Presidential bets make final plea

Wrapping up a viciously fought presidential contest, survey front-runner Benigno Aquino III Sunday appealed to Filipinos to guard their votes, Nacionalista Party candidate Manny Villar vowed to make the “biggest comeback in history,” while former President Joseph Estrada narrowed the battle down to a fight between the “Erap Magic vs Cory Magic.”

Former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. skipped making political statements, telling the media after hearing Mass on a Sunday that fell on Mother’s Day that he went to church to give thanks to all mothers.

Leading his rivals by at least 22 percentage points in the last survey by Social Weather Stations, Aquino, the Liberal Party candidate, expressed confidence of victory on the eve of the first automated national elections in the Philippines.

The lone son of martyred opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and the late former President Corazon Aquino mused that he would likely be the last of his generation in the family to seek public office.

“None of my sisters will probably run for any public office. The next generation, perhaps,” Noynoy Aquino said in an interview prior to his self-imposed isolation from media due to security reasons.

Aquino has four sisters—Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris. Only Kris has hinted about jumping into politics after building a name in show biz.

Be vigilant

Aquino speculated that it could be next to impossible to beat him, considering that his advantage in the surveys would translate to more than 8 million votes, assuming an 80 percent voters’ turnout.

“Where will they get the 8 million votes? If the people will be allowed to vote and their votes are counted properly I think I will win. But I have to correct that, I think the Filipino people will win,” he said.

But Aquino remained wary of being robbed of a victory and called on voters to remain vigilant.

Aquino ended his campaign where he began it, in his home province of Tarlac, where he will vote.

Manny’s pledge

Villar said he would leave his fate up to the 50 million voters whose support he had vigorously courted for 90 days. He said he did not even plan to monitor Monday’s events, leaving the task up to his staff and supporters.

He pledged to make the “biggest comeback in Philippine history.”

“Nobody knows what is on the minds of the Filipino voters. We can’t do anything else except to wait for the results,” Villar told reporters while visiting his 86-year-old mother at her Las Piñas City house on Mother’s Day.

Villar will vote at 10 a.m. at BF Resort Village in Las Piñas. He said he would spend the rest of the day with his family.

The former Senate president took it easy on the eve of the elections. He attended Mass with his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Aguilar-Villar, and their children at their parish church.

As Villar made his way out of the church, shaking hands with churchgoers, the Las Piñas band Banda San Jose struck up “Mabuhay ang Pangulo,” a marching hymn normally played for the nation’s President.

“Actually, I didn’t pray about the elections. What I prayed for was for my mother’s health,” Villar said. Villar’s mother is blind and wheelchair-bound.

Described in the media as the biggest spender during the campaign, Villar said whatever amount he poured into his presidential bid was well spent because it was in pursuit of a dream.

“The important thing is you had a dream. I offered myself and it’s up to the people. I’ve given it my best shot and I’ve done my best,” he said.

However, despite his rigorous campaign, “one thing is very clear, it’s difficult if you’re up against a (television) station,” he said.

“I see myself as a victim of the media. Now, look at them (his opponents). They’ve also spent a lot … (But) they are focused on me,” Villar said.

Almost gave up

Estrada has the presidential contest all figured out. To his mind, it will be “Erap Magic vs Cory Magic.”

Estrada said he was expecting a “neck-and-neck” battle with Aquino who, he claimed, was a survey front-runner “only because of the ‘Cory Magic.’”

“Before, he was not even being considered for vice president,” he told the Inquirer.

Estrada admitted that about two weeks ago, he almost considered quitting the race because of surveys supposedly placing him behind Aquino and Villar.

“I was really at a lost. I thought I’d give up,” he said, citing also the Iglesia ni Cristo sect’s endorsement of Aquino.

But he said all changed when Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile came out with a commissioned survey showing him leading the presidential derby. He said he was also encouraged by other surveys showing him at second place.

If defeated, he said he would not be bitter. “As long as it’s a clean and honest election, no problem with me.”

A tribute to mothers

Teodoro, of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, heard a thanksgiving Mass at St. Alphonsus Marie de Liguori Church in Magallanes, Makati City.

“I’m here to give thanks especially to our mothers,” said Teodoro, who had kept his campaign free of mudslinging up to the last day of the election season.

Teodoro spent Sunday with his family, away from the prying eyes of the media.

“I will just take a rest and have a quiet time … all the things that have to be said have already been said,” he told reporters. “But I will have many things to say after the elections,” he added, with a smile.

In his signature green-striped polo and denim jeans, Teodoro was accompanied by his wife, Tarlac Rep. Monica “Nikki” Prieto-Teodoro, and their son Jaime.

Almost 200 supporters—mostly belonging to the well-heeled group—showed up, bearing green candles which they lit up in the end while saying a prayer for the victory of their man.

Teary-eyed Gordon

In Olongapo City, Sen. Richard Gordon’s voice cracked and tears fell from his eyes when he spoke before some 6,000 people in his final campaign rally on Saturday night.

Gordon, of Bagumbayan party, said he was not afraid of losing in the presidential race and that he was praying that the people—by choosing the right candidates—would not lose in Monday’s elections.

In an interview, he lamented that this year’s election campaign failed to make people think. “I grieve for the people. They were not given the correct information. The people did not become any wiser in this election.”

Jamby’s miracles

Independent presidential candidate Sen. Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal told the Inquirer she had been fasting and praying hard for “twin miracles.” She was referring to “very clean and honest elections” and winning the presidential race.

She said she had other personal wishes: “May the Divine Light guide us in choosing our next president.”

Madrigal is casting her vote at St. Paul University on Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City.

Perlas’ call

Before a crowd of 200 at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, independent candidate Nicanor Perlas ended his campaign on Saturday with a call on Filipinos to make May 10 an occasion to “change Philippine society.”

Not once did Perlas, a tail-ender in most surveys, ask the crowd for their vote. Instead, he asked them to use the power of democracy to make the elections historic. “Let’s bring back the government to the people,” he said.

Then, as though to acknowledge perceptions that he stood no chance of winning, Perlas said the road doesn’t end after May 10. “Our revolution has not ended, as long as we do not lose heart,” he said.

On the eve of election day, Ang Kapatiran Party candidate John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes refused to accept criticisms that mere ideas do not ensure victory and that the party’s crusade for “principled politics” should be pursued in a field other than the ballot.

“We are definitely idealistic … The highest form of realism is and will always be idealism,” De los Reyes said in a text message from Olongapo, where he will vote.

“I waged this campaign with men and women who may have not been winnable from the very start if traditional politics is the gauge … But they are definitely worthy and honorable,” he said.

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

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


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

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


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

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

All the other candidates did not improve their survey ratings.


'Noynoy sustains lead'
"Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' C. Aquino III sustains his lead in the presidential race," Pulse Asia said in its April 6 media release from Prof. Ronald Holmes, president of the polling firm.
"Senator Aquino enjoys a slight significant lead over the second running contender in almost all areas and socio-economic classes ranging from a low of 7 percent in the Balance Luzon (where Sen. Aquino's preference is at 33% versus Sen. Villar's 26%) to a high 32% for the upper socio-economic class ABC (where Sen. Aquino's voting support is at 49% against 17% for Sen. Villar)," Pulse Asia said.

