanied Teodoro in his tour in the province, said Teodoro's attendance at the wedding should dispel speculations that Singson was supporting Villar.
“Well, I think that's for him (Singson) to answer,” he told reporters, referring to the speculations. But he added: ``Gibo is one of the sponsors at the wedding of Chavit's son. You draw your own conclusion.”
Ortega conceded that Singson, a long-time governor in Ilocos Sur, was still influential in the province.
Ortega, however, said that a majority of the Northern Alliance members, a group of lawmakers from Regions 1 and 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, were throwing their support behind Teodoro.
“Yes, most of them are supporting him,” he said, pointing out that this would a spell big difference in the final tally. He also predicted a landslide victory for Teodoro in La Union which accounts for over 400,000 voters.
Ortega conceded that Villar was Teodoro's toughest rival in the Ilocos Region, but he said the region would only go as far as supporting Villar's senatorial candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Ilocos will only carry Bongbong. Even I in Lakas will carry Bongbong, but only Bongbong [in Villar's party],” he said of the son and namesake of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
Teodoro and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stood as principal sponsors at the wedding of Singson's son Ryan and Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano's daughter Patch in Vigan City Saturday afternoon.
“Until the last day, we have to really work for each and every vote,” Teodoro told reporters here Saturday morning when asked if he was confident of Singson's support for his presidential bid.
His acceptance of the young Singson's invitation for him to stand as a wedding sponsor should not be construed that he had the elder Singson's unequivocal support in the bag, he said.
``For me, the choice of sponsor is Ryan's choice. He has asked me to stand as a sponsor as early as last year. I wouldn't put politics into it,” he said at the opening of the Agri-Trade and Tourism Expo in the city.
Speculations had been rife that Singson would follow boxing champ Manny Pacquiao's lead and pick Nacionalista Party candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. over Teodoro.
Singson, a staunch administration ally, fanned these speculations when he told the press Friday that the Ilocos leaders have not reached a consensus on whether to support the administration candidate.
Teodoro, who barnstormed Ilocos Norte, La Union and Ilocos Sur in a bid to clinch the “Ilocano vote,” said he respected the local leaders' decision process.
“I believe they're still making a decision in their own province. And we respect the process they're undertaking in their party,” he said.
La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, who accompanied Teodoro in his tour in the province, said Teodoro's attendance at the wedding should dispel speculations that Singson was supporting Villar.
“Well, I think that's for him (Singson) to answer,” he told reporters, referring to the speculations. But he added: ``Gibo is one of the sponsors at the wedding of Chavit's son. You draw your own conclusion.”
Ortega conceded that Singson, a long-time governor in Ilocos Sur, was still influential in the province.
Ortega, however, said that a majority of the Northern Alliance members, a group of lawmakers from Regions 1 and 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, were throwing their support behind Teodoro.
“Yes, most of them are supporting him,” he said, pointing out that this would a spell big difference in the final tally. He also predicted a landslide victory for Teodoro in La Union which accounts for over 400,000 voters.
Ortega conceded that Villar was Teodoro's toughest rival in the Ilocos Region, but he said the region would only go as far as supporting Villar's senatorial candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Ilocos will only carry Bongbong. Even I in Lakas will carry Bongbong, but only Bongbong [in Villar's party],” he said of the son and namesake of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
Bro. Mike asked Erap to withdraw
Former senator Ernesto Maceda on Friday identified El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde as the emissary of a presidential candidate who allegedly tried to persuade former President Joseph Estrada to withdraw from the presidential race.
El Shaddai spokesman Mel Robles denied that Velarde discussed this directly with Estrada. A source in El Shaddai recalled a television interview wherein Velarde told Estrada “not to run.”
In an interview on radio dwIZ, Maceda did not directly identify the presidential candidate behind Velarde, but added in Filipino that “it’s easy to identify the presidential bet, because we know who was endorsed by Bro. Mike.”
Sources told The STAR that Sen. Manuel Villar was behind Velarde’s actions.
Velarde endorsed Villar and other Nacionalista Party candidates during a recent campaign rally abroad.
Sources also said that despite gaining in recent popularity surveys, Villar remains threatened by Estrada’s appeal with the masses.
Estrada’s support from the masses has not waned, re-electionist Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) said during the campaign rally in San Jose del Monte City last Wednesday night.
“I don’t believe in surveys, the campaign has just started, they are in for a surprise by May,” he said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, son of the former president and another senatorial bet of PMP, criticized Villar for imitating the campaign strategy of ex-President Estrada.
“There is a candidate who is imitating my father and claiming that he is also pro-poor. The candidate also imitated the color of PMP and he only lacks a moustache,” Sen. Estrada said.
He warned voters of the possible victory of Villar saying: “delikado ang Pilipino kay Villar (Filipinos will be in peril with Villar).”
El Shaddai spokesman Mel Robles denied that Velarde discussed this directly with Estrada. A source in El Shaddai recalled a television interview wherein Velarde told Estrada “not to run.”
In an interview on radio dwIZ, Maceda did not directly identify the presidential candidate behind Velarde, but added in Filipino that “it’s easy to identify the presidential bet, because we know who was endorsed by Bro. Mike.”
Sources told The STAR that Sen. Manuel Villar was behind Velarde’s actions.
Velarde endorsed Villar and other Nacionalista Party candidates during a recent campaign rally abroad.
Sources also said that despite gaining in recent popularity surveys, Villar remains threatened by Estrada’s appeal with the masses.
Estrada’s support from the masses has not waned, re-electionist Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) said during the campaign rally in San Jose del Monte City last Wednesday night.
“I don’t believe in surveys, the campaign has just started, they are in for a surprise by May,” he said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, son of the former president and another senatorial bet of PMP, criticized Villar for imitating the campaign strategy of ex-President Estrada.
“There is a candidate who is imitating my father and claiming that he is also pro-poor. The candidate also imitated the color of PMP and he only lacks a moustache,” Sen. Estrada said.
He warned voters of the possible victory of Villar saying: “delikado ang Pilipino kay Villar (Filipinos will be in peril with Villar).”
Villar scholarships constitute vote-buying
Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. could be liable for vote-buying and disqualified from the presidential race for giving away scholarship grants, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the Omnibus Election Code bans candidates from handing out “money or anything of value.”
“The fact that there are tuition fees that would be paid for or books, clothes and even miscellaneous expenses that would be covered... that is ‘money or anything of value’,” he said.
The act of giving away scholarship grants is tantamount to vote-buying, Sarmiento said.
The Omnibus Election Code defines vote-buying as “giving, offering or promising money or anything of value” to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate.
Vote-buying is considered an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment as well as the removal of the right to vote and be voted for.
Last Thursday, Villar’s camp gave out several scholarship grants to school children that attended a rock concert that they had organized at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
However, Villar said the action is not vote-buying since he did not come up the stage to prod people to vote for him.
The scholarships were handed out by his daughter Camille, he added.
Military warns Villar
The military warned Villar Saturday against campaigning in military camps after he and other NP candidates had their photographs taken with former Marine Col. Ariel Querubin outside his detention cell in Camp Aguinaldo.
Querubin is an NP candidate for senator.
Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said Brig. Gen. Felipe Tabas, Camp Aguinaldo commander, will represent the military in the meeting with Villar to remind him to stop involving soldiers in partisan activities.
“Our camp commander will talk to the camp of Senator Villar,” he said.
“We will ask them not to repeat what they did last Thursday since we are very sure that they will again visit Colonel Querubin in the future.
“The order given (to Tabas) is to communicate with the party of Senator Villar and ask them not to repeat what they did.
“The agreement was very clear. They were allowed to visit Colonel Querubin provided they would not campaign inside the camp.”
Villar: I did not campaign in Camp Aguinaldo
In Lipa City, Batangas, Villar denied that he had engaged in illegal campaigning in Camp Aguinaldo when he visited Querubin.
Speaking to reporters after visiting two markets in Batangas City and Lipa City, Villar said there was no basis to claims that they were campaigning when they had their photographs taken with Querubin, who is detained at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I didn’t see anybody there except some soldiers so I just don’t understand who we were supposed to be campaigning to, and we couldn’t just campaign to one another,” he said in Filipino.
The only civilians in Camp Aguinaldo when they visited Querubin were members of the media who had covered the visit, Villar said.
Everyone was surprised when Villar and other NP candidates emerged from the meeting with Querubin, walking with their arms linked to one another.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said the action of the NP candidates caught him by surprise and was a violation of their agreement not to campaign within the camp.
However, Villar said that they were just showing their solidarity with Querubin, an NP candidate for senator.
“We just walked,” he said. “We are united so I guess that’s why they called it a unity walk. We walk united.”
Villar said that it was preposterous to claim that they were campaigning inside Camp Aguinaldo.
“If we wanted to campaign, then we would have chosen an area with more people,” he said. “So there was no violation there.”
Military police immediately whisked Querubin to his detention cell after having his photograph taken with the NP candidates.
NP senatorial candidate Adel Tamano said they can file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus with a civilian court to force the military to allow Querubin to campaign outside Camp Aguinaldo.
Speaking to reporters, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the Omnibus Election Code bans candidates from handing out “money or anything of value.”
“The fact that there are tuition fees that would be paid for or books, clothes and even miscellaneous expenses that would be covered... that is ‘money or anything of value’,” he said.
The act of giving away scholarship grants is tantamount to vote-buying, Sarmiento said.
The Omnibus Election Code defines vote-buying as “giving, offering or promising money or anything of value” to induce anyone to vote for or against any candidate.
Vote-buying is considered an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment as well as the removal of the right to vote and be voted for.
Last Thursday, Villar’s camp gave out several scholarship grants to school children that attended a rock concert that they had organized at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
However, Villar said the action is not vote-buying since he did not come up the stage to prod people to vote for him.
The scholarships were handed out by his daughter Camille, he added.
Military warns Villar
The military warned Villar Saturday against campaigning in military camps after he and other NP candidates had their photographs taken with former Marine Col. Ariel Querubin outside his detention cell in Camp Aguinaldo.
Querubin is an NP candidate for senator.
Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said Brig. Gen. Felipe Tabas, Camp Aguinaldo commander, will represent the military in the meeting with Villar to remind him to stop involving soldiers in partisan activities.
“Our camp commander will talk to the camp of Senator Villar,” he said.
“We will ask them not to repeat what they did last Thursday since we are very sure that they will again visit Colonel Querubin in the future.
“The order given (to Tabas) is to communicate with the party of Senator Villar and ask them not to repeat what they did.
“The agreement was very clear. They were allowed to visit Colonel Querubin provided they would not campaign inside the camp.”
Villar: I did not campaign in Camp Aguinaldo
In Lipa City, Batangas, Villar denied that he had engaged in illegal campaigning in Camp Aguinaldo when he visited Querubin.
Speaking to reporters after visiting two markets in Batangas City and Lipa City, Villar said there was no basis to claims that they were campaigning when they had their photographs taken with Querubin, who is detained at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I didn’t see anybody there except some soldiers so I just don’t understand who we were supposed to be campaigning to, and we couldn’t just campaign to one another,” he said in Filipino.
The only civilians in Camp Aguinaldo when they visited Querubin were members of the media who had covered the visit, Villar said.
Everyone was surprised when Villar and other NP candidates emerged from the meeting with Querubin, walking with their arms linked to one another.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado said the action of the NP candidates caught him by surprise and was a violation of their agreement not to campaign within the camp.
However, Villar said that they were just showing their solidarity with Querubin, an NP candidate for senator.
“We just walked,” he said. “We are united so I guess that’s why they called it a unity walk. We walk united.”
Villar said that it was preposterous to claim that they were campaigning inside Camp Aguinaldo.
“If we wanted to campaign, then we would have chosen an area with more people,” he said. “So there was no violation there.”
Military police immediately whisked Querubin to his detention cell after having his photograph taken with the NP candidates.
NP senatorial candidate Adel Tamano said they can file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus with a civilian court to force the military to allow Querubin to campaign outside Camp Aguinaldo.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Manny Villar Mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Recently, there are circulating emails about the said Mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA owned by Manny Villar, I just want to re post this for you to judge if he really owns this. Here's the email:
Imagine who would have such taste and live in such opulence? An American Billionaire?
A Saudi Prince?
Louis XIV of France ? Savour the pictures then scroll to the bottom of the page to see who owns this Work of Art.
This Mansion is in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA and belongs to: Senator Manny Villar of the PHILIPPINES
While Filipinos starve, and die because of abject poverty ....and while Sen. Villar brags that he had poor beginnings and he had helped his poor countrymen over and over again... but look now.. he and his family live like this.......his GREED kills his poverty stricken fellow Filipinos .
A Saudi Prince?
Louis XIV of France ? Savour the pictures then scroll to the bottom of the page to see who owns this Work of Art.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Villar's Platform: Entrepreneurial Revolution
Entrepreneurs will have it good under Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr.’s administration if he wins as president in 2010.
The billionaire senator plans to invest heavily on developing a “strong entrepreneurial class” by funneling credit to small and medium-scale enterprises.
“We have to multiply [the number of entrepreneurs] a hundred times. We need an entrepreneurial revolution,” Villar said at Tuesday’s Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) forum where he presented his economic platform.
A key part of his business agenda is promoting labor-intensive industries like mining, tourism and the hospitality industry.
Villar, like other presidential candidates, promised to reform the banking system, punish corruption, improve tax collection and increase foreign investments.
He claims his edge over other presidential aspirants, however, is his “extensive” business experience and managerial ability.
The senator owns a variety of real estate and building companies with his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar.
He first delivered seafood in Makati City before going into the gravel and sand delivery business. Eventually, he set up a home building business that specialized in low-cost housing.
Now, he is the country’s richest senator, with an estimated net worth of P1.046 billion in 2008.
Here is a summary of Villar’s answers to economic issues raised at the forum:
Plans for sustainable job creation, retention and decent employment. Focus on doing a better marketing job for businesses and industries that are labor-intensive (business process outsourcing, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure). Small and medium-scale entrepreneurs must be provided with funds.
How to reduce hunger and alleviate poverty. Faster economic growth means a rise in GDP (gross domestic product) so that has to be monitored. Focus on job-creating industries, entrepreneurial revolution and addressing food security and poverty. Create safety nets for the poorest of the poor through cash transfers, for example.
