2010 Philippine Presidential Elections

It must pay to propose on primetime TV

2009-06-03T02:11:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY |JUNE 02, 2009 | PHILIPPINES

BY REGINA BENGCO, Malaya.

THAT’S the windfall Sen. Manuel Roxas II got with his widely viewed marriage proposal to TV personality Korina Sanchez on the Wowowee noon-time show.

The senator gained 5 points from a previous eight percent rating to land in double-digit territory in the presidential survey conducted by Pulse Asia from May 4 to May 17.

Read full article here.

VP Noli tops anew in Pulse Asia's preference survey

2009-06-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
06/01/2009 | 12:51 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Noli de Castro has remained as most preferred among presidential bets for the 2010 elections based on pollster Pulse Asia's latest preference survey.

However, De Castro’s 18-percent preference rating puts him in a tight race with Senator Francis Escudero with 17 percent. Former President Joseph “Erap" Estrada is also pulling close with 15 percent.

Read full article here.

(UPDATE) Noli, Chiz, Erap, Manny, Mar tied in latest survey

2009-06-03T01:58:00.001-07:00

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 06/01/2009 10:31 AM

Senator Manuel 'Mar' Roxas II gained ground in the latest opinion poll of Pulse Asia, allowing him to join a pack of five leading candidates for president in the 2010 elections.

Read full article here.

What is the implication of the Lakas-Kampi merger to the political landscape?

2009-06-03T01:57:00.000-07:00

Updated June 01, 2009 12:00 AM, Philstar.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan De Oro City: Wih a bigger political base, the merged Lakas-Kampi is expected to come up with a common candidate for President to ensure victory in 2010.
Leonard Villa, Batac City: It’s an unstable and shaky political marriage that will surely lead to a break-up once GMA steps down from power. It’s a merger for political expediency only.

Let’s wait for the dust to settle

Norberto Robles, Taguig: This will give them a headstart, but the Lakas-Kampi merger depends on the outcome of in-fighting for positions at both local and national levels. Let’s wait for the dust to settle to see if the unification is for the better.

Read full article here.

Palace talking with FVR over merger criticisms

2009-06-03T01:55:00.000-07:00

By GMANews.TV. 05/31/2009 | 11:13 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is seeking to mollify former President Fidel Ramos’ criticisms over the merger of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat (Lakas-CMD) and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) parties.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde on Sunday said presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio is to meet with Ramos to explain the merger to him.

Read full article here.

Palace: ‘Palaka’ to leapfrog over opposition

2009-06-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

By Alcuin Papa, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:17:00 05/31/2009

MANILA, Philippines—A frog, by any other name, is still a frog.
While opposition Sen. Manuel Roxas II has suggested that the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD party be called “Partidong Lakas at Kampi” or Palaka (frog) for short, Malacañang believes its new party will “leapfrog over the opposition” en route to victory in the 2010 elections.

Read full article here.

We'll hold elections, but will they be conclusive?

2009-06-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr. Updated May 31, 2009 12:00 AM

Elections Sure: We have been saying since last year that we should not take Cha-cha and No-El (Charter change and No Election) seriously. We predicted that the Constitution will not be amended before 2010 and that the elections will push through.
All that time President Gloria Arroyo fueled more Cha-cha speculation by keeping quiet. But last Friday, she finally said in a speech at the merger of two administration parties that the elections will be held as scheduled next May.

Read full article here.

No-proclamation nightmares

2009-06-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

By Artemio V. Panganiban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:28:00 05/31/2009

SOMETIME ago, Comelec chairman Jose A.R. Melo confessed his nightmare of a failure of elections due to possible automation glitches and “sabotage.” With the Lakas-Kampi now merged, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assures that elections in 2010 will take place. But Melo’s horror is not just “no-el.” It is also “no-proc,” that is, no one is proclaimed winner.

Read full article here.

Says Opposition: It’s merger of ‘trapos’; it is a ‘Palaka’

2009-06-03T01:46:00.000-07:00

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:09:00 05/30/2009

MANILA, Philippines—“Kokak.”
That one word captures the opposition’s reaction to the so-called marriage of the two biggest political parties in the country. The opposition also said the political union would not translate into votes to ensure the victory of administration candidates in the 2010 elections.

Read full article here.

The Election Circus

2009-06-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

PUBLISHED ON May 30, 2009 AT 11:44 AM
By BENJIE OLIVEROS
Analysis
Bulatlat

MANILA — There are numerous news items related to it; television programs are teeming with it; political parties and groups are already gearing for it. The 2010 elections are in the air.

Read full article here.

Run for education and school reform

2009-06-03T01:41:00.000-07:00

By Butch Hernandez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:38:00 05/30/2009

The presidential elections are just a year away, and the Philippines is being asked to dance again. Whether its the “cha-cha” or the “rigodon,” only time and political vagaries will tell.

Presidential aspirants will vie for our support through a variety of ways and with rising stridency as election day nears. The best among them really have something to offer the Filipino people. Some just think they have something to offer; maybe, one or two would be truly delusional, but quite entertaining nevertheless.

Read full article here.

Run for education and school reform By Butch Hernandez Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 01:38:00 05/30/2009

2009-06-03T01:40:00.001-07:00

Read full article here.

No party cracks, just ‘birth pains’

2009-06-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

By TJ Burgonio, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:08:00 05/30/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Rah-rah boys of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Friday made light of the boycott of the merger ceremony by key administration allies, and declared that the new ruling party would survive without some of them.

Read full article here.

Ramos, de Venecia, Villafuerte out of party loop, officials say

2009-06-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

By Jomar Canlas, Efren L. Danao, Sammy Martin, Cris G. Odronia And Thea Ayla P. Banag. Manila Times
Saturday, May 30, 2009

Former President Fidel Ramos and Rep. Jose “JdV” de Venecia of Pangasinan matter little in the new party that recently sprang from the two administration parties that they either helped found or strongly supported. Even Rep. Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, the former president of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), is inconsequential to the new party. Then-Vice President Gloria Arroyo founded Kampi in 1998.

Read full article here.

Estrada belittles Lakas-Kampi merger

2009-06-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

By Gabriel Cardinoza, Yolanda Sotelo
Inquirer Northern Luzon
First Posted 14:11:00 05/29/2009

ALAMINOS CITY, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada on Friday belittled the merger of administration parties into Lakas-Kampi-CMD, saying it was just a publicity stunt.
"From the very start, Kampi and Lakas are just one. It's all under GMA,” he said, referring to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by her initials.

Read full article here.

Binay open to sliding down to VP if Erap runs for president

2009-06-03T01:33:00.000-07:00

Posted in GMA News. 05/29/2009 | 07:57 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Months after announcing his plans to run for President in 2010, United Opposition president and Makati City mayor Jejomar Binay is entertaining thoughts of sliding down to the vice presidential race.

Binay said in a radio interview he is willing to be former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada’s running mate should Estrada decide to run in the presidential derby.

Read full article here.

Memo To: Mar Roxas, Love & Marriage As Marketing Strategy

2009-06-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

From: wawam.

Posted on May 14, 2009 by wawam

You are a senator, your GF is a popular TV journalist and you want to get married. that amounts to you do not have a choice – anything and everything you do is a marketing tool or a marketing bane.

Since you have a choice, why not make love & marriage as a marketing tool.

Read full article here.