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

Mar keeps lead, Binay gaining over Loren
In the vice-presidential race, Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II kept a comfortable 20 percentage-point lead over closest rival, Sen. Loren Legarda. He had 43% support while Legarda got 23%.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay continued to improve in the surveys, gaining 4 percentage points from 15% in February to 19% in March 21 to 28.

Legarda fell by 4 percentage points, from 27% in February to 23% in March 21 to 28.
The rest of the candidates--Bayani Fernando (3%), Edu Manzano (2%), Perfecto Yasay (1%), Jay Sonza (0.5%), Dominador Chipeco (0.1%)--did not improve their survey ratings.

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

Aquino unfazed by El Shaddai’s reported support for Villar

Who will be El Shaddai's chosen one?

El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde may have given hints in Hong Kong two months ago that he supports Sen. Manuel Villar but this has not stopped his rival Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III from attending El Shaddai's Easter service scheduled for later Saturday night.

Aquino, who led Villar by nine points in the last Social Weather Stations survey, was expected to attend and give a speech at the Catholic charismatic group's overnight Easter service in Parañaque, in an apparent bid to secure the support of Velarde and his followers, who reportedly number in the millions.

Velarde said in Hong Kong that he and his flock would know by Easter Sunday whom to vote for in the May 10 presidential election.

"Senator Aquino will be attending the Mass and also give a five-minute talk. The service is expected to last overnight," Edwin Lacierda, Aquino's spokesperson, said on Saturday.

Villar and deposed President Joseph Estrada were also expected to attend the prayer rally with the former scheduled to arrive at 8 p.m. Aquino was expected at 10 p.m.

"Senator Aquino respects our religious leaders and he wants to talk to them. And according to Brother Mike, there was no official (El Shaddai) endorsement (of Villar in Hong Kong)," Lacierda said.

Villar attended an El Shaddai prayer rally in Hong Kong’s Central district in which Velarde gave hints that he favored Villar. Villar was the only presidential candidate invited to that gathering.

"Senator Aquino wants to talk to our religious leaders because he wants their advice. He has already talked to Pastor (Apollo) Quiboloy and he is also talking with Catholic bishops," Lacierda said.

Aquino reportedly met with Velarde even before the Hong Kong prayer rally. Candidates have long sought Velarde's blessings because of the belief that El Shaddai followers vote for the candidates he endorses.

In the Hong Kong rally, Velarde said that El Shaddai "does not endorse" candidates but added that he expected El Shaddai members to "vote as one" in May.

“For us in El Shaddai during elections, we don’t really endorse. We just vote. So, you have promised God we are going to vote as one this election… we are going to examine all the candidates for president and vice president," Velarde told his followers.

Velarde said during the same gathering that the group would make up its mind on whom to vote for by Easter Sunday.

“We will still evaluate the candidates. We should check their background if they are capable and have already complied something,” he said in February.“But without favoring anybody, we know that our guest today (Villar) has a heart for (Filipinos) in other countries. He is approachable…(but) we will choose until Easter Sunday. By that time, I will know and all of us will know (whom to vote for). Maybe those of you here in Hong Kong already know.”

Many in that crowd wore orange and white clothes, the campaign colors of Villar and his running-mate, Senator Loren Legarda.

Velarde and Villar have been friends because both were active in the real estate business. Villar said he has known Velarde from even before he founded El Shaddai.

On the other hand, Lacierda emphasized that Aquino's presence at the Easter service was "not campaigning" because he was just joining his fellow Catholics in celebrating Easter.

"This is not campaigning. The senator also wants to be with his fellow Filipinos in this Easter vigil," Lacierda 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.

Noynoy, Erap, Gibo, Villar have ‘winning formulas’

The presidential race is down to a 4-cornered fight between Sen. Benigno Aquino III, former President Joseph Estrada, administration bet Gilbert Teodoro, and Sen. Manny Villar, according to a veteran political analyst.

This forecast is based on the electoral track records, composite survey ratings, and the political machineries of these four presidential candidates.

“It’s basically a 4-cornered fight,” said Tony Gatmaitan, president of the Political Economy Applied Research Foundation, in an interview with Newsbreak.

Elaborating on his unpublished presentation for the Philippine Futuristics Society, Gatmaitan said these four candidates can still come up with “winning formulas” in capturing the presidency.

In the case of the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer, he said Aquino must establish a big lead in the vote-rich corridor of Pangasinan to Quezon. He must also capture major cities, particularly Cebu, Davao, Naga, Bacolod, and Zamboanga.

In addition, his running mate Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas, who is from Capiz, and former Sen. Franklin Drilon, who is from Iloilo, must deliver the Western Visayas region (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental) for the Liberal Party ticket.

Contrary to what LP officials claim, Gatmaitan believes that support for Aquino is “soft” since it’s “not based on favors.”

“Middle-class support is soft. You don’t depend on money. That’s why after elections, they (supporters) usually disappear,” he said.

However, he noted that there is strong volunteerism for Noynoy, which he inherited from his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino. Backed by volunteers and the opposition party UNIDO, Mrs. Aquino almost beat President Ferdinand Marcos in the official count of the 1986 snap presidential elections. People power eventually brought her to power after the fraudulent February polls.

Erap has best electoral track record

In the case of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) bet Estrada, Gatmaitan noted that the former movie actor has won every election he has entered—mayor in 1967, senator in 1987, vice-president in 1992, and president in 1998.

“The arithmetic is simple [for Estrada]: get 70% of provinces who voted for him the last time around in 1998,” he said. “That would be enough to win in 2010.”

Gatmaitan said he’s not surprised with the recent recovery of Estrada in the presidential surveys, where he gained 7 percentage points, apparently at the expense of Villar. (Read: SWS: Aquino, Villar in statistical tie)

“Erap has the best electoral track record [among the candidates]. People seem to be ignoring this,” he said. “Electoral track record gives an idea of the pulling power of the candidate in past contests, and is usually a dependable gauge of future performance.”

He attributed Estrada’s increase of 9 percentage points in Mindanao in the latest Pulse Asia survey to his hawkish approach to solving the separatist threats, a popular stance to take among the Christian majority in the south. (Read: Erap, not C-5, caused Villar’s survey drop)

In contrast, other presidential bets have proposed peace talks and economic development for Muslim Mindanao. Due to Estrada’s stand, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has rejected his presidential bid. (Read: MILF endorses ‘fatwa’ against Estrada)

Unlike the other presidential bets, Estrada has a hard-core and loyal following among the poor in Philippine society who make up the majority of the 50 million voting population.

However, Gatmaitan said Estrada’s new handicap is his age. Being the oldest candidate at 72 years old, “he does not click among the young anymore.” He has not won any mock polls in any college or university.

Teodoro must capture Solid North

In the case of Teodoro, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer, Gatmaitan said that “it’s not too late in the day to stitch together a winning combination,” even if he’s behind Aquino, Villar, and Estrada in the surveys.

He said Teodoro must be the “new champion” of the north, and must work hard toward capturing the support of Ilocanos, including the Ilocano-speaking voters in central Luzon.

“The Ilocanos will vote for one of their own. Teodoro is the only candidate who speaks the dialect [Ilocano] fluently,” he said.

Although Rep. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is supporting Villar, Gatmaitan said “Villar is not an Ilocano…and he’s just endorsed by the Marcoses.” Thus, Teodoro can still swing the Ilocos region to his side.

