Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Inaugural Address of Benigno S. Aquino III (official English translation)

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.


My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered - is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters -- it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:


· Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

· Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

· A home for every family, within safe communities.


We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here - our volunteers - old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope - I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

Inaugural Speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.

Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kinakailangan.

Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.

Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.

Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa – nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din – talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?

Ngayon, sa araw na ito - dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.

Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.

Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago – isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.

Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago – isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.

Sigaw natin noong kampanya: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster – ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.

Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.

Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.

Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.

Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments.” Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.

Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.

Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya’t sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.

Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang “puwede na” pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.

Bubuhayin natin ang programang “emergency employment” ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:

· dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;

· serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;

· tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.

Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.

Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.

Inaatasan natin si papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.

Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.

Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.

Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.

Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.

To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.

Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all – may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?

Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.

Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.

Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.

Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa.

Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong – kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?

Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people’s needs and aspirations.

Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito – ang ating mga volunteers – matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa – nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat.

Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.

My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Aquino Binay Oath Taking (Noynoy Aquino's Full Speech)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Inauguration of President Noynoy Aquino

16 nations sending top-level delegations to Aquino inaugural 

East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta arrived in Manila Monday night for the inauguration Wednesday of President-elect Benigno Aquino III at Rizal Park. Fifteen other countries are sending high-level delegations to the event.

“It’s my pleasure and honor to be here. I attended a few months ago the funeral of his mother Cory whom I greatly admire and I couldn’t miss the inauguration of her son as president,” Ramos-Horta told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Japan is dispatching its foreign minister, Osamu Fujimura, for the event.

In a statement released by the Japanese Embassy, Fujimura said he hoped that the strategic partnership between the two countries would be further enhanced with the new administration. It said the two countries shared values such as freedom, democracy and respect for human rights.

A total of 101 foreign dignitaries will be in town for the ceremonies, including the resident and nonresident ambassadors who have been designated as special envoys by their respective governments for the event.

The following are the other leaders of their respective delegations:

• China–Yan Junqui, vice chair of the National People’s Congress.

• Holy See–Oswaldo Padilla, titular archbishop of Pia (Apostolic of Korea), Edward Joseph Adams and Rev. Msgr. Gabor Pinter of the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines.

• Indonesia–Dr. H.R. Agung Laksono, coordinating minister for people’s welfare, and Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Kristiarto Legowo.

• Korea–Kim Hwang-sik, chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection.

• Laos–Souban Srithirath, minister, chief of Cabinet to the President of Laos.

• Malaysia–Senator Dato’ Sri Shahrizat, minister of women, family and community development.

• New Zealand–John Hayes, member of Parliament, chair of foreign affairs and trade select committee.

• Peru–Jorge Castañeda Mendez—Peru’s ambassador to Indonesia.

• Saudi Arabia–Dr. Nizar bin Abaid Madani, minister of state of the foreign affairs.

• Spain–Ombudsman Enrique Mugica and Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias-Romero.

• Thailand–Ongart Kiampaiboon, minister in the prime minister’s department.

• Vietnam–Vu Huy Hoang, minister of industry and trade.

Cemetery visit

Aquino is expected to visit the tombs of his parents at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Tuesday, according to a source from the inaugural committee, who requested anonymity.

The source said that Aquino was advised that it was “bad feng shui” to attend an inauguration directly after visiting a cemetery.

Former President Joseph Estrada went to the cemetery before being sworn into office at Barasoain Church in Bulacan. Estrada was ousted from office in 2001, midway into his six-year term.

Instead of a Mass and a visit to Manila Memorial Park, Aquino will start his inauguration day at 9:45 a.m. when he will depart from Times Street in Quezon City to fetch President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang.

Aquino said he expected his brother-in-law, basketball star James Yap, to attend his inaugural despite sister Kris’s public announcement on Sunday that her marriage with Yap was over without giving any specific reason.

“I understand he will be attending,” Aquino said in an interview after attending a rehearsal for the inaugural’s military honors at Camp Aguinaldo Monday afternoon.

Aquino said that he had not yet talked to his sister Kris, although they had exchanged text messages. He said he did not watch Kris’ interview on her show “The Buzz” as he was working on his inaugural address on Sunday.

Yap went to see Aquino at his Times Street residence on Thursday apparently for advice after Kris announced she was having unspecified marital problems.

Cost over P10M

Also on Monday, Malacañang announced that the supposedly austere inauguration rites was set to breach the P10-million budget set aside by the outgoing Arroyo administration.

Elena Bautista-Horn, chief of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), said the amount covered only preparations at Quirino Grandstand where Aquino would take his oath as the country’s 15th President.

Horn said the budget was expected to shoot up once expenses for the subsequent luncheon and vin d’honneur were included in the equation. She said some 750 foreign dignitaries were invited to the affair.

“I don’t know the total yet but it seems we will go over the P10 million,” she told reporters after meeting with the incoming PMS officials of the Aquino administration.

Horn said her counterpart had agreed to retain for two more months the 97 contractual employees working in her office. She described them as “highly technical” workers involved in research and writing policy papers.

But what awaits the 1,000 or so members of the Malacañang household—cooks, waiters, housekeepers—will be up to the arrangement between Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza and his successor, Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa.

Final Cabinet meeting

Ms Arroyo will hold her final Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Horn said.

She said that 16 former Cabinet members had been invited, except for members of the “Hyatt 10,” the group who left Ms Arroyo and demanded her resignation at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2005.

Before the inauguration rites, Ms Arroyo will share a ride with her successor from Malacañang to Quirino Grandstand.

Following protocol, Ms Arroyo will be seated to the right and Aquino to the left in the back seat of the presidential limousine, according to Horn.

“She will be seated to the right because she will still be the President when they leave Malacañang,” she explained.

Security

Six teams from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and six teams of K-9 will support the Philippine National Police in ensuring a smooth inaugural, said the military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., in a talk with reporters Monday.

Two Army battalions have been placed on stand-by as requested by the PNP and the Presidential Security Group, he said.

“We have not monitored any threats that may disrupt the transition of power,” Burgos said. “The deployment of EOD and K-9 teams are just precautionary measures to double the security to make sure everything will be OK.”

Once Aquino lowers his right hand in the administration of his oath by Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales at noon Wednesday, the military’s cannon will cast a 21 gun-salute to the country’s new leader.

The 21-gun salute will be rendered by an Honor Guard Battalion with the acting AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa as military host.

The same military honors, with a 21-gun salute, will be rendered to outgoing President Arroyo.

Members of the Aquino Cabinet

Here is a list of the members of the Cabinet of President-elect Benigno Aquino III, announced on June 29, 2010.


Paquito Ochoa Jr., Executive Secretary
Julia Abad, Presidential Management Staff
Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Spokesperson
Eduardo de Mesa, Presidential Legal Counsel
Sec. Alberto Romulo, retained for Foreign Affairs
Cesar Purisima, Finance
Leila de Lima, Justice
Voltaire Gazmin, National Defense
Cayetano Paderanga, NEDA
Br. Armin Luistro, Education
Florencio Abad, Budget and Management
Rep. Proceso Alcala, Agriculture
Usec. Ramon Paje, Environment and Natural Resources
Jose de Jesus, Transportation and Communication
Rosalinda Baldoz, Labor and Employment
Dr. Enrique Ona, Health
Gregory Domingo, Trade and Industry
Alberto Lim, Tourism
Corazon Soliman, Social Welfare and Development
Mario Montejo, Science and Technology
Jose Almendras, Energy
Rogelio Singson, Public Works and Highways
Virgilio delos Reyes, Agrarian Reform
Teresita Deles, Adviser on the Peace Process
Patricia Licuanan, Commission on Higher Education
Kim Henares, Bureau of Internal Revenue

Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide will lead a "Truth Commission" which will "collate data on who committed what."