Stand on taxes. Look for leakages, improve tax collection efficiency, and finance certain specific objectives. Taxes will be raised as a last resort and only if need be. But Villar “will not hesitate to raise taxes rather than be fiscally irresponsible.”
Stand on redundant or “irrelevant” agencies (like National Food Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration and Laguna Lake Development Authority). NFA must be reviewed if it is doing its function. It can be reformed. The beauty of addressing agriculture is that the country will not need to import [goods]. Agencies like NFA and SRA are losing a lot of money. Corruption has to be stopped. As for the LLDA, Laguna Lake should be developed since it is a good source of water. We have to develop the dike system built by the Dutch and carry it to Calamba, then build an expressway from Calamba to Tagaytay. This can be done if LLDA is focused on this objective.
How to balance low-power costs for consumers and profit for energy producers. The Energy Regulatory Commission should be manned by independent people so investors will see that there is a level playing field. The EPIRA law must be reviewed. The power industry is very productive, investors must see that things will be fair.
Stand on CARP. It’s not sufficient that you give farmers land, you have to give them [financial] support. Like Atty. Gilbert Teodoro said, the farmer [beneficiaries under CARP] must not be made to pay their debts.
On slapping back taxes (in the case of Pilipinas Shell). Villar did not want to comment on a case that is still pending in court, but retroactive taxes should not be done. Certainly, this will not encourage foreign investments. If you change laws, it has to be proactive and not retroactive.
How to promote mining and other industries that are “impeded by too many regulations.” There is no serious problem with the laws, the problem is in the implementation of these laws.
How to help exporters who have been hit by the global economic crisis. Interest rates should be monitored so exporters can be competitive. Exchange rates can only be influenced for a short period of time. After smoothing fluctuations in exchange rates, exporters have to be provided with low-interest loans. When the world recovers financially, we can recover as well and find new markets instead of focusing on traditional markets.
How to address smuggling. Clear up corruption in police and customs agencies. There should be a department in police that runs after smugglers. All options should be considered, like a point of origin review.
Stand on foreign ownership of land, media, education, practice of professions and services. Villar said changing this provision of the Constitution is not important at the moment in terms of solving poverty and helping the country recover. But if the people agree to a Constitutional amendment, he is open to it. The Filipino people should decide on these issues.
How to address the gap between national savings, domestic investments and dollar investments vis-à-vis our dependence on OFW remittances. The goal is that Filipinos should not need to go to other countries to work. But in the meantime, OFWs should be protected through safety nets. We should look at dollar remittances and see why the money is not moving to investments. Most of these remittances are not used for the good of the country. That’s why there is a need to have an entrepreneurial revolution so that small and medium-scale entrepreneurs can get a taste of these investments from OFW remittances. Report by Kristine Servando, Newsbreak.
The billionaire senator plans to invest heavily on developing a “strong entrepreneurial class” by funneling credit to small and medium-scale enterprises.
“We have to multiply [the number of entrepreneurs] a hundred times. We need an entrepreneurial revolution,” Villar said at Tuesday’s Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) forum where he presented his economic platform.
A key part of his business agenda is promoting labor-intensive industries like mining, tourism and the hospitality industry.
Villar, like other presidential candidates, promised to reform the banking system, punish corruption, improve tax collection and increase foreign investments.
He claims his edge over other presidential aspirants, however, is his “extensive” business experience and managerial ability.
The senator owns a variety of real estate and building companies with his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar.
He first delivered seafood in Makati City before going into the gravel and sand delivery business. Eventually, he set up a home building business that specialized in low-cost housing.
Now, he is the country’s richest senator, with an estimated net worth of P1.046 billion in 2008.
Here is a summary of Villar’s answers to economic issues raised at the forum:
Plans for sustainable job creation, retention and decent employment. Focus on doing a better marketing job for businesses and industries that are labor-intensive (business process outsourcing, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure). Small and medium-scale entrepreneurs must be provided with funds.
How to reduce hunger and alleviate poverty. Faster economic growth means a rise in GDP (gross domestic product) so that has to be monitored. Focus on job-creating industries, entrepreneurial revolution and addressing food security and poverty. Create safety nets for the poorest of the poor through cash transfers, for example.
Stand on taxes. Look for leakages, improve tax collection efficiency, and finance certain specific objectives. Taxes will be raised as a last resort and only if need be. But Villar “will not hesitate to raise taxes rather than be fiscally irresponsible.”
Stand on redundant or “irrelevant” agencies (like National Food Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration and Laguna Lake Development Authority). NFA must be reviewed if it is doing its function. It can be reformed. The beauty of addressing agriculture is that the country will not need to import [goods]. Agencies like NFA and SRA are losing a lot of money. Corruption has to be stopped. As for the LLDA, Laguna Lake should be developed since it is a good source of water. We have to develop the dike system built by the Dutch and carry it to Calamba, then build an expressway from Calamba to Tagaytay. This can be done if LLDA is focused on this objective.
How to balance low-power costs for consumers and profit for energy producers. The Energy Regulatory Commission should be manned by independent people so investors will see that there is a level playing field. The EPIRA law must be reviewed. The power industry is very productive, investors must see that things will be fair.
Stand on CARP. It’s not sufficient that you give farmers land, you have to give them [financial] support. Like Atty. Gilbert Teodoro said, the farmer [beneficiaries under CARP] must not be made to pay their debts.
On slapping back taxes (in the case of Pilipinas Shell). Villar did not want to comment on a case that is still pending in court, but retroactive taxes should not be done. Certainly, this will not encourage foreign investments. If you change laws, it has to be proactive and not retroactive.
How to promote mining and other industries that are “impeded by too many regulations.” There is no serious problem with the laws, the problem is in the implementation of these laws.
How to help exporters who have been hit by the global economic crisis. Interest rates should be monitored so exporters can be competitive. Exchange rates can only be influenced for a short period of time. After smoothing fluctuations in exchange rates, exporters have to be provided with low-interest loans. When the world recovers financially, we can recover as well and find new markets instead of focusing on traditional markets.
How to address smuggling. Clear up corruption in police and customs agencies. There should be a department in police that runs after smugglers. All options should be considered, like a point of origin review.
Stand on foreign ownership of land, media, education, practice of professions and services. Villar said changing this provision of the Constitution is not important at the moment in terms of solving poverty and helping the country recover. But if the people agree to a Constitutional amendment, he is open to it. The Filipino people should decide on these issues.
How to address the gap between national savings, domestic investments and dollar investments vis-à-vis our dependence on OFW remittances. The goal is that Filipinos should not need to go to other countries to work. But in the meantime, OFWs should be protected through safety nets. We should look at dollar remittances and see why the money is not moving to investments. Most of these remittances are not used for the good of the country. That’s why there is a need to have an entrepreneurial revolution so that small and medium-scale entrepreneurs can get a taste of these investments from OFW remittances. Report by Kristine Servando, Newsbreak.
Estrada missing ‘Da King’ in ‘Star Wars’ campaign
Deposed President Joseph Estrada doesn’t exactly mind losing in the so-called “Star Wars” against the front-runners in the presidential race, Senators Manuel Villar and Benigno Aquino III.
All but abandoned by his celebrity comrades, Estrada is taking their absence lightly in his campaign sorties around the country.
“Not really,” he replied when asked if he missed his show biz campaigners.
So far, he’s stuck with the likes of Rez Cortez, Faith Cuneta, Rico Puno, Marissa Sanchez and the occasional presence of Lorna Tolentino and Tirso Cruz III.
In contrast, Villar has comedy king Dolphy and singing sensation Sarah Geronimo, while Aquino has his sister Kris, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, and a seemingly endless stream of many other entertainment personalities.
Nostalgic
If there’s one person he sorely missed, Estrada said it would definitely be his longtime best friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr.
“When I [first] ran [for president] in 1998, he was always with me whenever I went,” he told reporters in Filipino in his campaign sortie in Biñan, Laguna.
Estrada, 72, an actor himself, is seeking a return to Malacañang after winning the presidency in 1998 but losing it three years later during a “people power” uprising. He was convicted of plunder in 2007 but received pardon from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shortly after the verdict.
In 2004, Poe acceded to Estrada’s request that he run for president only to figure in a highly disputed defeat against Ms Arroyo. Poe, who was known as “Da King” in the local movie industry, died from a stroke in 2005.
The proclamation rally at Biñan’s packed covered court on Tuesday night was a bit nostalgic for the Estrada sortie.
Cortez, a leading campaigner for Poe in 2004, led the crowd of some 500 people in chanting “FPJ! FPJ!” He said it would be their way of reliving the presidential campaign of the late actor.
“Let’s try again!” he told the crowd in Filipino. He introduced Estrada by saying: “The person who will continue FPJ’s dream, of a new dawn, no other than Erap!”
Competing with stars
In his campaign speeches, Estrada often mentions his bosom buddy, especially in reference to alleged cheating in 2004.
Ms Arroyo allegedly stole votes based on the infamous “Hello Garci” recordings. She had admitted phoning an election official, but denied rigging the elections.
The absence of celebrities on Tuesday was anything but pronounced, considering that Estrada’s camp relies mainly on his own drawing power anyway.
Lawyer JV Bautista, who is in Estrada’s senatorial ticket, acknowledged in his own campaign speeches in Batangas and Laguna that “it’s very hard to campaign” in the company of celebrities.
Cielo Macapagal
In Pampanga, Estrada said he was confident of a victory in the home province of Ms Arroyo, the half-sister of his local campaign manager, Cielo Macapagal.
Cielo Macapagal’s mother was Purita de la Rosa while Ms Arroyo’s was Eva Macaraeg.
“We can sweep Pampanga because of Cielo Macapagal, the original daughter of President Diosdado Macapagal,” he told reporters.
Asked why he described Macapagal as such, Estrada laughingly said, “She’s the eldest.”
“I’m going to win here,” Estrada said. “At the height of my [acting] career with [Poe], our movies were the strongest in the theaters here.”
Asked why she is supporting Estrada, Cielo Macapagal said: “I’ve known President Joseph Estrada since I was a young girl. [Estrada’s brother] George Estregan was my classmate in high school in St. John.”
Opposite sides politically
She said she grew up in Estrada’s hometown in San Juan, Metro Manila.
In 1998, Estrada won over Ms Arroyo in the elections in Pampanga. But Macapagal lost in the gubernatorial race.
Macapagal said she was now in good terms with Ms Arroyo.
“We’ve always been on opposite sides [politically],” she said. “But I don’t want us to fight over this because I love her.”
All but abandoned by his celebrity comrades, Estrada is taking their absence lightly in his campaign sorties around the country.
“Not really,” he replied when asked if he missed his show biz campaigners.
So far, he’s stuck with the likes of Rez Cortez, Faith Cuneta, Rico Puno, Marissa Sanchez and the occasional presence of Lorna Tolentino and Tirso Cruz III.
In contrast, Villar has comedy king Dolphy and singing sensation Sarah Geronimo, while Aquino has his sister Kris, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, and a seemingly endless stream of many other entertainment personalities.
Nostalgic
If there’s one person he sorely missed, Estrada said it would definitely be his longtime best friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr.
“When I [first] ran [for president] in 1998, he was always with me whenever I went,” he told reporters in Filipino in his campaign sortie in Biñan, Laguna.
Estrada, 72, an actor himself, is seeking a return to Malacañang after winning the presidency in 1998 but losing it three years later during a “people power” uprising. He was convicted of plunder in 2007 but received pardon from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shortly after the verdict.
In 2004, Poe acceded to Estrada’s request that he run for president only to figure in a highly disputed defeat against Ms Arroyo. Poe, who was known as “Da King” in the local movie industry, died from a stroke in 2005.
The proclamation rally at Biñan’s packed covered court on Tuesday night was a bit nostalgic for the Estrada sortie.
Cortez, a leading campaigner for Poe in 2004, led the crowd of some 500 people in chanting “FPJ! FPJ!” He said it would be their way of reliving the presidential campaign of the late actor.
“Let’s try again!” he told the crowd in Filipino. He introduced Estrada by saying: “The person who will continue FPJ’s dream, of a new dawn, no other than Erap!”
Competing with stars
In his campaign speeches, Estrada often mentions his bosom buddy, especially in reference to alleged cheating in 2004.
Ms Arroyo allegedly stole votes based on the infamous “Hello Garci” recordings. She had admitted phoning an election official, but denied rigging the elections.
The absence of celebrities on Tuesday was anything but pronounced, considering that Estrada’s camp relies mainly on his own drawing power anyway.
Lawyer JV Bautista, who is in Estrada’s senatorial ticket, acknowledged in his own campaign speeches in Batangas and Laguna that “it’s very hard to campaign” in the company of celebrities.
Cielo Macapagal
In Pampanga, Estrada said he was confident of a victory in the home province of Ms Arroyo, the half-sister of his local campaign manager, Cielo Macapagal.
Cielo Macapagal’s mother was Purita de la Rosa while Ms Arroyo’s was Eva Macaraeg.
“We can sweep Pampanga because of Cielo Macapagal, the original daughter of President Diosdado Macapagal,” he told reporters.
Asked why he described Macapagal as such, Estrada laughingly said, “She’s the eldest.”
“I’m going to win here,” Estrada said. “At the height of my [acting] career with [Poe], our movies were the strongest in the theaters here.”
Asked why she is supporting Estrada, Cielo Macapagal said: “I’ve known President Joseph Estrada since I was a young girl. [Estrada’s brother] George Estregan was my classmate in high school in St. John.”
Opposite sides politically
She said she grew up in Estrada’s hometown in San Juan, Metro Manila.
In 1998, Estrada won over Ms Arroyo in the elections in Pampanga. But Macapagal lost in the gubernatorial race.
Macapagal said she was now in good terms with Ms Arroyo.
“We’ve always been on opposite sides [politically],” she said. “But I don’t want us to fight over this because I love her.”
Arroyo's sister backs Erap for president again
This vote-rich province may be a stronghold of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but former President Joseph Estrada has one Macapagal in his stead - Arroyo’s half-sister, former Pampanga Vice-Governor Cielo Macapagal-Salgado.