Aside from doing well in central and northern Luzon, Gatmaitan said the dominant ruling party must deliver for Teodoro in Mindanao. In the 2004 presidential elections, he noted that President Arroyo “covered her losses” in Luzon with “spectacular victories in Visayas and Mindanao.”

Among the 4 leading presidential bets, Teodoro is backed the strongest political machinery.
(Read: Sans NPC, NP may not get dominant minority status)

“The party machine vote is the most crucial in real politik," he said.

‘Villar must aim for good 2nd’

As for the NP standard-bearer, Gatmaitan said the winning formula is to “aim for a good 2nd (place) in most of the provinces, instead of always fighting for first place.” Villar must “conserve his energy and resources to more manageable situations.”

In addition to placing 2nd in many areas, Villar must “dominate the smaller provinces where he is strong with organization and smart money.” He said there around 20 of these provinces, such as Camarines Sur, where Villar must dominate.

Villar’s edge is his money, which he has used well in political ads. However, Gatmaitan said this advantage has been contained by the limits to ad spending during the 90-day campaign period, which the candidates presumably are following.

Just as with Aquino, Gatmaitan said support for Villar is also “soft” since his “image is contrived.” This is why Estrada has been apparently been able to win over a significant number of his supporters, especially in Mindanao.

Another weak point is where Villar comes from, Las Piñas, which, Gatmaitan added, is “not a place to rise to national prominence,” given its limited number of voters. To compensate for this weakness, Villar has projected himself as a “Tondo boy” who may become president.

As for the rest of the presidential candidates—Sen. Richard Gordon, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Olongapo City councilor JC de los Reyes, and Nicanor Perlas—they either rate too poorly in surveys, have weak or no political machineries, and their electoral track records are not as established as the four leading bets.

Gatmaitan was campaign manager of then presidential candidate Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco in the 1992 presidential elections. He was also involved in the Cory Aquino for President Movement in 1985-86 and once worked for then Sen. Gerry Roxas.

Aquino, Villar: No Show in Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Forum

The two front-runners in the presidential race Tuesday failed to show up at what had been billed as a major debate, and the wrath of the “Son of God” came down upon them.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party (LP) had excused himself, citing sinus problems, while Nacionalista Party (NP) candidate Sen. Manuel Villar was tied up in a series of meetings, aides said.

Six other candidates—former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Senators Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal, former President Joseph Estrada, evangelist Eddie Villanueva and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas—attended the presidential forum organized by the group called “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name.”

The sect is headed by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” who claims millions of followers.

No word, no honor

For Quiboloy, who still has to decide on whom his group will support on May 10, it’s all about palabra de honor (word of honor).

After reading an e-mail from Aquino explaining why he could not come, Quiboloy—obviously referring to the LP standard-bearer—told the thousands who came to hear the debate:

“You might be disappointed just like me. There is something that they say about commitment. An unknown man defined it as word of honor. When you fail to fulfill your commitment, you have no word and you have no honor.”

Noynoy’s reason

In his e-mail which Quiboloy read before the other candidates were asked to present their platforms of government, Aquino said he was advised by his doctors not to fly.

“As previously arranged, I have marked this event and was eagerly looking forward to meeting you … and to share my platform. But I was advised by my physician not to travel by aircraft for two consecutive occasions due to barosinusitis,” Aquino said.

Barosinusitis is an inflammation of one or more of the sinuses and can be aggravated by air travel.

Quiboloy cries unfair

Apparently, Quiboloy was not happy. He said that the forum had been moved to Tuesday because he wanted Aquino to attend.

“It was originally set on Feb. 11 but Senator Aquino said that he won’t be able to make it at that time. I asked him to choose the date. Aquino chose March 9 and he committed to come on this day. But on Tuesday, he called and informed me that he won’t be able to come,” Quiboloy lamented.

“All those whom we have invited came and fulfilled their commitments and they are here today. May God bless us all,” the Christian preacher said.

Although Villar was not castigated during the forum and prayer-meeting, Quiboloy told reporters later it was “unfair” that the Nacionalista Party (NP) candidate did not show up.

“I am disappointed [at] both of them because they’ve committed [to come] only to tell us at the last minute that they cannot make it,” Quiboloy said.

No endorsement yet

“Villar kept us waiting. His chief of staff kept on informing us that ‘parating na (he’s on his way’ ... but hindi pala (it turns out not). Why were we not informed? There is no explanation ... When you say something, do it,” Quiboloy added.

“It’s unfair to the Filipinos,” he said.

Quiboloy said his choice of presidential candidate would be announced next month, adding he was still “waiting for the Father’s revelation.”

Quiboloy claimed he has at least six million followers “in and out” of the country. Of the six million, at least three million are of voting age, he said.

‘A man of honor’

Villar arrived at about 11 a.m. but was unable to attend the forum because he was “held up in a series of meetings,” his party headquarters said.

It said Villar was seeking ways to meet Quiboloy “as soon as possible” and that the senator “is ready to face the assembly to explain his programs ... if he will be given a chance to do so.”

In Manila, Aquino’s spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, said that Quiboloy’s remarks about people having no word of honor was “unfortunate.”

“Senator Aquino is a man of honor and has delivered on his commitments. Unfortunately in this instance, it is beyond his control,” Lacierda said. “We hope Pastor Quiboloy will not use this one instance to hit the character of Senator Aquino.”

Lacierda noted that Villar himself was not able to attend the forum. He also said that Aquino was still willing to meet with Quiboloy if circumstances permitted.

Borrowed plane

The forum started later than its 3 p.m. schedule.

The candidates tackled issues that had been raised in previous debates, such the energy crisis, the El Niño phenomenon, the pork barrel system, corruption, healthcare, poverty, the conflict in Mindanao, private armies and education.

Estrada, who arrived at about 4:30 p.m., caused gales of laughter when he told the crowd he was late “because I just borrowed a plane. I could not afford to buy my own private plane.”

Asked how he could win back the people’s trust, Estrada, who was convicted of plunder but pardoned later, said: “To gain the respect of our people, you must be transparent in all your transactions in government.”

Gordon advocated a 24-hour working presidency. “You can text the President anytime,” he said.

Teodoro promised “to lead with humility,” saying: “To reach out and to heal, that is the first step toward sustainable progress.”

The forum was held at the 3,000-seat cathedral inside the sect’s central headquarters.

One-vote group

Some Roman Catholic Church officials said the attention that aspiring presidents was showering on Quiboloy was more because of the votes he commands rather than because of religion.

“The Quiboloy sect apparently has a very strong kingdom vote, meaning to say they were like the previous Iglesia ni Cristo, that what the founder says, the followers will do,” said Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz.

Cruz added: “How can you violate what the son of God will say? So I presume that the flocking there of candidates is because of the solid bloc vote of, they call themselves, the ‘Kingdom citizens.’”

SWS Latest Presidentiable Survey: Aquino, Villar in statistical tie

The race to Malacañang has become very tight with the top two “presidentiables” locked in a statistical tie, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by BusinessWorld showed.

The poll, the third conducted by the survey research institution for this newspaper, found the front-runners — senators Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III and Manuel “Manny” B. Villar, Jr. — both losing ground among voters with little over 2 months to go before the May 10 national elections.

The cost, however, was more substantial for the Liberal Party’s Mr. Aquino, who saw his overall score cut by a substantial 6 points to 36%, compared to just a one percentage-point drop to 34% for the Nacionalista Party’s Mr. Villar.