Jejomar binay promises to turn the philippines into paradise

2009-06-03T01:29:00.000-07:00

From: Wawam. Posted on April 29, 2009

Nowhere in the tv ad did it say makati city mayor jejomar binay is running for president. and the ad talks about what binay has done to makati. but who is this ad kidding?

If you like to receive a free birthday cake on your birthday, binay might be the president for you.

Read full article here.

Arroyo’s 14 visits to Pampanga raise doubts

2009-06-03T01:24:00.000-07:00

By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 05:20:00 05/29/2009

FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga, Philippines—Here in her home province, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has gone to places where no Philippine president has gone before.
This year alone, she’s been here 14 times, and 12 of those visits were to the second congressional district, the province’s most vote-rich area.

Read full article here.

Presidentiable GILBERT TEODORO

2009-06-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

Honorable Gilberto “Gilbert” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr. is the youngest Secretary to hold the Defense portfolio at the age of 43, when he assumed the post in August 2007. As head of the Department of National Defense, Secretary Teodoro is keen on ably pursuing Philippine defense reforms and is determined to make the defense and military establishment truly responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Before he became the Secretary of National Defense, he was Congressman of the First District of Tarlac for three (3) consecutive terms starting 1998. At the House, he assumed the position of Assistant Majority Leader (11th Congress) and Head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition House members. He was also a member of the House contingent to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

His passion for public service and aptitude for leadership is evident even at a very young age. Shortly after he completed his secondary education at the Xavier School, he was elected President of the Kabataang Barangay for Tarlac in 1980 and concurrently assumed Presidency of the Kabataang Barangay for Central Luzon until 1985. He also became a member of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Tarlac from 1980 to 1986.

Even with his hands full, Secretary Teodoro successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions at the De La Salle University in 1984. Since then, he focused his sights on acquiring for himself further education and knowledge to aid him in his desire to pursue public service. In 1989, he completed his Law studies at the University of the Philippines where he was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. In the same year, he topped the Philippine Bar exams.

For seven years, he honed his skills as a lawyer in the famed EP Mendoza Law firm. Armed with years of experience, he went to the Harvard Law School in Cambridge for his Master of Laws and completed it in 1997. He was also admitted to the State Bar of New York during the same year.

Secretary Teodoro, who holds distinct memberships in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, UP Alumni Association, UP Law Alumni Association, Harvard Alumni Association and the Harvard Law Alumni Association, is also a licensed commercial pilot and a Colonel in the Philippine Air Force Reserve. He is the son of the former SSS Administrator Gilberto, Sr., and Mercedes Cojuangco and is married to Representative Monica Prieto-Teodoro; they have one son – Jaime Gilberto.P

Gibo upstages Noli, gets much louder applause

2009-06-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

By Christian V. Esguerra, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:12:00 05/29/2009

MANILA, Philippines—The more popular aspirant was not exactly the more applauded at the formal merger Thursday of the two ruling parties.
Judging by how he was welcomed, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro all but upstaged Vice President Noli de Castro, the leading man in all surveys of possible presidential candidates. Teodoro received much louder applause, with some of his supporters howling, while De Castro got a relatively subdued reception from members of the new Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

Read full article here.

FVR eyes talks with ‘Erap’ ‘People’ want former leaders to reconcile

2009-06-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

By Francis Earl A. Cueto With Jomar Canlas, Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Former President Fidel V. Ramos was meeting with the opposition and was open to talks with former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, his spokesman revealed on Monday. “Some members of the opposition go to him [Ramos], probably they try to pick his mind, then they ask him for advice, particularly on governance,” Ed Malay said.

Read full article here.

NOLI LEADS TIGHT RACE FOR PALACE

2009-06-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter

Vice President Noli de Castro again topped the latest survey on probable presidential candidates by Pulse Asia, which also reported that the elections—if held today—would be a tight race among five people. De Castro was preferred to be the next president by 18 percent of the respondents, but he was closely followed by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero (17 percent), former President Joseph Estrada (15 percent), Senator Manuel Villar Jr. (14 percent) and Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd (13 percent).

Read full article here.

US assumes RP 2010 polls to push through

2009-06-02T01:43:00.001-07:00

By Jaime Laude Updated June 02, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – US Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed confidence yesterday that the May 2010 elections here would push through and Filipinos could democratically choose their next leaders.

Gates, during a 30-minute joint press briefing with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, said that he expected the elections to be successful.

Read full article here.

Noli still #1; Mar jumps to #5, Loren drops to #6

2009-06-02T01:39:00.000-07:00

POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr. Updated June 02, 2009 12:00 AM

LEAD PACK: It is too early to credit the Korina Sanchez factor, but her prospective bridegroom Mar Roxas has just vaulted five percentage points from way behind to join the lead pack in the May 2010 presidential race.

The latest Pulse Asia nationwide survey conducted May 4-17 now has the frontrunners bunched this wise: Noli de Castro, 18 percent (compared with 19 percent last Feb. 2); Chiz Escudero, 17 (17); Erap Estrada, 15 (16); Manny Villar, 14 (15); and Roxas, 13 (only 8 percent last Feb. 2).

Read full article here.

Noli, Chiz, Erap top poll Mar gains in Pulse survey

2009-06-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:10:00 06/02/2009

MANILA, Philippines—It's still anybody's game for five presidential aspirants.

Vice President Noli de Castro, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, deposed President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. and Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II are neck and neck in the race to win the votes of Filipinos for next year's presidential election, according to the results of a survey that a private polling firm conducted last month.

Read full article here.

Noli keeps lead in May survey

2009-06-02T00:39:00.001-07:00

By Helen Flores Updated June 02, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Noli de Castro has remained the top choice of Filipinos to succeed President Arroyo in 2010, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey that included new names as possible presidential contenders.

De Castro again topped the list of presidential aspirants for the May 2010 polls, garnering 18 percent of votes of 1,200 Filipino adults, Pulse Asia said in its May 2009 Ulat ng Bayan Survey.

Read full article here.

Poll forecasts tight race between 5 presidential aspirants in 2010 Philippine elections

2009-06-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

Source: 09:34, June 02, 2009, Xinhua

The upcoming presidential election is expected to be a tight match with five presidential aspirants almost equally favored by Filipino voters, an independent survey published on Monday shows.

The survey, conducted by Pulse Asia Inc. in May, polled 1,200 random Filipinos on their preferred candidate who will succeed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the May 2010 presidential election.

Read full article here.

SWS survey puts Villar on top

2009-06-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:19:00 06/02/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Embattled Senator Manny Villar has emerged as the leading presidential contender in the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Station.

Villar, who has been accused of using his position to benefit from the C-5 road extension project, posted a high 22 percent approval rating from 7,000 respondents polled nationwide by the SWS between April 16 and May 6, 2009.

Read full article here.

Presidentiable JEJOMAR BINAY

2009-06-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Jejomar C. Binay was born on November 11, 1942 at Paco, Manila. He is the only child of the Diego Medrano Binay of Bauan, Batangas and Lourdes Gatan Cabauatan of Cabagan, Isabela.

Jojo to his friends, Binay finished his elementary education at the Philippine Normal College and preparatory high school at the University of the Philippines. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree major in Political Science and subsequently a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Philippines (UP). He passed the bar exams in 1968, and took masteral subjects in public administration and law in UP and the University of Sto. Tomas, respectively.