Salgado, the eldest daughter of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal with his first wife, Purita de la Rosa, is the campaign manager of Estrada’s political party Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) in Pampanga. Clad in orange, Estrada’s campaign color, Salgado accompanied Estrada in his motorcade from Arayat to Mabalacat on Wednesday.
Salgado's decision to support Estrada is not new. In 1998, she supported Estrada's successful bid for the presidency, and in 2004, she also went for President Arroyo's main rival, the late movie star Fernando Poe Jr.
Arroyo’s elder half-sister (Salgado is 69, Arroyo, 62) told Newsbreak that she decided to support Estrada because she has known his family for so long, and that she and Estrada's late brother, actor George Estregan, were classmates.
She added that her sister "understands" that the two of them will always be on opposite sides of the political fence. Salgado went as far as urging her sister not to run as representative of the 2nd district of Pampanga in the May 10 elections.
Estrada said that they "are confident that we can sweep Pampanga because of Cielo...She is the original daughter of Pres. [Diosdado] Macapagal."
Salgado’s support didn't help Poe in Pampanga in 2004. Arroyo overwhelmingly won in her home province with 642,712 votes; Poe only got 84,720.
Although considered a bailiwick vote, there were reports that Arroyo's huge margin in the province was also due to the work of election operators. The big margins in Pampanga and Visayas provinces, plus the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) bloc vote, allowed Arroyo to beat Poe in the official count in 2004.
Local support
Although Salgado will back Estrada for president, she will not go for PMP’s bet for Pampanga governor, Filipinas Dayrit Cea Sampang. Sampang’s brother-in-law is former Pampanga Vice Gov. Art Sampang.
Salgado told Newsbreak that she will support Liberal Party contender Gov. Eduardo 'Among Ed' Panlilio instead. The Commission on Elections recently declared that Panlilio lost to former Pampanga board member Lilia Pineda in the 2007 local elections.
Aside from Sampang and Salgado, Estrada is also counting on the support of businessman Anthony Dee, the PMP vice-mayoralty candidate for Mabalacat.
Estrada’s rally was held in Dee’s school, Dee Hwa Liong College Foundation. Dee also provided vans for the PMP motorcade.
Going for Teodoro
While Estrada has Salgado’s backing, the Pampanga Mayors League (PML) has vowed to support the administration presidential candidate, Gilbert Teodoro.
Members of the PML include mayors from 18 towns in Pampanga.
The mayors who endorsed Teodoro as early as November 2009 are: Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda, Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero, Porac Mayor Roger Santos, Guagua Mayor Ric Rivera, Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales, Magalang Mayor Romulo Pecson, Bacolor Mayor Buddy Dungca, Sta. Ana Mayor Rommel Concepcion, Arayat Mayor Chito Espino, Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, Macabebe Mayor Bobong Flores, Masantol Mayor Peter Flores, Sasmuan Mayor Leonardo Velasco, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, San Simon Mayor Rodrigo Canlas, Sto. Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit, Minalin Mayor Edgardo Flores, Sta. Rita Mayor Yolly Pineda and San Luis Mayor Jayson Sagum.
In his campaign sortie on Wednesday, Estrada steered clear of Pampanga's second district, Arroyo’s bailiwick. He campaigned in Arayat (3rd district), Magalang, Mabalacat and Angeles City (1st district).
The crowds in these areas were considerably thinner than the hordes of people who cheered for Estrada in Nueva Ecija last week.
Salgado, the eldest daughter of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal with his first wife, Purita de la Rosa, is the campaign manager of Estrada’s political party Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) in Pampanga. Clad in orange, Estrada’s campaign color, Salgado accompanied Estrada in his motorcade from Arayat to Mabalacat on Wednesday.
Salgado's decision to support Estrada is not new. In 1998, she supported Estrada's successful bid for the presidency, and in 2004, she also went for President Arroyo's main rival, the late movie star Fernando Poe Jr.
Arroyo’s elder half-sister (Salgado is 69, Arroyo, 62) told Newsbreak that she decided to support Estrada because she has known his family for so long, and that she and Estrada's late brother, actor George Estregan, were classmates.
She added that her sister "understands" that the two of them will always be on opposite sides of the political fence. Salgado went as far as urging her sister not to run as representative of the 2nd district of Pampanga in the May 10 elections.
Estrada said that they "are confident that we can sweep Pampanga because of Cielo...She is the original daughter of Pres. [Diosdado] Macapagal."
Salgado’s support didn't help Poe in Pampanga in 2004. Arroyo overwhelmingly won in her home province with 642,712 votes; Poe only got 84,720.
Although considered a bailiwick vote, there were reports that Arroyo's huge margin in the province was also due to the work of election operators. The big margins in Pampanga and Visayas provinces, plus the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) bloc vote, allowed Arroyo to beat Poe in the official count in 2004.
Local support
Although Salgado will back Estrada for president, she will not go for PMP’s bet for Pampanga governor, Filipinas Dayrit Cea Sampang. Sampang’s brother-in-law is former Pampanga Vice Gov. Art Sampang.
Salgado told Newsbreak that she will support Liberal Party contender Gov. Eduardo 'Among Ed' Panlilio instead. The Commission on Elections recently declared that Panlilio lost to former Pampanga board member Lilia Pineda in the 2007 local elections.
Aside from Sampang and Salgado, Estrada is also counting on the support of businessman Anthony Dee, the PMP vice-mayoralty candidate for Mabalacat.
Estrada’s rally was held in Dee’s school, Dee Hwa Liong College Foundation. Dee also provided vans for the PMP motorcade.
Going for Teodoro
While Estrada has Salgado’s backing, the Pampanga Mayors League (PML) has vowed to support the administration presidential candidate, Gilbert Teodoro.
Members of the PML include mayors from 18 towns in Pampanga.
The mayors who endorsed Teodoro as early as November 2009 are: Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda, Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero, Porac Mayor Roger Santos, Guagua Mayor Ric Rivera, Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales, Magalang Mayor Romulo Pecson, Bacolor Mayor Buddy Dungca, Sta. Ana Mayor Rommel Concepcion, Arayat Mayor Chito Espino, Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, Macabebe Mayor Bobong Flores, Masantol Mayor Peter Flores, Sasmuan Mayor Leonardo Velasco, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, San Simon Mayor Rodrigo Canlas, Sto. Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit, Minalin Mayor Edgardo Flores, Sta. Rita Mayor Yolly Pineda and San Luis Mayor Jayson Sagum.
In his campaign sortie on Wednesday, Estrada steered clear of Pampanga's second district, Arroyo’s bailiwick. He campaigned in Arayat (3rd district), Magalang, Mabalacat and Angeles City (1st district).
The crowds in these areas were considerably thinner than the hordes of people who cheered for Estrada in Nueva Ecija last week.
More equipment for automated polls
The Commission on Elections has approved the purchase of more satellite transmission equipment and one more printing press to guarantee that the preparatory goals for automated elections in May are met, poll chair Jose Melo said Wednesday.
Melo, in a press briefing, disclosed that Smartmatic-TIM, the company that won the contract to supply automated election machines, will buy more Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) equipment for the satellite transmission of the results of the May 10 polls.
The BGAN will be deployed in polling places as a backup transmission mode, should problems occur using the first method, which is via cell phone connectivity.
It has been noted that some areas have unreliable cell phone signals.
Melo said Smartmatic-TIM will be buying 500 BGAN and 650 Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) for transmitting election results from the precincts to municipal servers, via satellite.
The Comelec also noted that it has approved Smartmatic-TIM’s proposal to buy another printer to ensure that the 50 million ballots are printed in time for the first shipment on April 19.
Smartmatic-TIM has leased to the Comelec four Kodak VersaMark VL 4000 printers. Each printer is capable of printing 200,000 ballots.
Melo noted that there was a “slight delay” in the printing of the ballots. He said the additional machine, which will be placed at the National Printing Office, will be “coming very shortly.”
The news of an additional machine came after some sectors revealed that the printing plant at the NPO was behind schedule and expressed fears the poll body would not meet its printing deadline.
Melo, in a press briefing, disclosed that Smartmatic-TIM, the company that won the contract to supply automated election machines, will buy more Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) equipment for the satellite transmission of the results of the May 10 polls.
The BGAN will be deployed in polling places as a backup transmission mode, should problems occur using the first method, which is via cell phone connectivity.
It has been noted that some areas have unreliable cell phone signals.
Melo said Smartmatic-TIM will be buying 500 BGAN and 650 Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) for transmitting election results from the precincts to municipal servers, via satellite.
The Comelec also noted that it has approved Smartmatic-TIM’s proposal to buy another printer to ensure that the 50 million ballots are printed in time for the first shipment on April 19.
Smartmatic-TIM has leased to the Comelec four Kodak VersaMark VL 4000 printers. Each printer is capable of printing 200,000 ballots.
Melo noted that there was a “slight delay” in the printing of the ballots. He said the additional machine, which will be placed at the National Printing Office, will be “coming very shortly.”
The news of an additional machine came after some sectors revealed that the printing plant at the NPO was behind schedule and expressed fears the poll body would not meet its printing deadline.
Lim welcomes Magdalo endorsement
Former Brigadier General Danilo Lim on Wednesday welcomed the support of the Magdalo group of soldiers for his senatorial bid.
"I am grateful that they have endorsed my candidacy and have pledged to continue to do so," the detained former military general said in a statement.
"However, their support for Senator Manny Villar's presidency runs counter to my present situation having been adopted and supported by another party," Lim said.
The former military official is a guest candidate of the Liberal Party, whose standard-bearer is Senator Benigno Aquino III.
Lim said however that he "respects" the Magdalo's right to choose the presidential candidate to support.
"I have always insisted on doing the right thing. One of these is to defend the right to choose. I respect the Magdalo's right to choose a candidate different from my own choice," Lim said.
"I have always felt an affinity for my brothers in arms. It is this affinity and our common purpose and principles that led us to Manila Pen on November 29, 2007," he added.
Lim is among the 12 senatorial aspirants endorsed by the Magdalo group.
The other senatorial candidates the Magdalo group has endorsed are Colonel Ariel Querubin, Senators Pia Cayetano and Jinggoy Estrada, Representatives Ruffy Biazon, Bongbong Marcos and Gilbert Remulla, former Senator Tito Sotto, Susan Ople, Atty. Adel Tamano, Atty. JV Bautista and Joey de Venecia III.
For the vice president, the Magdalo group endorsed the candidacy of Senator Mar Roxas.
"I am grateful that they have endorsed my candidacy and have pledged to continue to do so," the detained former military general said in a statement.
"However, their support for Senator Manny Villar's presidency runs counter to my present situation having been adopted and supported by another party," Lim said.
The former military official is a guest candidate of the Liberal Party, whose standard-bearer is Senator Benigno Aquino III.
Lim said however that he "respects" the Magdalo's right to choose the presidential candidate to support.
"I have always insisted on doing the right thing. One of these is to defend the right to choose. I respect the Magdalo's right to choose a candidate different from my own choice," Lim said.
"I have always felt an affinity for my brothers in arms. It is this affinity and our common purpose and principles that led us to Manila Pen on November 29, 2007," he added.
Lim is among the 12 senatorial aspirants endorsed by the Magdalo group.
The other senatorial candidates the Magdalo group has endorsed are Colonel Ariel Querubin, Senators Pia Cayetano and Jinggoy Estrada, Representatives Ruffy Biazon, Bongbong Marcos and Gilbert Remulla, former Senator Tito Sotto, Susan Ople, Atty. Adel Tamano, Atty. JV Bautista and Joey de Venecia III.
For the vice president, the Magdalo group endorsed the candidacy of Senator Mar Roxas.
Gibo’s P400-M political ads fail to connect with poor
An administration party official is blaming Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro’s P400-million infomercials for his poor showing in surveys.
The infomercials, which show Teodoro switching on the controls of a plane to prepare for takeoff, have failed to connect with the poor, Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice president Prospero Pichay said Wednesday.
“We’re not satisfied with the ratings. That is a signal that you have to double-time as far as campaign is concerned so the ratings will improve by the end of March,” Pichay said by phone.
But in Pichay’s view, Teodoro’s poor ratings have more to do with the message that he’s trying to get across to the voters than with his ties to the Arroyo administration.
“That’s not part of a stigma of the administration. I believe we’re not delivering the right message to the people as far as TV ad is concerned,” said the former Surigao del Sur lawmaker, who lost in the senatorial race in 2007.
Pichay said the infomercials, which try to deliver the message of an economic takeoff in a Teodoro administration, appealed more to the ABC class than to the D and E classes.
“The message has to be understood by ordinary Filipinos. They don’t understand what an airplane taking off is all about,” he said, noting that the poor could relate more to ads tackling gut issues like education, hunger and nutrition.
Teodoro has spent P407 million on ads, next to Villar’s P1 billion, according to the AGB Nielsen Media Research.
In the Taylor Nelson Sofres survey, conducted from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, Teodoro slightly improved to 5.21 percent, but still lagged behind Senators Benigno Aquino III, Manuel Villar Jr. and deposed President Joseph Estrada.
Observers have attributed Teodoro’s poor showing to his ties to unpopular President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Mike Toledo conceded that the main criticism against the infomercials was that it appealed to the ABC crowd, and agreed that future ads should be “tweaked” to appeal to the other classes.
The spokesperson for Teodoro disagreed with the observation that the infomercials had failed to connect with the poor.
The poor are not dumb, Toledo said. “They are attuned to the times. It’s our responsibility to treat them equally as the AB class,” he said.
Besides, the infomercials’ message was clear. “It sends a message that we can [take off] with him,” he said.
The infomercials, which show Teodoro switching on the controls of a plane to prepare for takeoff, have failed to connect with the poor, Lakas-Kampi-CMD vice president Prospero Pichay said Wednesday.
“We’re not satisfied with the ratings. That is a signal that you have to double-time as far as campaign is concerned so the ratings will improve by the end of March,” Pichay said by phone.
But in Pichay’s view, Teodoro’s poor ratings have more to do with the message that he’s trying to get across to the voters than with his ties to the Arroyo administration.
“That’s not part of a stigma of the administration. I believe we’re not delivering the right message to the people as far as TV ad is concerned,” said the former Surigao del Sur lawmaker, who lost in the senatorial race in 2007.