The gap between the two falls within the ±2.2% margin of error used in the February 24-28 survey, which used face-to-face interviews of 2,100 registered voters nationwide.

It was the first SWS-BW poll conducted since the February 9 start of the national campaign period.

A new system was used by the SWS: instead of the respondent responding orally after being asked to pick from the list of candidates approved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), they were now provided “ballots” — which they had to mark in private and then deposit in a container brought by the interviewer.

All lists on the ballot were in alphabetical order and included nicknames as practiced by the Comelec on election day.

The question asked was “Kung ang eleksyon ay gaganapin ngayon, sino ang pinakamalamang ninyong iboboto bilang Presidente, Bise-Presidente, at mga Senador ng Pilipinas. Narito ang listahan ng mga kandidato. Paki-shade o itiman po ang naa-angkop na oval katabi ng pangalan ng taong pina-kamalamang ninyong iboboto (If the elections were held today, whom would you most probably vote for as President, Vice-President, and Senators of the Philippines. Here is a list of candidates. Please shade the oval beside the name of the persons you would most likely vote for).

In addition to those who declined to vote, did not choose or pick more than one presidential candidate, the 4% in the “undecided” category includes a small proportion — 1.6% — of ballots where the marks could not be read by an optical scanning machine.

“Assignment of the improperly marked ballots to the voters’ apparent choices would raise the national lead of Aquino over Villar by only 0.1%,” the SWS said.

The results contrast with a February 21-25 Pulse Asia survey released last Friday which showed Mr. Aquino — a late entry to the race — pulling away from Mr. Villar who had long declared his ambition to be president. The Pulse Asia tally — 36% for Mr Arroyo versus 29% for Mr. Villar — reversed an erosion in the former’s once-substantial lead when he first threw his hat into the ring late last year.

An analyst said political machinery could start coming into larger play later this month, with local candidates scheduled to start stumping for their and allied national bets’ votes on March 26.

Mr. Aquino’s 6-point fall, according to the SWS, came on account of drops in all 4 geographical study areas: 7 points in the Balance of Luzon, 6 in Mindanao, 5 in the Visayas, and 3 in Metro Manila.

Mr. Villar, meanwhile, lost 6 percentage points in Metro Manila, 2 in Balance of Luzon, and one in Mindanao, but picked up 5 in the Visayas to trim his overall slide to just one point.

By area, the SWS said Mr. Aquino remained ahead in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao, while Mr. Villar was in front in the Balance of Luzon.

Their lost votes appear to have gone to the third- and fourth-ranked candidates: former President Joseph “Erap” M. Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, who picked up 2 points to score 15%, and administration bet Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro of the Lakas-KAMPI-CMD, who also gained by 2 to 6%.

While the gap between the top two and the next two remained substantial, the SWS noted that support for Mr. Estrada was up by 6 points in Metro Manila, 3 in Mindanao, and one in the rest of Luzon. The former president — ousted, convicted of corruption and later pardoned — lost two points in the Visayas.

Mr. Teodoro, meanwhile, saw his support up by 3 points each in the Balance of Luzon and Mindanao, and by one in the Visayas, while dropping by only one point in Metro Manila.

Vote percentages for the rest of the presidentiables did not change significantly, the SWS said, from the previous poll done from Jan. 21-24. Eduardo C. “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas picked up a point to 3% to stay in fifth place, followed by Bagumbayan’s Sen. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon whose share stayed at 2%.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan candidate Vetellano “Dodong” S. Acosta — disqualified by the Commission on Elections last week for not running a proper campaign — saw a minuscule uptick to 0.4%. The same 0.1 percentage point gain, to 0.2%, was enjoyed by independent candidate Jesus Nicanor “Nick” P. Perlas.

Ang Kapatiran bet John Carlos “JC” G. De Los Reyes slipped by the same margin to 0.1%, while independent candidate Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” A. S. Madrigal saw her 0.4% score in January cut to just 0.1%.

For area scores, the margins of error used were ±6% for Metro Manila and ±4% for the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

By class, meanwhile, Mr. Aquino was said to be ahead among the masa or class D, albeit at a lower 38% from 45% previously, while Mr. Villar was the top pick for classes ABC — a lower 33% from 40% — and E — 2 points down to 34%.

“The key change from the Jan. 21-24 survey in class ABC was that both Villar and Aquino lost seven points, while Estrada gained four points and Teodoro gained two points,” the SWS said.
Mr. Villar did not widen a three-point ABC gap with Mr. Aquino but his lead over Mr. Estrada was cut to 19 points from 30 previously.

Among the masa, Mr. Aquino lost 7 points while Mr. Villar stayed steady: the gap thus narrowed to 4 points. Mr. Estrada picked up a point to Mr. Teodoro’s two.

In class E, Mr. Aquino lost 6 points while Mr. Villar lost 2. Mr. Teodoro gained 3 and Mr. Estrada two. The class E lead thus shifted to Mr. Villar, the SWS said.

Mr. Aquino declined to answer phone calls or reply to text messages. His spokesmen were also unavailable for comment.

Mr. Villar was also unavailable but his spokesman, former Cavite Rep. Gilbert C. Remulla, said: “Judging from the results of the past survey season, we can safely assume that at this point, it’s anybody’s ballgame. Sen. Manny Villar and the Nacionalista Party are pleased with the results and we consider our campaign to be on track with the results that we are getting.”

Messrs. Estrada and Teodoro were also not available for comment.

Earl G. Parreño, political analyst at the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms, commented: “Nobody is sure who will emerge in the end.”

He noted the erosion in the so-called “Cory magic” which had propelled Mr. Aquino to the front of the presidential race, prompting Sen. Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas to slide down to the vice-president slot.

Mr. Parreño claimed that based on command votes, which make up about 40% of the total, Messrs. Villar and. Teodoro could end up as top competitors given their machinery.

TNS Presidential Survey: January 28-February 3, 2010

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Villar ethics case as factor

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

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

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

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

NP downplays survey results

The TNS survey was apparently commissioned by the Aquino camp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of Presidential Candidates with Highest Paid Political Ads

EVEN BEFORE THE OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN PERIOD began on Feb. 9, 6 of the 10 presidential candidates have already spent some P1 billion on political ads. But the real advertising value of all those ads could actually amount to about P2.1 billion.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) released Wednesday its latest report, “War on the air waves: 6 top bets spend P1-B on pol ads,” by senior researcher-writer Che de los Reyes. This is part of PCIJ’s series of reports for the project “Pera at Politika (PAP) 2010.”

PCIJ’s two-part report reveals that in the last three months before the election campaign period began, 6 of the 10 candidates for president had already “racked up advertising values on television, radio and print media worth a whopping P2.1 billion.”

But minus the discounts and commissions that, according to media networks executives and PRs, reach about 50 percent, the real spending of the six candidates would be about P991 million from Nov. 1, 2009 to Jan. 30, 2010. Or close to P1 billion. These so-called “negotiated rates” are still a staggering amount. The spending on political ads after Feb. 9 is another story.

Even more interesting, PCIJ points out, is that five of the six candidates have “by now exceeded the limit on TV airtime minutes, if these pre-campaign ads were measured against the Fair Election Practices Act or Republic Act No. 9006.” Will these candidates who have defied the law and overspent be penalized?