Aquino will handle the Department of Interior and Local Government, pending talks with three nominees for the portfolio.

Maj. Gen. Ric David will become Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff; Gen. Jesus Verzosa is retained as Philippine National Police chief.

Aquino names Cabinet members

President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Tuesday named the members of his Cabinet. He also announced he would establish a "truth commission" headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide.

Aquino himself will take over the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) pending negotiations with three candidates.

Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. will be Aquino's executive secretary, also known as the "Little President."

Aquino campaign spokesman and lawyer Edwin Lacierda was named presidential spokesman.

Current Meralco President Jose "Ping" de Jesus and former public works secretary of Cory Aquino was named secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Engineer Mario Montejo of the UP College of Engineering was named secretary of the Department of Science and Technology

Corazon "Dinky" Soliman returns to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Gregory Domingo was named secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. He was formerly trade and industry undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) chief when Sen. Mar Roxas was at the DTI.

Domingo will likely will head the department for a year after which Roxas will take over.

Ramon Paje, a former DENR undersecretary, will head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Alberto "Bertie" Lim, executive director of the influential Makati Business Club (MBC), will be secretary of Department of Tourism (DOT).

Lim was president of Ten Knots Development Corporation, owners and managers of El Nido resorts, before he became executive director of the MBC in 2006.

Jose Rene D. Almendras, president of the Manila Water Co., was named secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE). Before joining the Ayala Group, Almendras was treasurer of Aboitiz & Co., and Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Outgoing Quezon 2nd district Rep. Proceso Alcala was named secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Alcala has established a foundation for farmers and fishermen in Quezon province, raising their incomes.

Lawyer Kim Jacinto Henares, former deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), is the new chief of the tax agency.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, a long-time ally and supporter of the Aquino family, will stay in his post.

Romulo, a long-time family friend and supporter of the Aquinos, has been foreign affairs secretary of the Arroyo government since 2004. He had expressed his personal support for Aquino in the 2010 elections.

Romulo was the late former President Corazon Aquino's budget minister before he ran and won a seat in the Senate in 1987.

Former Education Secretary and Aquino campaign manager Florencio "Butch" Abad will be secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.

Aquino's Senate chief of staff Julia Abad, daughter of Butch Abad, will head the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) office.

Former Philippine Army commanding general and former Presidential Security Guard (PSG) chief during the Cory Aquino administration Voltaire Gazmin was named secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima will return to his old post.

Guillermo Parayno will return as Bureau of Customs commissioner.

Leila de Lima, chair of the Commission on Human Rights, was named secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will be involved in any investigation into allegations of corruption against President Arroyo and her administration, as well as cases such as the election-related massacre of at least 57 people on Mindanao last year.

"At least the justice secretary can be his partner in pursuing some of the initiatives he wants to take. The president and his new Cabinet are very encouraging signs," Ramon del Rosario, a former finance secretary and head of the lobby group Makati Business Club, earlier told Reuters.

Rosalinda Baldoz, former administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), was named secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rogelio "Babes" L. Singson was named secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Singson joined Maynilad after its reprivatization in 2007 under new owners, DMCI-Metro Pacific Consortium.

Prior to joining the country’s largest water concessionaire, Singson was the chairman and president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

He was involved in the conceptualization and implementation of the country's biggest property privatization—Fort Bonifacio.

He also helped monitor foreign-assisted Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects during the transition from the Marcos government to the Cory government.

For the Department of Health (DOH). Aquino named Dr. Enrique Ona, currently executive director of the National Kidney and Transplantation Institute.

De La Salle University President Rev. Armin Luistro was named of secretary of the Department of Education.

A statement released by De La Salle last week said Luistro arrived at the decision after consulting with the university's stakeholders.

Luistro was among those who called for President Arroyo's resignation in 2005 after she was accused of rigging the 2004 presidential election.

University of the Philippines (UP) Economics Professor Cayetano "Dondon" Paderanga was appointed socio-economic planning secretary.

Paderanga takes over as director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from acting NEDA chief Augusto Santos, a career officer.

Paderanga headed the same agency in the last 3 years (1990-1992) of the first Aquino government.

He was also member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board from 1993 to 1999. He was executive director for the Philippines in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from 2001 to 2003.

Paderanga's appointment also signals the return of the economic planning agency to professors of the University of the Philippines.

From 1986 to 2002, faculty from the UP and the prestigious UP School of Economics led the NEDA, among them, Solita 'Winnie' Monsod, Prof. Dante Canlas, Prof. Felipe Medalla and Prof. Cielito Habito.

In 2002, President Arroyo named Romulo Neri, a marketing graduate of the UP School of Business Administration, as NEDA director-general. Neri eventually got involved in the overpriced National Broadband Network (NBN)-ZTE telecommunications deal and was replaced by former Senator Ralph Recto in July 2008.

Virgilio de los Reyes was named secretary of Department of Agrarian Reform.

Teresita Quintos-Deles returns as presidential adviser on the peace process.

Lawyer Eduardo de Mesa, will be Aquino's chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

After leaving the Villaraza Cruz Marcelo and Angangco Law Office, de Mesa and incoming executive secretary Ochoa decided to form their own law firm.

Dr. Patricia Licuanan was named chair of the Commission on Higher Education. She is president of Miriam College.

Major General Ric David will be the next chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III Inauguration Speech

The oath taking will happen on June 30, 2010 and will mark another history in our coutry, Philippines as millions are expected to attend the said historical event which is a first ever. Earlier it was reported that the new president of the Philippines is taking in to consideration to take oath in Quezon City Circle but that seems to have changed. It will now happen at the Quirino Granstand.

It is reported that there will be a street party in celebration to the official declaration of Noynoy Aquino as the new president of the Philippines. It is also reported that the Aquino family will be putting up for the people to hear a Mass in their parents’ (Cory and Ninoy) grave on June 30, 2010.

We will post the Inauguration speech of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as soon as it is available.

Noynoy Aquino Inauguration 2010 Live Stream

Watch the President Noynoy Aquino Inauguration 2010 free live stream online. Malacañang has declared June 30, 2010 as a special non-working holiday to allow the nation to witness the inauguration of the country’s 15th President, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Sources from the Aquino camp disclosed to the media that the inauguration will be a simple celebration. Earlier, it was reported on television that a street party at the Quezon City Circle after the formal inaugural rites will be attended by Aquino. It will feature a variety of old and new party music. The media says P-Noy has prepared a song for the event.

For OFWs around the world and those will not be able to watch on TV, watch the Noynoy Aquino Inauguration 2010 Live Stream on your computer.

Watch Noynoy Aquino Inauguration 2010 Live Stream Online

Friday, June 25, 2010

President Noynoy Aquino Inauguration Live Stream Telecast

President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s transition team has already ironed out kinks in the inauguration on June 30, an event that will be made meaningful by several traditions shelved during the Martial Law years.

The inauguration, which will revolve around the theme “Tagumpay ng Taumbayan, Panata sa Pagbabago,” is expected to be observed by millions around the world.

A Lot of International Media are expected to cover the Inauguration, and even in the Internet there are a lot of people who want to see the said event online.

The Inauguration Live Telecast will be Broadcast Live by local and International Television Network.

