Two top officials of the ruling Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-KAMPI-CMD) tendered their resignations on Wednesday, a day after the party's standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro gave up his role as party chairman.
Sarangani Gov. Rene Miguel Dominguez said he resigned as party president to allow the next Lakas-KAMPI chairman a free hand in choosing his replacement. Hours later, Lakas-KAMPI-CMD secretary general Francis Xavier Manglapus also followed suit, citing similar reasons.
In their resignation letters, the two officials cited the recent resignation of Gilbert Teodoro as chairman of the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD party. Both thanked the party's National Executive Committee for being given the privilege to serve the party.
Dominguez and Manglapus were proclaimed national president and secretary general, respectively, of the ruling Lakas-KAMPI-CMD party in November 2009.
Dominguez is the incumbent governor of Sarangani province. He is seeking a third term under the Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO), which has a tie-up with Lakas-KAMPI-CMD. The bets from SARRO are up against the full slate of the People's Champ Party (PCP), led by boxing here Manny Pacquiao, who has tie ups with the Nacionalista Party. (Read: Pacquiao faces tough fight vs Chiongbians)
Teodoro tendered his resignation as chairman of the ruling party on Tuesday. He said he wants to focus on his presidential campaign. He said the party needs a chairman who can respond on a 24/7 basis to the needs of its candidates. (Read: Gibo quits as Lakas-Kampi chairman)
Nograles: What has happened to our party?
Top Lakas-KAMPI officials, meanwhile, admitted that they were surprised by the sudden resignations of Teodoro and Dominguez just 40 days before the May 10 elections.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles said he was shocked with the resignation of Teodoro as party chairman since it was done "without any consultation from us, the previous leaders of the party."
Nograles, the vice-chairman of Lakas-KAMPI-CMD, said he is "now confused and seems to be out of the loop" since he does not know what's happening to the party.
"The local troops are now as confused over this event," Nograles, who is running for mayor of Davao City, said.
On Dominguez's resignation as party president, Nograles said: "What has happened to our party? To each his own?"
Caught by surprise
Lakas-KAMPI deputy secretary-general Raymundo Roquero admitted he was caught by surprise by the resignation of Dominguez since he was just talking to the Sarangani governor the other day to discuss the schedule of campaign sorties of the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD candidate.
"Medyo nabigla din tayo. Hindi natin alam," he said in an ANC interview.
He added: "Parang hindi nga ito normal in terms of the normal routine of the party, but there are some developments which might also help the campaign of our standard-bearer Gibo Teodoro. He is still the standard-bearer of the party."
He said that under the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD constitution and by-laws, Teodoro could be replaced by either of the party's vice-chairmen, vice-presidential bet Edu Manzano and re-electionist Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno.
He added that Dominguez could also be replaced by the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD executive vice-president, deputy House Speaker Pablo Garcia of Cebu.
"We might also call for a special national executive committee meeting para makagpag-decide kami tungkol sa top officials of our party," he said.
Roquero said some Lakas-KAMPI-CMD members continue to air their support for Teodoro despite his decision to resign as the party's chairman.
"We will stay together as a party. As [Teodoro] said, Lakas-Kampi is not an ordinary party. We have 12,891 local and national candidates running for various positions and these have to be attended to by the national chairman. We need somebody who will attend to this," he said.
Malacañang surprised, too
Malacañang was also surprised by the resignations of Teodoro and Dominguez from the ruling party.
In a press briefing, Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said he wasn't aware that there were "a lot happening" in the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD.
Saludo said it was up to the party administration to deal with the resignations.
He underscored that the party remains a powerful organization with a big reach and clout.
Saludo said he was unaware whether President Arroyo has been informed about the developments.
Presumably, he said the Lakas-KAMPI-officers have informed the chief executive about the resignations of Teodoro and Dominguez.
Saludo said the these developments were a "matter of concern."
A reliable source said Teodoro quit without informing President Arroyo about his decision.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Kris confident uncle Danding is for Noynoy
Actress-TV host Kris Aquino sees no need to court the support of her uncle, San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco Jr., for the presidential bid of her brother, Liberal Party (LP) bet Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III.
Kris told ABS-CBN News in Bacolod she believes her uncle is backing her brother, especially since Danding's daughter, Luisa 'Liza' Cojuangco-Cruz, and brother Henry Cojuangco, 1st district Rep. of Tarlac, have already endorsed Noynoy.
Kris said Henry is Danding's closest brother, and she's "pretty confident" that he and daughter Liza would not have come out in the open to support Noynoy if they did not get Danding's approval.
Kris also hopes that since Negros Occidental is supportive of her shows on television, the people will also support her brother in the May 10 polls.
She added they have sought the help of many local officials in the province, and she claimed most of them have said they would vote for Aquino and Roxas.
“Kapamilya country kasi ito eh, so alam na alam ko lang talaga na lahat ng programa ko sinusuportahan nila. So sana naman talaga when it comes to May 10, lumabas sila talaga ang boboto for ‘Noy and Mar,” said Kris.
When asked on her seeking support from local officials for the LP tandem, Kris said: “Yes and mukha wala pa namang tumatanggi sa ‘kin.”
Ms. Cojuangco-Cruz has joined Kris in campaigning for Noynoy and running mate Manuel 'Mar' Roxas II.
Cojuangco-Cruz told ABS-CBN News she sought permission from her father to campaign for Noynoy.
She said it was time to set aside differences between their families.
Cojuangco-Cruz said that although her father has not openly endorsed Noynoy, she is sure that he will not support the administration candidate, Gilbert Teodoro. (Read: Anybody but Gibo, says Danding's wife)
“As far as he is concerned anybody… You know already what that means... Anybody ... I don’t have to say the continuation,” said Cojuangco-Cruz.
She said her father does not want to speak up about who to support since he is already semi-retired from politics.
Kris and Cojuangco-Cruz will be in Negros Occidental the next two days to campaign for Aquino and Roxas
Kris told ABS-CBN News in Bacolod she believes her uncle is backing her brother, especially since Danding's daughter, Luisa 'Liza' Cojuangco-Cruz, and brother Henry Cojuangco, 1st district Rep. of Tarlac, have already endorsed Noynoy.
Kris said Henry is Danding's closest brother, and she's "pretty confident" that he and daughter Liza would not have come out in the open to support Noynoy if they did not get Danding's approval.
Kris also hopes that since Negros Occidental is supportive of her shows on television, the people will also support her brother in the May 10 polls.
She added they have sought the help of many local officials in the province, and she claimed most of them have said they would vote for Aquino and Roxas.
“Kapamilya country kasi ito eh, so alam na alam ko lang talaga na lahat ng programa ko sinusuportahan nila. So sana naman talaga when it comes to May 10, lumabas sila talaga ang boboto for ‘Noy and Mar,” said Kris.
When asked on her seeking support from local officials for the LP tandem, Kris said: “Yes and mukha wala pa namang tumatanggi sa ‘kin.”
Ms. Cojuangco-Cruz has joined Kris in campaigning for Noynoy and running mate Manuel 'Mar' Roxas II.
Cojuangco-Cruz told ABS-CBN News she sought permission from her father to campaign for Noynoy.
She said it was time to set aside differences between their families.
Cojuangco-Cruz said that although her father has not openly endorsed Noynoy, she is sure that he will not support the administration candidate, Gilbert Teodoro. (Read: Anybody but Gibo, says Danding's wife)
“As far as he is concerned anybody… You know already what that means... Anybody ... I don’t have to say the continuation,” said Cojuangco-Cruz.
She said her father does not want to speak up about who to support since he is already semi-retired from politics.
Kris and Cojuangco-Cruz will be in Negros Occidental the next two days to campaign for Aquino and Roxas
40,000 removed from Maguindanao’s voters’ list
Some 40,000 voters were removed from the Maguindanao voters’ list for failure to validate their records through the biometrics system or failure to vote during the two previous elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said Wednesday.
Estelita Orbase, Maguindanao election supervisor, said the 40,000 would not be allowed to vote in the May 10 elections.
“Only the Comelec central office can resolve the problem of voters, whose names have been removed from the new Comelec list of registered voters,” she said.
Among the 14,152 voters de-listed for failure to validate their records was re-electionist city councilor Florante Formento.
Formento, a former journalist, said he was unsure if the Comelec could reconsider his case, with the campaign period for local polls fast approaching.
Formento said city election officer Badelles Macaan had flown to Manila to bring their case before the Comelec.
“We were told he will try to argue my case and those of over 14,000 other voters with the central office, but up to now (Wednesday) there is no word yet and we are running out of time,” he said.
Under the law, only registered voters can run in any elective post.
Meanwhile, Orbase said the de-listing of the 34,142 voters who were removed for failure to vote in 2004 and 2007 and register during the allotted time before the election period, was final.
Estelita Orbase, Maguindanao election supervisor, said the 40,000 would not be allowed to vote in the May 10 elections.
“Only the Comelec central office can resolve the problem of voters, whose names have been removed from the new Comelec list of registered voters,” she said.
Among the 14,152 voters de-listed for failure to validate their records was re-electionist city councilor Florante Formento.
Formento, a former journalist, said he was unsure if the Comelec could reconsider his case, with the campaign period for local polls fast approaching.
Formento said city election officer Badelles Macaan had flown to Manila to bring their case before the Comelec.
“We were told he will try to argue my case and those of over 14,000 other voters with the central office, but up to now (Wednesday) there is no word yet and we are running out of time,” he said.
Under the law, only registered voters can run in any elective post.
Meanwhile, Orbase said the de-listing of the 34,142 voters who were removed for failure to vote in 2004 and 2007 and register during the allotted time before the election period, was final.
Teodoro quits as Lakas party chair
Gilbert ``Gibo’’ Teodoro has resigned as chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats, but will remain as standard-bearer of the administration party.
In a letter sent to the national executive committee of the party, he said he wanted to do away with the rigorous tasks of attending to the needs of members and focus on his presidential campaign.
"Effective immediately I am resigning as chairman of our party so that I can focus all my efforts campaigning for the presidency of the country as the official candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD," he said in his letter.
"The party needs at this time a full time Chairman who will be able to respond on a 24/7 basis to the needs of our party candidates running for various elective posts this coming elections," he added.
Reggie Velasco, Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general, said being an ordinary member would allow Teodoro to give more time to his campaign, rather than attend to party matters.
"We have 18,000 candidates and most of them want to have a meeting with him for their campaign requirements. It's a 24/7 thing, which he could no longer attend to," Velasco said in a phone interview.
Velasco said the national executive committee would meet to discuss Teodoro's replacement after Holy Week.
Teodoro has remained in fourth place in various presidential surveys, but his camp said they would bank on the support of their local candidates to deliver for him the win in the May elections.
In a letter sent to the national executive committee of the party, he said he wanted to do away with the rigorous tasks of attending to the needs of members and focus on his presidential campaign.
"Effective immediately I am resigning as chairman of our party so that I can focus all my efforts campaigning for the presidency of the country as the official candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD," he said in his letter.
"The party needs at this time a full time Chairman who will be able to respond on a 24/7 basis to the needs of our party candidates running for various elective posts this coming elections," he added.
Reggie Velasco, Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general, said being an ordinary member would allow Teodoro to give more time to his campaign, rather than attend to party matters.
"We have 18,000 candidates and most of them want to have a meeting with him for their campaign requirements. It's a 24/7 thing, which he could no longer attend to," Velasco said in a phone interview.
Velasco said the national executive committee would meet to discuss Teodoro's replacement after Holy Week.
Teodoro has remained in fourth place in various presidential surveys, but his camp said they would bank on the support of their local candidates to deliver for him the win in the May elections.
Senatoriables Latest SWS Survey
Reelectionist senators continued to dominate the Senate races, with only one new name entering the “Magic 12” of possible senatorial winners, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the private polling firm Social Weather Stations last week.
Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (53 percent) and Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada (52 percent) were ahead of the pack.
Following them were Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago (44 percent), Pia Cayetano (42 percent), former Sen. Franklin Drilon (36 percent), Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile (35 percent), and former Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (33 percent).
Former Sen. Ralph Recto and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. were ranked 8th-9th with 30 percent.
They were described by the report as “clearly above 13th place.”
Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid was ranked 10th with 26 percent while former Sen. Sergio Osmeña III was 11th with 25 percent.
Entering the Magic 12 at 12th place was Gilbert Remulla, Nacionalista Party spokesperson and former Cavite congressman, with 24 percent.
“Remulla, who was 18th a month ago with just 14 percent, displaced PDP-Laban senatorial candidate Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.,” BusinessWorld said in its report published Monday.
“The top nine candidates and Osmeña have always been in the winning circle since the SWS survey of Dec. 5-10, 2009,” the report said.
Following the Top 12 were Pimentel (23 percent), and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III (21 percent).
Also cited in the report were businessman Jose “Joey” de Venecia III (19 percent), and Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon (18 percent).
The survey was conducted from March 19 to 22 with 2,100 registered voters as respondents. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.
Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. (53 percent) and Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada (52 percent) were ahead of the pack.
Following them were Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago (44 percent), Pia Cayetano (42 percent), former Sen. Franklin Drilon (36 percent), Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile (35 percent), and former Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (33 percent).
Former Sen. Ralph Recto and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. were ranked 8th-9th with 30 percent.
They were described by the report as “clearly above 13th place.”
Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid was ranked 10th with 26 percent while former Sen. Sergio Osmeña III was 11th with 25 percent.
Entering the Magic 12 at 12th place was Gilbert Remulla, Nacionalista Party spokesperson and former Cavite congressman, with 24 percent.
“Remulla, who was 18th a month ago with just 14 percent, displaced PDP-Laban senatorial candidate Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.,” BusinessWorld said in its report published Monday.
“The top nine candidates and Osmeña have always been in the winning circle since the SWS survey of Dec. 5-10, 2009,” the report said.
Following the Top 12 were Pimentel (23 percent), and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III (21 percent).
Also cited in the report were businessman Jose “Joey” de Venecia III (19 percent), and Muntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon (18 percent).
The survey was conducted from March 19 to 22 with 2,100 registered voters as respondents. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.
Vice Presidentiable Latest SWS Survey: Roxas rules Binay surges
Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II lost 3 percentage points in voter preference since February, but still dominated the vice presidential race, according to the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
Conducted from March 19 to 22, the survey showed that Roxas, running mate of Benigno Aquino III, led with 42 percent.
Sen. Loren Legarda, whose rating also dropped 3 points, remained a distant second with 25 percent. Legarda is the running mate of Manuel Villar.
In third place was Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who got 21 percent, up 4 points from 17 percent in February.
Scores for the remaining vice presidential candidates did not move substantially.
Bayani Fernando remained at 3 percent, tying with Edu Manzano, who gained a point since February.
Perfecto Yasay got 1 percent, up from 0.4 percent. Dominador Chipeco remained at 0.4 percent, and Jay Sonza fell to 0.3 percent from 1 percent.
Five percent of the respondents voted for others or were undecided, according to SWS.
The survey covered 2,100 registered voters and had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points.
Conducted from March 19 to 22, the survey showed that Roxas, running mate of Benigno Aquino III, led with 42 percent.
Sen. Loren Legarda, whose rating also dropped 3 points, remained a distant second with 25 percent. Legarda is the running mate of Manuel Villar.
In third place was Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who got 21 percent, up 4 points from 17 percent in February.
Scores for the remaining vice presidential candidates did not move substantially.
Bayani Fernando remained at 3 percent, tying with Edu Manzano, who gained a point since February.
Perfecto Yasay got 1 percent, up from 0.4 percent. Dominador Chipeco remained at 0.4 percent, and Jay Sonza fell to 0.3 percent from 1 percent.
Five percent of the respondents voted for others or were undecided, according to SWS.
The survey covered 2,100 registered voters and had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points.
Villar was never poor, says Aquino
Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III told his rival Nacionalista Party rival, Manuel "Manny” Villar, on Tuesday to stop blaming others for persistent doubt about the claim he was born poor.
"The problem with him, he was the one who claimed he was poor. There are other people who took him up on that claim as well as other claims he made. But instead of answering the questions squarely, to prove his point in all his assertions, why does he keep blaming us for all his problems [of which] he was a participant [while] we are observers far removed?” Aquino said in a press conference at the Liberal Party headquarters in Quezon City.