For all his academic achievements, Binay never fails to recall the generous help of his relatives particularly his uncles, Atty. Ponciano Binay and Quirico Binay. He would not have become one of the country's human rights lawyer today had not his uncles offered to finance his studies at the UP College of Arts and Sciences. And the grateful nephew reciprocated by doing household chores for his uncle, Atty. Binay.

Aside from the circumstances surrounding his education, the political milieu during his college days greatly influenced his militant stand for human rights. Binay was part of the student-activist movement that engulfed the nation in the middle 60's. He was a University Councilor of the UP Student Council then headed by Voltaire Garcia. When US President Lyndon B. Johnson visited Manila in 1966 during the Summit Conference of the Philippines-Indonesia-Malaysia and Thailand, Binay was one of those who picketed at Manila Hotel while chanting: “Hey, hay, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?” That time the students were protesting the US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Upon graduation in the College of Arts and Sciences, he enrolled in the UP College of Law and at the same time worked as a Claims Examiner in Insular Life Assurance Company. He started his law practice as a legal Counsel of Carlos Loyzaga who was then a Councilor of Manila. He became an assistant attorney in the Deogracias T. Reyes Law Office, and later on, a senior partner in the Binay, Cueva and Associates Law Office.

While practicing his profession, Binay also taught Taxation and Land Reform at St. Catherine's School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Management, Political Science and Law at the Philippine College of Commerce in 1970-1972, where he co-founded the Lupon ng mga Manananggol ng Bayan (LUMABAN) whose primary task was to extend legal assistance to students and workers arrested during demonstrations. He also taught at the Philippine Women's University and St. Scholastica's College.

For being a plain nationalist who fought for human rights, Binay was detained in 1973 when martial law was imposed. Hence, the stockades of Fort Bonifacio and Camp Crame are not foreign to him.

He joined the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) of former Senator Jose Diokno (who is now the Commissioner of Human Rights) and then Executive Secretary Joker Arroyo, where he later became the Chairman for Metro Manila. Later on, Binay co-founded the Movement for the Advancement of Brotherhood, Integrity, Nationalism and Independence (MABINI) with Exec. Sec. Arroyo, Minister Augusto Sanchez, Deputy Secretary Fulgencio Factoran, Presidential Spokesman Rene Saguisag and MP Egmidio Tanjuatco. “In MABINI, it is not only our legal experience that we offered to our poor and defenseless clients but also our support by participating and joining them in rallies and demonstrations against the dictatorship of Marcos as well as taking a stand on national issues,” Binay said. And so, while defending persons accused of subversion and rebellion, he found himself shuttling from one rally to another. It is no surprise therefore that Binay was accused of being anti-government and a communist, which definitely he is not.

As a member of the MABINI, Binay recalls the days when he had to travel from Manila to provinces like Isabela, Pampanga and Quezon to defend detainees. “We spent our own money as it was our policy not to accept a single centavo from any funding agency or entity, most especially from people who badly needed our help.” He said that certain people wanted to give hefty contributions to a MABINI but they turned down such offers lest they compromise the ideals of their legal movement.

Shortly after Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in 1983, Binay joined the August Twenty-One Movement. Presently, he is the legal Counsel and a member of the ATOM's Executive Committee. He is also a member of the National Executive Council of the cause-oriented group, BANDILA.

Before and during the February 7 elections, Binay concentrated on Makati. He was appointed campaign manager of the Dominant Opposition Party. He was a regular visitor in the Makati Police Headquarters, either on behalf of his clients or upon invitation on the police for trumped-up charges.

When the new government of President Corazon C. Aquino was inaugurated, Binay was the first appointee in local government. He was appointed Officer-In-Charge of the Municipality of Makati effective 27 February 1986.

Binay is married to the former Elenita Gabriel Sombillo of Angat, Bulacan, a Doctor of Medicine by profession. They live at Caong St., San Antonio Village, Makati with their four children.

Constantly striving to improve himself, Binay attended many special courses such as Creative Problem Solving, Effective Business Correspondence, and Introduction to Elementary Life Insurance Courses. He has passed the following government examinations: Bar Examinations (Professional), Career Service Examinations (Professional), and General Clerical Examinations.

As chief executive of the city, Binay hopes to bring into Makati, his hometown, a higher quality of public service and increased delivery of basic services. He adheres strongly to the new government's call for moral generation and he expects also to bring a higher level of morality in public service.

He was sworn in by former President Corazon C. Aquino as Acting Mayor of Makati on April 8, 1986.

Source here.

Presidentiable BAYANI FERNANDO

2009-06-02T00:27:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

The Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

THE REFORMER… PERFORMER.. AND PROBLEM SOLVER…

THE HONORABLE SECRETARY BAYANI “BF” FERNANDO

“Bilang isang namumuno hindi ako maaring makiiyak sa mahihirap sapagkat kung bulag din ang aking mata. Paano ko sila maakay upang makaahon sa kahirapan.”

“As a leader, I cannot cry with the poor for if my eyes are blinded with tears, how will I lead them out of poverty?”

Source here.

Erap willing to take Noli into opposition camp's open arms

2009-06-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

MARK D. MERUEÑAS, GMANews.TV

06/02/2009 | 12:16 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada on Tuesday expressed willingness to take Vice President Noli de Castro into the arms of the opposition.

Erap made the statement after he expressed doubts on whether the Vice President would be convinced by the newly formed Lakas-Kampi-CMD party to join the administration's lineup.

Estrada said that the fact that De Castro hasn’t said he is willing to become the Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s standard bearer means he is still “uncertain" on which side to join.

Read full article here.

Poll watchdog fears 'minority' president in 2010

2009-06-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

By Dennis Carcamo Updated June 02, 2009 01:14 PM

MANILA, Philippines – A poll watchdog group has expressed fear that the elected president in the 2010 will be a “minority” one.

Tita de Villa of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said this will be the outcome if many will be running for the presidential race next year.

"Ang nakakalungkot lang kung talagang napakarami nila, ang sino man na maboboto ay minority. Baka 'yung mandate sa kanya e hindi talaga kapanipaniwala or strong enough kung magkakaroon sya ng unpopular decisions but good decisions, ang support baka kulang," De Villa said.

Read full article here.

Presidentiable NOLI DE CASTRO

2009-06-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

From rugged barrioboy to most popular political figure.

This remarkable transition is a miracle of fortune, the working of divine providence no less. He is a modern political phenomenon in a country dominated by very few elite families.

During these times when almost everyone takes a beating from life, we need inspiration from someone who has triumphed over life's difficulties and has successfully hurdled many challenges. Take it from this man who simply refused to accept poverty as an obstacle to his dreams...Vice President Noli de Castro.

More popularly known as everyone’s “Kabayan”, Vice President De Castro was born during the post-war period in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

Kabayan was not fortunate to be born in the company of privilege and conveniences. Quite the opposite, he and his five siblings were raised solely by their mother. But this young Mindoreño had grand dreams, and his hardships were the force that molded his future.

At a young age, he worked to support his education and supplement the family income. "I diligently took the rounds in our barrio, gathering pig's fodder from our neighbors for my pig pet, which I would raise, in order to be sold later for a hefty sum," exclaimed Kabayan.