Watch President Noynoy Aquino Inauguration Live Stream Telecast

All set for Aquino-Binay inauguration

President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s transition team has already ironed out kinks in the inauguration on June 30, an event that will be made meaningful by several traditions shelved during the Martial Law years.

The inauguration, which will revolve around the theme “Tagumpay ng Taumbayan, Panata sa Pagbabago,” is expected to be observed by millions around the world.

The schedule below was obtained from Aquino’s camp:

6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - prayer services at the Aquino home in Times Street
8:30 - assembly, although people are already expected to camp out the night before
9:30 - arrival of guests
9:45 - Aquino departs for Malacañang
10:00 - officials and guests expected to arrive at Quirino Grandstand
10:20 - arrival of Dr. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice-President elect Jejomar Binay
10:25 - arrival of Aquino’s sisters
10:30 - Aquino arrives in Malacañang
10:30 - at the same time, Binay is expected to arrive at Quirino Grandstand
10:40 - Aquino and predecessor, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyom, leaves Malacanang aboard car No. 1
10:45 - Arroyo and Aquino arrive at Quirino Grandstand
10:50 - military honors for Arroyo
10:55 - Arroyo leaves area

The formal inaugural ceremony is expected to start at exactly 11:00 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem.

11:15 - Musical ensemble led by APO Hiking Society and other artists such as Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Noel Cabangon, Gary Valenciano, etc.
11:35 - Senate President reads results of proclamation in elections
11:40 - Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales administers oath to Binay
12:00 noon - Aquino finally takes oath
12:10 - inaugural address
12:30 - pledge of allegiance from the public, honors for Aquino (people will take their oath to the president and state what they will do for the country)

At around 1:00 p.m., Aquino will finally head to Malacañang

1:15 p.m - Lunch at the Kalayaan Hall
2:30 - Oath-taking of local officials, mass oath-taking of Cabinet
officials at Rizal Hall
3:30 - 1st Cabinet meeting, Aguinaldo State Dining Hall [photo op only]
6:00 - Inaugural reception at the Rizal Hall
7:30 - Short speech and inaugural toast
8:00 - personal time
9:00 - Aquino leaves for the party in Quezon City

Inauguration spokesman Manuel “Manolo” L. Quezon III earlier said “the president-elect is not much of a traditionalist, but you realize that these rituals exist to make the transition more dignified for all concerned and you’re dealing with an office larger than any person.”

The inauguration will be a symbol of sorts, as this would be peppered with traditions that were abolished or replaced during former President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ time. The Aquino family was instrumental in overthrowing the dictatorship.

No chitchats

Quezon said the president-elect will fetch Arroyo in Malacañang in time for the inauguration scheduled at noon on June 30.

He said this meeting will not be a tea party for both leaders, unlike that in the United States. Even former US President Dwight Eisenhower did away with this American tradition, he said.

He noted the schedule is too tight such that there will be no more time for chit-chats. “It’s unnecessary because by tradition, it’s the day of the new administration,” he said.

While Arroyo’s camp may want more “face-time” for her, he said the event will not have any additional fringes. He believes Arroyo understands all these since she herself went through the process three times: when her father Diosdado became Vice-President then later President, and the subsequent transfer of administration.

Instead, Arroyo will get to be honored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon arriving at the venue. She will then exit “gracefully” while her successor moves up the stage.

Corona in the audience?

Quezon said the inclusion of important persons in the guest list is part of protocol. As such, Chief Justice Renato C. Corona will be invited even if he will not administer Aquino’s oath, he said.

Apart from the Chief Justice, also expected to attend are the children of former Presidents.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will also be doing an important role, he said.

He will read the formal proclamation of Aquino as president right before the oath-taking. “They just approved [the proclamation last June 9], they did not read [the contents],” Quezon said.

He said this tradition had been scrapped due to obvious reasons--Marcos had abolished Congress.

Quezon said the Aquino family is still discussing who will hold the bible during the oath-taking. He only divulged “someone very close to the family will hold the bible.”

No Vin d’ Honneur

He also clarified the socials in Malacañang after Arroyo’s first Cabinet meeting should not be called Vin d’ Honneur.

Such events almost always took place during the Marcos’ years. He said it should be called an “inaugural reception.”

Quezon said “to make it clear to everyone…everything must come to an end and there’s a new beginning.”

He said all these rituals exist “to show both continuity of our government and, at the same time, there are parts that are fixed, and whether you like it or not, things change.”

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Comelec Schedule of Registration for SK and Barangay Election

The Commission on Elections has moved the date of the registration for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls to mid-July and the barangay polls to early August, a poll official said Tuesday.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the registration for the SK elections has been moved from July 15 to July 25, while the registration for the barangay elections from August 1 to August 10.

The SK and barangay elections have been tentatively set on October 25.

The poll body had earlier announced the date of the registration for the October elections would be from July 1 to 31.

But Larrazabal said they decided to separate the registration dates because in the SK polls, biometrics is not needed. On the other hand, the registration for barangay polls requires voter biometrics because it will be merged with the poll body's database of regular voters.

A registrant for the SK polls has to be a Filipino citizen, a resident of the Barangay for six months, and must 15 to 17 years of age. Same voter qualifications are needed for the Barangay polls, except that voters should be at least 18 years old.

Registrants for both elections need to present valid IDs during registration, said Larrazabal.

Larrazabal said they would hold an Election Registration Board hearing on July 12 to cancel double or multiple registrants and those who have not voted for two successive elections.

Meanwhile, he said the poll body has yet to decide whether to automate the October polls. "This has to be discussed thoroughly by the [Comelec] en banc."

Larrazabal, however, said they are preparing for manual elections even though they would prefer to use the same ballots used in the May automated polls.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's farewell address

My fellow Filipinos:

We come together tonight as we approach a hallmark of democracy for our great nation: the smooth transition of power to a new leader. We have just come through a historic election. It was open and it was modern. As a result, we were able to declare winners in hours and days rather than weeks and months.
The face of politics in our nation has changed forever. Tonight I once again congratulate president-elect Aquino and vice president-elect Binay.

Nine years ago I came to the presidency at the time of great turmoil in our nation. I accepted the challenge to the office when it was thrust upon me. At that time our country was reeling from political intrigue and a distressed economy we set to work to reform our economy and invest in our people. Along the way we had to make unpopular choices such as raising taxes but we did so against the odds for a very simply reason. We had to have new money for more and better health care, education, and job creation. We needed new and better roads, bridges, ports and a technology backbone to attract new businesses and investors to create new jobs. Through hard work, determination and a clear plan of action we helped achieve many of these objectives. As a result we have had 37 quarters of uninterrupted economic growth even against the head winds of a major global recession.

Look around you in our cities, as you drive by the office towers that have changed the skylines. Look around you in our provinces, as you drive around the roads, bridges, and Ro-Ro ports where we have made massive investments. This is the face of change. Eight-five percent of our people now have access to PhilHealth insurance. Over a hundred thousand new classrooms have been built and 9 million jobs have been created. We developed the call center industry almost from scratch. Today we have almost 500 thousand centers and BPO jobs when only 5 thousand existed when i took office yet these accomplishments are merely part of the continuum of history.

The gains I made were built on the efforts of previous leaders. Each successive government must build on the successes and progress of the previous one. Advance the programs that work, leave behind those that don't. I feel confident that we are leaving this nation much stronger than when I came to office but I leave that for history to judge.