Villar has disputed statements he came from a middle-class family and was not born dirt-poor as he claims in his multi-billion-peso media campaign. Skeptics have pointed out that Villar went to a private school, his family owned a business in the public market, he ate corned beef for breakfast (not the typical fare for the masses), and his family could afford to go to private hospitals.
Aquino denied that the LP was behind what Villar described as a smear campaign to discredit his roots in poverty.
"At the most, we were just given information about all of these by the people who felt the need and the compulsion to check on the veracity of these claims. It’s a squid tactic,” said Aquino.
Aquino said that he and his siblings were born at the FEU Hospital, which was the same hospital where Villar’s brother, Danny, was hospitalized before he died.
"I think we were well-off at that point in time—I was born in 1962—and FEU is considered a good hospital. That is why I find it hard to understand why go to a premium hospital if you can’t afford to buy medicine and pay the bill?” asked Aquino.
In a statement, Liberal Party senatorial candidate Dr. Martin Bautista said that Villar was taking voters for a ride with the claim that “Danny died because Villar’s family cannot afford the cost of his treatment.”
“Didn’t the Villars know that Danny had leukemia, that there was no treatment to speak of that time? The latest statement, as the cliché goes, leaves more questions than answers,” he said.
Danny passed away in October 1962 and Bautista pointed out that the breakthrough in the treatment of childhood leukemia came only in 1965 with the introduction of chemotherapy.
“It is regrettable that the late Danny Villar has been dragged into a mess that his own brother created to project a ‘tunay na mahirap’ image. But truth has a way of finding light so everyone can see through the slick and gloss of propaganda,” he said.
"The problem with him, he was the one who claimed he was poor. There are other people who took him up on that claim as well as other claims he made. But instead of answering the questions squarely, to prove his point in all his assertions, why does he keep blaming us for all his problems [of which] he was a participant [while] we are observers far removed?” Aquino said in a press conference at the Liberal Party headquarters in Quezon City.
Villar has disputed statements he came from a middle-class family and was not born dirt-poor as he claims in his multi-billion-peso media campaign. Skeptics have pointed out that Villar went to a private school, his family owned a business in the public market, he ate corned beef for breakfast (not the typical fare for the masses), and his family could afford to go to private hospitals.
Aquino denied that the LP was behind what Villar described as a smear campaign to discredit his roots in poverty.
"At the most, we were just given information about all of these by the people who felt the need and the compulsion to check on the veracity of these claims. It’s a squid tactic,” said Aquino.
Aquino said that he and his siblings were born at the FEU Hospital, which was the same hospital where Villar’s brother, Danny, was hospitalized before he died.
"I think we were well-off at that point in time—I was born in 1962—and FEU is considered a good hospital. That is why I find it hard to understand why go to a premium hospital if you can’t afford to buy medicine and pay the bill?” asked Aquino.
In a statement, Liberal Party senatorial candidate Dr. Martin Bautista said that Villar was taking voters for a ride with the claim that “Danny died because Villar’s family cannot afford the cost of his treatment.”
“Didn’t the Villars know that Danny had leukemia, that there was no treatment to speak of that time? The latest statement, as the cliché goes, leaves more questions than answers,” he said.
Danny passed away in October 1962 and Bautista pointed out that the breakthrough in the treatment of childhood leukemia came only in 1965 with the introduction of chemotherapy.
“It is regrettable that the late Danny Villar has been dragged into a mess that his own brother created to project a ‘tunay na mahirap’ image. But truth has a way of finding light so everyone can see through the slick and gloss of propaganda,” he said.
SWS Latest Presidentiable Survey: Aquino leads Villar by 9 pts
Weakening support by the poor for presidential candidate Manuel Villar Jr. and their steady backing of Benigno Aquino III have given Aquino a clear lead over Villar, according to results of a nationwide survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) this month.
At the same time, there was a surge in support by the rich and middle class for Aquino and a huge drop in their support for Villar.
As a result, voters’ preference for Villar dropped 6 percentage points from 34 percent in February to 28 percent in the SWS survey conducted from March 19 to 22.
It was the first decline in the numbers of Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP), since December last year.
The rating of Aquino, Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate, increased by just 1 point to 37 percent, but this arrested for the first time the steady decline in his ratings over the past four months, according to the newspaper BusinessWorld, which has the exclusive right of first publication of the survey results.
Following Aquino and Villar in the SWS survey were deposed President Joseph Estrada (19 percent, up 4 points), administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (stuck at 6 percent), Bagumbayan candidate Sen. Richard Gordon (3 percent, up 1 point), and Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Bro. Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva (2 percent, down 1 point).
At the bottom of the list were John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran (0.3 percent), and independent candidates Nicanor “Nick” Perlas (0.1 percent) and Sen. Jamby Madrigal (0.04 percent).
Margin of error
The survey had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points for national figures.
SWS asked 2,100 registered voters nationwide—300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—whom they would vote for president if elections were held at the time.
The respondents were asked to privately fill out a ballot containing the names of the official candidates in alphabetical order.
The margin of error was plus-or-minus 6 points for Metro Manila and plus-or-minus 4 points for the three other areas.
Ahead in areas, classes
Aquino led in all areas and socioeconomic classes, though his ratings dropped in Metro Manila (from 42 to 39 percent) and in Mindanao (from 35 to 32 percent).
“Villar saw his support eroded in almost all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila where he kept his score of 20 percent, keeping him third behind [Aquino (39 percent) and] Estrada (27 percent),” BusinessWorld reported.
Villar suffered a 7-point drop in areas of Luzon outside Metro Manila and the Visayas (from 37 to 30 percent), and a 6-point decrease in Mindanao (from 33 to 27 percent).
Estrada gained 5 points in Luzon outside Metro Manila (from 13 to 18 percent) and 6 points in Mindanao (from 20 to 26 percent).
Loss of support
Loss of support for Villar was stark among those in Class ABC, with his rating plunging 16 points, from 33 to 17 percent. Aquino’s rating jumped from 30 to 45 percent in Class ABC.
Among members of Class D, Villar’s rating fell 7 points from 34 percent to 27 percent, while that of Aquino stayed at 38 percent.
In Class E, Villar’s rating dropped 3 points from 34 percent to 31 percent, while that of Aquino increased by 1 point from 32 percent to 33 percent.
Black propaganda
Villar attributed the drop in his rating to black propaganda employed by his rivals.
“For the past months, the black propaganda hurled at me was too much. They invented a lot of stories, which were all lies,” he told reporters in Naga City when asked to comment on the SWS survey.
Villar, however, pointed out that the drop in his rating was not disturbing because Aquino’s lead was still single digit. He said he was able to cut Aquino’s 50-percent lead last year to a “mere single digit.”
Even so, Villar acknowledged that he had to make some “adjustments” in his campaign strategy.
He laughed off claims that he did not come from the ranks of the poor.
“They say I’m not poor … that’s funny— funny but irritating. When I was telling my mother about it, I didn’t know if I, we would be angry or just laugh at it. However, whoever doubts that my mother once sold shrimp, I will gladly accompany him or her to my mother,” he said.
Personal touch
Aquino said his personal touch was finally paying off. “The refocused campaign has clarified our message. We intend to redouble our efforts,” he said in a text message.
Aquino took over his campaign last month after his ratings steadily fell and his message of change and putting an end to corruption failed to connect with voters.
Aquino got some help from LP senatorial candidate Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III in putting his campaign in tighter focus, according to LP campaign manager Florencio “Butch” Abad.
Aquino’s strategy was to visit as many provinces as he could before the start of campaigns for local elections on March 26 and maximizing his personal appearance by conducting radio interviews in provincial broadcast stations.
Explaining Aquino’s lead over Villar, Abad said the time limit on campaign ads imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) finally caught up with Villar.
Abad said the Comelec-imposed time limits had put an end to the NP standard-bearer’s “unlimited spending” on his ads, which fueled his surge in the previous surveys. (A national candidate is limited to 120 minutes of TV ads and 180 of radio ads.)
Because the LP has also come out with its own ads, “there is now a parity between us when it comes to that,” he added.
‘Secret Arroyo candidate’
Abad said Villar also lost points in almost all sectors because the public was beginning to perceive him as the secret candidate of the unpopular Arroyo administration, especially with the recent defections to the NP camp of administration stalwarts.
Villar has dismissed such allegation as another black propaganda by the LP camp.
“The last one to cross over was (former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis) Chavit Singson. But before that you had (Bukidnon) Gov. (Jose) Zubiri, Bohol Gov. Eric Aumentado and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas,” Abad said.
Abad said the “unlimited” spending of Villar on his ads might have also boomeranged against him because the public was concerned about how he was going to recoup it.
Abad said there were also growing questions about the accuracy of Villar’s ads that portrayed him as someone who was dirt poor before he became a billionaire.
“The issues raised by (Inquirer columnist) Winnie Monsod about the veracity of his ads are quite serious and they are growing,” Abad said.
In her column, Monsod said a copy of the death certificate of Danny, Villar’s younger brother, showed that he died in 1962 at the FEU hospital, belying the presidential candidate’s claim in his TV ad that his brother died because the family had no money for medicine and proper health care. Monsod added that Danny stayed at the hospital for 13 days and that Funeraria Paz handled the funeral arrangements.
“And in this campaign, he is not the only one running as the pro-poor candidate. Erap (Estrada) is also doing that, while Noynoy (Aquino) is (campaigning as) the clean candidate,” he said.
Lies
Villar described as “lies” reports that his family was able to afford the hospitalization of his cancer-stricken brother.
While acknowledging that his brother was rushed to the FEU hospital, Villar said Danny was admitted as a charity patient. “During an emergency case, you go to the nearest hospital and worry later where to get the money to pay the bill,” he said.
Eventually, however, Danny died because Villar’s family could not afford the cost of his treatment.
Villar said that when his family decided to hire the services of Funeraria Paz for the burial of his brother, this did not mean that they were flush with cash.
He claimed that the “heightened attacks” against him happened after he gained support from a number of local politicians around the country. This “clearly showed” that his foes were in a “panic” mode, Villar said.
C-5 controversy
Abad said Villar’s ratings also dropped because of allegations of corruption against him in the C-5 road extension controversy and in other cases involving his real estate business.
A son of Estrada said Filipinos were starting to see behind Villar’s massive TV ad campaign that he was neither a leader of the opposition nor a champion of the poor.
“Filipinos are in search of a sincere leader. That is why in spite of the many ads of Villar and his projecting himself as a member of the opposition, he is still falling in the surveys,” said San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who is running for the city’s representative in Congress.
“How can (Villar) claim that he is a member of the opposition when not once did he ever take a strong stand against (President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo)?” Ejercito said.
In a statement coursed through his spokesperson Margaux Salcedo, Estrada said Villar had yet to connect with the poor.
“The surveys say that people are looking for two things in a president: That he cares for the poor and that he is a member of the opposition,” Salcedo said.
At the same time, there was a surge in support by the rich and middle class for Aquino and a huge drop in their support for Villar.
As a result, voters’ preference for Villar dropped 6 percentage points from 34 percent in February to 28 percent in the SWS survey conducted from March 19 to 22.
It was the first decline in the numbers of Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP), since December last year.
The rating of Aquino, Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate, increased by just 1 point to 37 percent, but this arrested for the first time the steady decline in his ratings over the past four months, according to the newspaper BusinessWorld, which has the exclusive right of first publication of the survey results.
Following Aquino and Villar in the SWS survey were deposed President Joseph Estrada (19 percent, up 4 points), administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (stuck at 6 percent), Bagumbayan candidate Sen. Richard Gordon (3 percent, up 1 point), and Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Bro. Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva (2 percent, down 1 point).
At the bottom of the list were John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran (0.3 percent), and independent candidates Nicanor “Nick” Perlas (0.1 percent) and Sen. Jamby Madrigal (0.04 percent).
Margin of error
The survey had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points for national figures.
SWS asked 2,100 registered voters nationwide—300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—whom they would vote for president if elections were held at the time.
The respondents were asked to privately fill out a ballot containing the names of the official candidates in alphabetical order.
The margin of error was plus-or-minus 6 points for Metro Manila and plus-or-minus 4 points for the three other areas.
Ahead in areas, classes
Aquino led in all areas and socioeconomic classes, though his ratings dropped in Metro Manila (from 42 to 39 percent) and in Mindanao (from 35 to 32 percent).
“Villar saw his support eroded in almost all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila where he kept his score of 20 percent, keeping him third behind [Aquino (39 percent) and] Estrada (27 percent),” BusinessWorld reported.
Villar suffered a 7-point drop in areas of Luzon outside Metro Manila and the Visayas (from 37 to 30 percent), and a 6-point decrease in Mindanao (from 33 to 27 percent).
Estrada gained 5 points in Luzon outside Metro Manila (from 13 to 18 percent) and 6 points in Mindanao (from 20 to 26 percent).
Loss of support
Loss of support for Villar was stark among those in Class ABC, with his rating plunging 16 points, from 33 to 17 percent. Aquino’s rating jumped from 30 to 45 percent in Class ABC.
Among members of Class D, Villar’s rating fell 7 points from 34 percent to 27 percent, while that of Aquino stayed at 38 percent.
In Class E, Villar’s rating dropped 3 points from 34 percent to 31 percent, while that of Aquino increased by 1 point from 32 percent to 33 percent.
Black propaganda
Villar attributed the drop in his rating to black propaganda employed by his rivals.
“For the past months, the black propaganda hurled at me was too much. They invented a lot of stories, which were all lies,” he told reporters in Naga City when asked to comment on the SWS survey.
Villar, however, pointed out that the drop in his rating was not disturbing because Aquino’s lead was still single digit. He said he was able to cut Aquino’s 50-percent lead last year to a “mere single digit.”
Even so, Villar acknowledged that he had to make some “adjustments” in his campaign strategy.
He laughed off claims that he did not come from the ranks of the poor.
“They say I’m not poor … that’s funny— funny but irritating. When I was telling my mother about it, I didn’t know if I, we would be angry or just laugh at it. However, whoever doubts that my mother once sold shrimp, I will gladly accompany him or her to my mother,” he said.
Personal touch
Aquino said his personal touch was finally paying off. “The refocused campaign has clarified our message. We intend to redouble our efforts,” he said in a text message.
Aquino took over his campaign last month after his ratings steadily fell and his message of change and putting an end to corruption failed to connect with voters.
Aquino got some help from LP senatorial candidate Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III in putting his campaign in tighter focus, according to LP campaign manager Florencio “Butch” Abad.
Aquino’s strategy was to visit as many provinces as he could before the start of campaigns for local elections on March 26 and maximizing his personal appearance by conducting radio interviews in provincial broadcast stations.
Explaining Aquino’s lead over Villar, Abad said the time limit on campaign ads imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) finally caught up with Villar.
Abad said the Comelec-imposed time limits had put an end to the NP standard-bearer’s “unlimited spending” on his ads, which fueled his surge in the previous surveys. (A national candidate is limited to 120 minutes of TV ads and 180 of radio ads.)
Because the LP has also come out with its own ads, “there is now a parity between us when it comes to that,” he added.
‘Secret Arroyo candidate’
Abad said Villar also lost points in almost all sectors because the public was beginning to perceive him as the secret candidate of the unpopular Arroyo administration, especially with the recent defections to the NP camp of administration stalwarts.
Villar has dismissed such allegation as another black propaganda by the LP camp.
“The last one to cross over was (former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis) Chavit Singson. But before that you had (Bukidnon) Gov. (Jose) Zubiri, Bohol Gov. Eric Aumentado and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas,” Abad said.
Abad said the “unlimited” spending of Villar on his ads might have also boomeranged against him because the public was concerned about how he was going to recoup it.
Abad said there were also growing questions about the accuracy of Villar’s ads that portrayed him as someone who was dirt poor before he became a billionaire.
“The issues raised by (Inquirer columnist) Winnie Monsod about the veracity of his ads are quite serious and they are growing,” Abad said.