In Pola, life was so simple. This loving son learned to be contented with the little provisions from his mother. Inay Nene taught him early on not to aspire for luxury and to always keep in mind that happiness comes from having bare essentials in life, a loving family, food on the table, roof over their heads, and the faculty to dream.

Multi-awarded TV broadcaster, seasoned radioman, farmer, environmentalist, philanthropist, nationalist, politician. Kabayan has spent a good 27 of his 54 years as a media practitioner.

But Kabayan was a self-taught broadcaster. As a young Mindoreno, he spent most of his leisure time, under his favorite mango tree, and with mother nature as his audience, he would imitate his favorite radioman Johnny de Leon -- the booming baritone, the adlibs and the snide remarks on various political issues.

Kabayan got the brains. He was an overachiever in school, always inquisitive and hungry for knowledge. He finished his elementary education from Pola Central School and his high school from Pola Catholic High School. His mother’s business acumen inspired Kabayan to earn for himself a university diploma in Commerce, major in Banking and Finance from the University of the East. In 1976, he accompanied his Kuya to an audition for a slot as field reporter in a radio station. Instead, it was Kabayan’s voice which prevailed over the long queue of applicants. Since then, his life revolved around media and current affairs.

Source here.

Presidentiable ED PANLILIO

2009-06-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Fr. Ed Panlilio is the 6^th of the Panlilio brood of seven. He was born in Minalin, Pampanga on December 6, 1953 to parents Gervacio Panlilio and Catalina Tongol. The 53 year-old priest has made his mark as a prime-mover for social development, a dedicated and well-loved priest and pastor, and a leader

FR. ED PANLILIO, the Prime Mover for Social Development

Having served as Social Action Director of the Social Action Center of Pampanga from 1984 to 1998, Fr. Eddie T. Panlilio has built a track record as prime mover for social development and community building in our province. His many citations and awards, among them the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award for Community Service in 1999 and the Archbishop’s Award for Social Service in 2006 attest to his dedication and commitment to the peoples’ welfare, and moreso, to their empowerment to stand up, speak out and act for the common good. Upon the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, he was one of the leaders who orchestrated GO-NGO cooperation to help bring back Pampanga to its feet. He spearheaded the establishment of the Pampanga Association of NGOs (PAMPANGO) in 1993 and helped found the Talete Panyulung Kapampangan (TPKI) which has been championing ecumenism and micro-enterprise for the last 20 years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Social Action Center of Pampanga, the social service arm of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. He currently sits as member of the Board of Directors of the Inocencio Magtoto Memorial Foundation, Inc. (IMMFI) which has been involved in the promotion and protection of the welfare of children with disabilities for the past sixteen years.

FR. ED PANLILIO, the Dedicated and Well-Loved Priest and Pastor

Fr. Ed Panlilio lives a simple life, born out of respect and understanding of the plight of the marginalized and neglected in Kapampangan society. As a priest, he has been guided by the mission to “reflect the love of God and witness the character, personality and qualities of Jesus to help the people who have been entrusted to his care, especially the needy”.

The call to a priestly ministry came early on while the young Ed was in his teens. After finishing elementary at the Minalin Central Elementary School, he opted to enrol at the Don Bosco Academy as a sophomore after spending a year as a freshman at the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT). His exposure to seminarians in the religious-run school could have motivated him to join them as an aspirant. It was not a smooth and steady climb to the priesthood. He was in and out of various seminaries as he went through a long discernment process. There was no turning back after he made the decision to pursue a priestly vocation; he was finally ordained priest in December 13, 1981 (after finishing his Theology Studies at the St. Augustine Major Seminary). In December 2005, the Archdiocese of San Fernando joined Fr. Ed in celebrating the silver anniversary of his sacerdotal ordination.

Fr. Ed’s priestly assignments include the following: Parish Vicar, St. Joseph’s Parish, Floridablanca (1981); Parish Priest, Parish of San Isidro, Camba, Arayat (1981); Secretary of the Archbishop (1982); Parish Priest, Parish of San Agustin, Caingin, Masantol (1983); Director of the Social Action Center of Pampanga (1984); Parish Priest, Parish of Sto. Tomas (1985); Director of the Theology Department, Mother of Good Counsel Seminary (1989); Parish Priest, Parish of Santiago Apostol, Betis, Guagua (1999).

FR. ED PANLILIO, the Charismatic Leader

To many who have had the chance to work with him, Fr. Ed is the charismatic leader who leads by example and journeys with the people in their everyday struggles. Widely known to be consultative, he takes the time to listen to the peoples’ views and opinions while remaining firm and decisive in his stand on issues and concerns. Fr. Ed is a firm believer of:

Leadership with conscience, anchored on moral values and peoples’ participation towards sustainable and integrated development of the Province of Pampanga

Leadership with conscience

listening and consultative but decisive
transparent and open to scrutiny
leading by example
simple lifestyle
no to graft and corrupt practices
no to illegal quarrying
no to illegal gambling
no to drug abuse

Peoples’ empowerment and participation

administration that works as a team
greater participation from various sectors in addressing the whole range of issues affecting Kapampangan society
equal opportunities for growth among the people, regardless of ethnicity, gender and religion
reactivation of the Provincial Development Council and operationalization of its plan

Sustainable and integrated development

pro-people and pro-life
pro-ecology
consultation-based provincial agenda
alignment of agenda with the province’s vision and mission

Source here.

Presidentiable MANNY VILLAR

2009-06-01T23:34:00.001-07:00

Manny Villar was born to humble beginnings in Moriones, Tondo, Manila. His father, Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr., hailed from Cabatuan, Iloilo and his mother Curita Bamba came from Orani, Bataan.

At an early age, he helped his mother sell seafood at the Divisoria market in order to support his siblings and himself to school. With the burning desire for a better future and strong determination to improve his family’s lives, Manny finished his studies at the University of the Philippines (UP) where he earned his Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in Business Administration. He started his professional career as an accountant and financial analyst for prominent corporations before venturing into his own business.

Armed with an initial capital of only P10,000 and a solid determination to succeed, Manny went on to establish the largest homebuilding company in the country today.

Manny Villar received several awards including the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1986, Agora Award for Marketing Management in 1989, Most Outstanding CPA by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 1990, and Most Outstanding UP Alumnus in 1991. In 2004, Manny Villar was named the Most Distinguished Alumnus—the highest recognition given by the University of the Philippines — for his exemplary public service and achievements.

In 1992, he entered politics and was elected Congressman of Las Pinas and Muntinlupa for three terms in a row, consistently posting landslide victories. In 1998, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He was elected Senator of the Republic in the year 2001. In July 2006, with the staunch support of a majority of his colleagues, he assumed the Senate Presidency during the third regular session of the 13th Congress. He has previously held the position of Senate President Pro-tempore and the chairmanship of the Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Public Order, and Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries.

Manny Villar is the first post-war public official who became both Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President.

He is the President of the Nacionalista Party—the country’s grandest political party.

Manny Villar dreams to help and inspire Filipinos to fulfill their dreams thru hard work and determination (Sipag at Tiyaga) – the same values that helped him conquer poverty and succeed in life.

Source here.

Presidentiable LOREN LEGARDA

2009-06-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

LOREN BAUTISTA LEGARDA is the only daughter of Antonio Cabrera Legarda of San Pablo, Laguna and Manila, and the late Bessie Gella Bautista of Antique and Malabon. She is the granddaughter of one of the late pillars of Philippine journalism, Jose P. Bautista, editor-in-chief of the pre-Martial Law Manila Times.