Tonight I call on everyone to unite behind our new leaders. I am optimistic and I am hopeful about our future yet until every Filipino child is born to a family free of poverty. We cannot rest. We must always set our sights on the future, and keep an eye on improving our economy, investing in people and building bridges -- not just bridges of iron and steel, but bridges between people, generations, and government. The bridges we must build to the future must rest on the hard work, grace and compassion of our people -- the people of our nation, our greatest asset. You are the backbone that drives our nation forward everyday: from the fisherman to the farmer to the taxi driver and the teacher. We are a nation of industrious and hard working people. I thank each and everyone for your contribution to have the Philippines achieve our potential.

This time next week, I will be moving in a new phase in life, leading a quieter public role. We are all in a journey together as our nation moves forward. Let us all join hand in unity and walk confidently towards a better tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you. Malaking karangalan ang makapaglingkod sa sambayanan bilang Pangulo sa inyong lahat na napagsilbihan ko sa mahirap ngunit makasaysayang landas. Maraming, maraming salamat.

Binay to Aquino: I won't accept any Cabinet post

Vice-President-elect Jejomar Binay finally met with President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III Wednesday at his Times Street residence in Quezon City.

It was the first time for the two to meet after their proclamation by Congress on June 9.

Binay arrived on Times Street around 1:15 p.m. and emerged more than an hour later. He told media outside the gates of Aquino's residence that the meeting was social and cordial.

When asked who proposed the meeting, Binay said that matter wasn't important. He added that the meeting was something he and Aquino had discussed a long time ago.

"Basta kami nag-meeting, ayos na yun," Binay said.

Binay became evasive when asked if he had been offered a Cabinet portfolio or if he will lead a commission probing the Arroyo administration. "Tingnan na lang muna natin ang mga darating na araw," he said.

Binay a burden?

A statement from his office later said the vice-president-elect had told Aquino that he would decline any Cabinet position "so as not to burden the president and allow him to focus on the many challenges facing the nation."

ABS-CBN News obtained a copy of Binay's June 21 letter to Aquino.

In his letter, Binay thanked Aquino for including him in his short list for secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

However, he asked Aquino to remove his name from the list and "from any other list of nominees for the Cabinet."

No teamwork?

He said it was important that Aquino's official family "be able to work as a team."

Binay said it was clear that since he was not a member of the Liberal Party, or of any other group that supported the Aquino-Roxas tandem, he would "not be treated as a member of the team" and would only be seen as "disruptive" to the "existing relations among the members of the incoming official family."

He said he would not want to add to the difficulties the new government would have to face, "specially during its "crucial early stages."

'Never insisted on DILG'

Binay also said he never insisted that he be appointed secretary of the DILG.

"...I would like to put in its proper context, the matter of my supposed insistence that I be appointed to the DILG, a matter that has been blown out of proportion and has attracted negative comments from some quarters, among them your supporters," Binay said.

"When I stated my preference for the DILG, I was merely speaking from the point of view of how I can best contribute to your administration. Likewise, I was responding to the media's question on my preference should I be appointed in your Cabinet. Sadly, it has been misinterpreted and misrepresented as an imposition and motivated by politics. Indeed that is malicious and an outright falsehood. It also shows that partisanship, which should now be abandoned in favor of nation building, continues to be a motivating force among some quarters," he added.

The vice-president-elect was seen to have been very vocal about his aspiration to head the DILG, but Aquino said he was considering several people for the post, including Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, a Ramon Magsasay awardee.

Aquino earlier said that he will meet and discuss with Binay his possible appointment to a Cabinet post.

Pickets outside Aquino home

On Wednesday morning, members of the party-list group Gabriela held a picket outside Aquino's residence and urged the president-elect to release all female political prisoners and haul outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to jail.

Members of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA) also picketed near the residence, but unlike Gabriela, with just about 20 members, PALEA wasn't allowed in front of the house and was just allowed to picket some meters away.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Back to manual for barangay polls, says Comelec

The Commission on Elections will likely revert to pen-and-paper voting for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October.

The automated election system used in the May 10 national elections would be too expensive for the barangay and SK polls, said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

“Traditionally we have always had manual elections even though automated solutions are available. Why? Because for barangay and SK elections, we do not have consolidation on a nationwide scale,” he explained.

In the automated election system used for the May 10 elections that the Comelec leased from Smartmatic TIM Corp. for P7.2 billion, voters cast machine-readable ballots. Precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines recorded, counted and transmitted the votes to canvassing centers where the numbers were electronically added up.

The counting and consolidation of votes through the automated system is “more expensive and takes a lot longer,” Jimenez said.

The barangay and SK elections have been scheduled for Oct. 25, unless the Congress passes a law canceling it.

Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay, who has expressed interest in heading the Department of Interior and Local Government, said he was in favor of abolishing the barangay and SK polls. Binay said barangay officials may be appointed by local executives, while the SK should be scrapped entirely.

Jimenez said the Comelec was not in any position to favor or disfavor the changes suggested by Binay.

He said the next batch of barangay and SK leaders should take Binay’s statements as a challenge and clean up their image as training ground for “traditional politicians.”

Roxas needs P35M for electoral protest

Defeated vice presidential candidate Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II will need some P35 million when he files his election protest, lawyer Romulo Macalintal said during a forum Wednesday morning.

Macalintal, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s former election lawyer, said opening the ballots—from three regions pinpointed by the Roxas camp—alone will cost P30 million and does not include other expenses, such as retrieving the ballots.

He said Roxas would also need to rent the precinct count optical (PCOS) machines all over again to authenticate such ballots since the contract of Comelec with Smartmatic will expire on December.

Roxas last week said he could not turn his back on the millions who voted for him and has instructed his lawyers to gather evidence and prepare for a possible filing of an electoral protest after he lost the vice-presidential race to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Aquino taps Roxas for transition team

Defeated vice-presidential bet Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II has been tapped by President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to be part of his transition team.

Aside from Roxas, the other members of the team are incoming Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, former Education Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and Abad’s daughter and Aquino’s chief of staff, Julia Abad, said Aquino in his letter to Elena Bautista-Horn, outgoing presidential management staff chief.

Their responsibilities and functions include but are not limited to coordinating arrangement for the inaugural program, ensuring the smooth turn over of Cabinet portfolios, and assist in the accounting, receipt and disposition of relevant records, information, among others.

Aside from Ochoa, Abad and Purisima were also reportedly being considered for Aquino’s Cabinet.

Aquino confirmed that he was considering a Cabinet portfolio for Abad but was mum on Purisima.

Proclaimed local candidates as of June 15 2010

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRw2F35NGV4/TvuSd4nlRbI/AAAAAAAAAtk/709o61wnkuk/s1600/2013election.png

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

CALOOCAN CITY

Mayor: Enrico Echeveri
Vice Mayor: Edgar Erice
1st Dist Rep: Oscar Malapitan
2nd Dist Rep: Mary Mitchie Cajayon

MALABON CITY

Mayor: Canuto Senen Oreta
Vice Mayor: Antolin Oreta III
Congressman: Josephine Lacson-Noel

MAKATI CITY

Mayor: Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.
Vice Mayor: Romulo Piña
1st Dist Rep: Lagdameo Monique Yazmin
2nd Dist Rep: Marlen Binay

MANDALUYONG CITY

Mayor: Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Vice Mayor: Danilo de Guzman
Congressman; Neptali Gonzales II

MANILA

Mayor: Alfredo Lim
Vice Mayor: Isko Moreno

PATEROS

Mayor: Jaime Medina
Vice Mayor: Jose Jonathan Sanchez

QUEZON CITY

Mayor: Herbert Bautista
Vice Mayor: Joy Belmonte
1st Dist Rep: Bingbong Crisologo
2nd Dist Rep: Winnie Castelo
3rd Dist Rep: Bolet Banal
4th Dist Rep: Feliciano Belmonte

SAN JUAN CITY

Mayor: Guia Gomez
Vice Mayor: Francis Zamora
Congressman: Joseph Victor Ejercito

VALENZUELA CITY

Mayor: Sherwin Gatchalian
Vice Mayor: Eric Martinez

REGION 1

ILOCOS NORTE

Governor: Imee Marcos
Vice Governor: Alberto Marcos Barba
1st district Rep.: Rudy Fariñas
2nd district Rep.: Imelda Marcos

LA UNION

Governor: Manuel Ortega
Vice Governor: Aureo Augusto Nisce
Congressman: Victor Francisco Ortega

AGOO, LA UNION:

Mayor: Sandra Eriguel
Vice mayor: Jaime Boado Jr.