Well, they could get away with their overspending by saying that those ads fall under “advocacy ads” or whatever. Think of all those pre-campaign period “advocacy ads” that made some of the candidates for president, and candidates for other positions as well, look like they were God’s special gift to this world.

For her report, De los Reyes reviewed the AGB Nielsen Media Research ad spending data base. According to PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas, PCIJ manages the subscription to the data base on behalf of its PAP 2010 partner organizations, namely, Lawyers’ League for Liberty, Center for Electoral Reforms and the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines.

Let’s go back to the P2.1 billion figure (advertising value). About half of this, the PCIJ report says, represents the ad buys of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar. PCIJ points out that a presidential candidate’s maximum campaign spending limit is only P500 million or P10 per voter. PCIJ adds that Villar’s party may however spend another P5 per voter or P250 million.

PCIJ tells us that “Villar’s TV ads also logged a total airtime of 758.5 minutes on GMA channel 7, and 696 minutes on ABS-CBN Channel 2 during those three months before the campaign period. Four other presidential candidates racked up formidable totals for their respective TV ads on the two stations as well, most of them posting total airtime for the placements at both GMA and ABS-CBN in the three digits.”

Here is the ad duration in minutes of the other candidates (from Nov. 1 2009-Jan. 31, 2010): Benigno Aquino III (218.77 ABS-CBN, 136.75 GMA), Joseph Estrada (96 ABS-CBN, 44.5 GMA), Richard Gordon (248 ABS-CBN, 127.5 GMA), Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (291.75 ABS-CBN, 257.75 GMA), Eddie Villanueva (24.5 ABS-CBN, 161.75 GMA), and Manuel Villar Jr. (696 ABS-CBN, 758.5 GMA). PCIJ adds that Villanueva who has equity interest in QTV 11, a joint venture of his Zoe Broadcasting Network with GMA, recorded an additional 221.5 minutes of ad buys on QTV 11.

It is obvious that candidates took the opportunity to splurge to campaign during the pre-campaign period in order for them to avoid the spending limits of the campaign period. PCIJ says, these candidates took advantage of the amended Election Modernization Act that says, one is considered a candidate only “at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy.”

They could also invoke the Supreme Court’s Nov. 2009 ruling that says that a candidate’s political acts become unlawful only when the campaign period starts.

Here are the ad values that PCIJ took from AGB Nielsen data and computed based on rate cards. TV ad values were reduced by 50 percent to arrive at the indicative real ad cost.

The ad war is more intense than the ground war, PCIJ tells us. The moneyed Villar is ahead of the pack when it comes to total ad value.

There is more to the PCIJ report than the figures (See http://pcij.org). Media and ad executives who crunch numbers also tell us what all these mean and amount to. By understanding all these, voters can discern better and will not be overwhelmed and bulldozed by these ads that don’t really tell us the whole truth.

Take them as entertainment. Or just reach for that remote.

Aquino annoyed by moderator’s bias for Villar

The sniping between Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and the moderator of a presidential forum was one of the few highlights in a staid debate sponsored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Aquino, Liberal Party standard-bearer, could not hide his irritation at the remarks made by journalist Antonio Lopez that he wished the forum had a “more unbiased moderator.”

Lopez’s bias appeared to be for Aquino’s main rival, Sen. Manuel Villar.

The forum was sponsored by the PCCI at the Marriott Hotel, across from Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

In his introduction, Lopez described Villar, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer, as a “self-made tycoon, former Speaker and Senate President, and former future President, probably.”

Lopez also fawned over Aquino’s cousin, Lakas-Kampi standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr., whom he repeatedly praised as a bar topnotcher.

Uninspired

By contrast, Lopez was uninspired in his introduction of Aquino, calling him a man with a good pedigree, grandson of a national hero, son of national heroes—former President (Corazon) Aquino and slain opposition Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.—congressman for nine years, and senator for three years.

“He will tell us what he is going to do,” Lopez said.

Lopez added that Aquino was somebody known for his “imagination.” He called deposed President Joseph Estrada “a man of action.”

Pro-Villar articles

After the forum, Aquino said he had no doubt who the moderator was rooting for. “He is favoring Villar,” he said.

Aquino showed reprints of Lopez’s articles heaping lavish praise on Villar. Lopez is BizNewsAsia publisher and president.

Aquino did not take too kindly being caught by surprise by Lopez who changed the order of the candidates queuing with their answers.

When Aquino complained that Lopez reversed the order of candidates giving their answers, the latter said: “A leader should be ready for surprises.”

Unfriendly moderator

To which Aquino shot back: “Especially if the moderator is unbiased like you.”

“I just hope there was parity. But I’m OK with that. It’s good to have yourself go through a test in an environment with an unfriendly moderator,” Aquino said after the forum.

The Liberal Party presidential candidate noted that Lopez had been against him and his family since the burial of his father in 1983. (Ninoy Aquino was assassinated on the tarmac of Manila’s international airport upon his arrival from exile. The killing triggered massive protests that led to the downfall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.)

The questions focused largely on the budget deficit, smuggling, mining, energy, poverty and investment policy.

Lack of managerial ability

Villar indirectly took aim at Aquino’s lack of “leadership, managerial ability and experience” in implementing a platform of government.

The Nacionalista Party standard-bearer asked businessmen if they would leave their corporations to someone who they did not trust could do the job.

Villar also asked whether the businessmen would let the same person run government which, he said, was a thousand times more difficult than managing a corporation.

Investor confidence

For his part, Aquino presented his agenda in combating corruption which he believed was the key to creating investor confidence in the economy.

Aquino, who described corruption as “theft and a form of murder by a thousand cuts,” promised to clamp down on the “mafia.”

“We know who use and abuse the law either to coddle favorites or extort from the vulnerable. We know who the smugglers and the tax evaders are. We know who the kidnapping and bank-robbery syndicates are, too. With your help, we will take them down,” he said.

Whistle-blowers

Aquino said his administration would welcome whistle-blowers and give them sanctuary.

Both Aquino and Villar refused to name their prospective Cabinet appointees.

Teodoro said he would retain Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Trade Secretary Peter Favila.

Eddie Villanueva, Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer, said he would appoint two former socioeconomic planning secretaries—Cielito Habito and Solita Monsod.

Estrada said he would bring back to Malacañang the same Cabinet that served in his abbreviated presidency from middle of 1998 to January 2001. “They are all very competent,” he said.

Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon, Bagumbayan standard-bearer, did not name names, but gave three criteria—“courageous, honest and intelligent.”

Not like MBC

In his opening speech, Estrada lauded the PCCI for not imposing its influence on the government “unlike other groups,” apparently referring to the Makati Business Club (MBC).

He partly blamed the MBC for his ouster, nine years ago.

Estrada said he would repeal the agrarian reform law, privatize National Power Corp. and abolish redundant government agencies.

At the open forum, Estrada made reference to his experience as a former president. “Others are still promising what I have already done,” he said.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) presidential forum

Presidential candidates who attended a forum with the business community on Tuesday gave glimpses on who they want to appoint as Cabinet officials if they win on May 10.

At the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) presidential forum on Tuesday, 6 candidates were asked about their choices for their Cabinet if they become president.

They were asked to specify 3 potential appointees.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would like to keep current Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila.

Cabral is notable for supporting the reproductive health bill, an issue that Teodoro had wavered on in previous presidential forums.