In her column, Monsod said a copy of the death certificate of Danny, Villar’s younger brother, showed that he died in 1962 at the FEU hospital, belying the presidential candidate’s claim in his TV ad that his brother died because the family had no money for medicine and proper health care. Monsod added that Danny stayed at the hospital for 13 days and that Funeraria Paz handled the funeral arrangements.
“And in this campaign, he is not the only one running as the pro-poor candidate. Erap (Estrada) is also doing that, while Noynoy (Aquino) is (campaigning as) the clean candidate,” he said.
Lies
Villar described as “lies” reports that his family was able to afford the hospitalization of his cancer-stricken brother.
While acknowledging that his brother was rushed to the FEU hospital, Villar said Danny was admitted as a charity patient. “During an emergency case, you go to the nearest hospital and worry later where to get the money to pay the bill,” he said.
Eventually, however, Danny died because Villar’s family could not afford the cost of his treatment.
Villar said that when his family decided to hire the services of Funeraria Paz for the burial of his brother, this did not mean that they were flush with cash.
He claimed that the “heightened attacks” against him happened after he gained support from a number of local politicians around the country. This “clearly showed” that his foes were in a “panic” mode, Villar said.
C-5 controversy
Abad said Villar’s ratings also dropped because of allegations of corruption against him in the C-5 road extension controversy and in other cases involving his real estate business.
A son of Estrada said Filipinos were starting to see behind Villar’s massive TV ad campaign that he was neither a leader of the opposition nor a champion of the poor.
“Filipinos are in search of a sincere leader. That is why in spite of the many ads of Villar and his projecting himself as a member of the opposition, he is still falling in the surveys,” said San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who is running for the city’s representative in Congress.
“How can (Villar) claim that he is a member of the opposition when not once did he ever take a strong stand against (President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo)?” Ejercito said.
In a statement coursed through his spokesperson Margaux Salcedo, Estrada said Villar had yet to connect with the poor.
“The surveys say that people are looking for two things in a president: That he cares for the poor and that he is a member of the opposition,” Salcedo said.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Latest SWS Presidentiable Survey: Aquino opens up lead versus Villar
Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino has arrested a slide in support while his nearest rival, Manual "Manny" Villar of the Nacionalista Party, lost ground ahead of elections on May 10, an opinion poll showed on Monday.
The Businessworld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, conducted on March 19-22 before the start of campaigning for Congress and local positions last Friday, also showed administration candidate Gilberto "Gibo" Tedoro remained a distant fourth in polling.
Support for opposition senator Aquino, son of the country's democracy icon, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, stood at 37 percent, basically steady with his February reading of 36 percent although well below a support level of 60 percent last September.
Billionaire senator Villar dropped six points to 28 percent, and former president Joseph Estrada, forced out of office in 2001, saw his support rise four points to 19 percent.
Support for Teodoro, a former defence secretary in outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration, was unchanged at 6 percent, the SWS poll showed.
Major campaign issues are corruption, poverty and managing the economy and a large budget deficit.
Aquino portrays himself as a "change" candidate, promising to fight corruption, reform development spending and improve transparency, and has said he would investigate allegations of corruption against Arroyo.
His Liberal Party lacks the national scale of the ruling Lakas-Kampi coalition, whose grassroots organisation could boost Teodoro's ratings now that local campaigning has started.
However, if Teodoro is unable to lift his ratings soon, analysts believe Arroyo's supporters could swing behind Villar.
The SWS results are very similar to support levels in a late February poll by Pulse Asia, another independent pollster.
The survey of 2,100 people has a 2 percent margin of error.
Voter fatigue to Villar ads?
Edwin Lacierda, spokesman of the Aquino campaign, attributed the rise in Aquino's survey ratings to voter-fatigue to Villar's ads and the success of Aquino's campaign message against corruption.
"It's really because of all these things that have come out - the fatigue on the commercials, overspending, the C-5 report, Villaroyo alliance - as well as our own message of 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,'" he said in an ANC interview.
Lacierda said Villar tried but failed to overtake Aquino's lead despite spending close to a billion pesos in ads before the start of the official campaign period in February. He said the closest that Villar ever got to toppling Aquino's lead was when they reached a statistical tie in the February 24-28, 2010 SWS survey.
He said the latest March 19-22 poll put Aquino ahead of the pack in terms of both geographic area and socio-economic class, although he saw his support drop in Metro Manila (39% from 42%) and Mindanao (32% from 35%). He overtook Mr. Villar in the Balance of Luzon (35% versus 30%), and among the class ABC (45% vs. 17%) and class E (33% vs. 31%).
Support for Villar erodes
Mr. Villar saw his support eroded in almost all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila where he kept his score of 20%, keeping him third behind Joseph Estrada. Mr. Aquino’s nationwide gain was limited to one point as his 3-point losses in Metro Manila and Mindanao offset increases of 4 points in the Visayas and 2 points in the Balance of Luzon.
"We really studied per region and per class. We realized where our weak areas were so we mapped out a strategy in reinforcing those weak areas. I think the people's response has been very positive. They have responded to our message of good governance, the character and the integrity of Sen. Aquino, and the dividends of good governance," Lacierda said.
He said Aquino's sister, Kris, was also instrumental in bringing in crowds during LP campaign sorties in Northern Luzon. "The presence of Kris was also a big gain in areas where we are weak. It shows her drawing power. At the same time, it shows we are not done yet with our campaign. We have not yet mobilized our entire resources for the rest of the campaign, and we will do so as the election draws nearer," he said.
Gibo still 4th
The March 19-22 poll showed administration candidate Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD remaining in single digit territory with his score staying at 6%.
There were minimal changes with respect to the rest of the presidential bets: Bagumbayan’s Sen. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon picked up a point to score a fifth-placed 3%, overtaking Bangon Pilipinas’ Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva who lost a point to 2%. Following were Ang Kapatiran bet John Carlos “JC” G. De Los Reyes with 0.3%, and independent candidates Jesus Nicanor “Nick” P. Perlas (0.1%) and Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” A. S. Madrigal (0.04%).
Votes for disqualified Kilusang Bagong Lipunan candidate Vetellano “Dodong” S. Acosta were classed under the undecided and others.
As with the previous Feb. 24-28 survey, the SWS respondents were asked to privately fill out a ballot containing the names of the official candidates in alphabetical order.
A total of 2,100 registered voters were polled nationwide, divided into random samples of 300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins used were ±2.2% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, and ±4% for the rest of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Palace: Wait for impact of local campaign
Asked about his reaction to the survey, Teodoro said: "Wala na akong magagawa don. I've stopped relying on surveys."
Meanwhile, the Palace downplayed the continued dismal survey performance of Teodoro.
"The (latest) survey started before the start of the (local) campaign. Di pa kasama diyan yung umpisa ng local campaign. Syempre up and down, see-saw ang ganung positions. Mararamdaman na po ang strength. This isn’t something that bothers the administration party. Hindi pa reflective sa kampaniya yun. The administration party pa rin, their belief is they have best candidate out eh," said Deputy Presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar.
Olivar also downplayed the defection of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson to the camp of Villar. He said Singson defected to Villar's camp in response to the call of local leaders.
He also dismissed rumors that Singson's defection is proof that President Arroyo has forged an alliance with the Nacionalista bet.
Aquino also leads MST poll
Meanwhile, the LP said Aquino is also leading in the results of the Manila Standard Today (MST) pre-election survey, scoring 39% over Villar's 26%. Estrada and Teodoro, meanwhile, garnered 17% and 6%, respectively.
The Standard survey indicated a surge in Aquino’s popularity over the regions and the classes, noting that “[a]mong the very poor Aquino held a 12 point lead over Villar, or 39 percent to 27 percent.”
According to Pedro Laylo, the Standard’s resident pollster, “[s]upport for Villar is in the downtrend in urban areas specifically in the National Capital Region where he lost seven points while Aquino added eight more points.”
Meanwhile in the vice-presidential race, Aquino’s running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, also enjoys a commanding lead in both the SWS and the Standard surveys, scoring at 42% and 39%, respectively. His closest rival, the NP’s Loren Legarda, came in at 25% in the SWS survey, and at 29% in this month’s Standard survey.
LP General Campaign Manager Florencio “Butch” Abad attributed Aquino’s surge to the strategic focus provided by former Senator Serge Osmeña, who has recently taken a leave of absence to focus on his own senatorial campaign, and to the tireless assistance of Aquino’s hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Aquino has been campaigning on a platform of good governance and freedom from the culture of corruption that is a major cause of poverty in the country.
Abad sees Aquino’s constant lead in the pre-election polls as indication that “the Filipino people continue to believe in Aquino’s ability to bring about a clean and compassionate government that will put an end to corruption and alleviate poverty.”
The Businessworld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, conducted on March 19-22 before the start of campaigning for Congress and local positions last Friday, also showed administration candidate Gilberto "Gibo" Tedoro remained a distant fourth in polling.
Support for opposition senator Aquino, son of the country's democracy icon, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, stood at 37 percent, basically steady with his February reading of 36 percent although well below a support level of 60 percent last September.
Billionaire senator Villar dropped six points to 28 percent, and former president Joseph Estrada, forced out of office in 2001, saw his support rise four points to 19 percent.
Support for Teodoro, a former defence secretary in outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration, was unchanged at 6 percent, the SWS poll showed.
Major campaign issues are corruption, poverty and managing the economy and a large budget deficit.
Aquino portrays himself as a "change" candidate, promising to fight corruption, reform development spending and improve transparency, and has said he would investigate allegations of corruption against Arroyo.
His Liberal Party lacks the national scale of the ruling Lakas-Kampi coalition, whose grassroots organisation could boost Teodoro's ratings now that local campaigning has started.
However, if Teodoro is unable to lift his ratings soon, analysts believe Arroyo's supporters could swing behind Villar.
The SWS results are very similar to support levels in a late February poll by Pulse Asia, another independent pollster.
The survey of 2,100 people has a 2 percent margin of error.
Voter fatigue to Villar ads?
Edwin Lacierda, spokesman of the Aquino campaign, attributed the rise in Aquino's survey ratings to voter-fatigue to Villar's ads and the success of Aquino's campaign message against corruption.
"It's really because of all these things that have come out - the fatigue on the commercials, overspending, the C-5 report, Villaroyo alliance - as well as our own message of 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,'" he said in an ANC interview.
Lacierda said Villar tried but failed to overtake Aquino's lead despite spending close to a billion pesos in ads before the start of the official campaign period in February. He said the closest that Villar ever got to toppling Aquino's lead was when they reached a statistical tie in the February 24-28, 2010 SWS survey.
He said the latest March 19-22 poll put Aquino ahead of the pack in terms of both geographic area and socio-economic class, although he saw his support drop in Metro Manila (39% from 42%) and Mindanao (32% from 35%). He overtook Mr. Villar in the Balance of Luzon (35% versus 30%), and among the class ABC (45% vs. 17%) and class E (33% vs. 31%).
Support for Villar erodes
Mr. Villar saw his support eroded in almost all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, except in Metro Manila where he kept his score of 20%, keeping him third behind Joseph Estrada. Mr. Aquino’s nationwide gain was limited to one point as his 3-point losses in Metro Manila and Mindanao offset increases of 4 points in the Visayas and 2 points in the Balance of Luzon.
"We really studied per region and per class. We realized where our weak areas were so we mapped out a strategy in reinforcing those weak areas. I think the people's response has been very positive. They have responded to our message of good governance, the character and the integrity of Sen. Aquino, and the dividends of good governance," Lacierda said.
He said Aquino's sister, Kris, was also instrumental in bringing in crowds during LP campaign sorties in Northern Luzon. "The presence of Kris was also a big gain in areas where we are weak. It shows her drawing power. At the same time, it shows we are not done yet with our campaign. We have not yet mobilized our entire resources for the rest of the campaign, and we will do so as the election draws nearer," he said.
Gibo still 4th
The March 19-22 poll showed administration candidate Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD remaining in single digit territory with his score staying at 6%.
There were minimal changes with respect to the rest of the presidential bets: Bagumbayan’s Sen. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon picked up a point to score a fifth-placed 3%, overtaking Bangon Pilipinas’ Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva who lost a point to 2%. Following were Ang Kapatiran bet John Carlos “JC” G. De Los Reyes with 0.3%, and independent candidates Jesus Nicanor “Nick” P. Perlas (0.1%) and Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” A. S. Madrigal (0.04%).
Votes for disqualified Kilusang Bagong Lipunan candidate Vetellano “Dodong” S. Acosta were classed under the undecided and others.
As with the previous Feb. 24-28 survey, the SWS respondents were asked to privately fill out a ballot containing the names of the official candidates in alphabetical order.
A total of 2,100 registered voters were polled nationwide, divided into random samples of 300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins used were ±2.2% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, and ±4% for the rest of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Palace: Wait for impact of local campaign
Asked about his reaction to the survey, Teodoro said: "Wala na akong magagawa don. I've stopped relying on surveys."
Meanwhile, the Palace downplayed the continued dismal survey performance of Teodoro.
"The (latest) survey started before the start of the (local) campaign. Di pa kasama diyan yung umpisa ng local campaign. Syempre up and down, see-saw ang ganung positions. Mararamdaman na po ang strength. This isn’t something that bothers the administration party. Hindi pa reflective sa kampaniya yun. The administration party pa rin, their belief is they have best candidate out eh," said Deputy Presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar.
Olivar also downplayed the defection of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson to the camp of Villar. He said Singson defected to Villar's camp in response to the call of local leaders.
He also dismissed rumors that Singson's defection is proof that President Arroyo has forged an alliance with the Nacionalista bet.
Aquino also leads MST poll
Meanwhile, the LP said Aquino is also leading in the results of the Manila Standard Today (MST) pre-election survey, scoring 39% over Villar's 26%. Estrada and Teodoro, meanwhile, garnered 17% and 6%, respectively.
The Standard survey indicated a surge in Aquino’s popularity over the regions and the classes, noting that “[a]mong the very poor Aquino held a 12 point lead over Villar, or 39 percent to 27 percent.”
According to Pedro Laylo, the Standard’s resident pollster, “[s]upport for Villar is in the downtrend in urban areas specifically in the National Capital Region where he lost seven points while Aquino added eight more points.”
Meanwhile in the vice-presidential race, Aquino’s running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, also enjoys a commanding lead in both the SWS and the Standard surveys, scoring at 42% and 39%, respectively. His closest rival, the NP’s Loren Legarda, came in at 25% in the SWS survey, and at 29% in this month’s Standard survey.
LP General Campaign Manager Florencio “Butch” Abad attributed Aquino’s surge to the strategic focus provided by former Senator Serge Osmeña, who has recently taken a leave of absence to focus on his own senatorial campaign, and to the tireless assistance of Aquino’s hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Aquino has been campaigning on a platform of good governance and freedom from the culture of corruption that is a major cause of poverty in the country.
Abad sees Aquino’s constant lead in the pre-election polls as indication that “the Filipino people continue to believe in Aquino’s ability to bring about a clean and compassionate government that will put an end to corruption and alleviate poverty.”
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pacquiao kicks off campaign with Villar, Legarda
Seven-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Friday launched his second attempt at becoming a member of the lower house of Congress.
The Filipino boxing idol brought along his political allies, Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar and vice-presidential hopeful Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition, in the province of Sarangani, where he is seeking the lone congressional seat.
Pacquiao also brought his wife Jinkee and 3 of their 4 children to the campaign sortie.
The Filipino champ said he is excited about the next 45 days of campaigning.
He is running against Roy Chiongbian, brother of outgoing Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian.
The Chiongbians are an influential political family in Sarangani, and one analyst has predicted that Pacquiao will face a tough fight. (Read: Pacquiao faces tough fight vs Chiongbians)
Pacquiao said he will apply the same focus, discipline and dedication he uses in preparing for his boxing matches in his new political battle.
The General Santos native, who is seeking a seat in Sarangani where his wife comes from, vowed to fight for the poor, just like how he fought out of his way of poverty.
“Diyan ako lumaki [sa kahirapan]. Nag-aral, nagbenta ng sampaguita, pandesal,” said Pacquiao.