NAGUILIAN, LA UNION

Mayor: Reynaldo J. Flores
Vice Mayor: Abraham P. Rimando

PANGASINAN

Governor: Amado Espino Jr.
Vice Governor: Jose Calimlim Jr.
6th district Rep.: Marlyn Primias Agabas

ALAMINOS CITY, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Hernani A. Braganza
Vice Mayor: Cesar C. Manzano

BAYAMBANG, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Ricardo M. Mendrano
Vice Mayor: Mylvin T. Junio

BALUNGAO, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Phillip D. Peralta
Vice Mayor: Minda T. Peralta

BASISTA, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Manolito S. de Leon
Vice Mayor: Alfredo D. Frias

BAUTISTA, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Amado I. Espino III
Vice Mayor: Jose T. Espino

BINALONAN, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Ramon V. Guico III
Vice Mayor: Renato E. Legaspi

BURGOS, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Alberto R. Guiang
Vice Mayor: Ronald G. Ngayawan

CALASIAO, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay
Vice Mayor: Roy T. Macanlalay

DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Benjamin S. Lim
Vice Mayor: Belen T. Fernandez

LABRADOR, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Ricardo Camacho
Vice Mayor: Dominador Arenas

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Ernesto C. Casteñda Jr.
Vice Mayor: Edith A. Hallare

MAPANDAN, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Maximo M. Calimlim Jr.
Vice Mayor: Asuncion D. Calimlim

OMINGAN, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Eldred Palada Tumbocon
Vice Mayor: Alain P. Rabang

SAN JACINTO, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Roberto de Vera
Vice Mayor: Rolando Columbres

SAN MANUEL, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Alain Jerice S. Perez
Vice Mayor: Salvador M. Perez

SAN NICOLAS, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Leoncio S. Saldivar III
Vice Mayor: Raymond C. Prestoza

SAN QUINTIN, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Romulo A. Antolin
Vice Mayor: Fidel R. Reyes

SUAL, PANGASINAN

Mayor: John Rodney Arcinue
Vice Mayor: Dionisio Caburao Jr.

UBIZTONDO, PANGASINAN

Mayor: Ernesto V. Balolong Jr.
Vice Mayor: Haidee S. Soriano

REGION 2

ITBAYAT, BATANES

Mayor: Romeo Gonzales
Vice Mayor: Sabas de Sagon
Councilors: Alejandra Asa, Marcelino Gonzales, Stephen Labrador, Efren Dita, Simaco Gutierrez, Ronald Gutierrez, Alexander Valiente, Pablo Alcazar Jr.

ALCALA, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Teresita Antonio
Vice Mayor: Maria Josefina
Councilors: Daniel Sumabat Jr., Eliseo B. Vergara, Johnson B. Batalla, Ener G. Castillo, Melchor G. Batan, Soledad M. Espejo, Alfredo P. Mallari, Boromeo A. Vergara

ALLACAPAN, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Leonila C. Onia
Vice Mayor: John A. Dalire

AMULUNG, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Nicanor C. de Leon
Vice Mayor: Anastacio B. Morgado

CAMALANIUGAN, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Mayor: Isidro T. Cabaddu
Vice Mayor: Milagros Libatique

IGUIG, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Juditas L. Trinidad
Vice Mayor: Ferdinand B. Trinidad

PENABLANCA, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Marilyn J. Taguinod
Vice Mayor: Elvis L. Sibbaluca

STA. ANA, CAGAYAN

Mayor: Darwin A. Tobias
Vice Mayor: Jeremias M. Costales

TUAO, CAGAYAN

Mayor: William Mamba
Vice Mayor: Martin Soriano

ISABELA

Governor: Faustino Dy

BURGOS, ISABELA

Mayor: Ruben Tegui
Vice Mayor: Alexander Agilan

CORDON, ISABELA

Mayor: Laurencio P. Zuniega
Vice Mayor: Hipolito C. Salatan

QUIRINO, ISABELA

Mayor: Jossie Maria Juan
Vice Mayor: Victor Callangan

SAN AGUSTIN, ISABELA

Mayor: Virgillo A. Padilla
Vice Mayor: Cesar A. Mondala

TUMAUINI, ISABELA

Mayor: Venus T. Bautista
Vice Mayor: Christopher B. Uy

NUEVA VIZCAYA

Congressman: Carlos Padilla
Governor: Luisa Cuaresma
Vice Governor: Jose Gambito

ALFONSO CASTAÑEDA, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Mayor: Jerry Pasigian
Vice Mayor: Domingo

BAGABAG, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Mayor: Nestor Sevillena
Vice Mayor: Sonny Daniel

DUPAX DEL SUR, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Mayor: Romeo Magaway
Vice Mayor: Luis Binay-An

KAYAPA, NUEVA VIZCAYA


Mayor: John Balasya
Vice Mayor: Tony Wakit

QUEZON, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Mayor: Aurelio S. Salunat

DIFFUN, QUIRINO

Mayor: Marlo Guillermo
Vice Mayor: Cesar Agustin

REGION 3

LIMAY, BATAAN


Mayor: Lilver B. Roque
Vice Mayor: Remegio S. Tayaga

ORANI, BATAAN

Mayor: Benjamin C. Serrano Jr.
Vice Mayor: Godofredo B. Galicia Jr.

BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES

Mayor: Nerma I. Yap
Vice Mayor: Nick L. Manzo

CABANGAN, ZAMBALES

Mayor: Ronaldo Apostol
Vice Mayor: Leo Bringas

MASINLOC, ZAMBALES

Mayor: Desiree Edora
Vice Mayor: Jerry Bautista

OLONGAPO CITY, ZAMBALES

Mayor: James J. Gordon Jr.
Vice Mayor: Rolen Paulino

PALAUIG, ZAMBALES

Mayor: Generoso F. Amog
Vice Mayor: Arnaldo A. Angulo

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES

Mayor: Romeo Lonzanida
Vice Mayor: Efren Aratea

BULACAN

Governor: Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado
Vice Governor: Daniel Fernando

ANGAT, BULACAN

Mayor: Gilbert C. Santos
Vice Mayor: Leonardo R. De Leon

BALAGTAS, BULACAN

Mayor: Romeo Castor
Vice Mayor: Emmanuel Galvez

BULACAN, BULACAN


Mayor: Patrick Meneses
Vice Mayor: Alberto Bituin

CALUMPIT, BULACAN

Mayor: James de Jesus
Vice Mayor: Zacarias Candelaria

DONA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, BULACAN

Mayor: Ronaldo T. Flores
Vice Mayor: Jayvie C. Manalo

MARILAO, BULACAN

Mayor: Epifanio V. Guillermo
Vice Mayor: Juanito V. Santiago

NORZAGARAY, BULACAN

Mayor: Feliciano P. Legaspi
Vice Mayor: Rogelio P. Santos Jr.