EDUCATION. An achiever all her life, Loren completed her primary and secondary schooling at the Assumption with honors. She obtained a degree in broadcast communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines, the country’s premier university. While working as a journalist, Loren pursued further studies at the National Defense College of the Philippines, where she obtained a degree in national security administration and graduated at the top of her class, receiving gold medals for both Academic Excellence and Best Thesis. Loren is now a reserve officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

STATEWOMEN. Loren is the only woman in history who has topped the Senate race twice, once in 1998 with over 15 million votes and in 2007 with over 18 million votes. Loren made history when she was voted by her peers as majority leader the first woman to occupy the prestigious post.

LEGISLATOR. During her six-years term as senator, Loren authored and co-authored 291 bills and proposed 124 resolutions, which was quite a record for a non-lawyer. Thirteen of her bills were enacted into law, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, while 41 of her resolutions were adopted by the chamber.

Loren’s dedication as a legislator brought forth the passage of many laws of national significance, including the Clean Air Act, the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act, the law increasing the base pay and benefits of AFP officers and enlisted personnel, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, the Anti-Smoking Law, the Anti-Child Labor Law, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law, the Anti-Domestic Violence Act, the Tropical Fabric Law, and a law declaring Eid Ul Fitre (an Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan) a national holiday. She was bestowed the title of Bai alibi (Honorary Muslim Princess) by the Marawi Sultanate league for her outstanding work for the cause of Muslims.

For her outstanding record as a legislator, Loren was recognized not only locally but also internationally. The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, named her as one of the Global Leaders for Tomorrow (GLTs) for the year 2000. In 2001, she was awarded by the United Nationals Environmental Program (UNEP) in Turin, Italy, for her significant contributions for the protection of the environment.

PEACEMAKER. Loren has been a crusader for national unity and social justice. She has earned praise for her tireless work as a peace broker and for her effort to bring warring factions to talk peace through formal negotiations. She played a crucial role in the safe and expeditious release of military and police officers and men who were held captive by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

CITIZEN AND CIVIC LEADER. Loren is well known for her advocacies and civic undertakings in various fields encapsulated in the initials L.O.R.E.N. The acronym stands for Law and Order, Rights of Women, Youth and Children, Education, Environment and Employment; and Nationalism.

Loren’s biggest project in the environmental field is the Luntiang Pilipinas (Greening of the Philippines) Foundation, which she has founded. In partnership with other organizations, Luntiang Pilipinas has planted over two million trees. As a UNEP laureate, Loren is part of a global network of environmentalists assisting the UN organization in caring for the Earth’s resources.

To improve access to education in the rural areas, Loren organized the Libro ni Loren Foundation, providing textbooks and other reading materials as well as scholarships to underprivileged children. She founded the Bessie Legarda Memorial Foundation which helps indigent breast cancer victims.

Source here.

Presidentiable FRANCIS PANGILINAN

2009-06-01T23:24:00.000-07:00

Senator Kiko Pangilinan proved his mettle by championing the cause of the judiciary. He belongs to a breed of new legislators who possess vibrancy in spirit, dedication to work, and passion for the voiceless segments of Philippine society. He is acknowledged as one of the most hardworking and most productive senators in the country today. He filed the most number of committee reports during the 12th Congress. In fact, one-third of the total number of committee reports was chalked by Kiko. Such feat and exemplary performance earned the respect and trust of his colleagues in the Senate that they elected him majority leader of the 12th Congress and is the youngest to become Senate majority leader since 1937. Prior to becoming the Senate Majority Leader, Kiko served as Chairman of the Senate Committees on Justice and Human Rights, Housing and Urban Planning, Education, and the Ethics and Public Accountability.

EARLY BEGINNINGS

Kiko was a student-activist during his college years. He was president of the UP Student Council and the first UP Board of Regent student-member with voting power. He earned his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of the Philippines. He also taught Law at the Ateneo de Manila University for 7 years. In 1997, Kiko pursued his Masters in Public Administration at the Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is also a staunch human rights advocate. His crusade started during the early years of his law profession when he worked as a collaborating lawyer with the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and handled pro-bono cases, up to the time he joined the pool of top-notch broadcast journalists of the country in ABS-CBN. For almost a decade, Kiko was also a well-respected broadcast journalist. GOOD GOVERNANCEPresently, Sen. Kiko is the former Chairman of the Liberal Party-Philippines – the longest running political party in the country with 60 years of history and tradition. He believes that strengthening the country’s “partyness” in government will usher the country along with all its political institutions towards a more competitive economy and further promote responsible and responsive lawmaking.

ADVOCATING JUSTICE

He is also the principal author and sponsor of the Juvenile Justice Act, which protects children in conflict with the law from being incarcerated along with adult criminals. Sen. Kiko is likewise the principal sponsor and author of the new UP Charter, which amended the century-old charter of the country’s premier university to boost its competitiveness, and the Judiciary Compensation and Modernization Act, which doubled the pay and other benefits of judges and justices thereby addressing the issue of huge vacancy rate in many courts. Today, there has been an unprecedented rise of as much as 1000 to 1500 per cent increase in applications to judgeship positions in many areas nationwide. He is also author of the law which doubled the pay of the National Prosecution Office and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Law. He also authored the law which amended the Balik-Turo Program thereby addressing the problem of shortage of teachers. He is also credited for the passage of laws which created new local courts in San Pablo City, (RA 9252), Tagbilaran City (RA 9309), Eastern Samar Province (RA 9307) and Roxas City (RA 9274). Kiko was also actively involved in the passage of The Citizenship Retention Act of 2003, The Filipino Overseas Absentee-Voting Act and the Anti-Piracy Law. Kiko’s most recent contribution to Philippine legislation is the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which addresses the plight of thousands of children incarcerated along with adult criminals. The said law institutes a comprehensive juvenile justice system that places children in conflict with the law under diversion programs instead of placing them behind bars.

TAKING CARE OF OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE

In May 2007, Sen. Kiko was reelected with a new mandate and ranked among the top 5. He is the only Independent Senatorial Candidate that won while being an incumbent Senator. He is indeed a public servant that proved that principles can win over popularity and patronage. KUMILOS KASAMA NI KIKO Despite the hectic schedule, Sen. Kiko still manages to take part in civic-oriented organizations, and continues to visit various project sites and touch base with his constituents. Kiko is passionate about strengthening the Filipino family, empowering the youth, revitalizing the judicial system, promoting respect for human rights and working for an accountable and responsive government. From student leader to senator, his vision of a new leadership has not wavered and he continues to encourage Filipinos to be active, to take a stand and participate, and to inspire them, so that they too can lead and work towards a better Philippines.

Source here.

Presidentiable FRANCIS ESCUDERO

2009-06-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Francis Joseph Guevara Escudero or Chiz began his political career at the young age of 28 in the year 1998 where he served as three-term Representative of the 1st District of Sorsogon. During his terms, he served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the 11th Congress and House Minority Floor Leader in the 13th Congress.

As an elected Senator in 2007, he earned the second highest number of votes. At the Senate, he heads the Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Constitutional Amendments Revision of Codes and Laws. He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Local Government and Senate Representative to the Judicial and Bar Council.

He was educated at the University of the Philippines all the way from primary to law school. He continued his education on a full scholarship grant at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., earning a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Law.