“’Pag sinabi nila mahirap, alam ko ibig sabihin,” he said.
Pacquiao said that although the Chiongbians are known to be well entrenched in Sarangani, he believes he still has the advantage when it comes to popularity.
“Hindi naman ako underdog, eh,” he said. “Sa mga survey lamang ako.”
Chiongbian spends birthday with supporters
While Pacquiao kicked off his bid with a rousing political sortie, Chiongbian celebrated his 61st birthday in a Mass with his supporters.
Chiongbian admitted that it won’t be easy opposing somebody as popular as Pacquiao, but he welcomed the challenge.
“I am preparing now for a rigid schedule in campaigning,” he said.
Chiongbian said boxing is entirely different from politics.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he will still press for the disqualification of Chiongbian.
In a 6-page ruling, the Comelec 1st division said Chiongbian was not able to meet the 1-year residency requirement, and is thus not eligible to run in Sarangani.
“We have filed for a motion for reconsideration. Na-dismiss lang ‘yon dahil sa nagkulang kami sa mga ebidensiya,” said Pacquiao.
Chiongbian, however, merely shrugged off Pacquiao’s comment. “They can always file for a reconsideration,” he said.
The Filipino boxing idol brought along his political allies, Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar and vice-presidential hopeful Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition, in the province of Sarangani, where he is seeking the lone congressional seat.
Pacquiao also brought his wife Jinkee and 3 of their 4 children to the campaign sortie.
The Filipino champ said he is excited about the next 45 days of campaigning.
He is running against Roy Chiongbian, brother of outgoing Sarangani Rep. Erwin Chiongbian.
The Chiongbians are an influential political family in Sarangani, and one analyst has predicted that Pacquiao will face a tough fight. (Read: Pacquiao faces tough fight vs Chiongbians)
Pacquiao said he will apply the same focus, discipline and dedication he uses in preparing for his boxing matches in his new political battle.
The General Santos native, who is seeking a seat in Sarangani where his wife comes from, vowed to fight for the poor, just like how he fought out of his way of poverty.
“Diyan ako lumaki [sa kahirapan]. Nag-aral, nagbenta ng sampaguita, pandesal,” said Pacquiao.
“’Pag sinabi nila mahirap, alam ko ibig sabihin,” he said.
Pacquiao said that although the Chiongbians are known to be well entrenched in Sarangani, he believes he still has the advantage when it comes to popularity.
“Hindi naman ako underdog, eh,” he said. “Sa mga survey lamang ako.”
Chiongbian spends birthday with supporters
While Pacquiao kicked off his bid with a rousing political sortie, Chiongbian celebrated his 61st birthday in a Mass with his supporters.
Chiongbian admitted that it won’t be easy opposing somebody as popular as Pacquiao, but he welcomed the challenge.
“I am preparing now for a rigid schedule in campaigning,” he said.
Chiongbian said boxing is entirely different from politics.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, said he will still press for the disqualification of Chiongbian.
In a 6-page ruling, the Comelec 1st division said Chiongbian was not able to meet the 1-year residency requirement, and is thus not eligible to run in Sarangani.
“We have filed for a motion for reconsideration. Na-dismiss lang ‘yon dahil sa nagkulang kami sa mga ebidensiya,” said Pacquiao.
Chiongbian, however, merely shrugged off Pacquiao’s comment. “They can always file for a reconsideration,” he said.
Pacquiao endorses Loren Legarda
Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has officially endorsed vice-presidential candidate Loren Legarda, the running mate of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manny Villar.
The 7-division champ made the endorsement on a plane ride to General Santos City from Manila. Both Legarda and Villar joined him on the flight.
“Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure, and I am grateful for his endorsement,” said Legarda.
“Manny Pacquiao makes me proud to be Pinoy, and even prouder that he is with us in the campaign. He has shown us what good old-fashioned hard work and determination can achieve. Kaya ako sumasaludo kay Manny ‘di lamang bilang isang kumare at kaibigan, kundi bilang Pilipino,” she added.
Legarda is one of Pacquiao’s “kumare” or godmother to his youngest daughter Queen Elizabeth.
The Villar-Legarda team is set to campaign in General Santos City, Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum on a chariot ride.
The sortie culminates in a rally at the Kiamba gym.
Pacquiao earlier endorsed Villar.
Pacquiao is running for the lone congressional seat of Sarangani province.
He lost in his first attempt to represent the district of South Cotabato in 2007 against Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
The 7-division champ made the endorsement on a plane ride to General Santos City from Manila. Both Legarda and Villar joined him on the flight.
“Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure, and I am grateful for his endorsement,” said Legarda.
“Manny Pacquiao makes me proud to be Pinoy, and even prouder that he is with us in the campaign. He has shown us what good old-fashioned hard work and determination can achieve. Kaya ako sumasaludo kay Manny ‘di lamang bilang isang kumare at kaibigan, kundi bilang Pilipino,” she added.
Legarda is one of Pacquiao’s “kumare” or godmother to his youngest daughter Queen Elizabeth.
The Villar-Legarda team is set to campaign in General Santos City, Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum on a chariot ride.
The sortie culminates in a rally at the Kiamba gym.
Pacquiao earlier endorsed Villar.
Pacquiao is running for the lone congressional seat of Sarangani province.
He lost in his first attempt to represent the district of South Cotabato in 2007 against Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
Chavit abandons Gibo, endorses Villar
Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson confirmed on Saturday that he is no longer supporting the candidacy of his political party-mate Gilbert Teodoro Jr., and is supporting Nacionalista bet Manny Villar Jr. instead.
Singson, who is running for governor of Ilocos Sur, told ABS-CBN News that he could not support Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Teodoro because a majority of his allies in Ilocos are supporting Villar.
He also revealed that Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was one of those who convinced him to support Villar's presidential bid.
However, Singson, the provincial chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Ilocos Sur, clarified that he has not joined the Nacionalista Party.
Despite his recent move, Singson claims he will still remain friends with Teodoro and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who appointed him as deputy National Security Adviser in 2008.
Both Arroyo and Teodoro stood as principal sponsors at the February wedding of Singson's son, Ryan, and the daughter of incumbent Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano.
Singson's announcement comes after a series of "defections" by key Lakas members who have chosen to support Villar. The NP bet has been a front-runner in national poll surveys, way ahead of Teodoro.
'Not unexpected'
Lakas-Kampi-CMD's spokesperson, however, shrugged off the news, claiming that they have been expecting Singson to withdraw support from Teodoro.
“It’s not totally unexpected. We have had information that he was leaning towards that… We are prepared for this,” said Francis Manglapus, Lakas secretary general.
Singson has not filed an official letter of resignation, but Manglapus said they can "quickly replace him" if he does.
He said Teodoro still has a solid base of support in Ilocos Sur, especially since the provincial governor, Deogracias Savellano, is still loyal to the Lakas standard-bearer.
"We still have the current governor who is behind Teodoro," Manglapus said.
Teodoro still reportedly enjoys the support of "the northern alliance", composed of at least 40 provincial governors.
However, Manglapus does not discount the possibility of more "defections" by more Lakas members after the start of local campaigns last March 26 (Friday). The party's local machinery was expected to boost Teodoro's campaign.
Manglapus said other Lakas members who are planning to bolt from the party should decide soon “so that we can clear the air and focus our resources.”
Among those who have jumped ship and declared support for Villar are Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri, the provincial chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the province. His son, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, is also a member of Lakas.
Several members of the pro-Arroyo Garcia clan in the vote-rich Cebu province have also reportedly chosen to support Villar instead of Teodoro.
Singson, who is running for governor of Ilocos Sur, told ABS-CBN News that he could not support Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Teodoro because a majority of his allies in Ilocos are supporting Villar.
He also revealed that Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was one of those who convinced him to support Villar's presidential bid.
However, Singson, the provincial chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Ilocos Sur, clarified that he has not joined the Nacionalista Party.
Despite his recent move, Singson claims he will still remain friends with Teodoro and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who appointed him as deputy National Security Adviser in 2008.
Both Arroyo and Teodoro stood as principal sponsors at the February wedding of Singson's son, Ryan, and the daughter of incumbent Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano.
Singson's announcement comes after a series of "defections" by key Lakas members who have chosen to support Villar. The NP bet has been a front-runner in national poll surveys, way ahead of Teodoro.
'Not unexpected'
Lakas-Kampi-CMD's spokesperson, however, shrugged off the news, claiming that they have been expecting Singson to withdraw support from Teodoro.
“It’s not totally unexpected. We have had information that he was leaning towards that… We are prepared for this,” said Francis Manglapus, Lakas secretary general.
Singson has not filed an official letter of resignation, but Manglapus said they can "quickly replace him" if he does.
He said Teodoro still has a solid base of support in Ilocos Sur, especially since the provincial governor, Deogracias Savellano, is still loyal to the Lakas standard-bearer.
"We still have the current governor who is behind Teodoro," Manglapus said.
Teodoro still reportedly enjoys the support of "the northern alliance", composed of at least 40 provincial governors.
However, Manglapus does not discount the possibility of more "defections" by more Lakas members after the start of local campaigns last March 26 (Friday). The party's local machinery was expected to boost Teodoro's campaign.
Manglapus said other Lakas members who are planning to bolt from the party should decide soon “so that we can clear the air and focus our resources.”
Among those who have jumped ship and declared support for Villar are Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri, the provincial chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the province. His son, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, is also a member of Lakas.
Several members of the pro-Arroyo Garcia clan in the vote-rich Cebu province have also reportedly chosen to support Villar instead of Teodoro.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Villar, Noynoy exceed air time limits
It’s still 6 weeks away from the May 10 national elections, but presidential candidates Manuel Villar Jr. and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III have already exceeded the air time allowed by law, according to monitoring firm AGB Nielsen Media Research.
Each national candidate is allowed only 120 minutes of advertising air time per TV network. AGB Nielsen's report covered the first month of the official campaign period.
The AGB Nielsen report was presented on Friday morning by the Pera at Pulitika (PaP) consortium, which monitors the candidates’ adherence to campaign finance laws.
LP, NP deny report
The AGB Nielsen only counted the air time of ads directly endorsing the presidential candidates, according to PaP consortium head Roberto Cadiz. They did not include the ads where the entire slate were endorsed and the ads where the presidential candidates were endorsing other bets.
“We want to play it safe,” Cadiz told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.
The camps of the Liberal Party and the Nationalista Party both denied the numbers, however.
“Kami ay sumusunod sa batas, sumusunod kami sa pagbilang niyan (We abide by the law. We follow the limits),” Villar said in a statement e-mailed to abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak by NP spokesman Gilbert Remulla.
LP spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the monitoring firm should explain how they calculated the air time.
“Our internal media monitoring shows that we have not exceeded our air time per network. You are provided also the minutes of the political party,” he said in a phone interview.
LP campaign manager Butch Abad said Aquino is using the party’s allowable air time. “The LP may allow its candidates to use this,” he said.
“The reports may give the wrong impression in the minds of the public. I’d like to believe that there was inadvertent mistake in the counting of our TV airtime, perhaps by adding the NP TV ads in the count,” Villar added in the statement.
Lacierda said they have also asked the TV networks to issue them "a certificate saying we have not exceeded or air time limits."
Lacierda said the report will not stop them from airing Aquino’s ads. “We will still be airing our political ads. We will target strategic placements. We will not violate the law.
We are consulting with our legal team,” Lacierda said.
Jail for candidates, network officials
This is not the first national elections where AGB Nielsen reported that candidates are exceeding the allowable air time. However, a case is yet to be filed against anyone. Cadiz said this violation is a ground for disqualification. It’s easy to file a case, too. Any citizen can initiate the complaint.
The Commission on Elections has the power to immediately disqualify a candidate if he or she is found to be violating election laws. The candidate may also face up to 6 years in jail, according to Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.
But Cadiz said the time it will take the courts to rule on a case is another matter. “How long would it take before a candidate is disqualified? Your guess is as good as ours,” he said.
Cadiz also warned officials of TV networks that they may also be made liable for allowing candidates to exceed their allowable air time.
Citing corporate law, Cadiz said that those who signed contracts with respective political parties or candidates would be liable for an election offense. He said they may also get jail term of up to 6 years.
Each national candidate is allowed only 120 minutes of advertising air time per TV network. AGB Nielsen's report covered the first month of the official campaign period.
Table of air time: February 9 to March 24 (Maximum allowable airtime: 120 minutes per candidate per TV station) | ||
Candidate | ABS-CBN | GMA 7 |
Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party) | 129 minutes | 118 minutes |
Former president Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) | 77.5 minutes | 65 minutes |
Sen. Richard "Dick" Gordon (Bagumbayan) | 52 minutes | 43 minutes |
Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (LAKAS-KAMPI CMD) | 3.5 minutes | 4 minutes |
Evangelist Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas Party) | 3.5 minutes | 1 minutes |
Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr (Nationalista Party) | 122.5 minutes | 128.25 minutes |
Presented by Pera at Pulitika, AGB Nielsen | ||
LP, NP deny report
The AGB Nielsen only counted the air time of ads directly endorsing the presidential candidates, according to PaP consortium head Roberto Cadiz. They did not include the ads where the entire slate were endorsed and the ads where the presidential candidates were endorsing other bets.
“We want to play it safe,” Cadiz told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.
The camps of the Liberal Party and the Nationalista Party both denied the numbers, however.
“Kami ay sumusunod sa batas, sumusunod kami sa pagbilang niyan (We abide by the law. We follow the limits),” Villar said in a statement e-mailed to abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak by NP spokesman Gilbert Remulla.
LP spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the monitoring firm should explain how they calculated the air time.
“Our internal media monitoring shows that we have not exceeded our air time per network. You are provided also the minutes of the political party,” he said in a phone interview.
LP campaign manager Butch Abad said Aquino is using the party’s allowable air time. “The LP may allow its candidates to use this,” he said.
“The reports may give the wrong impression in the minds of the public. I’d like to believe that there was inadvertent mistake in the counting of our TV airtime, perhaps by adding the NP TV ads in the count,” Villar added in the statement.
Lacierda said they have also asked the TV networks to issue them "a certificate saying we have not exceeded or air time limits."
Lacierda said the report will not stop them from airing Aquino’s ads. “We will still be airing our political ads. We will target strategic placements. We will not violate the law.
We are consulting with our legal team,” Lacierda said.
Jail for candidates, network officials
This is not the first national elections where AGB Nielsen reported that candidates are exceeding the allowable air time. However, a case is yet to be filed against anyone. Cadiz said this violation is a ground for disqualification. It’s easy to file a case, too. Any citizen can initiate the complaint.
The Commission on Elections has the power to immediately disqualify a candidate if he or she is found to be violating election laws. The candidate may also face up to 6 years in jail, according to Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.
But Cadiz said the time it will take the courts to rule on a case is another matter. “How long would it take before a candidate is disqualified? Your guess is as good as ours,” he said.
Cadiz also warned officials of TV networks that they may also be made liable for allowing candidates to exceed their allowable air time.
Citing corporate law, Cadiz said that those who signed contracts with respective political parties or candidates would be liable for an election offense. He said they may also get jail term of up to 6 years.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Comelec warns local bets as campaign period begins
THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR local positions officially starts Friday, with a warning from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that rules will be strictly enforced to ensure fair elections in May.
Lawyer Michael Dioneda, director III of the Comelec National Capital Region (NCR), said those charged with an election offense face imprisonment and the risk of being disqualified from the race.
Among those considered election offenses are vote buying and issues of residency, citizenship, violating the three-term limit rule and the posting of posters and other election paraphernalia outside Comelec designated common poster areas.
“That’s a usual problem during the campaign season. The candidates and their supporters love to place their election materials outside the common poster areas,” Dioneda said.
He added: “I guess it’s like a psychological warfare strategy among them. They think that the more posters they have, the more it would boost their chances of winning.”
Dioneda, however, stressed that the Comelec is bent on ensuring a level playing field for candidates during the campaign period.
Regulations
“We will be strict in enforcing campaign rules, especially regulations regarding the posting of campaign materials,” he said.