Earlier in the PCCI forum, Teodoro said he sees no need to remove government officials from their posts if they are “doing a good job.”

This was in answer to a question on what candidates should do about redundant or underperforming government agencies.

Reappointments

Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas said his ideal Cabinet will include economists Cielito Habito of the Ateneo de Manila University and Solita Monsod of the UP School of Economics.

Habito was director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) under the Ramos administration while Monsod was NEDA chief in the early part of the Aquino administration.

He also named public accountant Benjamin Punongbayan as an ideal appointee for his Cabinet.

Villanueva said his choice of appointees will be based on “character, competence and integrity.”

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), meanwhile, said he will bring back most Cabinet members who served under his administration before he was ousted in 2001.

“I had the best Cabinet ever,” he said. “None of them were involved in any scam.”

Cabinet officials during Estrada’s term included Gemma Cruz-Araneta as tourism secretary, Orlando Mercado as defense secretary, and Benjamin Diokno as budget secretary.

Estrada had appointed Jose Pardo and later Manuel “Mar” Roxas, who is now running as vice president under the Liberal Party, as trade and industry secretary, among others.

Still a secret

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, however, declined to answer the question.

“I’ve taken the position of not naming them,” Aquino said.

Sen. Richard Gordon and Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, meanwhile, did not specify whom they want to appoint, but described qualities they look for in their Cabinet officials.

“I want somebody courageous, who is honest and who will be terribly efficient,” said Gordon, who is running under the Bagumbayan Party.

Villar also refused to name names, but stressed the importance of teamwork in his Cabinet if he wins as president.

“Para sa ganun po, mas malayo ang marating ng ating team. (So that our team can go farther),” Villar said.

A presidential Cabinet is composed of the most high-ranking appointed officials in the executive branch of the Philippine government.

Cabinet officials currently comprise of the 19 secretaries of executive departments, the heads of the National Security Council and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), as well as the head of the Presidential Management Staff, the press secretary and executive secretary

Most presidential bets alarmed by automation delays

At least six presidential candidates expressed doubt in the capability of the Commission on Elections to implement automated elections nationwide on May 10 with some of them calling it "ambitious" and portending that it can lead to an "electronic Garci" controversy.

Even administration standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. was vocal about his fears saying that the manner the Commission on Elections was implementing the new balloting system so far proved it to be an "ambitious project" to be implemented nationwide.

"The integrity of the elections is vital... automation is fine but the way it is implemented, I would have my doubts," Teodoro said Monday in a presidential forum organized by the Foreign Correspondent Association of the Philippines in Makati City.

He added that Comelec has been facing "big logistical difficulties" and that the last batch of machines would be delivered only in the last week of February. Teachers who would operate the ballot scanning machines would be trained only by March, said Teodoro.

"There is really a need to engage the Comelec in disclosing whether or not it can be implemented as a credible [system] for the upcoming elections," said Teodoro.

Other presidential candidates present in the debate were Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal, environmentalist Nicanor "Nicky" Perlas, evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Councilor JC delos Reyes.

Sen. Manuel Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party, and former President Joseph Estrada were invited but failed to attend due to other engagements outside Metro Manila.

Villar has yet to arrive from Hong Kong, where he sought the endorsement of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde while Estrada was on a campaign sortie in Davao.

Aquino, the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party, said he was "perplexed" that Comelec has been all over the place, assuring people of honest and orderly elections but has not been putting in place enough measures to ensure credible elections.

"In the following days we hope to come out with a list of actions that the Comelec must be doing prior to the elections and people should be pressuring the various agencies to actually implement the things they are supposed to do," he answered.

Perlas pointed out that no matter how good the intentions were for automating the electoral process, it would still have "serious problems in so many levels."

He said he would support moves to make sure that there was manual-count capability during the elections, noting that even First World countries like Germany and the Netherlands scrapped automated elections in 2009 after finding out that a high school student could hack the voting machines.

"There is a strong possibility of an electronic Garci [in this case]," said Perlas, referring to the "Hello Garci" poll fraud scandal in which President Macapagal-Arroyo was caught in a voice recording making a phone call to an election commissioner widely believed to be Virgilio Garcillano to follow up her one-million vote lead in the counting.

Agreeing with Perlas, Madrigal said the Comelec must take up back-up mechanisms in case the machines failed to deliver on elections day. One of these measures could be a manual counting of votes that would coincide with the automated canvassing for "verification purposes," she said.

She also wondered why the Comelec scrapped a feature in the machines that allowed votes for a particular candidate to be verified.

"I am really cynical about this because the government has not changed, which is still under President Macapagal-Arroyo and it might order the Comelec to [manipulate] the elections for their secret candidate, which is Villar," she said later in an ambush interview.

Teodoro also added during the forum that the Comelec must divulge an "honest to goodness" appraisal of what the Comelec could do and could not do and its degree of confidence in implementing the automated elections.

"They must disclose what the true state of affairs is regarding the matter," he told reporters in a interview after the forum.

Meanwhile, Villanueva suggested during the discussion that he and his fellow presidential candidates must agree to a covenant that would oppose any "brutal violations" of the Filipinos' democratic and constitutional rights to prevent failure of elections.

Transformer Gordon Bayani Campaign in Cavite

Sen. Richard Gordon Tuesday retraced the steps of his great-grandfather at the start of his campaign for president in the May 10 election, hoping to replicate his ancestor’s heroism in the war against Spain in 1896.

Gordon and his running mate Bayani Fernando took a three-hour trip around Cavite province in a 10-wheel truck designed to look like “Optimus Prime” of movies where the vehicle is turned into a robot that becomes a “Transformer,” the term used to describe the candidates.

The 100-vehicle convoy of the Bagumbayan party included a cement mixer and ambulances of the Philippine National Red Cross to show the incarnations of Gordon as Olongapo City mayor, administrator of Subic Bay Freeport and Red Cross chief, and Fernando as Marikina City mayor and chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

It set off from a gasoline station along the Southern Luzon Expressway where Gordon, who was delayed for one hour, unsheathed a replica of the sword that he said his great-grandfather Jose Tagle seized from the Spaniards.

“If we are united, we can overcome all our enemies. Today we begin the first victory of the country,” he exclaimed.

Gordon chose Imus town in Cavite as the venue of their kick-off rally late afternoon Tuesday because it was there where Tagle led a motley group that raided the friar’s camarin and seized 30 rifles and a Montana cannon.

His effort so pleased Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo that he declared Tagle capitan municipal of Imus.

Gordon said the incident, known as the Battle of Imus, was regarded as “the first major victory of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish conquerors.”

“The battle sparked similar mutinies in other parts of the country and eventually led to the downfall of the Spanish regime and the establishment of the Philippine republic,” he said.

Freedom from surveys

Just as his ancestor fought for freedom, Gordon said the challenge now was to free Filipinos from the shackles of popularity and surveys.

“We should not be prisoners of popularity. We should be transformational leaders. We do not give a spark. We bring enlightenment,” he said.

The senator took another dig at surveys showing him lagging behind at least four rivals in the presidential race.

“Surveys only reflect the current climate. Moses did not take a survey among the Israelites before crossing the Red Sea. Jesus did not conduct a survey before he was nailed to the cross. We cannot be hostages to surveys because we do not need them,” he said.

“We need to have leaders chosen based on right, not popularity; honesty, not buying the presidency; work ethic, not inheritance,” Gordon added.