In 2005, he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) in recognition of his selfless dedication as a youth leader which has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of his countrymen as well as to the advancement of his field of endeavor.

In December last year, he was the only Filipino named in Asian News Networks’ Asia’s Idols. The award focused on those that did not only achieve something exemplary that year but are seen to change and shape their country’s and the region’s future.

Just this year, he was honored by the prestigious organization of global decision-makers, The World Economic Forum as one of the world’s Young Global Leaders of 2008. This honor is bestowed each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top 200-300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Recently, he was cited as a 2008 Anak TV Awardee for being one of Anak TV Seal’s Ten Most Admired TV Personalities.

Married to Christine Elizabeth R. Flores, they are blessed with their first-born, twins Maria Cecilia and Joaquin Cruz.

OTHER AWARDS

2008 Anak TV Seal's Ten Most Admired TV Personalities
2008, Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum
2007, Asia’s Idol, Asia News Network
2005 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardee in Youth Leadership
Gawad Papuri Awardee, April 2002
Outstanding Congressman of the Year (Philippine Youth Association for Public Affairs, Inc.) February 2002
Most Outstanding Congressman of the 1st Session of the 12th Congress (League of the Press Association of the Philippines) May 2002
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2002
Legislator of the Year (Philippine Media Research and Progress Report, Inc.), Sept. 2000
Top Congressman (Pillars of the New Republic) 1999, 2000, 2001
One of the Outstanding Solons of the 12th Congress (Public Eye Magazine) 2001
Leaders of the 12th Congress (Pillars of the New Republic) 2001 & 2002
Most Outstanding Solon (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.), 1998, 1999, 2000
Outstanding Public Servant of the Year (National Media Statistics Research News Publication), Aug. 2000
Exceptional Young Achievers (Development of Filipino Writers, Inc.) June 2000
Grand Advocate of Press Freedom (League of Press Associations of the Philippines.) Nov. 1999
Youth Achiever in the Government Sector (Development of the Filipino Youth) June 1999
9th KBP Golden Dove Awardee, Best Public Affairs Program 2000, "Magandang Umaga, Bayan," Angel Radio, DZAR 1026AM

Source here.

Presidentiable PANFILO LACSON

2009-06-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Filipinos came to know him for his sterling and "no non-sense" leadership as Chief of the Philippine National Police.

As chief policymaker of the police organization, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson was responsible for the serious reforms in the PNP that had won the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors and the cooperation of the general public when he initiated closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, here and abroad, in the fight against narcotics trafficking through supply constriction and demand reduction.

All of these were accomplished to bring back the old glory of the policeman.

The Filipino people rewarded Senator Lacson with a Senate seat in the May 2001 elections for his sterling performance as a public servant.

Born out of humble beginnings on June 1, 1948, in Imus, Cavite, Senator Lacson finished grade school at the Bayang Luma Elementary School and high school at the Imus Institute. Before he entered the PMA in 1967, he took up AB Philosophy at the Lyceum.

He carried the family name with pride and grew up to be a man of principles. His fascination with principles became more deeply embedded when he entered the PMA. He nourished these principles at the Philippine Constabulary, which he joined after graduating from the PMA.

He then joined the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force in 1986, and in 1988, be became the provincial commander of Isabela until 1989. That same year, he became provincial director of Laguna and held the post until July 1992.

As a legislator, Senator Lacson has learned fast and with certainty to carry the broad struggle of the Filipinos by heart. As a public servant, he has faithfully observed a personal credo - What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.

He primarily authored the Anti-Money Laundering Control Act of 2001, the Alternative Youth Training Course, an optional program for college students, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2001.

To date, Senator Lacson is working on legislation to fight the problem of terrorism through the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill and to alleviate the condition of various sectors of society including students, contractual workers, barangay tanods, police, military and fire protection personnel.

Source here.

Presidentiable MIRIAM SANTIAGO

2009-05-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

Youth

Dr. Miriam Defensor Santiago is a charismatic Philippine icon, idolized by all young people throughout the country for her intellectual brilliance, fiery eloquence, and moral courage. Millions of Filipinos believe that she won as president but was cheated in 1992, when she ran as a wildly popular independent candidate. She has triumphed against attempts on her life, political persecution, electoral fraud, and black propaganda, to become a role model for her millions of fans.

Dr. Santiago brought honor to the Philippines, when she was named recipient of the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, known as the Magsaysay Award, for government service. She was cited “for bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency,” referring to her courageous work as immigration commissioner. Her spectacular crusade against corruption and criminality catapulted her to the status of cult figure among the Filipino youth.

Dr. Santiago was named one of “The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World” in 1996, by The Australian magazine on its website. She is listed in the United Nations roster of eminent and highly qualified experts in international law.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Dr. Santiago has a record of academic excellence. She earned the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, and Bachelor of Laws, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines (U.P.); Master of Laws, and Doctor of the Science of Law, from the University of Michigan, where she was a Barbour Scholar and Dewitt Fellow. She is a candidate for the degree, Master of Arts in Religious Studies, at the Maryhill School of Theology.

She has done postdoctoral studies in over a dozen countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. She has studied at, among others, Oxford University, Cambridge University, Harvard University, University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, and the Academy of Public International Law at The Hague, Netherlands. She holds honorary doctorates from Philippine universities.

Dr. Santiago was class valedictorian and campus editor at all levels – elementary, high school, and college. She won as champion of a high school spelling contest, when she was only a freshman student. Despite a three-month bout with illness, she finished her bachelor’s degree at U.P. after only three and a half instead of four years, with a near-perfect average grade in the last semester of 1.1. She finished her law doctorate after only six months, with an average grade of “A.” She finished the academic requirements for her master’s degree in theology, with an average grade of 1.25.

She made history in U.P. when she became the first female editor-in-chief of the venerable student newspaper The Philippine Collegian, thus shattering a 50-year-old record of male dominance. She was also the first female to win the Best Debater Award in law school. She held a campus beauty title twice, as U.P ROTC corps sponsor. She was twice recipient of the Vinzons Achievement Award for excellence in leadership, and the Rotary Award for most outstanding graduate. She won first place in oratorical and literary contests.

PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Dr. Santiago’s record of academic excellence is matched by her record of professional excellence. Media have called her the most awarded Filipino public official today.

At a relatively young age, she has held ranking positions in all three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial. She has been presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court at Quezon City; immigration commissioner; and a cabinet member, as agrarian reform secretary. She has also been legal officer of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; and a consultant of the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. She was elected senator in 1995, and in 2004.

She was a U.P. law professor, and many of her former students are now high-ranking public officials. She is considered the leading expert of her generation in constitutional law and in international law. She has authored some 30 books, including the best-selling college textbook, Politics and Governance; and the textbook International Relations. Her 4-volume series on Philosophy was recently released. She has also been a popular newspaper columnist.

In addition to the Magsaysay Award, Dr. Santiago has been honored with over a hundred prestigious awards for excellence in public service. Her awards include: TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) of the Jaycees; TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) of the Lions; Gold Vision Triangle Award of the YMCA; Golden Jubilee Achievement Award of the Girl Scouts; and Republic Anniversary Award of the Civic Assembly of Women of the Philippines.