The common poster areas identified by the Comelec include barangay halls, public markets, sports complex or basketball courts and public plazas.
Candidates may post campaign advertisements in private buildings or places, only if the owners give their consent, Dioneda said. He added that posters are strictly prohibited in public school buildings and on trees, shrines, electric posts, wires as well as other places outside the common poster areas.
“Any concerned citizen who sees illegally placed posters may file a complaint against the candidate for illegal campaigning,” he said.
Apart from identifying designated areas, Dioneda reminded candidates to make sure that their campaign materials follow the measurements set by the Comelec in Resolution No. 8758, the rules and regulations implementing the Fair Elections Practices Act.
Posters made of cloth, paper or cardboard should not exceed 2 feet by 3 feet in size. Streamers, which Dioneda said should only be used during rallies or other outdoor activities by the candidates, should not go beyond the mandated size of 3 feet by 8 feet.
The Comelec official also warned bets against campaigning during Holy Week.
Provision
“There’s a provision in the Fair Election Act disallowing politicians from campaigning during big events such as Holy Week.”
“But you know how it is with us Filipinos,” he said. “Some candidates join processions and then wave at people. They also visit churches. But in deference to the observation of the Holy Week, they should not engage in outright campaigning.”
“We will regulate all their activities starting today but we also encourage the public to report to us if they see such violations,” he said.
Comelec records show that a total of 132 candidates are running for Congress; 69 for mayor; 64 for vice mayor; and 974 for councilors in Metro Manila, which consists of 16 cities and one municipality.
He noted that the “unusually higher” number of candidates, particularly for councilors this year. “And most of them are young,” Dioneda added. “Maybe we can also attribute this to a renewed interest in the coming automated elections.”
He expressed confidence that the new voting system would be implemented smoothly.
“This time, our confidence level is high because the teachers have been undergoing training already, and our voters’ education drive is doing well,” he said.
Dioneda also assured the public that measures are in place to thwart election-related violence.
“We’re in close coordination with the police and the military. We meet regularly to assess the peace and order situation in the different areas of Metro Manila,” he said. “We try to identify areas where we should focus or where police visibility or checkpoints should be intensified.”
Assessment
According to him, the list of candidates in a particular area helps them in their assessment of the political situation.
“We will concentrate on areas where there are many candidates, or in places where the race is expected to be heated. We expect the situation to be peaceful in areas where there are not a lot of candidates vying for posts, In the NCR, there’s just a lot of political noise but almost no violence, except for sporadic cases,” Dioneda said.
While he called on the voters to be vigilant, he urged the candidates to follow election rules and help in voters’ education.
The campaign period ends on May 8, two days before election day.
Lawyer Michael Dioneda, director III of the Comelec National Capital Region (NCR), said those charged with an election offense face imprisonment and the risk of being disqualified from the race.
Among those considered election offenses are vote buying and issues of residency, citizenship, violating the three-term limit rule and the posting of posters and other election paraphernalia outside Comelec designated common poster areas.
“That’s a usual problem during the campaign season. The candidates and their supporters love to place their election materials outside the common poster areas,” Dioneda said.
He added: “I guess it’s like a psychological warfare strategy among them. They think that the more posters they have, the more it would boost their chances of winning.”
Dioneda, however, stressed that the Comelec is bent on ensuring a level playing field for candidates during the campaign period.
Regulations
“We will be strict in enforcing campaign rules, especially regulations regarding the posting of campaign materials,” he said.
The common poster areas identified by the Comelec include barangay halls, public markets, sports complex or basketball courts and public plazas.
Candidates may post campaign advertisements in private buildings or places, only if the owners give their consent, Dioneda said. He added that posters are strictly prohibited in public school buildings and on trees, shrines, electric posts, wires as well as other places outside the common poster areas.
“Any concerned citizen who sees illegally placed posters may file a complaint against the candidate for illegal campaigning,” he said.
Apart from identifying designated areas, Dioneda reminded candidates to make sure that their campaign materials follow the measurements set by the Comelec in Resolution No. 8758, the rules and regulations implementing the Fair Elections Practices Act.
Posters made of cloth, paper or cardboard should not exceed 2 feet by 3 feet in size. Streamers, which Dioneda said should only be used during rallies or other outdoor activities by the candidates, should not go beyond the mandated size of 3 feet by 8 feet.
The Comelec official also warned bets against campaigning during Holy Week.
Provision
“There’s a provision in the Fair Election Act disallowing politicians from campaigning during big events such as Holy Week.”
“But you know how it is with us Filipinos,” he said. “Some candidates join processions and then wave at people. They also visit churches. But in deference to the observation of the Holy Week, they should not engage in outright campaigning.”
“We will regulate all their activities starting today but we also encourage the public to report to us if they see such violations,” he said.
Comelec records show that a total of 132 candidates are running for Congress; 69 for mayor; 64 for vice mayor; and 974 for councilors in Metro Manila, which consists of 16 cities and one municipality.
He noted that the “unusually higher” number of candidates, particularly for councilors this year. “And most of them are young,” Dioneda added. “Maybe we can also attribute this to a renewed interest in the coming automated elections.”
He expressed confidence that the new voting system would be implemented smoothly.
“This time, our confidence level is high because the teachers have been undergoing training already, and our voters’ education drive is doing well,” he said.
Dioneda also assured the public that measures are in place to thwart election-related violence.
“We’re in close coordination with the police and the military. We meet regularly to assess the peace and order situation in the different areas of Metro Manila,” he said. “We try to identify areas where we should focus or where police visibility or checkpoints should be intensified.”
Assessment
According to him, the list of candidates in a particular area helps them in their assessment of the political situation.
“We will concentrate on areas where there are many candidates, or in places where the race is expected to be heated. We expect the situation to be peaceful in areas where there are not a lot of candidates vying for posts, In the NCR, there’s just a lot of political noise but almost no violence, except for sporadic cases,” Dioneda said.
While he called on the voters to be vigilant, he urged the candidates to follow election rules and help in voters’ education.
The campaign period ends on May 8, two days before election day.
Cebu going for Noynoy
Cebu remains “Cory country” and her son, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, leads the presidential derby in the province by a mile, according to a stalwart of the Aquino camp.
Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidate Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III said in a text message that the reported defection of congressmen belonging to the Garcia family to Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party did not matter much in the province.
“Noynoy leads by a mile. That’s Cory country. Watch the next surveys,” said Osmeña, whose family supported the late President Corazon Aquino. The family remains a dominant force in Cebu and is considered archnemesis of the Garcia clan.
In Imus, Cavite, Aquino shrugged off the reported alliance between the Nacionalista Party and several Lakas-Kampi-CMD representatives as “not surprising.”
“We are with the Osmeñas, the Garcias are our enemies. We don’t think this will have an impact because we have long expected it. Serge is one of our candidates, his relatives joined with us and therefore their opponents are in the other camp. That is to be expected,” Aquino said.
For example, Aquino said Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas (first district) had confided to him when they were both in the lower House that he was with Team Villar because he got to know him earlier.
“Nothing new, no surprises,” Aquino said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who said he had secured Gwen Garcia’s support in his reelection bid, expressed hopes Thursday that the Cebu governor would endorse the candidacy of his father, former President Joseph Estrada.
“This is the last chapter of his life. I think he will do good,” said the senator.
Not quitting LP
Aquino said that Osmeña was staying with the LP and that he was just taking a two-week leave as the party’s campaign coordinator to focus on his senatorial bid.
He said he expected Osmeña to join his provincial sorties next month.
Osmeña issued a statement on Wednesday night to clarify rumors on the Internet that he was quitting Aquino’s team for its alleged misuse of campaign funds.
He said this was nothing but “a malicious figment in the imagination of those who wish that it were so.”
Osmeña earlier quit the LP’s senatorial slate because he did not want to be associated with former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto, who is also an LP candidate seeking reelection as senator.
“As the campaign draws to a close and an Aquino victory becomes apparent, more of these rumors will be fed in cyberspace to undermine our campaign. I have faith that our people will see through these dirty tricks, just as they have seen through the fakery being peddled in multimedia,” he said.
Liberal Party (LP) senatorial candidate Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III said in a text message that the reported defection of congressmen belonging to the Garcia family to Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party did not matter much in the province.
“Noynoy leads by a mile. That’s Cory country. Watch the next surveys,” said Osmeña, whose family supported the late President Corazon Aquino. The family remains a dominant force in Cebu and is considered archnemesis of the Garcia clan.
In Imus, Cavite, Aquino shrugged off the reported alliance between the Nacionalista Party and several Lakas-Kampi-CMD representatives as “not surprising.”
“We are with the Osmeñas, the Garcias are our enemies. We don’t think this will have an impact because we have long expected it. Serge is one of our candidates, his relatives joined with us and therefore their opponents are in the other camp. That is to be expected,” Aquino said.
For example, Aquino said Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas (first district) had confided to him when they were both in the lower House that he was with Team Villar because he got to know him earlier.
“Nothing new, no surprises,” Aquino said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who said he had secured Gwen Garcia’s support in his reelection bid, expressed hopes Thursday that the Cebu governor would endorse the candidacy of his father, former President Joseph Estrada.
“This is the last chapter of his life. I think he will do good,” said the senator.
Not quitting LP
Aquino said that Osmeña was staying with the LP and that he was just taking a two-week leave as the party’s campaign coordinator to focus on his senatorial bid.
He said he expected Osmeña to join his provincial sorties next month.
Osmeña issued a statement on Wednesday night to clarify rumors on the Internet that he was quitting Aquino’s team for its alleged misuse of campaign funds.
He said this was nothing but “a malicious figment in the imagination of those who wish that it were so.”
Osmeña earlier quit the LP’s senatorial slate because he did not want to be associated with former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto, who is also an LP candidate seeking reelection as senator.
“As the campaign draws to a close and an Aquino victory becomes apparent, more of these rumors will be fed in cyberspace to undermine our campaign. I have faith that our people will see through these dirty tricks, just as they have seen through the fakery being peddled in multimedia,” he said.
Cebu’s Gov. Garcia still all-out for Teodoro
Not so fast, Manny Villar; Cebu is still for Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.
Speaking at a meeting of the One Cebu party on Wednesday night, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that nothing had changed since her party late last year endorsed the former defense secretary and administration standard-bearer in the May 10 elections.
“In this season of shifting political alliances, they say there is no such thing as word of honor, but I beg to disagree,” she said, stressing repeatedly that she was keeping her “palabra de honor” in her 20-minute speech in Cebu City.
“I hope that you are with me here. I hope that you will join me in this firm commitment. Because if you do not then perhaps it is best I risk losing all of your support; but I would rather lose that than lose my self-respect,” she said.
Earlier, One Cebu congressmen reportedly met with Villar, the Nacionalista Party presidential candidate, on Wednesday and vowed to support him.
The governor’s father, Rep. Pablo Garcia of the second district confirmed in an interview on Wednesday afternoon that he and his son, Rep. Pablo John Garcia, had met with Villar, who said he was just exchanging pleasantries with the congressmen.
Official stand
But the 84-year-old family patriarch Thursday declared in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the family remained solid behind Teodoro.
“The party has an official stand and the party is supporting Gibo Teodoro,” the elder Garcia said. He said Teodoro would attend a planned mammoth rally of the party in Cebu Friday to officially launch the campaign for local candidates.
“The governor is my daughter and I am with the governor (on this issue),” he said. “The governor has the support of 90 to 95 percent of all the mayors and is supported by all the congressmen.”
Francis Manglapus, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary general, said by phone that Teodoro was attending the One Cebu rally.
“We’re flying there. That’s where you’re going to see Gwen is solidly behind Gilbert. Her father and brother will be there,” he said.
“This is the big event. This is where you will see the sentiments of the Cebuanos. Actions speak louder than words,” he added.
‘She’s sticking it out’
Teodoro told Radio Mindanao Network that he had spoken with the Cebu governor and had gotten assurance of her continuing support.
“She’s sticking it out with us,” Teodoro said.
Aside from the Garcias, Villar reportedly met with Representatives Eduardo Gullas of the first district, Benhur Salimbangon of the fourth district and Nerissa Soon-Ruiz of the sixth district.
Gullas, whose Alayon Party has an alliance with One Cebu, earlier declared his support for Villar. Ruiz and Salimbangon were unavailable for comment Thursday.
Rep. Ramon Red Durano of the fifth district did not attend the meeting.
Former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo Ouano, whose son Thadeo was privy to the discussion between Villar and the congressmen on Wednesday, said he got the impression that Winston Garcia, the governor’s brother, wanted One Cebu to support Villar.
Ouano said he had learned that Winston was concerned that he would lose his job as president of the Government Service Insurance System if Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III won the presidency.
The Inquirer tried to get Winston’s reaction, but he could not be reached by press time.
Mayor’s denial
Former Mayor Alvin Garcia of Cebu City, founder of Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu), or Kusug, also denied having said that his cousin Winston arranged an alliance between Kusug and the NP so that the Garcias would support Villar.
“Definitely it’s not true,” he said.
Vice Mayor Maria Luisa Loot of Daanbantayan said she would abide by what the governor had announced. “We will still support Gibo,” Loot said.
The elder Garcia said it did not matter if Teodoro remained at the bottom of surveys of presidential candidates, whose two front-runners are Villar and Aquino.
“If we will go by the surveys then there is no more need for a campaign,” he said.
Drive to lift Gibo rating
Gwendolyn Garcia founded One Cebu. In the 2004 election, the party gave President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a 1-million-vote margin over her nearest rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr., in Cebu.
The administration party this week launched a major offensive to lift Teodoro’s poll rating, putting out new ads in prime time network shows to coincide with the start of the campaign for local positions.
The ruling coalition, which enjoys a headlock on 70 percent of local government positions, is pinning its hopes on superior resources and widespread party machinery to swing the tide in favor of Teodoro, according to political analysts.
Teodoro’s spokesperson, Mike Toledo, has said the commercials will be aired with frequencies rivaling those of Villar and Aquino.
Also Thursday, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno shrugged off reports that the Garcias had abandoned Teodoro.
“As far as I know, the family, the organization of the Garcias is still working with Gibo. No one among them has left,” said Puno, Teodoro’s chief political strategist.
Speaking at a meeting of the One Cebu party on Wednesday night, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that nothing had changed since her party late last year endorsed the former defense secretary and administration standard-bearer in the May 10 elections.
“In this season of shifting political alliances, they say there is no such thing as word of honor, but I beg to disagree,” she said, stressing repeatedly that she was keeping her “palabra de honor” in her 20-minute speech in Cebu City.
“I hope that you are with me here. I hope that you will join me in this firm commitment. Because if you do not then perhaps it is best I risk losing all of your support; but I would rather lose that than lose my self-respect,” she said.
Earlier, One Cebu congressmen reportedly met with Villar, the Nacionalista Party presidential candidate, on Wednesday and vowed to support him.
The governor’s father, Rep. Pablo Garcia of the second district confirmed in an interview on Wednesday afternoon that he and his son, Rep. Pablo John Garcia, had met with Villar, who said he was just exchanging pleasantries with the congressmen.
Official stand
But the 84-year-old family patriarch Thursday declared in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the family remained solid behind Teodoro.
“The party has an official stand and the party is supporting Gibo Teodoro,” the elder Garcia said. He said Teodoro would attend a planned mammoth rally of the party in Cebu Friday to officially launch the campaign for local candidates.
“The governor is my daughter and I am with the governor (on this issue),” he said. “The governor has the support of 90 to 95 percent of all the mayors and is supported by all the congressmen.”
Francis Manglapus, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary general, said by phone that Teodoro was attending the One Cebu rally.
“We’re flying there. That’s where you’re going to see Gwen is solidly behind Gilbert. Her father and brother will be there,” he said.
“This is the big event. This is where you will see the sentiments of the Cebuanos. Actions speak louder than words,” he added.
‘She’s sticking it out’
Teodoro told Radio Mindanao Network that he had spoken with the Cebu governor and had gotten assurance of her continuing support.
“She’s sticking it out with us,” Teodoro said.
Aside from the Garcias, Villar reportedly met with Representatives Eduardo Gullas of the first district, Benhur Salimbangon of the fourth district and Nerissa Soon-Ruiz of the sixth district.