Poverty as campaign trick

Gordon criticized Sen. Manny Villar, the Nacionalista Party presidential candidate, for using poverty as a campaign strategy. He said his mother was actually poorer than Villar’s but he was not injecting her in the campaign.

“I stand on my own strengths,” Gordon said.

Gordon said his mother also went around streets to sell native cakes, “but I don’t use my mother in my campaign.” He added that while Villar went to a private Catholic school, he was a public school student.

He said that coming from a poor family did not mean a politician would work to help the poor. This campaign strategy, he said, was “out of fashion (panis).”

He asked: “Who among the candidates have really spent time to help the poor?”

Unlike the other candidates, he said he chose not to trumpet his work with the Red Cross, where he had helped build houses for the poor and provided the organization with more ambulances and equipment.

Will expenses be recouped?

Referring to reports that Villar had spent huge sums for his political ads, Gordon asked: “Who believes that Villar will not recoup his expenses if he wins?”

Gordon said he and Fernando had the funds to buy ads, but would stay away from this. “We want to start a vision,” he said.

Gordon and Fernando first got into the truck before transferring to a red pickup.

In the evening, the two gathered in front of Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Cathedral in Imus for a rally attended by some 5,000 people clad in red shirts. Fernando opened the rally singing “Pitong Gatang” and dancing to the delight of the crowd.

Painted blue, red and silver, the tandem’s “Optimus Prime” aimed to “transform the hearts and minds of our people,” Fernando said.

In the popular animated series that has spawned blockbuster movies, “Optimus Prime,” a truck that transforms into a robot, is the leader of the “Autobots,” a group waging a battle against the evil forces of the “Decepticons.”

Fernando, a mechanical engineer, spent nights working on the truck’s design, his campaign staff said. He also reportedly spent more than P20,000 buying “Optimus Prime” toy trucks just to perfect the design using recycled materials.

The 10-wheel Isuzu prime-mover truck is adorned with what looked like a silver robot that “speaks” and repeatedly mentions the names of “Gordon” and “Bayani.” It is also equipped with a retractable light post that could be used during night rallies.

CDs sound great in CRs

Fernando distributed copies of his soon-to-be-released CD featuring all original Filipino songs to voters.

“Try playing it in the toilet. It’s great! The sound is really smooth,” Fernando told a kibitzer in the gasoline station where he gave away the CDs.

Fernando became a champion of “Celebrity Duets: Season Two,” a singing contest aired by GMA 7, last year.

“I tried my best to become a celebrity so we won’t have to pay for one to endorse us,” Fernando said in Pilipino. “The only thing left is for me to eat broken glass to attract attention.”

JC de los Reyes opened his campaign with a Mass at St. Josephs School in Olongapo.

One of the least known presidential candidates started his campaign in Olongapo City doing one thing that he might need to do a lot in his bid for the presidency—pray.

There was no hype nor hoopla when Councilor John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes, standard-bearer of the Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP), opened his campaign with a Mass at St. Joseph’s School in Olongapo.

After praying, he walked with a small group of party mates, supporters and some of his senatorial candidates to a market nearby where he shook hands, waved to people and introduced himself as a presidential candidate.

De los Reyes, a member of the Gordon political clan and the only Kapatiran candidate who won in the 2007 elections as a councilor in Olongapo, is running against his uncle, Sen. Richard Gordon, and eight other candidates.

Accompanying De los Reyes at the start of his campaign was his Brazilian wife, Dunia Valenzuela, who believes her husband could win because he has “a pure heart” and “true compassion.”

“After he’s been talking to people, he brings their problems home to us, his family, and shows us what it’s like for them so we can understand. He wants to change things for the better,” she said.

“People say that he’s young. I know him more than anyone. He is full of passion and he is very determined. And who but God knows about what is right or wrong for this country?” she added.

Donated property

The group also visited Jubilee Village, a low-cost housing community in Olongapo that rose from property donated by De los Reyes’ family to house more than 40 poor families.

A woman living there told Inquirer the villagers would vote for De los Reyes.

“But even if we are not living here, we will still vote for him. If people knew him, they would, too,” she said.

De los Reyes moved around the city with a convoy of only a few vehicles. In some areas, like the villages of Barrio Barreto and New Cabalan, he went out of his vehicle unattended by bodyguards. He has none.

Among Kapatiran’s senatorial candidates who accompanied him were retired Air Force Col. Hector Tarrazona and former Aparri, Cagayan, Councilor Reginald Tamayo.

“People are surprised that we don’t have security detail even when going to squatter areas. But [all candidates] must not be afraid of the people. They are the ones we are going to serve,” said Tarrazona, one of the 11 original members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement in 1986.

“Nothing has changed in this country. There is no hope. We must be able to change this. What I’m praying for is that we become a nation of true Christians because that [will eliminate all the vile things that we are seeing now],” he said.

Tamayo said he was running for senator under AKP because of De los Reyes’ idealism.

“He can mix his faith with his political life. And what he says [in the political arena] is anchored on his Christianity—that is uncommon among politicians,” he said.

De los Reyes’ running mate, lawyer Dominador Chipeco, was unable to join the start of the campaign in Olongapo as he was meeting with family members in Calamba, Laguna. Chipeco is expected to join the campaign when it reaches Metro Manila.

Off to a good start

A top official of AKP said the campaign was off to a good start.

“We had a busy day and we hope the warm welcome shown to JC will be repeated in the next days to come,” said Eric Manalang, AKP president and chair, in a phone interview from Olongapo.

Many people, Manalang said, wished De los Reyes “good luck” instead of telling him “I’ll pray for you.”

De los Reyes, a theology graduate, said he felt bad about being told “I’ll pray for you” because he took it to mean that people think he’ll lose.

“I feel bad because it’s as if our party’s causes are unattainable and hopeless and all they can do is pray for me,” he said.

Creative campaign materials

Manalang said AKP’s youth chapter prepared creative campaign materials for De los Reyes’ sorties. These include masks mounted on staffs that call on people to reject evil ways like political dynasties, patronage politics, corruption, pork barrel and gambling.

Manalang said De los Reyes’ group went on a house-to-house campaign in Olongapo City, distributing leaflets and pins.

In the afternoon, the group proceeded to the Subic Bay Freeport commercial area to meet with workers.

De los Reyes’ party has scheduled a proclamation rally on Feb. 16 in Payatas, Quezon City.

Presidentiables Showbiz Endorsers

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, standard-bearer of the Liberal Party, has the longest list of show biz supporters, due mainly to the influence of his sister Kris, an actress and a TV host of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Kris’ best friend, talent manager Boy Abunda, who used to be a supporter of Manny Villar, is now part of the Aquino campaign. Villar is the presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party.

Singer-actor Ogie Alcasid composed the song “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” which is being used as the theme song of Aquino’s campaign. Regine Velasquez, Alcasid’s long-time girlfriend, recorded the song.

Among those who also expressed their support for Aquino were Abunda’s wards Gretchen Barretto, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Mariel Rodriguez, Sitti and Pooh.

Popular actors Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica have also committed to campaigning for Aquino.

Thank you to Estradas

Actress Lorna Tolentino recently announced that she would help in the campaign of deposed president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Puwersa ng Masa standard-bearer.

Tolentino’s late husband, actor Rudy Fernandez, was the best friend of Erap’s son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is running for reelection. The actress said this was her way of showing her gratitude to the Estradas, who had helped her family while Fernandez was still battling cancer.