Pichay said the infomercials, which try to deliver the message of an economic takeoff in a Teodoro administration, appealed more to the ABC class than to the D and E classes.
“The message has to be understood by ordinary Filipinos. They don’t understand what an airplane taking off is all about,” he said, noting that the poor could relate more to ads tackling gut issues like education, hunger and nutrition.
Teodoro has spent P407 million on ads, next to Villar’s P1 billion, according to the AGB Nielsen Media Research.
In the Taylor Nelson Sofres survey, conducted from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, Teodoro slightly improved to 5.21 percent, but still lagged behind Senators Benigno Aquino III, Manuel Villar Jr. and deposed President Joseph Estrada.
Observers have attributed Teodoro’s poor showing to his ties to unpopular President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Mike Toledo conceded that the main criticism against the infomercials was that it appealed to the ABC crowd, and agreed that future ads should be “tweaked” to appeal to the other classes.
The spokesperson for Teodoro disagreed with the observation that the infomercials had failed to connect with the poor.
The poor are not dumb, Toledo said. “They are attuned to the times. It’s our responsibility to treat them equally as the AB class,” he said.
Besides, the infomercials’ message was clear. “It sends a message that we can [take off] with him,” he said.
Binay hit for using 'Cory Magic' in new pol ad
A television advertisement released by vice-presidential candidate Jejomar Binay was criticized for allegedly taking advantage of the so-called 'Cory Magic.'
The latest advertisement revolved around the theme of Binay's participation on the historic EDSA People Power revolution back in 1986, and his close political relationship with the late former president Corazon Aquino.
In the ad, Binay was narrating that he was one with Aquino and the rest of the heroes of EDSA in the quest to regain democracy for the country.
He is also shown wearing a yellow shirt, the color most associated with the Aquinos, as well as with the campaign of the former president's son, Benigno III.
Binay of PDP-Laban political party said his new political advertisement will help introduce him to more voters.
"Sabihin na nating ganoon ang epekto noon, dahil sa mga bata ngayon, karamihan hindi alam ang nangyari noon. 'Yong iba hindi pa pinapanganak noon," he said.
Some critics said Binay, who is the running mate of former President Joseph Estrada, was trying to capitalize on the 24th anniversary of the event to strengthen his image, and to take advantage of the so-called "Cory Magic," which some say is one of the reasons why Aquino III is among the leading contenders for the presidency.
Critics said the so-called "Erap Magic" is not enough to pull up Binay's ratings in the surveys, but Binay countered this argument.
"'Di naman... [nagkakaroon] ng kumpitensya ang Cory at Erap Magic. Itong taon gusto ko lang ipakita sa inyo na kasama ako diyan [sa EDSA 1], " he said.
He also dismissed the critics of his ad.
"Wala lang silang masabi. Natural lang may magalit, may mainggit," he said.
The latest advertisement revolved around the theme of Binay's participation on the historic EDSA People Power revolution back in 1986, and his close political relationship with the late former president Corazon Aquino.
In the ad, Binay was narrating that he was one with Aquino and the rest of the heroes of EDSA in the quest to regain democracy for the country.
He is also shown wearing a yellow shirt, the color most associated with the Aquinos, as well as with the campaign of the former president's son, Benigno III.
Binay of PDP-Laban political party said his new political advertisement will help introduce him to more voters.
"Sabihin na nating ganoon ang epekto noon, dahil sa mga bata ngayon, karamihan hindi alam ang nangyari noon. 'Yong iba hindi pa pinapanganak noon," he said.
Some critics said Binay, who is the running mate of former President Joseph Estrada, was trying to capitalize on the 24th anniversary of the event to strengthen his image, and to take advantage of the so-called "Cory Magic," which some say is one of the reasons why Aquino III is among the leading contenders for the presidency.
Critics said the so-called "Erap Magic" is not enough to pull up Binay's ratings in the surveys, but Binay countered this argument.
"'Di naman... [nagkakaroon] ng kumpitensya ang Cory at Erap Magic. Itong taon gusto ko lang ipakita sa inyo na kasama ako diyan [sa EDSA 1], " he said.
He also dismissed the critics of his ad.
"Wala lang silang masabi. Natural lang may magalit, may mainggit," he said.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Villar, Aquino most trusted Presidential bets— Pulse Asia Survey
Among the present crop of presidential candidates, only Senators Manny Villar Jr. and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III enjoy majority trust ratings from Filipino voters, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed Wednesday.
The January 22-26 survey showed that 70% of Filipinos had much trust for Villar, compared to 64% for Aquino. Eighteen percent of voters said they were undecided about Villar while 23% said the same for Aquino. Both candidates had the same percentage of voters (12%) saying that they had little trust for the two candidates.
Aquino and Villar were statistically tied in the last presidential survey conducted by Pulse Asia last January 22 -26. Thirty-seven percent of Filipino voters said they would vote for Aquino in the presidential election while 35% said they chose Villar. (Read: Aquino, Villar tied in Pulse Asia survey)
All the other presidential candidates registered lower trust ratings among voters, including former President Joseph Estrada (33%), former Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro (32%), Sen. Richard Gordon (26%), JIL founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva (15%), Sen. Jamby Madrigal (14%), financial consultant Vetallano Acosta (5%), Olongapo councilor JC de los Reyes (4%) and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas (4%).
The survey showed that public assessment of the trustworthiness of administration candidate Teodoro is divided with 36% of Filipinos ambivalent on the matter and 31% distrusting him.
Unlike Villar and Aquino, the other candidates had higher distrust ratings than their trust ratings: Estrada (37%), Gordon (34%), Villanueva (53%), Madrigal (47%), Acosta (51%), de los Reyes (50%) and Perlas (54%).
Among the vice-presidential candidates, only Senators Manuel Roxas II and Loren Legarda are trusted by most Filipinos (73% and 61%). On the other hand, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is enjoying big trust from 44% of Filipino voters.
Other vice-presidential candidates registered higher distrust ratings than trust ratings including former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano (20% - trust, 45% - do not trust), former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando (18% - trust, 46% - do not trust), TV personality Jay Sonza (10% - trust, 57% - do not trust), former SEC Chairman Perfecto Yasay (8% - trust, 58% - do not trust), Jun Chipeco Jr. (5% - trust, 52% - do not trust).
The Pulse Asia survey used a probability sample of 1,800 adults. 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.
Arroyo trust rating reaches record low
The Pulse Asia survey showed that nearly 7 in 10 Filipinos (68%) distrust President Arroyo while only about 1 in 10 (11%) expressed trust in her.
According to Pulse Asia, Mrs. Arroyo's current overall trust rating is the same as that recorded in December 2009 and is the lowest she has attained since March 2001.
"On the other hand, the present overall distrust rating of President Arroyo - practically the same as the December 2009 figure (67%) is her highest distrust rating since March 2001," Pulse Asia said.
The survey showed that the President scored majority distrust ratings in every geographic area including sub-regions and socio-economic class ranging from 54% in Eastern Visayas to 82% in Western Visayas. Public ambivalence as regards the trustworthness of President Arroyo is most pronounced among those in Northern/Central Luzon (26%), Eastern Visayas (27%), Region 10 and Caraga (33%).
Arroyo, Ramos endorsements
The same survey, meanwhile, showed that more Filipinos would probably not vote for a candidate endorsed by either President Arroyo or former president Fidel Ramos.
The survey showed that 52% of Filipino voters said they would surely not vote for any candidate endorsed by President Arroyo. Another 22% said they would probably not vote for Arroyo's preferred candidate, compared to 12% who said they would probably vote for Arroyo's choice and 4% said they would surely vote for Arroyo's anointed.
On the other hand, 40% of voters said they would surely not vote for a candidate endorsed by Ramos while another 25% said they would probably not vote for a candidate endorsed by the former president.
Twenty-one percent of voters said they would probably not vote for Ramos' choice while 5% said they would vote for Ramos' choice.
The January 22-26 survey showed that 70% of Filipinos had much trust for Villar, compared to 64% for Aquino. Eighteen percent of voters said they were undecided about Villar while 23% said the same for Aquino. Both candidates had the same percentage of voters (12%) saying that they had little trust for the two candidates.
Aquino and Villar were statistically tied in the last presidential survey conducted by Pulse Asia last January 22 -26. Thirty-seven percent of Filipino voters said they would vote for Aquino in the presidential election while 35% said they chose Villar. (Read: Aquino, Villar tied in Pulse Asia survey)
All the other presidential candidates registered lower trust ratings among voters, including former President Joseph Estrada (33%), former Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro (32%), Sen. Richard Gordon (26%), JIL founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva (15%), Sen. Jamby Madrigal (14%), financial consultant Vetallano Acosta (5%), Olongapo councilor JC de los Reyes (4%) and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas (4%).
The survey showed that public assessment of the trustworthiness of administration candidate Teodoro is divided with 36% of Filipinos ambivalent on the matter and 31% distrusting him.
Unlike Villar and Aquino, the other candidates had higher distrust ratings than their trust ratings: Estrada (37%), Gordon (34%), Villanueva (53%), Madrigal (47%), Acosta (51%), de los Reyes (50%) and Perlas (54%).
Among the vice-presidential candidates, only Senators Manuel Roxas II and Loren Legarda are trusted by most Filipinos (73% and 61%). On the other hand, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is enjoying big trust from 44% of Filipino voters.
Other vice-presidential candidates registered higher distrust ratings than trust ratings including former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano (20% - trust, 45% - do not trust), former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando (18% - trust, 46% - do not trust), TV personality Jay Sonza (10% - trust, 57% - do not trust), former SEC Chairman Perfecto Yasay (8% - trust, 58% - do not trust), Jun Chipeco Jr. (5% - trust, 52% - do not trust).
The Pulse Asia survey used a probability sample of 1,800 adults. 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.
Arroyo trust rating reaches record low
The Pulse Asia survey showed that nearly 7 in 10 Filipinos (68%) distrust President Arroyo while only about 1 in 10 (11%) expressed trust in her.
According to Pulse Asia, Mrs. Arroyo's current overall trust rating is the same as that recorded in December 2009 and is the lowest she has attained since March 2001.
"On the other hand, the present overall distrust rating of President Arroyo - practically the same as the December 2009 figure (67%) is her highest distrust rating since March 2001," Pulse Asia said.
The survey showed that the President scored majority distrust ratings in every geographic area including sub-regions and socio-economic class ranging from 54% in Eastern Visayas to 82% in Western Visayas. Public ambivalence as regards the trustworthness of President Arroyo is most pronounced among those in Northern/Central Luzon (26%), Eastern Visayas (27%), Region 10 and Caraga (33%).
Arroyo, Ramos endorsements
The same survey, meanwhile, showed that more Filipinos would probably not vote for a candidate endorsed by either President Arroyo or former president Fidel Ramos.
The survey showed that 52% of Filipino voters said they would surely not vote for any candidate endorsed by President Arroyo. Another 22% said they would probably not vote for Arroyo's preferred candidate, compared to 12% who said they would probably vote for Arroyo's choice and 4% said they would surely vote for Arroyo's anointed.
On the other hand, 40% of voters said they would surely not vote for a candidate endorsed by Ramos while another 25% said they would probably not vote for a candidate endorsed by the former president.
Twenty-one percent of voters said they would probably not vote for Ramos' choice while 5% said they would vote for Ramos' choice.
De los Reyes concedes presidency to Aquino
The way it sounded, Olongapo Councilor John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes had conceded the presidency to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“Senator Aquino, there is a big chance that you will be the next president based on what the surveys are saying now. And I want you to succeed,” De los Reyes told the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer in his parting remarks at the 2nd Integrity and Human Rights Conference Tuesday at Hotel InterContinental Manila.
De los Reyes’ statement elicited a surprised buzz from the audience.
When it was Aquino’s turn to speak, he drew laughter when he started off with: “Thank you to Councilor JC for acknowledging that I have a good chance of running this country.”
But De los Reyes, the standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran party, later described his remark as just a bit of sarcasm.
Asked if he was serious about conceding to Aquino, he told reporters: “No, I said it with a smile.
“I’m here to win. Let’s face it, [Aquino] has a big chance. But we have 70 plus days [before the elections], and I’m here to give it my all.”
De los Reyes went on to take a dig at the LP, saying it was not enough for a presidential candidate to commit to a moral, transparent and accountable government, and that his political party must do the same.
‘Never’
In a subsequent interview with the Inquirer, De los Reyes said he would never give up on the presidential race.
He said that with his remark, “I meant to impress upon the senator the need for a responsible and accountable political party for genuine reforms, not merely for an individual who would pursue a ‘personal ambition’ to catch a smuggler or a corrupt official responsible for substandard infrastructure within the first two weeks of his presidency, or who would share the pork barrel with friend and foe alike.”
He was quoting Aquino in an Inquirer report on Feb. 20 on what Malacañang would be if the senator wins the presidency.
“In behalf of Ang Kapatiran party, I will never concede in favor of any of the [other] presidential candidates,” De los Reyes said.
“The only thing I will concede is that the major political parties have failed this nation, particularly in passing key legislation pursuant to our Constitution that would have liberated our nation from the dynasts, oligarchs and the elite.”
De los Reyes also said simplifying the complex by getting down to core-policy issues affecting human rights would put clarity in the electorate’s bases for choosing who should be the next president.
He said this would prevent the risk of voters getting “drowned and confused” by the range of issues, including “peripheral issues,” being raised both in the media and in various forums.
“Oftentimes, these can already be addressed by the candidates’ stand on matters of greatest concern,” he said.
Questioning politics
Earlier at the forum, there were slightly tense moments when De los Reyes urged Aquino to push the LP to be more accountable and transparent.
“All I’m saying is we really need a responsible and accountable political party. The political parties of before, even those in [the dictator Ferdinand] Marcos’ time, did not work to uphold the Constitution, like the provisions against political dynasties or the full disclosure of government transactions,” he said.
De Los Reyes said he was not questioning the LP’s moral authority.
“But I’m questioning the propriety of the kind of politics they’re conducting,” he said, adding:
“One person believes this, but it is not adhered [to] by the membership. There are no clear and specific aspirations.