Gullas, whose Alayon Party has an alliance with One Cebu, earlier declared his support for Villar. Ruiz and Salimbangon were unavailable for comment Thursday.
Rep. Ramon Red Durano of the fifth district did not attend the meeting.
Former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo Ouano, whose son Thadeo was privy to the discussion between Villar and the congressmen on Wednesday, said he got the impression that Winston Garcia, the governor’s brother, wanted One Cebu to support Villar.
Ouano said he had learned that Winston was concerned that he would lose his job as president of the Government Service Insurance System if Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III won the presidency.
The Inquirer tried to get Winston’s reaction, but he could not be reached by press time.
Mayor’s denial
Former Mayor Alvin Garcia of Cebu City, founder of Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu), or Kusug, also denied having said that his cousin Winston arranged an alliance between Kusug and the NP so that the Garcias would support Villar.
“Definitely it’s not true,” he said.
Vice Mayor Maria Luisa Loot of Daanbantayan said she would abide by what the governor had announced. “We will still support Gibo,” Loot said.
The elder Garcia said it did not matter if Teodoro remained at the bottom of surveys of presidential candidates, whose two front-runners are Villar and Aquino.
“If we will go by the surveys then there is no more need for a campaign,” he said.
Drive to lift Gibo rating
Gwendolyn Garcia founded One Cebu. In the 2004 election, the party gave President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a 1-million-vote margin over her nearest rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr., in Cebu.
The administration party this week launched a major offensive to lift Teodoro’s poll rating, putting out new ads in prime time network shows to coincide with the start of the campaign for local positions.
The ruling coalition, which enjoys a headlock on 70 percent of local government positions, is pinning its hopes on superior resources and widespread party machinery to swing the tide in favor of Teodoro, according to political analysts.
Teodoro’s spokesperson, Mike Toledo, has said the commercials will be aired with frequencies rivaling those of Villar and Aquino.
Also Thursday, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno shrugged off reports that the Garcias had abandoned Teodoro.
“As far as I know, the family, the organization of the Garcias is still working with Gibo. No one among them has left,” said Puno, Teodoro’s chief political strategist.
Kembot Girls in NP rallies
Two female senatorial candidates are not comfortable with the so-called "Kembot Girls" joining their sorties.
Sen. Pia Cayetano and Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza, senatorial candidates of Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party (NP) ticket, have objected to the use of scantily clad showgirls on the campaign.
The girls are part of the entertainment numbers of Willie Revillame who is campaigning for Villar.
They have performed in major rallies of the NP, including during the start of their campaign in Calamba, Laguna last February.
"Di ako sang-ayon...kasi yung mga babae e nakasuot ng skimpy clothing," said Maza.
Maza has requested that the "Kembot Girls" be placed during the "Variety Show" of the NP rallies, not during the intermission numbers in between the speeches of the NP candidates.
"Nag express din tayo ng konting concern doon sa skimpy outfit kasi baka mali lang yung ma-portray na message," Cayetano said.
They are scheduled to perform again for an NP rally in Bicol on Sunday.
Sen. Pia Cayetano and Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza, senatorial candidates of Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party (NP) ticket, have objected to the use of scantily clad showgirls on the campaign.
The girls are part of the entertainment numbers of Willie Revillame who is campaigning for Villar.
They have performed in major rallies of the NP, including during the start of their campaign in Calamba, Laguna last February.
"Di ako sang-ayon...kasi yung mga babae e nakasuot ng skimpy clothing," said Maza.
Maza has requested that the "Kembot Girls" be placed during the "Variety Show" of the NP rallies, not during the intermission numbers in between the speeches of the NP candidates.
"Nag express din tayo ng konting concern doon sa skimpy outfit kasi baka mali lang yung ma-portray na message," Cayetano said.
They are scheduled to perform again for an NP rally in Bicol on Sunday.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Magic 12: Latest Senatoriable Survey
Sen. Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr. topped the “Magic 12" list with 49 percent, followed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago with 47 percent and Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy" Estrada, 45 percent.
Tied at the fourth and fifth place, meanwhile, were Sen. Pia Cayetano and former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief Ralph Recto, who both got 44 percent.
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Tied at the sixth and seventh place were former Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman Vicente “Tito" Sotto III and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr. with 39 percent.
Sen. Lito Lapid, meanwhile, was tied with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile at eighth and ninth place with 35 percent, while former Senate President Franklin Drilon was at 10th place with 33 percent.
Completing the list were former Sen. Serge Osmeña III at 11th place with 31 percent, and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG" Guingona III at 12th with 28 percent.
The survey was conducted from March 3 to 10 and involved 2,400 respondents.
Tied at the fourth and fifth place, meanwhile, were Sen. Pia Cayetano and former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief Ralph Recto, who both got 44 percent.
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Tied at the sixth and seventh place were former Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman Vicente “Tito" Sotto III and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr. with 39 percent.
Sen. Lito Lapid, meanwhile, was tied with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile at eighth and ninth place with 35 percent, while former Senate President Franklin Drilon was at 10th place with 33 percent.
Completing the list were former Sen. Serge Osmeña III at 11th place with 31 percent, and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG" Guingona III at 12th with 28 percent.
The survey was conducted from March 3 to 10 and involved 2,400 respondents.
Hagedorn: Bro. Eddie open to endorsing another bet
The camp of Bro. Eddie Villanueva is open to endorsing another presidential candidate if there's very little chance of him winning in the May 10 polls, according to a member of his Jesus Is Lord (JIL) religious group.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who is supporting JIL founder Villanueva, said there's talk the TV evangelist may just endorse another bet if he sees that he won't be able to win the presidency in his second attempt.
"May mga ganoong usapan. Pero siyempre, lahat naman ng kampo, nakikipag usap din kay Bro. Eddie. Maraming puwede pang mangyari. Medyo very fluid pa yung takbo ng ating sitwasyon ngayon," Hagedorn said.
Hagedorn issued the statement in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan where his friend, former President Joseph Estrada, was campaigning with his party mates in the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Despite their current political differences, Hagedorn said he has kept his close ties with Estrada. "Ang atin namang pagkakaibigan hindi naman masisira yan sa pulitika lang e," he said.
Hagedorn alleged that the camp of Sen. Manny Villar was one of the groups said to be in talks with Villanueva, who is running under Bangon Pilipinas.
Bro. Eddie denies claim
Villanueva, however, ruled out the possibility of him backing out of the race.
"Sino nakaisip ng propaganda na yan?" he said, laughing. "Ni wala sa guni-guni namin yan e."
Villanueva, who was campaigning in Bicol on Wednesday, said that aside from JIL, he is also being supported by the Philippines for Jesus Movement, a global coalition of Christian churches, and other like-minded groups.
Villanueva also ran in the 2004 presidential elections and came last among 5 presidential candidates.
His campaign hasn't taken off as well this year. The February 24-28, 2010 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed him getting only 3% support, good for only 5th place among 9 presidential candidates.
Estrada wants JIL's support
Estrada expressed hope that he would be the one endorsed by Villanueva in case he withdraws from the race.
He said the JIL has 2 million followers, which would boost his presidential campaign.
Estrada has placed 3rd in the recent presidential surveys of Pulse Asia and SWS behind front runners Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III of the Liberal Party and Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.
He has recovered in the recent surveys, especially in Mindanao. "Siyempre, marami namang followers si Bro. Eddie," he said.
Estrada said he and Villanueva both want to fight corruption.
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who is supporting JIL founder Villanueva, said there's talk the TV evangelist may just endorse another bet if he sees that he won't be able to win the presidency in his second attempt.
"May mga ganoong usapan. Pero siyempre, lahat naman ng kampo, nakikipag usap din kay Bro. Eddie. Maraming puwede pang mangyari. Medyo very fluid pa yung takbo ng ating sitwasyon ngayon," Hagedorn said.
Hagedorn issued the statement in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan where his friend, former President Joseph Estrada, was campaigning with his party mates in the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Despite their current political differences, Hagedorn said he has kept his close ties with Estrada. "Ang atin namang pagkakaibigan hindi naman masisira yan sa pulitika lang e," he said.
Hagedorn alleged that the camp of Sen. Manny Villar was one of the groups said to be in talks with Villanueva, who is running under Bangon Pilipinas.
Bro. Eddie denies claim
Villanueva, however, ruled out the possibility of him backing out of the race.
"Sino nakaisip ng propaganda na yan?" he said, laughing. "Ni wala sa guni-guni namin yan e."
Villanueva, who was campaigning in Bicol on Wednesday, said that aside from JIL, he is also being supported by the Philippines for Jesus Movement, a global coalition of Christian churches, and other like-minded groups.
Villanueva also ran in the 2004 presidential elections and came last among 5 presidential candidates.
His campaign hasn't taken off as well this year. The February 24-28, 2010 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed him getting only 3% support, good for only 5th place among 9 presidential candidates.
Estrada wants JIL's support
Estrada expressed hope that he would be the one endorsed by Villanueva in case he withdraws from the race.
He said the JIL has 2 million followers, which would boost his presidential campaign.
Estrada has placed 3rd in the recent presidential surveys of Pulse Asia and SWS behind front runners Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III of the Liberal Party and Sen. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.
He has recovered in the recent surveys, especially in Mindanao. "Siyempre, marami namang followers si Bro. Eddie," he said.
Estrada said he and Villanueva both want to fight corruption.
Noynoy tops 7-Eleven's 'Gulp cup' survey
Liberal Party standard bearer Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III topped a "Gulp cup" survey conducted by convenience store 7-Eleven, which measures votes on the number of Gulp cups sold per store.
Philippine Seven Corp., licensee of 7-Eleven stores in the country, recently conducted a "Gulp cup" survey in its 450 branches nationwide. Here, customers were asked to buy 16-ounce Gulp cups to show their political preferences.
Each cup was designed with "likenesses and official colors" of the presidential candidates. A barcode is assigned to each bet, with votes entered automatically upon purchase.
"Our strong network of over 450 stores caters to Filipinos from all walks of life and may offer a good indication of how the real elections will turn out," Jose Victor Paterno, president and chief executive officer of Philippine Seven Corp., said in a statement.
The unique survey showed Aquino with a landslide victory of 87,959 votes. He was followed by his cousin, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro who got 37,226 votes.
Coming in at third place is Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. with 32,727 votes, followed by Bagong Bayan's Richard "Dick" Gordon (26,010 votes) and former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada (14,968 votes).
A total of 14,944 people, meanwhile, opted not to have a candidate.
Philippine Seven Corp., licensee of 7-Eleven stores in the country, recently conducted a "Gulp cup" survey in its 450 branches nationwide. Here, customers were asked to buy 16-ounce Gulp cups to show their political preferences.
Each cup was designed with "likenesses and official colors" of the presidential candidates. A barcode is assigned to each bet, with votes entered automatically upon purchase.
"Our strong network of over 450 stores caters to Filipinos from all walks of life and may offer a good indication of how the real elections will turn out," Jose Victor Paterno, president and chief executive officer of Philippine Seven Corp., said in a statement.
The unique survey showed Aquino with a landslide victory of 87,959 votes. He was followed by his cousin, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro who got 37,226 votes.
Coming in at third place is Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. with 32,727 votes, followed by Bagong Bayan's Richard "Dick" Gordon (26,010 votes) and former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada (14,968 votes).
A total of 14,944 people, meanwhile, opted not to have a candidate.
Arroyo son, Velarde eye party-list seats
The elder son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has teamed up with the son of suspected “jueteng” lord Bong Pineda to gain seats in the House of Representative as nominees of a party-list group that claims to represent security guards.
Outgoing Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the first nominee of Ang Galing Pinoy, while Dennis Pineda, the outgoing mayor of Lubao, Pampanga, is the group’s second nominee.
Each party-list group is entitled to a maximum of three seats in the House of Representatives, but the groups are required to submit the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Bro. Mike Velarde, leader of the El-Shaddai Charismatic Movement, is the fifth nominee of Buhay. The first nominee is his son Mariano Michael. Another Velarde son, Rene, is an incumbent Buhay representative, who is on his third and last term.
A congressional seat is Velarde’s for the taking if Buhay wins seats in the House, according to Buhay Rep. Irwin Tieng, the group’s No. 2 nominee. Other Buhay nominees are Ignacio Jimenez and former Bulacan Rep. Willy Villarama.
“Any of us three is willing to yield to him. We all have a common goal,” Tieng said in a phone interview. “If the people want him (Mike Velarde), and there is a clamor to replace either one of us, we would step down for him.”
In case the group gets three seats, and the first three nominees could not serve or decide to relinquish their posts, the fourth or fifth nominee will replace them.
Disqualification case
So far, only 45 of the 187 accredited party-list groups have submitted the names of their five nominees to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Comelec said last week it would disclose the nominees of the party-list groups a day after the deadline. The release of the names will allow those against the nominees to file disqualification cases against them.
Civil society has decried the accreditation of a number of party-list groups, saying their officials do not represent the marginalized sectors and are only using the party-list system to get a share of the budget.
The party-list groups are entitled to 57 of 287 seats in the House.
Mikey Arroyo, a one-time movie actor, became the vice governor of Pampanga in 2001, and was elected congressman of the province’s second district in 2004 and 2007.
Married to his second cousin Angela Arroyo Montenegro in 2002, Mikey’s declared net worth ballooned from P5.7 million in 2001 to P74.4 million in 2004, and then to P99.2 million in 2008—an increase of more than 1,600 percent in seven years.
He said on national television in September last year that campaign contributions and wedding gifts were partly the reason his declared net worth had ballooned.
Mikey was accused of failing to declare in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for 2007 and 2008 a beachfront house in Foster City, California.
Wife, sister for mayor
Dennis Pineda’s mother, Lilia, is a close supporter of the President. She ran in the 2007 gubernatorial race against Fr. Ed “Among Ed” Panlilio, an anti-administration candidate who won the election.
The Comelec recently declared Lilia Pineda the winner of the gubernatorial race after a recount last year. Panlilio has appealed the decision.
Dennis’ wife Yolanda is a reelectionist mayor of Sta. Rita, Pampanga, while his younger sister Mylene is running for mayor of Lubao.
Progressive party-list groups claim that Ms Arroyo’s allies are using the party-list system to gain House seats to support her supposed plan to return to power as prime minister.
Ms Arroyo, whose term ends on June 30 after nine years in Malacañang, is running for representative in the second district of her home province, Pampanga.
Kasangga, a party-list group representing micro-entrepreneurs, has for its nominee Maria Lourdes Arroyo, a sister of the President’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo.
1-UTAK, another group that earned the ire of the militants, has Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes as its nominee. The group is said to be working for the interests of the transport sector.
Buhay was the top vote-getter among party-list groups in the 2007 elections.
During Manny Pacquiao’s blockbuster match with Joshua Clottey, Velarde starred in the group’s TV commercial.
Relatives of other government officials are also nominees of party-list groups.
Ablan daughter, Lomibao’s wife
Anna Marie Ablan, daughter of Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan and honorary consul of Belarus, is the third nominee of Alliance of People’s Organizations. The group’s first nominee is former Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina.
Herminio Aquino, running mate of the late Sen. Raul Roco in the 2004 presidential election, is the first nominee of Sulong! Barangay Movement. He is an uncle of the Liberal Party standard-bearer, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Jacky Rowena T. Lomibao, wife of former Philippine National Police chief and Land Transportation Office chief Arturo Lomibao, is the third nominee of Abono.
Dermatologist Manny Calayan, actor Leo Martinez, and Manila Standard Today reporter Jose Joel Egco are three of the five nominees of the group Alyansa ng Media at Showbiz.
Actor Juan Miguel “Onemig” Bondoc, of the show TGIF fame, is the fourth nominee of the group Bandila.
Against condom
Tieng said Velarde decided to be one of Buhay’s nominees because of the government’s distribution of condoms.
Buhay is known to be a pro-life group and an opponent of the reproductive health (RH) bill, which sought to promote both natural and artificial birth control methods through government programs.
“The final straw was the distribution of condoms. When I was in Congress, he would always ask us every time we would talk to block the RH bill,” Tieng said.