Singer-actress Sarah Geromino recently joined the list of personalities supporting Villar. Like veteran comedian Dolphy and TV host Willie Revillame, Geronimo has agreed to represent Villar, this time, to the youth sector.

Geronimo is also endorsing Joy Belmonte, running mate of former actor Herbert Bautista, who is running for mayor of Quezon City.

The TVC, which features pop-rock band Rivermaya singing “Harapin ang Bagong Hamon ng Pag-asa” for administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, premiered last week.

This came on the heels of a protest from former Rivermaya front man, Rico Blanco, who accused Teodoro’s team of failing to ask his permission for the use of the song “Posible” in the latter’s previous TVC.

Blanco is claiming ownership of “Posible,” which also served as the official theme song of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

Gary V for Bro. Ed

The family of multi-awarded artist Gary Valenciano said it would support the candidacy of evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bangon Pilipinas Party standard-bearer.

In a text message to the Inquirer, Valenciano’s wife, Angeli Pangilinan, said: “If [Villanueva] needs performers, we will be here for [him] if schedule permits. I have known Bro. Eddie since 1988. I will support him in whatever way I can. We share the same faith. I also respect his leadership and convictions.”

Aquino Villar tied in Pulse Asia survey

Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Senator Manny Villar are statistically tied in the latest presidential survey of independent polling firm, Pulse Asia.


The survey, conducted last January 22-26, showed  Aquino registering 37% of voter preferences and Villar getting 35%.

The survey has a margin of error of plus/minus 2%, which means Aquino's rating may be the same as Villar's.

The other presidential candidate with a double-digit preference is former President Joseph Estrada at 12% while other candidates registered voter preferences of at most 5%.
Aquino's rating dropped 8 percentage points since the last Pulse Asia survey while Villar's rating improved by 12 percentage points.

Across socio-demographic groups, Aquino led among Class D voters (40%) and voters aged 55-64 (38%) and 65 and up (42%). On the other hand, Villar is leading voter preferences among Class E voters (39%) and those aged 25-34 (42%).

Across areas, Aquino is leading among voters in the National Capital Region with 38%, compared to Villar who had 24%. The two front-runners register virtually the same preference in Balance Luzon (Aquino, 37%; Villar, 36%); Visayas (Aquino, 41%; Villar, 38%); and Mindanao (Villar, 36%; Aquino, 33%).

Based on a predetermined set of reasons, voters said they would most likely choose a candidate who is not corrupt or has a clean record (24%) and cares for the poor (24%). Other reasons cited for choosing a candidate are the ability to do something (16%), helping others (11%), being a good person (9%) and experience in governance (6%).

The January 22-26 survey interviewed 1,800 representative adults nationwide. It was conducted at the height of the Senate debates over the report of the Senate committee of the whole recommending the censure of Villar for unethical conduct in connection with the C-5 road extension project.
Aquino's camp earlier said they have a loyal base of supporters, and that Villar would have to win over support from the other candidates if he is to catch up. This recent survey has belied that theory.



Importance of political ads
In an interview on ANC's Dateline Philippines on Wednesday, Prof. Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia, attributed Villar's gain of 12 percentage points to his "more sustained" marketing campaign.
He said this fact has been recognized by other presidential candidates. Holmes said some camps have complained about the 6 to 1 ratio of political ads in favor of Villar.

Holmes said this sustained campaign to get himself known has had a big impact on the public's perception of Villar.

Asked if Villar's gains were at the expense of Aquino and Estrada, Holmes said any erosion of support for one candidate may be due to withdrawal of support for another.

Holmes ruled out undecided voters as a factor in the latest survey, saying the increase from 4% to 6% in undecided or those who refused to say who they will vote for, is within the 2% margin of error.
Asked about the possible impact of the C-5 controversy on Villar, Holmes said the next presidential survey may show different a different result since it should already reflect possible changes in public perception of Villar following the Senate committee of the whole's report recommending his censure for unethical conduct in connection with the C-5 road project transactions.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile formally read the report at the Senate plenary on January 25. He accused Villar of trying to buy him off on January 26. Villar denied Enrile's claim.

Roxas leads VP race

In the vice-presidential race, nearly half of the voters (47%) would vote for Sen. Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas if the May 2010 elections were held at the time of the survey, giving him a sizeable lead over Sen. Loren Legarda who got only 28%.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay placed third in the vice-presidential race with 13%.
Vice-presidential candidates Edu Manzano and Bayani Fernando had 2% voter preference while Perfecto Yasay Jr. had 1%.

About one in ten voters (7%) did not have a favored vice-presidential candidate at the time of the survey.

Across geographical areas, Roxas leads the race in Luzon, including NCR, and the Visayas. However, voter preferences for the two leading contenders, Senators Roxas and Legarda, are essentially tied across the Mindanao areas surveyed.

Roxas enjoys sizeable leads among the upper socio-economic classes ABC (54%) and D (49%) and across the various age groups. Preferences for Senators Roxas and Legarda are essentially tied among Class E voters.

Holmes also attributed Roxas' big lead to his better marketing campaign.

Brother Eddie Villanueva Profile

VILLANUEVA, EDDIE C.
AGE: 63
BIRTHDATE: October 6, 1946
SPOUSE: Adoracion Jose Villanueva
AFFLIATIONS:

• Launched Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Political Party
• Board of Trustees, Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom
• Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council, Christ for Asia
• Board of Regents, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Level	School	Year Graduated
Elementary	Lolomboy Elementary School, Bumbang Elementary School, Bunlo Elementary School (Bulacan)	not available
High School	Meycauayan Institute and St. Mary's Meycauayan (Bulacan)	not available
College	Philippine College of Commerce (Now Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics, minor in Finance	1969
Bachelor of Laws	University of the Philippines	not available
Further Studies	Promise Christian University, Los Angeles California; Doctorate in Divinity	2008
Special Courses	Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute	1987-1988
	Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center	1984
	Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible training center, Tulsa, Oklahoma	1983
	Basic and Advanced Bible Course, Dr. E.W. Kenyon	1979-1980
	Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School	1978
	14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI	1977
	Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center	1977
	Regular and Advanced Speech Course, Speech Training Center	1970

CAREER HISTORY

Position	Office	Years
Spiritual Director and President	Jesus Is Lord Church	Present
Chairman	Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM)	Present
Chancellor	Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.	Present
President and Chairman	ZOE Broadcasting Network	Present
Franchise Holder and Licensee to Operate	VHF Channel 11	Present
Franchise Holder and Licensee to Operate	UHF Channel 33	Present
Host	Jesus the Healer, Zoe TV 11 and GMA 7	Present
Host	Diyos at Bayan, Zoe TV 11 and GMA 7	Present
Host	Tinig sa Itaas, DZJV 1458 based in Calamba Laguna	Present
Columnist	Abante and Abante-Tonight tabloids	Present
	Month publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan	not available
Author	Find It! Straight Fom The Word	not available
	Surest Covenant	not available
Contributor	Legacy, book; published by Church Strengthening Ministries	not available
	This is My Story, book; published by Cityland Foundation, Inc.	not available
Faculty	Department of Economics and Finance of Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP)	1969-1972
General Manager	Agape Trading Company	1976-1977
Export Manager	Maran Export Industries	1973-1975