“What is the stand of the LP and Nacionalista Party on [political dynasties]? What is their stand on the pork barrel? These are obstacles to the progress of the people.
“What is their stand as a party, not as a presidential candidate? That’s what we should ask. Whatever they say will be useless if they don’t take a party stand.”
De los Reyes also said he was not attacking the LP standard-bearer.
“It’s not him I’m hitting. It’s everybody who espouses this kind of politics that breeds irresponsible and corrupt political parties,” he said.
Neither Aquino nor Villar
Asked whom he would support if it became a two-man race between Aquino and Sen. Manuel Villar, another survey front-runner who was a no-show at the forum, De Los Reyes said: “After today, neither.”
He said Aquino appeared “peeved” by his remarks.
But the senator responded with a joke: “Yan naman ang hirap sa kaibigan natin (That’s the problem with our friend here)…”
He proceeded to point out that he and the LP were with De Los Reyes’ party in fighting the scrapped National Broadband Network deal with China’s ZTE Corp., among other irregular government deals.
But then, Aquino said, drawing laughter from the audience, “the media would now say we’re calling Kapatiran’s bluff (sasabihin naman sa media, pinapatulan namin ang Kapatiran).”
He added that the people, especially the poor, were more concerned with basic matters, like putting food on the table.
“Senator Aquino, there is a big chance that you will be the next president based on what the surveys are saying now. And I want you to succeed,” De los Reyes told the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer in his parting remarks at the 2nd Integrity and Human Rights Conference Tuesday at Hotel InterContinental Manila.
De los Reyes’ statement elicited a surprised buzz from the audience.
When it was Aquino’s turn to speak, he drew laughter when he started off with: “Thank you to Councilor JC for acknowledging that I have a good chance of running this country.”
But De los Reyes, the standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran party, later described his remark as just a bit of sarcasm.
Asked if he was serious about conceding to Aquino, he told reporters: “No, I said it with a smile.
“I’m here to win. Let’s face it, [Aquino] has a big chance. But we have 70 plus days [before the elections], and I’m here to give it my all.”
De los Reyes went on to take a dig at the LP, saying it was not enough for a presidential candidate to commit to a moral, transparent and accountable government, and that his political party must do the same.
‘Never’
In a subsequent interview with the Inquirer, De los Reyes said he would never give up on the presidential race.
He said that with his remark, “I meant to impress upon the senator the need for a responsible and accountable political party for genuine reforms, not merely for an individual who would pursue a ‘personal ambition’ to catch a smuggler or a corrupt official responsible for substandard infrastructure within the first two weeks of his presidency, or who would share the pork barrel with friend and foe alike.”
He was quoting Aquino in an Inquirer report on Feb. 20 on what Malacañang would be if the senator wins the presidency.
“In behalf of Ang Kapatiran party, I will never concede in favor of any of the [other] presidential candidates,” De los Reyes said.
“The only thing I will concede is that the major political parties have failed this nation, particularly in passing key legislation pursuant to our Constitution that would have liberated our nation from the dynasts, oligarchs and the elite.”
De los Reyes also said simplifying the complex by getting down to core-policy issues affecting human rights would put clarity in the electorate’s bases for choosing who should be the next president.
He said this would prevent the risk of voters getting “drowned and confused” by the range of issues, including “peripheral issues,” being raised both in the media and in various forums.
“Oftentimes, these can already be addressed by the candidates’ stand on matters of greatest concern,” he said.
Questioning politics
Earlier at the forum, there were slightly tense moments when De los Reyes urged Aquino to push the LP to be more accountable and transparent.
“All I’m saying is we really need a responsible and accountable political party. The political parties of before, even those in [the dictator Ferdinand] Marcos’ time, did not work to uphold the Constitution, like the provisions against political dynasties or the full disclosure of government transactions,” he said.
De Los Reyes said he was not questioning the LP’s moral authority.
“But I’m questioning the propriety of the kind of politics they’re conducting,” he said, adding:
“One person believes this, but it is not adhered [to] by the membership. There are no clear and specific aspirations.
“What is the stand of the LP and Nacionalista Party on [political dynasties]? What is their stand on the pork barrel? These are obstacles to the progress of the people.
“What is their stand as a party, not as a presidential candidate? That’s what we should ask. Whatever they say will be useless if they don’t take a party stand.”
De los Reyes also said he was not attacking the LP standard-bearer.
“It’s not him I’m hitting. It’s everybody who espouses this kind of politics that breeds irresponsible and corrupt political parties,” he said.
Neither Aquino nor Villar
Asked whom he would support if it became a two-man race between Aquino and Sen. Manuel Villar, another survey front-runner who was a no-show at the forum, De Los Reyes said: “After today, neither.”
He said Aquino appeared “peeved” by his remarks.
But the senator responded with a joke: “Yan naman ang hirap sa kaibigan natin (That’s the problem with our friend here)…”
He proceeded to point out that he and the LP were with De Los Reyes’ party in fighting the scrapped National Broadband Network deal with China’s ZTE Corp., among other irregular government deals.
But then, Aquino said, drawing laughter from the audience, “the media would now say we’re calling Kapatiran’s bluff (sasabihin naman sa media, pinapatulan namin ang Kapatiran).”
He added that the people, especially the poor, were more concerned with basic matters, like putting food on the table.
Noynoy, Villar lead mock polls in Europe
Like the surveys conducted in the Philippines before the May 10 elections, presidential bets senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manny Villar loom as the top choices of Filipinos in Europe.
Talk of politics and conducting mock polls appear to be the order of business for most Filipino organizations as they gear up for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) starting April 10.
The OAV will be done through postal voting in countries of the European Union, except Northern Italy which will implement personal voting.
Italy has the most number of registered absentee voters with 23,435 and far second is the United Kingdom with only 8,552.
Europe has a total of 61,294 registered absentee voters.
At least 25 Filipino organizations in Italy's Tuscany region took part in mock elections, dubbed as "Lider mo, Iboto mo - Tinig sa Pagbabago".
Of the 500 votes counted, Aquino garnered the highest with 39%.
Villar finished 2nd with 25% and former president Joseph Estrada was 3rd with 20%.
For the vice-presidential race, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II was way ahead at 39% followed by Sen. Loren Legarda with 24%.
In a separate mock elections initiated by the Philippine Association of Royal Mail Employees in UK, Villar was first with 81 votes or 34% and Aquino placed 2nd with 73 votes or 34%.
Villar supporters count on the managerial experience of the Nacionalista Party standard bearer.
More than 200 members of the group took part in the mock polls in the UK.
In an outreach program conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Wales, ABS-CBN’s Balitang Europe conducted random interviews with Filipino workers on their choice for president.
The interviewed Filipino workers said they chose Aquino because he is credible and has no taint of corruption.
Some picked Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon because of his proven track record while some prefer Bro. Eddie Villanueva claiming the country needs spiritual leadership.
Absentee voters in Europe may be small in number, but they wield a lot of influence on their relatives back home.
Talk of politics and conducting mock polls appear to be the order of business for most Filipino organizations as they gear up for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) starting April 10.
The OAV will be done through postal voting in countries of the European Union, except Northern Italy which will implement personal voting.
Italy has the most number of registered absentee voters with 23,435 and far second is the United Kingdom with only 8,552.
Europe has a total of 61,294 registered absentee voters.
At least 25 Filipino organizations in Italy's Tuscany region took part in mock elections, dubbed as "Lider mo, Iboto mo - Tinig sa Pagbabago".
Of the 500 votes counted, Aquino garnered the highest with 39%.
Villar finished 2nd with 25% and former president Joseph Estrada was 3rd with 20%.
For the vice-presidential race, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II was way ahead at 39% followed by Sen. Loren Legarda with 24%.
In a separate mock elections initiated by the Philippine Association of Royal Mail Employees in UK, Villar was first with 81 votes or 34% and Aquino placed 2nd with 73 votes or 34%.
Villar supporters count on the managerial experience of the Nacionalista Party standard bearer.
More than 200 members of the group took part in the mock polls in the UK.
In an outreach program conducted by the Philippine Embassy in Wales, ABS-CBN’s Balitang Europe conducted random interviews with Filipino workers on their choice for president.
The interviewed Filipino workers said they chose Aquino because he is credible and has no taint of corruption.
Some picked Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon because of his proven track record while some prefer Bro. Eddie Villanueva claiming the country needs spiritual leadership.
Absentee voters in Europe may be small in number, but they wield a lot of influence on their relatives back home.
SC junks disqualification bid vs Arroyo
The Supreme Court has paved the way for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s bid to run for Congress in her home province in Pampanga when it dismissed a disqualification case filed against her.
Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, in her petition, told the high court that the Comelec erred in its reading of Section 4, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution. She said the provision made two prohibitions – an absolute ban on any re-election for an incumbent President, and a prohibition on re-election for the presidency against an individual who succeeded as President and who have served as such for more than four years.
Baraquel said that it was unfair to Arroyo’s opponents because this meant that the President could use the entire resources and machinery of the State to influence the result of the elections or to give herself undue advantage.
But the high court through its spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said the tribunal did not find any indication that there was grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) when it dismissed Baraquel’s petition.
“There is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Comelec,” Marquez said.
Arroyo is running for a congressional seat in the 2nd District of Pampanga.
Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, in her petition, told the high court that the Comelec erred in its reading of Section 4, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution. She said the provision made two prohibitions – an absolute ban on any re-election for an incumbent President, and a prohibition on re-election for the presidency against an individual who succeeded as President and who have served as such for more than four years.
Baraquel said that it was unfair to Arroyo’s opponents because this meant that the President could use the entire resources and machinery of the State to influence the result of the elections or to give herself undue advantage.
But the high court through its spokesman Jose Midas Marquez said the tribunal did not find any indication that there was grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) when it dismissed Baraquel’s petition.
“There is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Comelec,” Marquez said.
Arroyo is running for a congressional seat in the 2nd District of Pampanga.
Gordon goes around for voter education
Sen. Richard Gordon said on Tuesday he has been going around provinces not only to campaign for his presidential bid but also to help educate voters. Several times he turned down requests for money.
Gordon said: "I don't indulge them (people) in their childishness."
He and his running mate Bayani Fernando went around six cities and towns in Pangasinan on Sunday and Monday where Gordon came across a few people who asked for money or who asked him to buy their products.
He replied to them: "If I give you money, I will steal from you. Do you want that?"
Instead, he gave P1,000 loans to at least two old women who lamented they had no capital to start even just a small business. Gordon had them sign a promissory note, saying they would have to pay P10 monthly for the loan.
Gordon said instead of giving dole-outs, he wanted to give people their dignity.
But Gordon said he was also pleased to learn that most voters have become discerning.
Speaking with Urdaneta City Mayor Amado Perez Jr. on Monday afternoon, Gordon said he noticed that "voters are now intelligent."
He told Perez: "They watched television debates and told me that I did well in answering questions."
Gordon and Fernando were in Bataan on Tuesday where they spoke at the Balanga and Dinalupihan campuses of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).
Gordon said that in his brief conversations with residents, he felt that many of them were already angry.
He said: "The people are angry. They are tired of what is happening."
Gordon said the national campaign should be a venue for political leaders to consult with their people and learn about their concerns.
Gordon said: "The Presidency is something that is earned. The more you campaign nationally, the better President you will become."
He surprised students at the BPSU Banzon Tuesday morning when he asked one student who was reading a question from a sheet of paper to try to ask her question without reading her notes.
The student did and the crowd cheered her.
Gordon said he wanted to teach the students not to be afraid.
He also did not hide his disappointment when a few students asked questions whose answers, he said, were already in his opening speech.
Gordon said: "I don't indulge them (people) in their childishness."
He and his running mate Bayani Fernando went around six cities and towns in Pangasinan on Sunday and Monday where Gordon came across a few people who asked for money or who asked him to buy their products.
He replied to them: "If I give you money, I will steal from you. Do you want that?"
Instead, he gave P1,000 loans to at least two old women who lamented they had no capital to start even just a small business. Gordon had them sign a promissory note, saying they would have to pay P10 monthly for the loan.
Gordon said instead of giving dole-outs, he wanted to give people their dignity.
But Gordon said he was also pleased to learn that most voters have become discerning.
Speaking with Urdaneta City Mayor Amado Perez Jr. on Monday afternoon, Gordon said he noticed that "voters are now intelligent."
He told Perez: "They watched television debates and told me that I did well in answering questions."
Gordon and Fernando were in Bataan on Tuesday where they spoke at the Balanga and Dinalupihan campuses of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).
Gordon said that in his brief conversations with residents, he felt that many of them were already angry.
He said: "The people are angry. They are tired of what is happening."
Gordon said the national campaign should be a venue for political leaders to consult with their people and learn about their concerns.
Gordon said: "The Presidency is something that is earned. The more you campaign nationally, the better President you will become."
He surprised students at the BPSU Banzon Tuesday morning when he asked one student who was reading a question from a sheet of paper to try to ask her question without reading her notes.
The student did and the crowd cheered her.
Gordon said he wanted to teach the students not to be afraid.
He also did not hide his disappointment when a few students asked questions whose answers, he said, were already in his opening speech.
Pacquiao to campaign for Villar after Clottey bout
Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao vowed to join the campaign bandwagon of Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar after his March 13 fight with Ghana’s Joshua Clottey.
“Pagdating ko po sa Pilipinas, sasamahan ko po ang aking mahal na presidente na si Manny Villar para po introduce sa inyong lahat,” Pacquiao said in Filipino in a videotaped message shown during Villar’s concert rally in Mandaue City, Cebu Sunday night.
The pound-for-pound king is currently training in Los Angeles, California for his “The Event” bout.
Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 7-division world champion, who is running for the Sarangani province congressional seat in May, then explained why he is supporting Villar.
“Ang tingin ko po, kailangan po natin ng taong may karanasan po na naging mahirap. Ako rin po ay galing sa hirap at isang sigaw po ng mahihirap na tao, kapag sumisigaw sila ng ‘tulong’ sa gobyerno, ako po ang unang nasasaktan,” he stated.
“Eto po si Manny Villar, siya po ang sagot sa ating mga problema dahil alam ko na galing siya sa hirap, kailangan natin ng isang lider na ang damdamin niya ay nasa pakiramdam ng mahihirap.”