Tieng also said Buhay was a group distinct from El Shaddai, and Buhay was not a religious group. Religious groups are barred from becoming party-list groups.
“The only reason we are linked to El Shaddai is that Rene Velarde is our No. 1 nominee. There are Buhay party-list members that are El Shaddai. There are also members who are not El Shaddai,” he said.
But he acknowledged that Velarde has done a lot to help Buhay.
Other nominees of Ang Galing Pinoy are Romeo Dungca Jr., Jerold Dominick David and Ryan Caladiao.
Outgoing Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the first nominee of Ang Galing Pinoy, while Dennis Pineda, the outgoing mayor of Lubao, Pampanga, is the group’s second nominee.
Each party-list group is entitled to a maximum of three seats in the House of Representatives, but the groups are required to submit the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Bro. Mike Velarde, leader of the El-Shaddai Charismatic Movement, is the fifth nominee of Buhay. The first nominee is his son Mariano Michael. Another Velarde son, Rene, is an incumbent Buhay representative, who is on his third and last term.
A congressional seat is Velarde’s for the taking if Buhay wins seats in the House, according to Buhay Rep. Irwin Tieng, the group’s No. 2 nominee. Other Buhay nominees are Ignacio Jimenez and former Bulacan Rep. Willy Villarama.
“Any of us three is willing to yield to him. We all have a common goal,” Tieng said in a phone interview. “If the people want him (Mike Velarde), and there is a clamor to replace either one of us, we would step down for him.”
In case the group gets three seats, and the first three nominees could not serve or decide to relinquish their posts, the fourth or fifth nominee will replace them.
Disqualification case
So far, only 45 of the 187 accredited party-list groups have submitted the names of their five nominees to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The Comelec said last week it would disclose the nominees of the party-list groups a day after the deadline. The release of the names will allow those against the nominees to file disqualification cases against them.
Civil society has decried the accreditation of a number of party-list groups, saying their officials do not represent the marginalized sectors and are only using the party-list system to get a share of the budget.
The party-list groups are entitled to 57 of 287 seats in the House.
Mikey Arroyo, a one-time movie actor, became the vice governor of Pampanga in 2001, and was elected congressman of the province’s second district in 2004 and 2007.
Married to his second cousin Angela Arroyo Montenegro in 2002, Mikey’s declared net worth ballooned from P5.7 million in 2001 to P74.4 million in 2004, and then to P99.2 million in 2008—an increase of more than 1,600 percent in seven years.
He said on national television in September last year that campaign contributions and wedding gifts were partly the reason his declared net worth had ballooned.
Mikey was accused of failing to declare in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth for 2007 and 2008 a beachfront house in Foster City, California.
Wife, sister for mayor
Dennis Pineda’s mother, Lilia, is a close supporter of the President. She ran in the 2007 gubernatorial race against Fr. Ed “Among Ed” Panlilio, an anti-administration candidate who won the election.
The Comelec recently declared Lilia Pineda the winner of the gubernatorial race after a recount last year. Panlilio has appealed the decision.
Dennis’ wife Yolanda is a reelectionist mayor of Sta. Rita, Pampanga, while his younger sister Mylene is running for mayor of Lubao.
Progressive party-list groups claim that Ms Arroyo’s allies are using the party-list system to gain House seats to support her supposed plan to return to power as prime minister.
Ms Arroyo, whose term ends on June 30 after nine years in Malacañang, is running for representative in the second district of her home province, Pampanga.
Kasangga, a party-list group representing micro-entrepreneurs, has for its nominee Maria Lourdes Arroyo, a sister of the President’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo.
1-UTAK, another group that earned the ire of the militants, has Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes as its nominee. The group is said to be working for the interests of the transport sector.
Buhay was the top vote-getter among party-list groups in the 2007 elections.
During Manny Pacquiao’s blockbuster match with Joshua Clottey, Velarde starred in the group’s TV commercial.
Relatives of other government officials are also nominees of party-list groups.
Ablan daughter, Lomibao’s wife
Anna Marie Ablan, daughter of Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan and honorary consul of Belarus, is the third nominee of Alliance of People’s Organizations. The group’s first nominee is former Ilocos Sur Rep. Salacnib Baterina.
Herminio Aquino, running mate of the late Sen. Raul Roco in the 2004 presidential election, is the first nominee of Sulong! Barangay Movement. He is an uncle of the Liberal Party standard-bearer, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Jacky Rowena T. Lomibao, wife of former Philippine National Police chief and Land Transportation Office chief Arturo Lomibao, is the third nominee of Abono.
Dermatologist Manny Calayan, actor Leo Martinez, and Manila Standard Today reporter Jose Joel Egco are three of the five nominees of the group Alyansa ng Media at Showbiz.
Actor Juan Miguel “Onemig” Bondoc, of the show TGIF fame, is the fourth nominee of the group Bandila.
Against condom
Tieng said Velarde decided to be one of Buhay’s nominees because of the government’s distribution of condoms.
Buhay is known to be a pro-life group and an opponent of the reproductive health (RH) bill, which sought to promote both natural and artificial birth control methods through government programs.
“The final straw was the distribution of condoms. When I was in Congress, he would always ask us every time we would talk to block the RH bill,” Tieng said.
Tieng also said Buhay was a group distinct from El Shaddai, and Buhay was not a religious group. Religious groups are barred from becoming party-list groups.
“The only reason we are linked to El Shaddai is that Rene Velarde is our No. 1 nominee. There are Buhay party-list members that are El Shaddai. There are also members who are not El Shaddai,” he said.
But he acknowledged that Velarde has done a lot to help Buhay.
Other nominees of Ang Galing Pinoy are Romeo Dungca Jr., Jerold Dominick David and Ryan Caladiao.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Comelec trains priests on new voting system
About 200 diocesan and religious priests from the Cebu Archdiocese were challenged to teach their parishioners how to help ensure clean and honest May 2010 elections.
In a forum at the Betania Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu City, the priests, including Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, received instructions about the new system of voting so that they could relay these to parishioners.
Rene Buac, Commission on Elections Central Visayas (Comelec-7) regional director, conducted the training of the priests.
Vidal said he does not have any problem with poll automation but only about the conduct of defeated candidates.
“I do not have problem with the system. I do not have problem with the voters. My problem is the (candidates') acceptance of defeat,” Vidal told Buac.
“In some parishes, the participants understandably have some doubts because of the technology and prevailing atmosphere of distrust caused by past experience of electoral fraud in our country's political history,” said Vidal.
Buac, however, told the archbishop that this was a problem of character which cannot be solved through automated elections. The director challenged the clergy to help them solve such problems by talking with their parishioners.
Buac has repeatedly reminded the clergy that Comelec does not have the sole responsibility for the attainment of “clean and honest” elections.
“We are all in this together. It is the voter himself who can guarantee a clean election. For example, illegal posters. Some would ask the Comelec why they have not removed the posters. I tell them, you are the one who saw it why didn't you remove it yourself. Why do you have to blame it on the Comelec and Philippine National Police (PNP). We were not the ones who violated it,” Buac said.
“It is not only the Cebu-Citizens Involvement and Maturation for People's Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) or the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) who should be responsible. Everyone should do their minor roles to achieve clean and honest election,” he added.
Buac said one of the small things a responsible voter can contribute towards successful elections is finding out his polling precinct and making a list of his choice of candidates before going out to cast his vote. He said this will speed up the election process.
Finding one’s polling precinct can be done online through comelec.gov.ph or, for those who do not have Internet connection, by going to an election officer to ask for their polling precinct.
Buac suggested that the voters visit their election officers two weeks before election day to know their polling stations. He said it will be an additional hassle to the election officials to give the precinct number to the voters on the election day itself.
Preparing a list of chosen candidates will also cut voting time.
Buac said that the average voting time is only three minutes based on the mock elections in February.
Upon receiving the ballot, the voters are encouraged to check if these are not tampered with or have marks that might cause the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) to reject these.
“See to it that the ballot is clear because that's the only time you can change your ballot and that is before you shade it. Make sure that it is clean,” Buac told the clergy.
Vidal said that instead of focusing on doubts and fears on the implementation of the automated election system, the challenge is to make sure that the votes of the people will be safe.
In a forum at the Betania Retreat House in Lahug, Cebu City, the priests, including Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, received instructions about the new system of voting so that they could relay these to parishioners.
Rene Buac, Commission on Elections Central Visayas (Comelec-7) regional director, conducted the training of the priests.
Vidal said he does not have any problem with poll automation but only about the conduct of defeated candidates.
“I do not have problem with the system. I do not have problem with the voters. My problem is the (candidates') acceptance of defeat,” Vidal told Buac.
“In some parishes, the participants understandably have some doubts because of the technology and prevailing atmosphere of distrust caused by past experience of electoral fraud in our country's political history,” said Vidal.
Buac, however, told the archbishop that this was a problem of character which cannot be solved through automated elections. The director challenged the clergy to help them solve such problems by talking with their parishioners.
Buac has repeatedly reminded the clergy that Comelec does not have the sole responsibility for the attainment of “clean and honest” elections.
“We are all in this together. It is the voter himself who can guarantee a clean election. For example, illegal posters. Some would ask the Comelec why they have not removed the posters. I tell them, you are the one who saw it why didn't you remove it yourself. Why do you have to blame it on the Comelec and Philippine National Police (PNP). We were not the ones who violated it,” Buac said.
“It is not only the Cebu-Citizens Involvement and Maturation for People's Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel) or the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) who should be responsible. Everyone should do their minor roles to achieve clean and honest election,” he added.
Buac said one of the small things a responsible voter can contribute towards successful elections is finding out his polling precinct and making a list of his choice of candidates before going out to cast his vote. He said this will speed up the election process.
Finding one’s polling precinct can be done online through comelec.gov.ph or, for those who do not have Internet connection, by going to an election officer to ask for their polling precinct.
Buac suggested that the voters visit their election officers two weeks before election day to know their polling stations. He said it will be an additional hassle to the election officials to give the precinct number to the voters on the election day itself.
Preparing a list of chosen candidates will also cut voting time.
Buac said that the average voting time is only three minutes based on the mock elections in February.
Upon receiving the ballot, the voters are encouraged to check if these are not tampered with or have marks that might cause the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) to reject these.
“See to it that the ballot is clear because that's the only time you can change your ballot and that is before you shade it. Make sure that it is clean,” Buac told the clergy.
Vidal said that instead of focusing on doubts and fears on the implementation of the automated election system, the challenge is to make sure that the votes of the people will be safe.
LP urges movement to protect the ballot
The Liberal Party (LP) is inviting rival parties to form a movement that would protect the ballot and allay fears the country’s first automated election on May 10 has been designed to fail.
But the LP has not discussed this offer with Sen. Manuel Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP) and strongest rival of LP presidential candidate Benigno Aquino III, said Avelino Cruz Jr., who chairs the Bantay Balota Movement.
Cruz, a former defense secretary and an Aquino supporter, said on Sunday that the Catholic Church, which has formed a movement to monitor the elections, would likely discuss the campaign with Villar.
Cruz was in Baguio City on Sunday with Florencio Abad Jr., LP campaign manager, to organize party members into a local Bantay Balota chapter.
In Lucena City, Villar said his party would do everything that it could to thwart attempts to sabotage the elections.
“We’ve started to train watchers and lawyers as well as colleagues on the automated elections. We are doing everything that we could to stop any attempt to disrupt the elections,” Villar told reporters on Sunday on the sidelines of the NP’s free concert rally.
Work together
Villar also urged other political parties and organizations to do the same and expressed hope that all could work together to have clean and honest elections.
Villar reiterated his call for the public to remain vigilant amid fears that the automated elections would fail.
Certain quarters have warned that a failure of elections in which no winner in the presidential election is proclaimed by June 30, the last day of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in office, could lead to a military takeover.
They said glitches in the automated counting machines and possible massive power outages, among other things, could delay the release of election results.
Summon prophets of doom
An election lawyer, however, has suggested that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) summon and challenge the “prophets of doom,” who speak ill of the automated polls.
Romulo Macalintal, Ms Arroyo’s election lawyer, said that if the naysayers failed to support their claims, the Comelec could file charges against them.
Macalintal is one of three election lawyers who will appear in a TV commercial in which they will proclaim their support for the automated elections to help boost the public’s confidence in the exercise. The others are Sixto Brillantes and George Garcia.
“We believe that we should give automation a chance,” Macalintal told reporters.
The Comelec has intensified its campaign to educate voters about the new system, conducting demonstrations on how the ballot machine works even in far-flung communities.
Voters will be using for the first time a machine called the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) into which completed ballots are fed and scanned. Results are expected within 2 hours at the local level and 36 hours at the national level.
Subpoena naysayers
Macalintal also urged the Comelec to subpoena naysayers and ask them to back up their statements.
If there is evidence, the Comelec can still lay down additional measures to address the causes of a possible failure of elections. But if there is none, the Comelec should cite these people in contempt or file election cases against them, Macalintal added.
The Omnibus Election Code punishes those who make false information that could affect the elections, he pointed out.
Election Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the poll body en banc had yet to discuss Macalintal’s proposal, but he welcomed the idea.
Glitches, bugs
In Dagupan City, a senatorial candidate of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino said automation could encounter glitches and elections could fail.
Jose de Venecia III, the man who blew the whistle on alleged anomalies in a government broadband contract with a Chinese firm, said even a simple program for a bank took him a year to perfect.
“The same thing would happen [in the program for the voting machines]. There will be bugs,” De Venecia, son of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., told reporters Monday.
Open source code
The young De Venecia said there was a need to know the source code of the program that runs the election machines. The code is the heart of the software that gives instructions to the computer.
“We hope the election program is tested first, for example, in Metro Manila. If there are problems, these could be remedied [immediately],” he said.
While De Venecia said he was one of the few people who understood the repercussions of using an untested computer program, he joined the senatorial race “on a leap of faith.”
This is because it is easy to cheat in automated elections, according to De Venecia.
Cruz said the LP had asked the Comelec to fulfill its obligation to open up the source code of the PCOS machines for inspection by political parties.
When the Comelec relented, the LP could not access every detail about the source code given the tight restrictions which the poll body enforced, Cruz said.
Give automation a chance
Amid the apprehensions, a Catholic bishop in Southern Mindanao has urged voters give automated elections a chance, saying a fast and smooth election “has been a long-time dream of Filipinos.”
“For a long time, we have been hoping for a fast election where we could right away determine the will of the people,” Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz of the Tagum diocese told a congregation of over a thousand during the signing of a peace covenant by local candidates at Christ the King Cathedral here on March 21.
Manlapaz said automation “could [contribute to the holding of] a violent-free, clean and credible election.”
Lawyer Marlon Casquejo, assistant Davao regional elections chief, said the Comelec was on track in its education and information campaign.
“Even the education campaigns at the GKKs (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban or Basic Ecclesial Communities) are very much welcome,” Casquejo said, adding the commission “is now 90 percent ready.”
But the LP has not discussed this offer with Sen. Manuel Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party (NP) and strongest rival of LP presidential candidate Benigno Aquino III, said Avelino Cruz Jr., who chairs the Bantay Balota Movement.
Cruz, a former defense secretary and an Aquino supporter, said on Sunday that the Catholic Church, which has formed a movement to monitor the elections, would likely discuss the campaign with Villar.
Cruz was in Baguio City on Sunday with Florencio Abad Jr., LP campaign manager, to organize party members into a local Bantay Balota chapter.
In Lucena City, Villar said his party would do everything that it could to thwart attempts to sabotage the elections.
“We’ve started to train watchers and lawyers as well as colleagues on the automated elections. We are doing everything that we could to stop any attempt to disrupt the elections,” Villar told reporters on Sunday on the sidelines of the NP’s free concert rally.
Work together
Villar also urged other political parties and organizations to do the same and expressed hope that all could work together to have clean and honest elections.
Villar reiterated his call for the public to remain vigilant amid fears that the automated elections would fail.
Certain quarters have warned that a failure of elections in which no winner in the presidential election is proclaimed by June 30, the last day of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in office, could lead to a military takeover.