OBANDO, BULACAN

Mayor: Orencio Gabriel
Vice Mayor: Danilo de Ocampo

PANDI, BULACAN

Mayor: Enrique Roque
Vice Mayor: Maria Rachel Oca

PAOMBONG, BULACAN

Mayor: Donato D. Marcos
Vice Mayor: Marisa J. Ramos

PLARIDEL, BULACAN

Mayor: Anastacia R. Vistan
Vice Mayor: Leonila I. Yap

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN

Mayor: Reynaldo San Pedro
Vice Mayor: Eduardo Roquero Jr.
Congressman: Arturo Robles

SAN RAFAEL, BULACAN

Mayor: Lorna Silverio
Vice Mayor: Cipriano Violago Jr.

PALAYAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA

Mayor: Romeo Capinpin
Vice Mayor; Moises Carmona Jr.

REGION 4-A

CAVITE

1st District Rep: Joseph Emilio A. Abaya
2nd District Rep: Lani M. Revilla
3rd District Rep: Erineo S. Maliksi
4th District Rep: Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr.
5th District Rep: Roy M. Loyola
6th District Rep: Antonio A. Ferrer
7th District Rep: Jesus Crispin C. Remulla
Governor: Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr.
VGovernor: Recto M. Cantimbuhan

KALAYAAN, LAGUNA

Mayor: Teodoro Adao Jr.
Vice Mayor: Russel Laganas

PAKIL, LAGUNA

Mayor: Vipops Charles Martinez
Vice Mayor: Alfredo Maray

CALAUAN, LAGUNA

Mayor: Felisa Berris
Vice Mayor: Allan Jun Sanchez

STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA

Mayor: Domingo Panganiban
VMayor: Louie De Leon

VICTORIA, LAGUNA

Mayor: Raul R. Gonzales
VMayor: Florencio M. Larano

BATANGAS

Governor: Vilma Santos-Recto
Vice Governor: Jose Antonio Leviste II
1st District Rep: Tomas Apacible

NASUGBU, BATANGAS

Mayor: Antonio Joe Barcelon
Vice Mayor: Apolonio Villafania

TINGLOY, BATANGAS

Mayor: Lauro Alvarez
Vice Mayor: Danilo Datingaling

SAN LUIS, BATANGAS

Mayor: Rodolfo Mendoza
Vice Mayor: Loreto Huerto

LAUREL, BATANGAS

Mayor: Randy James Amo
Vice Mayor: Florencio Villanueva

PADRE GARCIA, BATANGAS

Mayor: Prudencio Gutierrez
Vice Mayor: Pedro Convento

SANTO TOMAS, BATANGAS

Mayor: Renato Federico
Vice Mayor: Armenius Silva

STA. TERESITA, BATANGAS

Mayor: Ma. Aurea V. Segunial
Vice Mayor: Carlos A. Bathan

MALVAR, BATANGAS

Mayor: Carlito D. Reyes
Vice Mayor: Alberto C. Lat

NAGCARLAN, LAGUNA

Mayor: Nelson M. Osuna
Vice Mayor: Brigido P. Araneta

STA. ROSA, LAGUNA

Mayor: Arlene B. Arcillas-Nazareno
Vice Mayor: Arnel Gomez

QUEZON

Governor: David Suarez
Vice Governor: Carlos Portes
Congressman: Danilo Suarez

PANULUKAN, QUEZON

Mayor: Rogel E. Postor
Vice Mayor: Alfred Mitra

LUCBAN, QUEZON

Mayor: Moises Villasenor
Vice Mayor: Armando Abutal

GENERAL LUNA, QUEZON

Mayor: Jose Stevenson M. Sangalang
Vice Mayor: Manuel G. Suarez

CALAUAG, QUEZON

Mayor: Luisito S. Visorde
Vice Mayor: Ernesto C. Olviga

CATANAUAN, QUEZON

Mayor: Ramon A. Orfanel
Vice Mayor: Manuel Montano

BURDEOS, QUEZON

Mayor: Gil P. Establecida
Vice Mayor: Melissa P. Encomienda

SARIAYA, QUEZON

Mayor: Rosauro V. Masilang
Vice Mayor: Romualdo Nonato L. Nantes

CANDELARIA, QUEZON

Mayor: Ferdinand R. Maliwanag
Vice Mayor: Anatalia Atienza

PLARIDEL, QUEZON

Mayor: Wilfredo M. Magbuhos Jr.
Vice Mayor: Barnard V. Tumagay

TALAKAYAN, QUEZON

Mayor: Jose Jonas Frondoso
Vice Mayor: Veronica A. Masangkay

REAL, QUEZON

Mayor: Joel Amando A. Diestro
Vice Mayor: Editha C. Escama

TAGKAWAYAN, QUEZON

Mayor: Jose Jonas A. Frondoso
Vice Mayor: Veronica A. Masangkay

TIAONG, QUEZON

Mayor: Roderick A. Umali
Vice Mayor: Rolando A. Preza

PADRE BURGOS, QUEZON

Mayor: Roger A.Panganiban
Vice Mayor: Pablito Flores

SAMPALOC, QUEZON

Mayor: Emmanuel Jesus S. Torres
Vice Mayor: Francisco Abeja Jr.

REGION 4-B

GASAN, MARINDUQUE

Mayor: Victoria L. Lim Mayor
VMayor: Servillano M. Balitaan

ROMBLON

Governor: Eduardo Firmalo
Vice Governor: Manuel Madrid
Congressman: Eleandro Jesus Madrona

ALCANTARA, ROMBLON

Mayor: Eddie C. Lota
VMayor: Robert G. Galindez

BANTON, ROMBLON

Mayor: Jory F. Faderanga
VMayor: Romulo F. Faz, Sr.

CAJIDIOCAN, ROMBLON

Mayor: Romulo F. Faz, Sr.
VMayor: Romulo F. Faz, Sr.

CALATRAVA, ROMBLON

Mayor: Robert F. Fabella Jr.
VMayor: Berlito F. Fajel

CONCEPCION, ROMBLON

Mayor: Limuel Cipriano
VMayor: Felipe F. Ferriol

CORCUERA, ROMBLON

Mayor: Rachel M. Bañares
VMayor: Elmer M. Fruelda

FERROL, ROMBLON

Mayor: Jason M. Fabila
VMayor: Elias G. Agustin

LOOC, ROMBLON

Mayor: Leila M. Arboleda
VMayor: Ernesto P. Panes

MAGDIWANG, ROMBLON

Mayor: Ibarra R. Manzala
VMayor: Denisa R. Repizo

ODIONGAN, ROMBLON

Mayor: Baltazar LL. Firmalo
VMayor: Brecio Fajutnao

ROMBLON, ROMBLON

Mayor: Gerardo S. Montojo
VMayor: Melven M. Mesana

SAN AGUSTIN, ROMBLON

Mayor: Emmanuel F. Madrona
VMayor: William M. Tan

SAN ANDRES, ROMBLON

Mayor: Geminiano G. Galicia Jr.
VMayor: Arsenio G. Gadon

SAN FERNANDO, ROMBLON

Mayor: Dindo Rios
VMayor: Jesusima R. Castor

SAN JOSE, ROMBLON

Mayor: Filipino T. Tandog
VMayor: Ronnie D. Samson

STA. FE, ROMBLON

Mayor: Asher R. Visca
VMayor: Perfecto L. Condez III

STA. MARIA, ROMBLON

Mayor: Artemio Madrid
VMayor: Dennis Corpin

AYUNGON, ROMBLON

Mayor: Edsel G. Enardecido
VMayor: Emarie F. Agustino

PALAWAN

Governor: Abraham Kahlil Blanco Mitra
Vice Governor: Clara Espiritu Reyes
1st District Rep: Antonio Chaves Alvarez
2nd District Rep: Victorino Socrates