Pacquiao’s videotaped message was shown by “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame as a surprise for Villar, who spoke to a crowd of more than 80,000 in a Cebu reclamation area.
The Filipino boxing icon stressed that Villar’s leadership can address the country’s poverty situation.
“Sa dami ng taon na lumipas, wala pa rin tayong pagbabago, lalo pa pong padami ng padami ang mga taong mahihirap at walang trabaho. Ang tingin ko po, kailangan po natin ng taong may karanasan po na naging mahirap,” he noted.
Value of Pacquiao endorsement
Based on a Pulse Asia survey last year, an endorsement by the Filipino boxing idol would have a value of at least 2% or at most 19%.
In the nationwide survey conducted October 22 to 30, 2009, 1,800 respondents were asked whether they would vote for a candidate if he or she were endorsed by Pacquiao.
The results showed that 2% of respondents said they would "surely vote for" a candidate endorsed by Pacquiao, while 19% said they would "probably vote for" a candidate he endorses.
On the other hand, 35% said they would "probably not vote for" a candidate endorsed by Pacquiao, while 36% said they would surely not vote for" a candidate endorsed by the People's Champ.
Five percent of respondents said a Pacquiao endorsement would have no effect, while 3% don't know or refused to answer the question.
The survey has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.
Kris, Willie endorsements
The survey also showed that an endorsement by Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III's sister, Kris, would carry more weight with 45% saying they would surely or probably vote for Aquino's bet.
It also showed that an endorsement by Wowowee host Willie Revillame would also have a higher political value: 37% said they would surely vote or probably vote for a candidate endorsed by the popular TV show host. Revillame is also supporting Villar.
Based on the latest Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) survey commissioned by the Liberal Party camp, Aquino has regained his lead over Villar. (Read: Noynoy regains lead over Villar in new survey)
The survey of 3,000 respondents, conducted January 28 to February 3, 2010 showed Aquino with 41% support while his closest rival Villar got 30% or an 11 percentage point lead. TNS is a global market research firm with a branch in the Philippines.
“Pagdating ko po sa Pilipinas, sasamahan ko po ang aking mahal na presidente na si Manny Villar para po introduce sa inyong lahat,” Pacquiao said in Filipino in a videotaped message shown during Villar’s concert rally in Mandaue City, Cebu Sunday night.
The pound-for-pound king is currently training in Los Angeles, California for his “The Event” bout.
Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 7-division world champion, who is running for the Sarangani province congressional seat in May, then explained why he is supporting Villar.
“Ang tingin ko po, kailangan po natin ng taong may karanasan po na naging mahirap. Ako rin po ay galing sa hirap at isang sigaw po ng mahihirap na tao, kapag sumisigaw sila ng ‘tulong’ sa gobyerno, ako po ang unang nasasaktan,” he stated.
“Eto po si Manny Villar, siya po ang sagot sa ating mga problema dahil alam ko na galing siya sa hirap, kailangan natin ng isang lider na ang damdamin niya ay nasa pakiramdam ng mahihirap.”
Pacquiao’s videotaped message was shown by “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame as a surprise for Villar, who spoke to a crowd of more than 80,000 in a Cebu reclamation area.
The Filipino boxing icon stressed that Villar’s leadership can address the country’s poverty situation.
“Sa dami ng taon na lumipas, wala pa rin tayong pagbabago, lalo pa pong padami ng padami ang mga taong mahihirap at walang trabaho. Ang tingin ko po, kailangan po natin ng taong may karanasan po na naging mahirap,” he noted.
Value of Pacquiao endorsement
Based on a Pulse Asia survey last year, an endorsement by the Filipino boxing idol would have a value of at least 2% or at most 19%.
In the nationwide survey conducted October 22 to 30, 2009, 1,800 respondents were asked whether they would vote for a candidate if he or she were endorsed by Pacquiao.
The results showed that 2% of respondents said they would "surely vote for" a candidate endorsed by Pacquiao, while 19% said they would "probably vote for" a candidate he endorses.
On the other hand, 35% said they would "probably not vote for" a candidate endorsed by Pacquiao, while 36% said they would surely not vote for" a candidate endorsed by the People's Champ.
Five percent of respondents said a Pacquiao endorsement would have no effect, while 3% don't know or refused to answer the question.
The survey has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.
Kris, Willie endorsements
The survey also showed that an endorsement by Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III's sister, Kris, would carry more weight with 45% saying they would surely or probably vote for Aquino's bet.
It also showed that an endorsement by Wowowee host Willie Revillame would also have a higher political value: 37% said they would surely vote or probably vote for a candidate endorsed by the popular TV show host. Revillame is also supporting Villar.
Based on the latest Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) survey commissioned by the Liberal Party camp, Aquino has regained his lead over Villar. (Read: Noynoy regains lead over Villar in new survey)
The survey of 3,000 respondents, conducted January 28 to February 3, 2010 showed Aquino with 41% support while his closest rival Villar got 30% or an 11 percentage point lead. TNS is a global market research firm with a branch in the Philippines.
Comelec changes ballot box design
Less transparent, the boxes will shield ballots' UV ink from sunlight
First, they changed the layout of the ballot. Now, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has changed the design and makeup of the ballot boxes.
Bigger and less transparent than the sample units being shown to votes in road shows and information drives, the latest ballot boxes look like the trash bins pushed around by street cleaners in the metropolis.
Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal on Tuesday showed reporters the official ballot box to be used for the first nationwide automated polls. Made of durable plastic and resembles a big trash bin, it is 36 inches tall, 34 inches long, and 20 inches in width.
While the sample units had big transparent windows on both sides, the official boxes will only have much smaller, translucent windows. The windows are made of unbreakable glass.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said, "There is nothing wrong with changing the design of the box. Now, it is designed for addtional measure of security."
Jimenez explained that the ultraviolet ink in the ballots is susceptible to sunlight and could make images and letters fade. Thus, the old design where much bigger and transparent windows were used will expose the ballots more to the sunlight.
Faded ballots, he said, "will give us a problem if a recount has to be carried out later on."
Jimenez said that the change in the design of the ballot box is for additional measure of security. "What's important is that the ballots remain authentic."
Larrazabal said that voters would still be able to see and detect the ballots inside the box through the translucent windows.
The increase in size of the ballot boxes will accommodate the long ballots of the automated polls. Ballots for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be 27 inches long, while those for other regions will be 25 inches long.
Larrzabal said that the ballot box can now accommodate the 1,000 ballots, as required by every precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine.
The poll body signed a separate deal with machine manufacturer Smartmatic for the production of the ballot boxes. A P234-million contract was awarded to the company. Each box effectively costs P3,000. Jimenez said that all 82,200 PCOS machines will have one ballot box each.
The ballot boxes will be produced at Smartmatic's facilities in Taiwan, and will be produced from mid-March to mid-April. They will then be delivered to the treasurer's office of various cities and municipalities along with the delivery of the machines.
Even with the production of new ballot boxes, the poll body earlier explained the the old yellow steel ballot boxes would still be kept for use in small elections, like the baranggay polls.
First, they changed the layout of the ballot. Now, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has changed the design and makeup of the ballot boxes.
Bigger and less transparent than the sample units being shown to votes in road shows and information drives, the latest ballot boxes look like the trash bins pushed around by street cleaners in the metropolis.
Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal on Tuesday showed reporters the official ballot box to be used for the first nationwide automated polls. Made of durable plastic and resembles a big trash bin, it is 36 inches tall, 34 inches long, and 20 inches in width.
While the sample units had big transparent windows on both sides, the official boxes will only have much smaller, translucent windows. The windows are made of unbreakable glass.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said, "There is nothing wrong with changing the design of the box. Now, it is designed for addtional measure of security."
Jimenez explained that the ultraviolet ink in the ballots is susceptible to sunlight and could make images and letters fade. Thus, the old design where much bigger and transparent windows were used will expose the ballots more to the sunlight.
Faded ballots, he said, "will give us a problem if a recount has to be carried out later on."
Jimenez said that the change in the design of the ballot box is for additional measure of security. "What's important is that the ballots remain authentic."
Larrazabal said that voters would still be able to see and detect the ballots inside the box through the translucent windows.
The increase in size of the ballot boxes will accommodate the long ballots of the automated polls. Ballots for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be 27 inches long, while those for other regions will be 25 inches long.
Larrzabal said that the ballot box can now accommodate the 1,000 ballots, as required by every precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine.
The poll body signed a separate deal with machine manufacturer Smartmatic for the production of the ballot boxes. A P234-million contract was awarded to the company. Each box effectively costs P3,000. Jimenez said that all 82,200 PCOS machines will have one ballot box each.
The ballot boxes will be produced at Smartmatic's facilities in Taiwan, and will be produced from mid-March to mid-April. They will then be delivered to the treasurer's office of various cities and municipalities along with the delivery of the machines.
Even with the production of new ballot boxes, the poll body earlier explained the the old yellow steel ballot boxes would still be kept for use in small elections, like the baranggay polls.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Ako Ang Simula: Himig Ng Pagbabago Concert
Ako Ang Simula: Himig Ng Pagbabago is a Free Concert Just for Patrollers. Check out the video.
Friday, February 19, 2010
TNS Presidential Survey: January 28-February 3, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Comelec assures backup plan for automated polls
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it has a backup plan that will address all contingencies in the implementation of the first automated elections in the country this May.
Comelec legal department head Ferdinand Rafanan said Republic Act 9369, also known as the Poll Automation Law, states that the Comelec and its poll machine supplier, Smartmatic-TIM, must submit "a list of contingency measures, and the policies for activation of such, that are put in place to ensure continuous operation of the [automated election system]."
Rafanan said the backup plan includes various measures to take in case of machine failure during the May 10 polls. He said Smartmatic-TIM will be providing 82,000 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for the country's 75,000 clustered precincts. "This means that we will have an excess of 7,000 machines during the elections," he said.
He said Comelec personnel have conducted laboratory and field tests of the initial batch of PCOS machines delivered by Smartmatic-TIM. He said all 82,000 PCOS machines will be tested before the election on May 10.
Rafanan said the boards of election inspectors will be composed of three teachers, one of whom will be IT capable. He said Smartmatic-TIM will also deploy 50,000 IT personnel in 35,000 voting centers all over the country on election day.
He added that Comelec could also go back to manual voting during the elections but only as a last resort.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines earlier asked the Comelec to craft a contingency plan in case the automated polls fail to avoid a potential political crisis.
"We must make sure that there are prepared fall back positions that can be quickly adopted when there are some glitches in the system and in the logistics. We have to be vigilant and be involved. One example would be to help in educating voters regarding the AES and in using the equipment,” the prelates said.
The bishops cited the “serious questions” on the reliability and integrity of the machines that would be used in the elections which they also noted “have not been satisfactorily answered.”
Concerns have been raised on the credibility of the winning consortium that bagged the contract to automate the polls. Smartmatic, the main supplier of the machines, has been involved in alleged election anomalies in the United States and Venezuela.
Critics also raised the possibility that system could be manipulated.
The Comelec is pushing ahead in automating the elections nationwide amid concerns that massive glitches could cause a nationwide failure of elections, resulting to a leadership vacuum.
Comelec legal department head Ferdinand Rafanan said Republic Act 9369, also known as the Poll Automation Law, states that the Comelec and its poll machine supplier, Smartmatic-TIM, must submit "a list of contingency measures, and the policies for activation of such, that are put in place to ensure continuous operation of the [automated election system]."
Rafanan said the backup plan includes various measures to take in case of machine failure during the May 10 polls. He said Smartmatic-TIM will be providing 82,000 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for the country's 75,000 clustered precincts. "This means that we will have an excess of 7,000 machines during the elections," he said.
He said Comelec personnel have conducted laboratory and field tests of the initial batch of PCOS machines delivered by Smartmatic-TIM. He said all 82,000 PCOS machines will be tested before the election on May 10.
Rafanan said the boards of election inspectors will be composed of three teachers, one of whom will be IT capable. He said Smartmatic-TIM will also deploy 50,000 IT personnel in 35,000 voting centers all over the country on election day.
He added that Comelec could also go back to manual voting during the elections but only as a last resort.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines earlier asked the Comelec to craft a contingency plan in case the automated polls fail to avoid a potential political crisis.
"We must make sure that there are prepared fall back positions that can be quickly adopted when there are some glitches in the system and in the logistics. We have to be vigilant and be involved. One example would be to help in educating voters regarding the AES and in using the equipment,” the prelates said.
The bishops cited the “serious questions” on the reliability and integrity of the machines that would be used in the elections which they also noted “have not been satisfactorily answered.”
Concerns have been raised on the credibility of the winning consortium that bagged the contract to automate the polls. Smartmatic, the main supplier of the machines, has been involved in alleged election anomalies in the United States and Venezuela.
Critics also raised the possibility that system could be manipulated.
The Comelec is pushing ahead in automating the elections nationwide amid concerns that massive glitches could cause a nationwide failure of elections, resulting to a leadership vacuum.
Rising violence threatens 2010 elections
Spiralling political violence and the introduction of a new voting system have raised the risk that national polls in the Philippines in May produce the outcome markets fear most of all -- a failed election that nobody wins.
Asset prices in the Philippines are generally very resilient to violence and lawlessness, particularly in the restive southern islands. And investors have long become accustomed to the "guns, goons and gold" culture of elections in the archipelago.
But even markets that generally take unrest and insurgency in stride would be unsettled by one particularly dangerous scenario, in which the elections do not give any candidate a credible mandate. That could lead to months of uncertainty and further delay overdue efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit.
The risk of this scenario becoming a reality remains relatively low. But with political killings running at an unprecedented level, and doubts surrounding the implementation of automated voting, it cannot be ruled out. And the uncertainty is likely to act as a drag on markets in the months ahead.
"The constraint we face is that even if we see risk aversion offshore dissipate, the election risk premium may curtail any bullish (sentiment) or optimism in the local market," said Jun Trinidad, economist at Citigroup in Manila.
Nearly 90 people were killed in politically motivated killings across the country last year, even before the start of the 120-day election period that began early this month. The death toll was well above the single-digit level of killings that preceded the election period in previous polls.