They said glitches in the automated counting machines and possible massive power outages, among other things, could delay the release of election results.
Summon prophets of doom
An election lawyer, however, has suggested that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) summon and challenge the “prophets of doom,” who speak ill of the automated polls.
Romulo Macalintal, Ms Arroyo’s election lawyer, said that if the naysayers failed to support their claims, the Comelec could file charges against them.
Macalintal is one of three election lawyers who will appear in a TV commercial in which they will proclaim their support for the automated elections to help boost the public’s confidence in the exercise. The others are Sixto Brillantes and George Garcia.
“We believe that we should give automation a chance,” Macalintal told reporters.
The Comelec has intensified its campaign to educate voters about the new system, conducting demonstrations on how the ballot machine works even in far-flung communities.
Voters will be using for the first time a machine called the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) into which completed ballots are fed and scanned. Results are expected within 2 hours at the local level and 36 hours at the national level.
Subpoena naysayers
Macalintal also urged the Comelec to subpoena naysayers and ask them to back up their statements.
If there is evidence, the Comelec can still lay down additional measures to address the causes of a possible failure of elections. But if there is none, the Comelec should cite these people in contempt or file election cases against them, Macalintal added.
The Omnibus Election Code punishes those who make false information that could affect the elections, he pointed out.
Election Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the poll body en banc had yet to discuss Macalintal’s proposal, but he welcomed the idea.
Glitches, bugs
In Dagupan City, a senatorial candidate of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino said automation could encounter glitches and elections could fail.
Jose de Venecia III, the man who blew the whistle on alleged anomalies in a government broadband contract with a Chinese firm, said even a simple program for a bank took him a year to perfect.
“The same thing would happen [in the program for the voting machines]. There will be bugs,” De Venecia, son of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., told reporters Monday.
Open source code
The young De Venecia said there was a need to know the source code of the program that runs the election machines. The code is the heart of the software that gives instructions to the computer.
“We hope the election program is tested first, for example, in Metro Manila. If there are problems, these could be remedied [immediately],” he said.
While De Venecia said he was one of the few people who understood the repercussions of using an untested computer program, he joined the senatorial race “on a leap of faith.”
This is because it is easy to cheat in automated elections, according to De Venecia.
Cruz said the LP had asked the Comelec to fulfill its obligation to open up the source code of the PCOS machines for inspection by political parties.
When the Comelec relented, the LP could not access every detail about the source code given the tight restrictions which the poll body enforced, Cruz said.
Give automation a chance
Amid the apprehensions, a Catholic bishop in Southern Mindanao has urged voters give automated elections a chance, saying a fast and smooth election “has been a long-time dream of Filipinos.”
“For a long time, we have been hoping for a fast election where we could right away determine the will of the people,” Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz of the Tagum diocese told a congregation of over a thousand during the signing of a peace covenant by local candidates at Christ the King Cathedral here on March 21.
Manlapaz said automation “could [contribute to the holding of] a violent-free, clean and credible election.”
Lawyer Marlon Casquejo, assistant Davao regional elections chief, said the Comelec was on track in its education and information campaign.
“Even the education campaigns at the GKKs (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban or Basic Ecclesial Communities) are very much welcome,” Casquejo said, adding the commission “is now 90 percent ready.”
Gibo, Edu beg off from tandem debate
This early, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearers Gilbert Teodoro and Edu Manzano are begging off from the first ever tandem debates among presidential and vice-presidential candidates aired live nationwide on Sunday.
In a statement, Teodoro said he has already saturated forums and debates and now needs to concentrate on doing campaign sorties in the provinces. He said the start of the campaign period for local candidates could boost his campaign as he joins local bets of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
He added that he will probably join the debates again in the last 2 weeks of the campaign.
His running mate, Manzano, also said he prefers to go directly to the voters instead of attending nationally-televised debates. Manzano said he shunned the first ever Harapan: The Vice-Presidential Debate on ABS-CBN last Sunday because he sees TV debates as just another venue for mudslinging.
"I did not attend the forum kasi mudslinging ang nangyari. Hindi siya nakakatulong. It does not address regional concerns ng mga tao," he told reporters.
He added: "At the end of the day, nakakatulong lang ito sa mga TV stations dahil sa mga ad spots."
There is also talk that other presidential-vice presidential tandems are planning to snub the debate after last Sunday's fiery debate among 6 vice-presidential candidates.
A political analyst, meanwhile, said candidates should not be afraid to join nationally-televised debates.
In an interview, Ramon Casiple of the Institute of Political and Electoral Reform said candidates who fail to appear in TV debates lose their chance to present their platforms in a very personal manner before a larger audience.
"TV is a very personal medium for viewers. It's not just what you say but your mannerisms, the way you answer, has an impact. In some ways, it has an even greater impact. Your total personality is observed and sometimes that's more important for voters," he said.
He added, however, that some candidates may purposely shun live debates since they cannot control what comes out on television.
In a statement, Teodoro said he has already saturated forums and debates and now needs to concentrate on doing campaign sorties in the provinces. He said the start of the campaign period for local candidates could boost his campaign as he joins local bets of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
He added that he will probably join the debates again in the last 2 weeks of the campaign.
His running mate, Manzano, also said he prefers to go directly to the voters instead of attending nationally-televised debates. Manzano said he shunned the first ever Harapan: The Vice-Presidential Debate on ABS-CBN last Sunday because he sees TV debates as just another venue for mudslinging.
"I did not attend the forum kasi mudslinging ang nangyari. Hindi siya nakakatulong. It does not address regional concerns ng mga tao," he told reporters.
He added: "At the end of the day, nakakatulong lang ito sa mga TV stations dahil sa mga ad spots."
There is also talk that other presidential-vice presidential tandems are planning to snub the debate after last Sunday's fiery debate among 6 vice-presidential candidates.
A political analyst, meanwhile, said candidates should not be afraid to join nationally-televised debates.
In an interview, Ramon Casiple of the Institute of Political and Electoral Reform said candidates who fail to appear in TV debates lose their chance to present their platforms in a very personal manner before a larger audience.
"TV is a very personal medium for viewers. It's not just what you say but your mannerisms, the way you answer, has an impact. In some ways, it has an even greater impact. Your total personality is observed and sometimes that's more important for voters," he said.
He added, however, that some candidates may purposely shun live debates since they cannot control what comes out on television.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
ABS-CBN Harapan: Vice Presidential Debate
Six vice-presidential candidates have confirmed their participation in ABS-CBN's Harapan: The Vice-Presidential Debate on Sunday at 10:15 p.m. over Channel 2, ANC, and Studio 23.
Jejomar Binay of the PDP-Laban, Bayani Fernando of Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines, Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition, and Manuel 'Mar' Roxas III of the Liberal Party, Jay Sonza of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, and Perfecto Yasay of Bangon Pilipinas have said they will attend the vice-presidential debate.
Jejomar Binay of the PDP-Laban, Bayani Fernando of Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines, Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition, and Manuel 'Mar' Roxas III of the Liberal Party, Jay Sonza of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, and Perfecto Yasay of Bangon Pilipinas have said they will attend the vice-presidential debate.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Aquino's lead steadily falling: SWS chief
The presidential surveys conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) since December 2009 show a consistent decline in support for Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, according to SWS president Mahar Mangahas.
In an interview on ANC's Dateline Philippines on Tuesday, Mangahas said what's clear from the four presidential surveys conducted by SWS from December 5-10, 2009 to February 24-28 2010 is that Aquino's lead is now much smaller.
The latest SWS survey, commissioned by the newspaper BusinessWorld, and e-mailed Tuesday to news organizations by the camp of Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar, showed Aquino's lead down to only 2 percentage points, with Aquino at 36% and Villar at 34%.
"Ang talagang conclusion diyan ay napakaliit na [ang lead ni Aquino] compared to before. That's very clear," Mangahas said.
Aquino's lead over Villar was 19 points in December 5-10, 2009, 11 points in December 27-28, 2009, 7 points in January 21-24, 2010, and 2 points in February 24-28.
"If you look at our series, talagang steadily, steadily paliit ng paliit. So ngayon, nasa 2 (point lead si Aquino)," he added.
Mangahas disagreed with interpretations of the latest SWS survey results which described the two leading presidential candidates in a statistical tie.
Given the margin of error of 2%, Mangahas said Aquino may actually be leading by 4 percentage points.
He said the correct way of interpreting the results of the latest survey is that it's either a statistical tie or that Aquino has a 4 percentage point lead.
C-5 affects Villar in Metro Manila
Mangahas also said another important shift in the February 24-28, 2010 survey results is the drop in Villar's ratings in Metro Manila.
In the National Capital Region, Villar's ratings fell from 26% in January 21-24, 2010 to 20% in February 24-28, a drop of 6 percentage points.
"Villar fell in Metro Manila, and the second-placer is actually Erap," Mangahas said. "It's Noynoy, Erap and then Villar in Metro Manila."
"So para sa akin, this issue about the C-5 could be said to have had an effect in Metro Manila. Because doon siya talagang nahirapan, nahihirapan," he added.
However, Mangahas said Villar improved in the Visayas, which is why his overall ratings have been just steady since December.
"He [Villar] improved in Visayas kaya't medyo steady lang siya, at 1 puntos lang ang bawas niya unlike Noynoy who fell all around, in all parts of the country, kaya't nabawasan siya ng 6 points," he said.
He refused to say whether Villar's ads were responsible for the NP's survey ratings, adding that the SWS does not monitor ad spending.
"Hindi kasama yon sa analysis namin...at saka wala kaming special access sa mga ganoon (ads)," Mangahas said.
Asked why Aquino's ratings have fallen since December, Mangahas said he does not have the data that would explain the drop.
"We do not know the progress of the ads in all parts of the country. We don't have those additional bits of information," he said.
Mangahas said the SWS will have surveys in March, April and around a week before the May 10 elections.
If the last survey a week before May 10 would show the same results as the February 24-28, 2010 survey, Manghas said they would then say: "Well, we cannot call the winner because it's too small but it's a two-point lead and we have to say that at this point, mas llamado si Aquino ng konti."
The February 24-28, 2010 BW-SWS survey used face-to-face interviews with 2,100 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.
Villar, Aquino respond to SWS survey
Meanwhile, Villar said the results of the latest SWS polls are also reflected in the warm reception he and the rest of his team are getting in their sorties.
“Mas nagiging mainit ang pagtanggap sa atin saan man kami dumako at mas lalong nagiging buo ang grupo ng Nacionalista kasama ang aking running mate na si Loren Legarda,” he said in a statement.
He said he has been able to spread the word about what they intend to do if they win the polls through their sorties.
Villar said they are getting more support due to their message of hope plus a better grasp of his team's platform of government.
He added he was happy with the survey results and expressed hope he would soon overtake Aquino, who holds only a 2 percentage point lead.
Liberal Party campaign manager Florencio 'Butch' Abad, meanwhile, said the results of the SWS survey showed that their message of anti-corruption and good governance is holding.
“The campaign of Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III is pleased with the results of the Social Weather Stations’ February 21 to 25 survey, which clearly shows that Aquino has retained his lead," he said.
“Despite our closest rival’s excessive, beyond-the-COMELEC-limit spending on TV ads and the obscenely funded propaganda machine, the people have maintained their trust in Noynoy Aquino’s candidacy," Abad said.
“What this survey tells us is that our message is holding and we must continue delivering that to places like the Samar Islands and Northern Luzon, where we see greater opportunities recruiting more supporters. For this purpose, the Aquino campaign intends to aggressively expand its volunteer base of 200,000 in these places," he added.
“Although the race has become tighter, we are confident that our message of change and freedom from corruption will hold sway in the end, and that the voters will make the right decision come the May elections," Abad said.
In an interview on ANC's Dateline Philippines on Tuesday, Mangahas said what's clear from the four presidential surveys conducted by SWS from December 5-10, 2009 to February 24-28 2010 is that Aquino's lead is now much smaller.
The latest SWS survey, commissioned by the newspaper BusinessWorld, and e-mailed Tuesday to news organizations by the camp of Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Manny Villar, showed Aquino's lead down to only 2 percentage points, with Aquino at 36% and Villar at 34%.
"Ang talagang conclusion diyan ay napakaliit na [ang lead ni Aquino] compared to before. That's very clear," Mangahas said.
Aquino's lead over Villar was 19 points in December 5-10, 2009, 11 points in December 27-28, 2009, 7 points in January 21-24, 2010, and 2 points in February 24-28.
"If you look at our series, talagang steadily, steadily paliit ng paliit. So ngayon, nasa 2 (point lead si Aquino)," he added.
Mangahas disagreed with interpretations of the latest SWS survey results which described the two leading presidential candidates in a statistical tie.
Given the margin of error of 2%, Mangahas said Aquino may actually be leading by 4 percentage points.
He said the correct way of interpreting the results of the latest survey is that it's either a statistical tie or that Aquino has a 4 percentage point lead.
C-5 affects Villar in Metro Manila
Mangahas also said another important shift in the February 24-28, 2010 survey results is the drop in Villar's ratings in Metro Manila.
In the National Capital Region, Villar's ratings fell from 26% in January 21-24, 2010 to 20% in February 24-28, a drop of 6 percentage points.
"Villar fell in Metro Manila, and the second-placer is actually Erap," Mangahas said. "It's Noynoy, Erap and then Villar in Metro Manila."
"So para sa akin, this issue about the C-5 could be said to have had an effect in Metro Manila. Because doon siya talagang nahirapan, nahihirapan," he added.
However, Mangahas said Villar improved in the Visayas, which is why his overall ratings have been just steady since December.
"He [Villar] improved in Visayas kaya't medyo steady lang siya, at 1 puntos lang ang bawas niya unlike Noynoy who fell all around, in all parts of the country, kaya't nabawasan siya ng 6 points," he said.
He refused to say whether Villar's ads were responsible for the NP's survey ratings, adding that the SWS does not monitor ad spending.
"Hindi kasama yon sa analysis namin...at saka wala kaming special access sa mga ganoon (ads)," Mangahas said.
Asked why Aquino's ratings have fallen since December, Mangahas said he does not have the data that would explain the drop.
"We do not know the progress of the ads in all parts of the country. We don't have those additional bits of information," he said.
Mangahas said the SWS will have surveys in March, April and around a week before the May 10 elections.
If the last survey a week before May 10 would show the same results as the February 24-28, 2010 survey, Manghas said they would then say: "Well, we cannot call the winner because it's too small but it's a two-point lead and we have to say that at this point, mas llamado si Aquino ng konti."
The February 24-28, 2010 BW-SWS survey used face-to-face interviews with 2,100 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%.
Villar, Aquino respond to SWS survey
Meanwhile, Villar said the results of the latest SWS polls are also reflected in the warm reception he and the rest of his team are getting in their sorties.
“Mas nagiging mainit ang pagtanggap sa atin saan man kami dumako at mas lalong nagiging buo ang grupo ng Nacionalista kasama ang aking running mate na si Loren Legarda,” he said in a statement.
He said he has been able to spread the word about what they intend to do if they win the polls through their sorties.
Villar said they are getting more support due to their message of hope plus a better grasp of his team's platform of government.
He added he was happy with the survey results and expressed hope he would soon overtake Aquino, who holds only a 2 percentage point lead.
Liberal Party campaign manager Florencio 'Butch' Abad, meanwhile, said the results of the SWS survey showed that their message of anti-corruption and good governance is holding.
“The campaign of Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III is pleased with the results of the Social Weather Stations’ February 21 to 25 survey, which clearly shows that Aquino has retained his lead," he said.
“Despite our closest rival’s excessive, beyond-the-COMELEC-limit spending on TV ads and the obscenely funded propaganda machine, the people have maintained their trust in Noynoy Aquino’s candidacy," Abad said.
“What this survey tells us is that our message is holding and we must continue delivering that to places like the Samar Islands and Northern Luzon, where we see greater opportunities recruiting more supporters. For this purpose, the Aquino campaign intends to aggressively expand its volunteer base of 200,000 in these places," he added.
“Although the race has become tighter, we are confident that our message of change and freedom from corruption will hold sway in the end, and that the voters will make the right decision come the May elections," Abad said.
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