KALAYAAN, PALAWAN

Mayor: Eugenio B. Bito-Onon Jr.
Vice Mayor: Rosendo I. Mantes

ARACELI, PALAWAN

Mayor: Daniel R. Rodriguez
Vice Mayor: Noel A. Beronio

TAYTAY, PALAWAN

Mayor: Evelyn V. Rodriguez
Vice Mayor: Romy L. Salvame

CAGAYANCILLO, PALAWAN

Mayor: Lourdes C. Lanoy
Vice Mayor: Jotham S. Tapalla

ABORLAN, PALAWAN

Mayor: Jaime M. Ortega
Vice Mayor: Ariston T. Madeja

NARRA, PALAWAN

Mayor: Clarito D. Demaala Jr.
Vice Mayor: Alfredo C. Bundal

MAGSAYSAY, PALAWAN

Mayor: Rommel L. dela Torre
Vice Mayor: Ariel dela Torre

BATARAZA, PALAWAN

Mayor: Abraham M. Ibba
Vice Mayor: Antonio M. Sadongdong

CUYO, PALAWAN

Mayor: Andrew L. Ong
Vice Mayor: Christopher Jake Tan

LINAPACAN, PALAWAN

Mayor: Bienvenido R. Cabiguen
Vice Mayor: Angel Rey

BROOKE'S POINT, PALAWAN

Mayor: Narciso B. Leoncio
Vice Mayor: Cesareo R. Benedito Jr.

DUMARAN, PALAWAN

Mayor: Medwin C. Pablico
Vice Mayor: Richard Herrera

ROXAS, PALAWAN

Mayor: Maria Angela V. Sabando
Vice Mayor: Reynaldo B. Pacho

EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Mayor: Edna Lim
Vice Mayor: Edgardo O. Trinidad

SOFRONIO, PALAWAN

Mayor: Zenaida B. Gomez
Vice Mayor: Arnold Galan

RIZAL, PALAWAN

Mayor: Nicolas T. Montaño Sr.
Vice Mayor: Beverly Hueva

BALABAC, PALAWAN

Mayor: Shualib J. Astami
Vice Mayor: Rudy A. Mohammad-Ain

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Governor: Josephine R. Sato
Vice Governor: Mario Gene J. Mendiola
Congressman: Amelita Villarosa

ABRA DE ILOG, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Eric A. Constatino
Vice Mayor: Floro Castillo

CALINTAAN, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Lily R. Estoya
VMayor: Efren Garcia Sr.

LOOC, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Nestor N. Tria
Vice Mayor: Apolinar Tria

LUBANG, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Juan M. Sanchez
VMayor: Yolanda Quinones

MAGSAYSAY, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Eleanor B. Fajardo
Vice Mayor: Ramon Quilit

MAMBURAO, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Voltaire Anthony C. Villarosa
VMayor: Angelina Tria

PALUAN, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Abelardo S. Pangilinan
Vice Mayor: Edgar Barrientos

RIZAL, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Jesus A. Valdez Sr.
VMayor: Ferdinand Arca

SABLAYAN, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Edgardo B. Gadiano
VMayor: Andres Dangeros

SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Jose T. Villarosa
VMayor: Rey Ladaga

SANTA CRUZ, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

Mayor: Filemon M. Galsim
Vice Mayor: Rose Malabanan

REGION 5

CAMARINES SUR

First district congressman: Rolando Andaya Jr.
Third district congressman: Luis Villafuerte
Fourth district congressman: Arnulfo Fuentebella

SORSOGON

Governor: Raul Lee
Vice Governor: Antonio Escudero Jr.
Congressman: Salvador Escudero III

CASIGURAN, SORSOGON

Mayor: Ma. Ester Hamor
Vice Mayor: Ramon Escudero

MAGALLANES, SORSOGON

Mayor: Roque Carranza
Vice Mayor: Augusto Manuel Ragragio

PILAR, SORSOGON

Mayor: Dennis Sy-Reyes
Vice Mayor: Celso Lao Jr.

DONSOL, SORSOGON

Mayor: Jerome Alcantara
Vice Mayor: Emeterio Belmonte Jr.

BARCELONA, SORSOGON

Mayor: Manuel Fortes Jr.
Vice Mayor: Larry Fortages

BULUSAN, SORSOGON

Mayor: Michael Guysayko
Vice Mayor: Westmoreland Ragasa

MATNOG, SORSOGON

Mayor: Emilio Ubaldo
Vice Mayor: Alex Dulay

BULAN, SORSOGON

Mayor: Helen de Castro
Vice Mayor: Marnellie Robles

IROSIN, SORSOGON

Mayor: Eduardo Ong Jr.
Vice Mayor: Medardo Fudalan Jr.

SAN MAGDALENA, SORSOGON

Mayor: Alejandro Gamos
Vice Mayor: Gina Correa

JUBAN, SORSOGON

Mayor: Jimmy Fragata
Vice Mayor: Segundo Banaag Jr.

MASBATE

Governor: Rizalina Lanete
Vice Governor: Vicente Homer Revil
1st District Rep: Narciso Bravo Jr.
2nd District Rep: Antonio Kho
3rd District Rep: Scott Davies Lanete

CAMARINES NORTE

Governor: Edgardo Tallado
Vice Governor: Jonah Pedro Pimentel
Congressma: Renato Unico Jr.

BASUD, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Dominador Davocol
Vice Mayor: Helen Mendiola

JOSE PANGANIBAN, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Ricarte Padilla
Vice Mayor: Ariel Non

MERCEDES, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Alexander Pajarillo
Vice Mayor: Norma Aguilar

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Romeo Moreno
Vice Mayor: Delfin Asas Jr.

SAN LORENZO RUIZ, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Liwayway Chato
Vice Mayor: Casimiro Roy Padilla Jr.

STA. ELENA, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Dominador Mendoza
Vice Mayor: William Bercilla

TALISAY, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Ronnie Magana
Vice Mayor: Juancho Ramores

VINZONS, CAMARINES NORTE

Mayor: Agnes Ang
Vice Mayor: Augorio Guinto

REGION 6

CALUYA, ANTIQUE

Mayor: Genevive Gumban Lim Mayor
VMayor: Diosdado L. Egina

LAUA-AN, ANTIQUE

Mayor: Aser Baladjay
Vice Mayor: Marialyn Necor
Councilors: Tony S. Baldestamon, Arnel N. Magluyan, Zosimo B. Relles, Melgar P. Durana, Romulo Z. Sarmiento, Rogelio S. Nietes, Pedro B. Relles Jr., and Persues S. Requintina

TIBIAO, ANTIQUE

Mayor: Walden M. Lim
VMayor: Pelver Y. Medina

MAMBUSAN, CAPIZ

Mayor: Jose O. Alba Jr.
VMayor: Abel P. Martinez

PANAY, CAPIZ

Mayor: Dante B. Bermejo
VMayor: Gualberto B. Bernas III

ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ

Mayor: Angel Alan Celino
Vice Mayor: Ronnie Davidas

SAPIAN, CAPIZ

Mayor: Arturo A. Orosco Sr.
VMayor: Ralph C. Odrunia

JORDAN, GUIMARAS

Mayor: Cresente Chavez Jr.
Vice Mayor: Eros Elevencione

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Congressman: Iggy Arroyo

REGION 7

BASAY, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Mayor: Dandilgust M. Abrio
VMayor: Nicolas G. Toledo Jr.

SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Mayor: Ator Alberto
Vice Mayor: Yap Teopisto Ray III
3rd Dist Rep: Henry Pryte

SAN JOSE, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Mayor: Carmelo Emanuel Remollo
Vice Mayor: Nelson Ruiz

STA. CATALINA, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Mayor: Leon Lopez
VMayor: Nathaniel Electona

PAMPLONA, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Mayor: Apollo Arnaiz
VMayor: Edgardo R. Retes

REGION 8

BILIRAN

Governor: Gerardo Espino
Vice Governor: Emmanuel Montejo Jr.

MARIDA, LEYTE

Mayor: Marcos Antonio Solana
Vice Mayor: Kumar Dumagsa

MERIDA, LEYTE

Mayor: Marcos Antonio Solano
Vice Mayor: Kumar Dumagsa

PALO, LEYTE

Mayor; Remedios Petilla
Vice Mayor: Jose Dolina

PASTRANA, LEYTE

Mayor: Ernesto Martillo
Vice Mayor: Nestorio Cayaco

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE

Mayor: Alfred Romualdez
VMayor: Arvin Antoni

REGION 9

LIBERTAD, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Mayor: Anjanette S. Manglag
VMayor: Panido C. Manlupic

SALUG, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Mayor: Jeffrey Lim
Vice Mayor: Elias Baguio Jr.

ALICIA, ZAMBO SIBUGAY

Mayor: Richard Tiu
Vice Mayor: Rogelio Roa
Councilors: Lolita P. Zamora, Janerah I. Maca-Ampao, Napinza K. Babaran, Ireneo C. Lungay, Faizal M. Musa, Leodegario A. Garcia

REGION 10

BONIFACIO, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Mayor: Samson R. Dumanjug
VMayor: Evelyn C. Dumanjug

PLARIDEL, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Mayor; Agnes Villanueva
Vice Mayor; Jim Tan

SINACABAN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Mayor: Dello Tare Lood
Vice Mayor: Juanito Simbajon Tiu

LOPEZ JAENA, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

Mayor: Martin C. Migrino
Israelson F. Taclob

SOMILAO, BUKIDNON

Mayor: Ray Baula
Vice Mayor: Aniceto Elovid

MALAYBALAY, BUKIDNON
Mayor; Ignacio Zubiri
Vice Mayor: Victor Aldeguer

MALITBOG, BUKIDNON

Mayor: Aida dela Rosa
VMayor: Eddie Quiling

REGION 11

DAVAO CITY

Mayor: Sarah Duterte
VMayor: Rody Duterte

REGION 12

MAIGO, LANAO DEL NORTE

Mayor: Rafael Rizalda
VMayor: Elmer Ramos

POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Mayor: Isidro Lumayag
Vice Mayor: Eliazar Jovero

LEMBAK, SULTAN KUDARAT

Mayor: Dionesio Besana
Vice Mayor: Manuel Freires

KALAMANSIG, SULTAN KUDARAT

Mayor: Rolando Garcia
Vice Mayor: Joaquin Concha

REGION 13 (CARAGA)

BUTUAN CITY, AGUSAN DEL NORTE
Mayor: Ferdinand Amante Jr.

ARMM

MAGUINDANAO

Governor: Esmael Mangudadatu
Vice Governor: Ismael Mastura

(Source: Commission on Elections)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Aquino to take oath at Quirino Grandstand

President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has changed his mind and will now be taking his oath of office at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park on June 30.

Aquino previously hinted at having his inauguration at the Quezon City Memorial Circle but said weather conditions could hinder the ceremony.

He said a street party will be held at the site to celebrate his inauguration.

The President-elect said he intends to hear Mass at his parents’ grave on June 30.

He is also open to riding the same car with outgoing President Arroyo.

Tradition has it that the outgoing president would leave the inauguration site on board a private vehicle once the new president is sworn in.

Aquino will take his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales. After the ceremony, he will convene his first Cabinet meeting followed by the Vin d’Honneur at Malacañang Palace.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Congress proclaims Aquino, Binay as new President, Vice-President

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


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

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

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

With no objections to the approval of the canvassing committee report, the joint session of congress approved the same at 3:38 pm.

After the committee report and resolution were approved, Congress shortly suspended session to allow Aquino and Binay into the plenary for their proclamation.
 
Historic elections
 
In his sponsorship speech, Zubiri noted results of the canvass which showed that Aquino, garnered a total of 15,208,678 votes with a lead of 5,720,841 over the second placer, thus, obtained the highest number of votes.
 
“On the other hand, Jejomar Cabauatan Binay obtained the highest number of votes for Vice-President with 14,645,574 votes with a lead of 727,084 votes over his closest opponent,” Zubiri said.
 
“After the historic automated elections, which awed, bewildered, amused and even confused both the electorate and the candidates, with the speed of counting of votes and transmitting the results by the machine we know now as the PCOS or Precinct Count Optical Scan machines, Congress will now give its seal of approval, a Constitutional requirement, to the winning Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates,” Zubiri added in his sponsorship speech. 

Fastest canvassing in history

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

The last certificate of canvass, from Lanao Del Sur, was canvassed on Tuesday, June 8.
Aquino and Binay will take their respective oaths of office on June 30, the day the terms of office of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice-President Noli De Castro are supposed to end.
 
In the 2004 presidential elections, President Arroyo was proclaimed pre-dawn of June 23 or just a week before the Office of the President was vacated. It was a tight race between Arroyo who led her closest rival, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., by about 1 million votes.

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

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

Final Congressional Tally





Aquino's big margin

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

Owing largely to the "Cory Magic," Aquino enjoys a wide lead of 5.72 million votes over former President Joseph Estrada.
It is the vice-presidential race that was tight. Binay led Aquino's running mate, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, by a slim margin of 720,000 votes.

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

Roxas is mulling an election protest. His lawyers claimed "funny trends" in the results of the May polls, particularly the high number of "null votes" supposedly in the bailiwicks of Roxas. There are 2.6 million null votes, which is more than 3 times the lead of Binay.
Roxas lawyers moved to defer the canvassing of several provinces with high number of null votes but Congress, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, voted to deny it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noy-Bi
The Liberal Party tandem of Aquino and Roxas was rocked by issues that a faction of Aquino's relatives junked Roxas to support the candidacy of Binay.
Binay and the Cojuangcos--Aquino's maternal family--are historical allies. Binay was the first OIC-mayor appointed by President Aquino after the 1986 People Power Revolution. He and his family have not left city hall since.

Binay’s Makati was also the regular venue of anti-President Arroyo protests led by the late Corazon Aquino.

While the family denies it, Aquino-Roxas supporter Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak that the camp of former President Corazon Aquino's younger brother, Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr., campaigned for Binay.
Mercado is a professor at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City and founder of the Mindanao Leaders Coalition or Kusug Mindanaw.

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

"Of course, they still have their contacts during the time of Cory," Mercado added.
Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco is Noynoy’s aunt. She is the wife of Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., the younger brother of the late President Corazon Aquino whose alleged deals and influence-peddling during her administration led a columnist to coin the word Kamag-anak Inc. (Relatives Incorporated).
Simon, on the other hand, is a member of Peping’s Council on Philippine Affairs (COPA). He was appointed by President Aquino as OIC Mayor of Quezon City in 1986.

For his part, Binay said he is not surprised that some relatives of Noynoy Aquino campaigned for him.