Some fear that the new system of automated vote counting, aimed at preventing fraud, could stoke increased violence.
"The automation process has changed the rules of the game and politicians who fear they could no longer manipulate poll results are more tempted to eliminate each other," said Benito Lim, political science professor at Ateneo de Manila University.
Some politicians may also use intimidation to scare voters on election day, resulting in low turnout, he said.
A high level of violence will not, by itself, be a major shock for markets -- they are used to it. The average death toll for the four-month election period every three years in the Philippines is around 100, government records show.
Risk discount
But if unrest reaches a level that threatens the legitimacy of the election, or if automated vote tallying proves problematic, it would be a different story.
That would impose a much higher risk discount on Philippine asset prices, analysts say. Investors would shun long-term debt papers and shift to short-term holdings or sell altogether and the credit default swap spread would widen.
Antonio Herbosa, managing director at the Center for Global Best Practices, a financial advisory firm, said if the elections failed, the stock market's main index could tumble below 2,600 points to the lowest levels since July 2009. The index is currently trading around 2,940 points.
The peso, which has been strengthening against the dollar in line with other risky but bullish Asian currencies, would also take a hit, analysts say.
If an election failure was solely due to technical problems, the impact on markets would be limited, Herbosa said. "It would be totally a different story if the failure is in the context of the incumbent perceived to be wanting to stay in power," he said.
Concerns that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo might try to hang on to power beyond the constitutional limits of her term have unsettled markets at times over the past year. Most analysts believe it highly unlikely that she would seek to exploit any problem with the elections to remain in office, however.
Arroyo says she shares concerns that the May 10 polls could face problems. Asked by a group of foreign correspondents over dinner at the presidential palace last week if she was worried about the possible failure of the polls, she replied: "Yes".
"It's something that has never been tested," Arroyo said of the computerized tally. But she added: "It might fail in some areas, but not in a national scale."
Manila has yet to launch a comprehensive and effective educational campaign on the new system, with thousands of uneducated voters expected to be disenfranchised. That increases the risk of violence on and after election day on May 10.
Rule of law
Security officials say more than a third of the country's 1,600 cities and towns are prone to election violence due to the presence of Maoist-led and Muslim separatist rebels, Islamic militants, and armed groups of political warlords.
The Philippines is perceived by investors and multilateral financial institutions to have done little to impose the rule of law, especially in rural areas, where private armies dominate.
That contributes to an image of uncertainty and insecurity for investors that hurts the long-term economic prospects of the country. The World Bank's World Governance Indicators, widely watched by investors, have recorded a sharp drop in the image of the Philippines over the past decade.
The Rule of Law indicator has dropped from 52.9 in 1998 to 39.7 in 2008. Indicators are on a scale of 1 to 100, and the lower the number, the less the rule of law is upheld.
The decline in the Rule of Law rating for the Philippines puts it below Malaysia at 64.6, Thailand at 54.1, and even Vietnam at 41.6. Among major regional competitors only Indonesia fares worse at 28.7, but the Indonesian rating has been rising steadily as the rating for the Philippines falls.
To address poll-related violence caused by private armies under the control of political warlords, Arroyo has mobilized the army and police to dismantle about 170 armed groups.
She imposed martial law for more than a week in December on the lawless southern province of Maguindanao to dismantle the 2,000-member civilian militia force of her political ally, the Ampatuan clan, who helped her win the 2004 presidential polls.
Some members of the clan face charges for the November murder of 57 people, including 30 journalists, who were attacked on their way to witness the filing of nomination papers in what was the country's worst poll-related crime.
Arroyo also ordered authorities to collect more than 1 million unregistered small arms nationwide, about a third of them in the troubled southern island of Mindanao.
But no administration since the Philippine independence in 1946 had succeeded in dismantling private armies and in collecting loose firearms in the hands of civilians, and sceptics doubt Arroyo will succeed in her campaign.
"The level of violence and political killings in this country is just horrendously unacceptable," said Peter Wallace, head of Wallace Business Forum consultancy.
Asset prices in the Philippines are generally very resilient to violence and lawlessness, particularly in the restive southern islands. And investors have long become accustomed to the "guns, goons and gold" culture of elections in the archipelago.
But even markets that generally take unrest and insurgency in stride would be unsettled by one particularly dangerous scenario, in which the elections do not give any candidate a credible mandate. That could lead to months of uncertainty and further delay overdue efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit.
The risk of this scenario becoming a reality remains relatively low. But with political killings running at an unprecedented level, and doubts surrounding the implementation of automated voting, it cannot be ruled out. And the uncertainty is likely to act as a drag on markets in the months ahead.
"The constraint we face is that even if we see risk aversion offshore dissipate, the election risk premium may curtail any bullish (sentiment) or optimism in the local market," said Jun Trinidad, economist at Citigroup in Manila.
Nearly 90 people were killed in politically motivated killings across the country last year, even before the start of the 120-day election period that began early this month. The death toll was well above the single-digit level of killings that preceded the election period in previous polls.
Some fear that the new system of automated vote counting, aimed at preventing fraud, could stoke increased violence.
"The automation process has changed the rules of the game and politicians who fear they could no longer manipulate poll results are more tempted to eliminate each other," said Benito Lim, political science professor at Ateneo de Manila University.
Some politicians may also use intimidation to scare voters on election day, resulting in low turnout, he said.
A high level of violence will not, by itself, be a major shock for markets -- they are used to it. The average death toll for the four-month election period every three years in the Philippines is around 100, government records show.
Risk discount
But if unrest reaches a level that threatens the legitimacy of the election, or if automated vote tallying proves problematic, it would be a different story.
That would impose a much higher risk discount on Philippine asset prices, analysts say. Investors would shun long-term debt papers and shift to short-term holdings or sell altogether and the credit default swap spread would widen.
Antonio Herbosa, managing director at the Center for Global Best Practices, a financial advisory firm, said if the elections failed, the stock market's main index could tumble below 2,600 points to the lowest levels since July 2009. The index is currently trading around 2,940 points.
The peso, which has been strengthening against the dollar in line with other risky but bullish Asian currencies, would also take a hit, analysts say.
If an election failure was solely due to technical problems, the impact on markets would be limited, Herbosa said. "It would be totally a different story if the failure is in the context of the incumbent perceived to be wanting to stay in power," he said.
Concerns that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo might try to hang on to power beyond the constitutional limits of her term have unsettled markets at times over the past year. Most analysts believe it highly unlikely that she would seek to exploit any problem with the elections to remain in office, however.
Arroyo says she shares concerns that the May 10 polls could face problems. Asked by a group of foreign correspondents over dinner at the presidential palace last week if she was worried about the possible failure of the polls, she replied: "Yes".
"It's something that has never been tested," Arroyo said of the computerized tally. But she added: "It might fail in some areas, but not in a national scale."
Manila has yet to launch a comprehensive and effective educational campaign on the new system, with thousands of uneducated voters expected to be disenfranchised. That increases the risk of violence on and after election day on May 10.
Rule of law
Security officials say more than a third of the country's 1,600 cities and towns are prone to election violence due to the presence of Maoist-led and Muslim separatist rebels, Islamic militants, and armed groups of political warlords.
The Philippines is perceived by investors and multilateral financial institutions to have done little to impose the rule of law, especially in rural areas, where private armies dominate.
That contributes to an image of uncertainty and insecurity for investors that hurts the long-term economic prospects of the country. The World Bank's World Governance Indicators, widely watched by investors, have recorded a sharp drop in the image of the Philippines over the past decade.
The Rule of Law indicator has dropped from 52.9 in 1998 to 39.7 in 2008. Indicators are on a scale of 1 to 100, and the lower the number, the less the rule of law is upheld.
The decline in the Rule of Law rating for the Philippines puts it below Malaysia at 64.6, Thailand at 54.1, and even Vietnam at 41.6. Among major regional competitors only Indonesia fares worse at 28.7, but the Indonesian rating has been rising steadily as the rating for the Philippines falls.
To address poll-related violence caused by private armies under the control of political warlords, Arroyo has mobilized the army and police to dismantle about 170 armed groups.
She imposed martial law for more than a week in December on the lawless southern province of Maguindanao to dismantle the 2,000-member civilian militia force of her political ally, the Ampatuan clan, who helped her win the 2004 presidential polls.
Some members of the clan face charges for the November murder of 57 people, including 30 journalists, who were attacked on their way to witness the filing of nomination papers in what was the country's worst poll-related crime.
Arroyo also ordered authorities to collect more than 1 million unregistered small arms nationwide, about a third of them in the troubled southern island of Mindanao.
But no administration since the Philippine independence in 1946 had succeeded in dismantling private armies and in collecting loose firearms in the hands of civilians, and sceptics doubt Arroyo will succeed in her campaign.
"The level of violence and political killings in this country is just horrendously unacceptable," said Peter Wallace, head of Wallace Business Forum consultancy.
Mindanao blackouts seen during May elections
Mindanao, the Philippines’ second-largest island, is expected to experience two to three hour blackouts during the coming May elections, energy officials said.
Effects of El Niño are expected to bring an energy shortage of some 144 megawatts (mW), which translates to about two to three hours of rotating brownouts on weekends during the month, an official of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said.
The NGCP operates the country’s power grid, transmitting electricity generated by power plants to distribution utilities such as Meralco.
"In Mindanao, because of the effect of the El Niño, there is not enough power coming from the hydroplant so we have deficiency or shortage of power in May," Carlito Claudio, NGCP deputy assistant chief technical officer said during a House committee on energy hearing on the issue.
No power shortage is expected for Luzon and Visayas in May, he said.
Power shortages during the May elections have raised fears that the country’s first nationwide, fully-automated polls may be disrupted.
For its part, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials have assured that the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used to count and transmit votes have back-up batteries that can last for 16 hours.
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes is currently in Mindanao, trying to get assurance from private power companies that they will generate an additional 50 megawatts from embedded generators and another 30 megawatts from Iligan Diesel Power Plant, Pio Benavidez, senior vice president of the National Power Corporation (Napocor), said.
State-led Napocor is the country’s largest power producer.
Benavidez said the additional power will be enough to cover the four-megawatt deficiency on May 10 itself.
Resolution seeks placing Mindanao under power crisis emergency
Despite the assurance of energy officials, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Congress should go into a special session to pass a resolution urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to place Mindanao under a power crisis emergency.
"The resolution will propose that the committee will call on the president to determine that there is not only imminent but an actual shortage in Mindanao and that she call a special session to be able to solve the problem of the Mindanao power crisis especially in view of the coming May 10 elections," Rodriguez said.
If the President declares a power crisis in Mindanao, Congress may empower the National Power Corp. (Napocor) to enter intro contracts with independent power producers to require them to generate additional electricity.
Entering into such contracts is currently prohibited under the law, said Rodriguez, but section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) allows it.
The section provides that "upon the determination by the President of the Philippines of an imminent shortage of the supply of electricity, Congress may authorize, through a joint resolution, the establishment of additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve."
Rodriguez said the committee should ask Reyes to recommend the declaration of a power crisis emergency to the president.
But the president's son, Energy committee chair and Pampanga Rep. Mikey Macapagal-Arroyo, said it may be too early to declare a power crisis emergency in the southern region.
"If everything fails maybe that should be considered but as of now I'd like to see what Secretary Reyes has done and will do in Mindanao right now," the presidential son said in an interview with reporters after the hearing.
Reyes' absence at the hearing earned the ire of some lawmakers who said the energy chief must be present to answer questions regarding the country's current power situation.
Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez questioned why Reyes flew to Mindanao at the time of the House inquiry when he had warned of the power shortages as early as September last year. [See: Brownouts to plague RP on election year -DOE chief]
"That sounds like a very convenient excuse," Golez said.
Rodriguez and Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco also demanded Reyes' presence.
Effects of El Niño are expected to bring an energy shortage of some 144 megawatts (mW), which translates to about two to three hours of rotating brownouts on weekends during the month, an official of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said.
The NGCP operates the country’s power grid, transmitting electricity generated by power plants to distribution utilities such as Meralco.
"In Mindanao, because of the effect of the El Niño, there is not enough power coming from the hydroplant so we have deficiency or shortage of power in May," Carlito Claudio, NGCP deputy assistant chief technical officer said during a House committee on energy hearing on the issue.
No power shortage is expected for Luzon and Visayas in May, he said.
Power shortages during the May elections have raised fears that the country’s first nationwide, fully-automated polls may be disrupted.
For its part, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials have assured that the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that will be used to count and transmit votes have back-up batteries that can last for 16 hours.
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes is currently in Mindanao, trying to get assurance from private power companies that they will generate an additional 50 megawatts from embedded generators and another 30 megawatts from Iligan Diesel Power Plant, Pio Benavidez, senior vice president of the National Power Corporation (Napocor), said.
State-led Napocor is the country’s largest power producer.
Benavidez said the additional power will be enough to cover the four-megawatt deficiency on May 10 itself.
Resolution seeks placing Mindanao under power crisis emergency
Despite the assurance of energy officials, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Congress should go into a special session to pass a resolution urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to place Mindanao under a power crisis emergency.
"The resolution will propose that the committee will call on the president to determine that there is not only imminent but an actual shortage in Mindanao and that she call a special session to be able to solve the problem of the Mindanao power crisis especially in view of the coming May 10 elections," Rodriguez said.
If the President declares a power crisis in Mindanao, Congress may empower the National Power Corp. (Napocor) to enter intro contracts with independent power producers to require them to generate additional electricity.
Entering into such contracts is currently prohibited under the law, said Rodriguez, but section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) allows it.
The section provides that "upon the determination by the President of the Philippines of an imminent shortage of the supply of electricity, Congress may authorize, through a joint resolution, the establishment of additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve."
Rodriguez said the committee should ask Reyes to recommend the declaration of a power crisis emergency to the president.
But the president's son, Energy committee chair and Pampanga Rep. Mikey Macapagal-Arroyo, said it may be too early to declare a power crisis emergency in the southern region.
"If everything fails maybe that should be considered but as of now I'd like to see what Secretary Reyes has done and will do in Mindanao right now," the presidential son said in an interview with reporters after the hearing.