U.P. gave her the Outstanding Law Alumna Award, and the Portia Diamond Award. She also received the Public Service Award from the Metro Manila bishops, as well as the Woman of the Year Award from the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines. She was recipient of the Public Servant of the Year Award from the Council of Evangelical Churches of the Philippines.

MIRIAM MAGIC

For her moral courage in fighting the culture of corruption and in defending the rule of law, she has been acclaimed not only by the local, but also by the foreign press worldwide. When she was a college student, one magazine already dubbed her “super girl at the state university.” Her face has graced dozens of magazine covers, including Newsweek. She has been called the incorruptible lady, the platinum lady, the tiger lady, the dragon lady, the iron lady of Asia, the queen of popularity polls, and the undisputed campus heroine. But to her millions of fans, she is best known for the unique brand of charismatic leadership that media likes to call “Miriam magic.”

Behind the public persona lies a combination of hard work and calculated aggression. Hers might be a lonely voice insisting on the politics of conviction. But her millions of fans continue to expect that someday soon, people like her will at last triumph over the politics of money, and the politics of opportunism. Whatever the result might be in the future, in our country today, there is only one person associated in the public mind with a combination of the rare virtues of academic excellence, moral passion, and burning integrity – Dr. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Source: http://www.miriam.com.ph/

Presidentiable ERAP ESTRADA

2009-05-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, A Biography

His Excellency

JOSEPH MARCELO EJERCITO ESTRADA

President, Republic of the Philippines

Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada was born on April 19, 1937, in Tondo, Manila. His parents, Engr. Emilio Ejercito and Maria Marcelo, moved to San Juan where he grew up and where he continues to reside to this day. His primary education was obtained at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University. He later took up an Engineering course at the Mapua Institute of Technology.

In his early twenties, he became a movie actor by accident but later proved himself to be an accomplished thespian, starring in a string of well-received films that earned him the title of a living legend in local filmdom. More popularly known as Erap, he is a five-time Best Actor awardee – a feat he repeated by winning the Best Picture award an equal number of times. This earned him a rare place in the FAMAS Hall of Fame in 1981 and 1984, respectively.

He entered politics in 1967, was elected and re-elected mayor of the Municipality (now City) of San Juan which he served with dedication and distinction for more than 16 continuous years. Unfortunately, he was one of hundreds of local officials who were asked to step down in the aftermath of the 1986 EDSA revolution. When he left his post, the San Juan Municipal treasury registered P24-million in savings.

In 1972, he was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public Administration by the Philippine Jaycees. He was also voted Outstanding Mayor and foremost Nationalist by the Inter-Provincial Information Service in 1971 and awarded the coveted title, “Most Outstanding Metro Manila Mayor,” the following year by the Philippine Princeton Poll.

His administration of San Juan was marked by unequaled accomplishments in infrastructure development. These included the establishment of the first san Juan Municipal High School, the Agora complex, a modern slaughterhouse, a sprawling Government Center with a post Office, a mini-park and the concreting of 98 percent of San Juan’s roads and alleys.

As mayor, he paid particular attention to the elementary education of school-age children by improving and renovating school buildings and constructing additional school structures, health centers, barangay halls and playgrounds in all the barangays and providing artesian wells to areas with low

water supply. He relocated some 1,800 squatter families out of San Juan to Taytay, Rizal, at no cost to the affected families. He was also the first mayor to computerize assessment of the Real Estate Tax in the Municipal Assessor’s Office.

For the movie industry, he established the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), Inc. which has now become a robust organization that provides industry workers with financial and professional assistance. His efforts to upgrade and professionalize the film industry have resulted in substantial benefits to all movie personnel, from directors and actors down to the lowest crewmen.

He is the Founder and President of the ERAP Para sa Mahirap Foundation, a foundation that offers scholarship assistance to poor but deserving college students. Through the foundation’s educational grants, more than a thousand students have since earned a college degree.

He also established the San Juan Progress Foundation, the San Juan Police and Fire Trust Fund and the Friends of Joseph Estrada, which offers free burial assistance for the poor folks of San Juan.

In 1987, he set his sights on a Senate run and handily garnered a seat. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Public Works. He was Vice-Chairman of the Committees on Health, Natural Resources and Ecology and Urban Planning.

In the Senate, Joseph Ejercito Estrada was credited with the passage of, among other major pieces of legislation, the bills on irrigation project and the protection and propagation of carabaos, the beast of burden in the rural areas.

As a senator, he was one of the so-called “Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate the RP-US Military Bases Agreement leading to the withdrawal of American servicemen from the Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the Subic Naval Base in Zambales.

In 1989, the Free Press cited him as one of the Three Outstanding Senators of the Year. He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the Bicol University in April 1997, and the University of Pangasinan in 1990.

Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who won as Vice-President in 1992 under a mixed ticket, was also designated as Presidential Adviser on Crime Prevention and Law

Enforcement with a Cabinet rank and served concurrently as Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC). AS PACC chairman, he was a member of the National Security Council.

The notable accomplishments of the PACC against kidnappers and bank robbers, together with “hoodlums in uniform,” “hoodlums in robes” and illegal recruiters, earned for Chairman Estrada a performance rating of 85 percent in public opinion polls.

He funded the Philippine Drug Abuse Resistance Education (PhilDARE) Program on August 24, 1993, to address the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth.

His role in establishing peace and order, however, was cut short by the issuance of Executive Order No. 221 in January 1995, which clipped the PACC’s operational control over its task forces. He resigned as PACC chairman on June 4, 1997.

He reached the pinnacle of his political career when he was elected President of the Republic in the May 11, 1998 national elections. With almost 11-million Filipinos writing his name on the ballot, his margin of victory was the biggest ever registered in Philippine electoral history.

Speaking before millions gathered at his inaugural address in Manila, the newly-elected chief executive said his presidency would serve the Filipino masses whose welfare had long been neglected. A line from his speech, “Walang kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang kamag-anak,” was a stern warning against anyone who would attempt to undermine his administration with influence-peddling.

Determined to bring his pro-poor platform to every facet of the government’s operations, he immediately ordered the removal of all sovereign guarantees on contracts for public projects which would require the sovereign Filipino people to assume the financial losses of private companies doing business with the government. Records will show that until January 20, 2001, he did not sign a single government contract with a sovereign guarantee.

Committed to cleaning the bureaucracy of undesirable elements, he ordered the immediate relief of corrupt officials in the military and police hierarchy. He ordered a wide-ranging investigation of all government contracts entered into by the previous administration to ensure these were above-board and directly advantageous to the citizenry.

He ordered the investigation of suspected big-time tax evaders even if some of these individuals had contributed to his presidential campaign.

His pro-poor program of government bore fruit in less than two years, with a significant improvement in the country’s peace and order situation. This likewise elicited a proportionate rise in the approval rating of the Philippine National Police.

The Estrada administration undertook an aggressive housing program on a national basis, targeting low-cost homes for the poor.

Agriculture received greater priority, while the national government likewise took steps to bring down the cost of medicine.

Foreign investments grew exponentially, benefiting greatly from the unsullied and esteemed reputation of the best and the brightest chosen to be part of his Cabinet, and even more from his reputation as a strongly nationalistic yet progressive president.

Tragically, a cabal of disgruntled businessmen dissatisfied with his pro-poor stance joined forces with elitist members of civil society and a number of high-ranking Catholic priests to put in motion a movement to steal his presidency by first destroying his reputation and employing a false witness with a dubious character and shadowy background to spearhead this.

The Senate impeachment trial, a constitutional process initiated to determine the truth behind the allegations of corruption hurled by the false witness, ended abruptly in mid-January 2001 when prosecutors staged a walk-out after senators voted against the opening of a document which had no bearing whatsoever on the cases filed before the tribunal.

With the second highest official of the land and her husband working secretly with this group and courting the military sector’s support, things came to a head on the 20^th of January 2001 with the leave of absence filed by Joseph Estrada and his temporary departure from Malacanang.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the legality of the Macapagal-Arroyo presidency, he was arrested at his San Juan home in the afternoon of April 25, 2001 on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the Sandiganbayan for the crime of plunder filed by his political enemies.

The painfully humiliating nature of his arrest sparked massive indignation from his millions of supporters, many of whom converged at the EDSA Shrine to demand his release and reinstatement. On the eve of May 1, 2001, a fraction of the estimated three-million who gathered in EDSA marched to Malacanang to bring their case before Mrs. Arroyo but were met with brutal police and military force.

A long-drawn out trial before the Sandiganbayan special division gave his defense panel the opportunity to map out in unequivocal terms the inconsistencies and impossibilities inherent in the plunder charges filed against him, primarily on the strength of the false witness’s testimony.

In candid moments, however, he acknowledged the improbability of obtaining a fair verdict from a “kangaroo court” which was widely believed to have been created for the sole purpose of ensuring his conviction.

His incarceration continued for more than six years, with only his place of detention changing: the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Camp Capinpin in Tanay, and finally at his Tanay rest house where he remained until he was freed in October 25, 2007 on the strength of an unconditional pardon.

Today, Joseph Estrada – the private citizen – spends most of his hours making up for lost time by visiting urban poor neighborhoods in what he calls a “Lakbay Pasasalamat” (thanksgiving caravan) to thank residents for their unstinting support for him despite being away for so long.

From June to July of 2008, Estrada’s civic calendar had him bringing humanitarian and relief missions to several provinces severely affected by torrential rains and floods spawned by typhoon Frank. Together with well-meaning friends and associates, Estrada toured devastated barangays and communities in the Panay peninsula – including Iloilo, Aklan, and more recently Romblon – to distribute relief packs of rice, medicines, and canned goods. His visits included meetings with local officials to determine how best to assist these communities in the long-haul goal of rising from the ruins.

He is likewise picking up where his other pro-poor programs and anti-hunger advocacies left off, calling for greater public support for initiatives that can uplift the lives of millions of Filipinos living in sub-human conditions, at a time when successive fuel price increases and the rice price crisis threaten their survival.

Known to many as Erap, he is married to former Senator Dr. Luisa Pimentel by whom he has three children, namely Jinggoy, who is now a senator of the realm, Jacqueline and Jude.

Source: http://erap.ph/

Presidentiable MAR ROXAS

2009-05-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Mar Roxas was elected into the Senate in 2004 with approximately 20 million votes, the most obtained by a candidate in any Philippine election. Armed with this mandate, he forged on with advocacies championed since his days as a Congressman of the first district of Capiz and later on as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Well-known as “Mr. Palengke,” Mar has been at the forefront of issues extending beyond consumer protection and empowerment. Long before he became Senator, he worked quietly to push forward the people’s agenda on quality education, livelihood opportunities through small and medium enterprises, health care, and transparency and accountability in government.

Mar made his mark in the House of Representatives where, against pressure from different interests, particularly multinational drug companies, he fought for the right of every Filipino to quality affordable medicines, a personal advocacy adopted since the death of his brother from a lingering illness at the young age of 32.

This crusade was founded on the Presyong Tama, Gamot Pampamilya program, launched during his tenure as Trade and Industry Secretary, which benefited millions of Filipinos direly in need of effective, low-cost medicines. In the Senate, the crusade continued with Mar’s authorship of Republic Act No. 9502, or the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, signed into law in June 7, 2008.

Mar is now fighting for the proper implementation of the law, and considers the Senate’s approval of a P1-billion budget in 2009 for the parallel importation of cheap medicines in 2009 as an important step in that direction.

Mar chairs the Senate Committees on Trade and Industry, and Education, which sustain his passion to keep the economy and young people’s minds, both robust and competitive. He is also co-chair of the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Electronic Commerce Law.

His heart goes out to consumers who are shortchanged into buying substandard products. He led official probes aimed at strengthening the Consumer Code of the Philippines, the enforcement of proper labeling of goods containing genetically-modified organisms, and stronger safeguards against pyramiding and other similar scams.

When the pre-need industry succumbed to a mismanagement-spawned financial crisis that threatened to wipe out the hard-earned investments of hundreds of thousands of consumers, Mar filed the Pre-Need Act of 2005 to improve and strengthen industry regulation and safeguard consumer interest. His leadership continues to provide to provide a sense of security and hope to pre-need plan holders.

Mar has also been a staunch advocate of information and communications technology as a tool for national progress. Hailed as the “Father of the Call Center and Business Process Outsourcing Industries,” he recognized and cultivated the potential of the Philippines as a global e-services hub.

As trade and industry secretary, he launched the “Make IT Philippines” project and organized the first IT-enabled services (ITES) road show to the US, which drew the biggest global industry names to invest in the country, creating thousands of jobs for Filipino workers.

Mar also implemented the “PCs for Public Schools” project to provide wider IT access to students and educators. To date, the program has distributed over 30,000 computers to over 2,000 public schools nationwide, providing hands-on computer training to half a million students yearly.

Mar also authored the Omnibus Education Reform Bill, which seeks to strengthen the Philippine education system through interventions on the quality of teachers, the medium of instruction, and the evaluation of students’ aptitude, among others. Recognizing that the problem cannot be fixed overnight, he has called for a ten-year strategic educational reform agenda that would address the ills of the system and nurse it back to full health.

As the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Mar has vowed to pursue these wide-ranging reforms in the education system to address a steady decline in the quality of graduates and improve Filipinos’ ability to improve their lives.

In times of economic hardship, Mar has always acted with the interest of the people in mind. He has fought to “put the money back in people’s pockets,” as reflected in his stand on the suspension of the VAT on oil and the passage of his Law Exempting Minimum Wage Earners from Income Tax.

Following the global financial meltdown that has caused more than a million job losses in the United States alone, Mar has called for the realignment of the national budget in the face of the global financial crisis, believing that the 2009 budget drafted under “normalcy” assumptions times is not responsive to the socioeconomic challenges of the looming crisis situation.

Mar has consistently pushed a paradigm shift in policy-making by rejecting the practice of incrementalism, which has resulted in “doing a little bit of everything to please everyone.” This mentality, he says, has caused gridlock in our political system, thus putting the country in stasis.

“Political will,” he has always believed, “is the discipline to say no.”

For Mar, the exercise of public leadership demands accountability and transparency. These ideals anchored his stand against the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Arroyo Administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional, and in battling corruption in government such as the NBN-ZTE broadband deal, the P728-million fertilizer fund scam and the Euro General issue.

With the competence, vision, and passion to renew the social contract; armed with the legacy of his forebears; and with his heart in its right place, Mar has carved his own path as a national leader, one with a sense of mission and the courage of conviction to act on the most pressing issues that keep the Filipino people imprisoned in poverty and uncertainty.

Source: http://www.marroxas.com/new/index.php?content=about