Reyes' absence at the hearing earned the ire of some lawmakers who said the energy chief must be present to answer questions regarding the country's current power situation.
Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez questioned why Reyes flew to Mindanao at the time of the House inquiry when he had warned of the power shortages as early as September last year. [See: Brownouts to plague RP on election year -DOE chief]
"That sounds like a very convenient excuse," Golez said.
Rodriguez and Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco also demanded Reyes' presence.
Aquino to add star power to campaign
Television host Kris Aquino and other showbiz endorsers of Liberal Party presidential candidate Senator Benigno "Noynoy” Aquino III are expected to hit the campaign trail next month to add star power whenever he goes on the stump.
This was revealed by Aquino, who is also seeking a private meeting with religious leaders such as Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai group and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) in the next few weeks to further consolidate his lead before election day.
In an interview with reporters in Davao City, Aquino said he expected Kris to join his nationwide campaign starting March 26, when the campaign for provincial, city and municipal positions start.
"I don’t think she will be with us all the time. She and Boy Abunda were part of the group that made the story board for my ads. This group is self-funded,” said Aquino, who expected Kris’ husband, basketball star James Yap, to tag along in the campaign.
Aquino said that other stars would jump on his campaign wagon starting next month, including possibly actress Sharon Cuneta.
"She has declared it (joining his campaign) several times in public,” said Aquino.
Aside from the entertainment world, Aquino was also keen on getting support from the religious world.
"We are talking to all groups because we hope to include them in our movement for a new nation. We are keeping our communication lines open and if they have any issues against, we will explain,” said Aquino.
Aquino said he has yet to talk to Velarde, who endorsed his senatorial bid in 2007.
Aquino is set to meet with Quiboloy in Davao next month and attend KJC’s worship service.
Aquino has already met with Iglesia ni Cristo leaders and he expects to meet with them again soon.
"I think they received us very graciously. Whether or not we earned their support is another matter. I have no complaint, I am very grateful we were given a large amount of time,” said Aquino, who also planned to meet with Muslim leaders in the next few weeks.
But his main target remains the dominant Catholic group in the country.
"I make it a point to meet the bishop in the provinces I visit,” said Aquino said.
This was revealed by Aquino, who is also seeking a private meeting with religious leaders such as Bro. Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai group and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) in the next few weeks to further consolidate his lead before election day.
In an interview with reporters in Davao City, Aquino said he expected Kris to join his nationwide campaign starting March 26, when the campaign for provincial, city and municipal positions start.
"I don’t think she will be with us all the time. She and Boy Abunda were part of the group that made the story board for my ads. This group is self-funded,” said Aquino, who expected Kris’ husband, basketball star James Yap, to tag along in the campaign.
Aquino said that other stars would jump on his campaign wagon starting next month, including possibly actress Sharon Cuneta.
"She has declared it (joining his campaign) several times in public,” said Aquino.
Aside from the entertainment world, Aquino was also keen on getting support from the religious world.
"We are talking to all groups because we hope to include them in our movement for a new nation. We are keeping our communication lines open and if they have any issues against, we will explain,” said Aquino.
Aquino said he has yet to talk to Velarde, who endorsed his senatorial bid in 2007.
Aquino is set to meet with Quiboloy in Davao next month and attend KJC’s worship service.
Aquino has already met with Iglesia ni Cristo leaders and he expects to meet with them again soon.
"I think they received us very graciously. Whether or not we earned their support is another matter. I have no complaint, I am very grateful we were given a large amount of time,” said Aquino, who also planned to meet with Muslim leaders in the next few weeks.
But his main target remains the dominant Catholic group in the country.
"I make it a point to meet the bishop in the provinces I visit,” said Aquino said.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
5 Arroyos in Congress may set a world record
If President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wins as representative of the 2nd district of Pampanga in the May 2010 elections and 4 of her relatives also get elected to the House of Representatives, the Philippines may yet set a new world record on political dynasties.
"There will be 5 Arroyos in the House. I am not sure that's happened elsewhere. It's all in the family," said Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson, who, on Monday, came out with a full-page newspaper advertisement calling for new blood in politics.
“I am not aware of any such similar situation abroad," noted lawyer Carlos Medina, referring to the number of family members occupying one law-making body.
"If it happens here, it will be an abomination,” noted Medina who is with poll watchdog group Legal Network for Truthful Elections.
Rep. Joson and Medina both assailed the President's congressional plans amid recent not-so-flattering news about the Philippines.
"Perhaps she wants to make it to the Ripley's Believe it or Not or the Guinness World Records as the first President to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the longest serving public servant rated as No. 1 in corruption, and No. 1 in rice importation," Rep. Joson added.
Last November 23, the Philippines landed in the record books for having the most number of journalists killed in an election-related incident when 30 died in the Maguindanao massacre. The carnage was allegedly committed by a close ally of President Arroyo--the Ampatuans of Maguindanao.
"Kailangan ng bagong dugo na mamuno at magsilbi para magsimulang maka-ahon sa pagkasadlak sa dusa ang ating bayan. Sobra na! Tama na!--ang karahasan, kahirapan, at korapsyon na patuloy na dinaranas ng ating bayan na gawa ng mga naghaharing pamilya at angkan ng ating bansa mula sa pangulo hanggang sa ating mga barangay," Rep. Joson's ad said.
Speculations that President Arroyo would run for Congress were confirmed on Monday. Her election lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said the president wants to continue serving the people and the nation as a member of the House of Representatives.
All in the family
Relatives occupying positions in various government posts are common even in democratic governments.
Sets of father and son, mother and son, and brothers serving at the same time are common in legislatures such as in India and Botswana. (Read story on Indian parliament here and Botswana here)
Likewise, in the United States, relatives have served simultaneously in the House of Representatives.
But to have 4 family members—and possibly 5—in one law-making body all at the same time is rare.
There are 4 Arroyos in the current 14th Congress. They are
- presidential son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo
- presidential son Camarines Sur 1st District Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Macapagal Arroyo
- President Arroyo’s brother-in-law Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo,
- President Arroyo's sister-in-law Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo.
President Arroyo plans to take over the post of son Mikey. But if rumors are true, Mikey will be joining a party-list group so he can possibly stay in the House of Representatives. Abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak sent the congressman a text message to verify the rumors, but he has yet to answer our query, as of this posting.
Rep. Iggy Arroyo is on his second term and is still eligible for another 3-year term.
Reps. Dato and Lourdes are on their first terms in the lower House.
Dato has filed his certificate of candidacy in the newly created district in Camarines Sur province. President Arroyo signed the law creating the new Camarines Sur district.
However, President Arroyo is not the first to run for a lower post after serving as Philippine president. Jose P. Laurel, president from 1943 to 1945 during the Japanese Occupation, served as a senator after the war.
Service to Kabalens
In a press statement on Monday, Mrs. Arroyo said she would still be the country’s President and would only allot a short period of time for her campaign.
“I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office,” the president said.
"As president, my first commitment is to the nation we all love. My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duties as President,” she added.
“After much contemplation, I realize that I am not ready to step down completely from public service,” she said.
The president said the clamor of her province mates to run convinced her not to retire from politics.
“So after much soul searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call...To that end, I will fill my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hard working people of my home province,” she said.
The president is expected to make a formal announcement when she visits Lubao, Pampanga on Tuesday.
Prolonging her reign?
The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) was quick to condemn President Arroyo's political plans.
"This is a dark day for the Philippines. Her running for Congress is a slap on the face of the many victims of her administration. Her running for Congress is proof that she wants to somehow prolong her reign of terror," warned Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. on Monday.
"Her attempt to get a congressional seat is not borne out of a desire to serve but by a desire to get political leverage and avoid accountability for the many crimes committed by her regime," Reyes added.
If President Arroyo becomes the next House Speaker, as feared by her critics, she will have vast powers against the elected President. If elections were held last October, the next president will likely come from the ranks of the opposition.
However, Mrs. Arroyo will need to keep the current Lakas-Kampi-CMD congressmen—most of them reelectionists—in the party so that they will continue to be the majority in the next Congress.
Charter change is next?
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a critic of Mrs. Arroyo, suspects that Charter change is on top of President Arroyo's plans.
"There are 3 observations on GMA (President Arroyo) wanting to be in Congress: She manifests addiction to power. She exhibits lack of propriety. She remains fixated to have Charter change as soon as possible to target the Office of Prime Minister," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.
Since the 13th Congress, the House of Representatives has gone against public opinion by pursuing Charter change.
Three measures on Charter change are pending in the lower House--to convene a Constituent Assembly, to convene a Constitutional Convention, and a "fourth mode" which is to pass a legislation to scrap the nationalist restrictions in the 1987 Constitution.
The House of Representatives also has the exclusive authority to initiate an impeachment complaint against the President and other impeachable officials such as the Ombudsman.
It has the power of the purse. It can launch congressional inquiries. Members are immune from arrest while Congress is in session. It also has the power to declare state of war or state of emergency.
Through the Commission on Appointments (CA), senators and congressmen can approve or reject appointments made by the President.
"There will be 5 Arroyos in the House. I am not sure that's happened elsewhere. It's all in the family," said Nueva Ecija Rep. Edno Joson, who, on Monday, came out with a full-page newspaper advertisement calling for new blood in politics.
“I am not aware of any such similar situation abroad," noted lawyer Carlos Medina, referring to the number of family members occupying one law-making body.
"If it happens here, it will be an abomination,” noted Medina who is with poll watchdog group Legal Network for Truthful Elections.
Rep. Joson and Medina both assailed the President's congressional plans amid recent not-so-flattering news about the Philippines.
"Perhaps she wants to make it to the Ripley's Believe it or Not or the Guinness World Records as the first President to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the longest serving public servant rated as No. 1 in corruption, and No. 1 in rice importation," Rep. Joson added.
Last November 23, the Philippines landed in the record books for having the most number of journalists killed in an election-related incident when 30 died in the Maguindanao massacre. The carnage was allegedly committed by a close ally of President Arroyo--the Ampatuans of Maguindanao.
"Kailangan ng bagong dugo na mamuno at magsilbi para magsimulang maka-ahon sa pagkasadlak sa dusa ang ating bayan. Sobra na! Tama na!--ang karahasan, kahirapan, at korapsyon na patuloy na dinaranas ng ating bayan na gawa ng mga naghaharing pamilya at angkan ng ating bansa mula sa pangulo hanggang sa ating mga barangay," Rep. Joson's ad said.
Speculations that President Arroyo would run for Congress were confirmed on Monday. Her election lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said the president wants to continue serving the people and the nation as a member of the House of Representatives.
All in the family
Relatives occupying positions in various government posts are common even in democratic governments.
Sets of father and son, mother and son, and brothers serving at the same time are common in legislatures such as in India and Botswana. (Read story on Indian parliament here and Botswana here)
Likewise, in the United States, relatives have served simultaneously in the House of Representatives.
But to have 4 family members—and possibly 5—in one law-making body all at the same time is rare.
There are 4 Arroyos in the current 14th Congress. They are
- presidential son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo
- presidential son Camarines Sur 1st District Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Macapagal Arroyo
- President Arroyo’s brother-in-law Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo,
- President Arroyo's sister-in-law Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo.
President Arroyo plans to take over the post of son Mikey. But if rumors are true, Mikey will be joining a party-list group so he can possibly stay in the House of Representatives. Abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak sent the congressman a text message to verify the rumors, but he has yet to answer our query, as of this posting.
Rep. Iggy Arroyo is on his second term and is still eligible for another 3-year term.
Reps. Dato and Lourdes are on their first terms in the lower House.
Dato has filed his certificate of candidacy in the newly created district in Camarines Sur province. President Arroyo signed the law creating the new Camarines Sur district.
However, President Arroyo is not the first to run for a lower post after serving as Philippine president. Jose P. Laurel, president from 1943 to 1945 during the Japanese Occupation, served as a senator after the war.
Service to Kabalens
In a press statement on Monday, Mrs. Arroyo said she would still be the country’s President and would only allot a short period of time for her campaign.
“I will be firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office,” the president said.
"As president, my first commitment is to the nation we all love. My bid for Congress will be spirited but secondary to my duties as President,” she added.
“After much contemplation, I realize that I am not ready to step down completely from public service,” she said.
The president said the clamor of her province mates to run convinced her not to retire from politics.
“So after much soul searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call...To that end, I will fill my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hard working people of my home province,” she said.
The president is expected to make a formal announcement when she visits Lubao, Pampanga on Tuesday.
Prolonging her reign?
The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) was quick to condemn President Arroyo's political plans.
"This is a dark day for the Philippines. Her running for Congress is a slap on the face of the many victims of her administration. Her running for Congress is proof that she wants to somehow prolong her reign of terror," warned Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr. on Monday.
"Her attempt to get a congressional seat is not borne out of a desire to serve but by a desire to get political leverage and avoid accountability for the many crimes committed by her regime," Reyes added.
If President Arroyo becomes the next House Speaker, as feared by her critics, she will have vast powers against the elected President. If elections were held last October, the next president will likely come from the ranks of the opposition.
However, Mrs. Arroyo will need to keep the current Lakas-Kampi-CMD congressmen—most of them reelectionists—in the party so that they will continue to be the majority in the next Congress.
Charter change is next?
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a critic of Mrs. Arroyo, suspects that Charter change is on top of President Arroyo's plans.
"There are 3 observations on GMA (President Arroyo) wanting to be in Congress: She manifests addiction to power. She exhibits lack of propriety. She remains fixated to have Charter change as soon as possible to target the Office of Prime Minister," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.
Since the 13th Congress, the House of Representatives has gone against public opinion by pursuing Charter change.
Three measures on Charter change are pending in the lower House--to convene a Constituent Assembly, to convene a Constitutional Convention, and a "fourth mode" which is to pass a legislation to scrap the nationalist restrictions in the 1987 Constitution.
The House of Representatives also has the exclusive authority to initiate an impeachment complaint against the President and other impeachable officials such as the Ombudsman.
It has the power of the purse. It can launch congressional inquiries. Members are immune from arrest while Congress is in session. It also has the power to declare state of war or state of emergency.
Through the Commission on Appointments (CA), senators and congressmen can approve or reject appointments made by the President.
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