Former president Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada will not back out from the presidential race, dashing hopes that there will be a common opposition candidate for the 2010 elections.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada told reporters that his father will stand pat on his plans to join the presidential derby, sending signals that alleged fresh attempts between his father and another opposition contender, Sen. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, to unify the opposition have gone kaput.
Aquino and the former president had a dialogue brokered by former trade secretary Jose ‘Titoy’ Pardo, a cabinet member under Estrada’s short-lived administration. One of those present at the meeting was Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.
Both presidential wannabes chose to keep mum on the outcome of the meeting, though the younger Estrada said that the two presidential contenders will issue a joint statement soon to show a unified stand against election fraud and the administration.
Sen. Estrada stressed, however, that there will be no expected declaration on a single opposition contender.
Telltale signs
Senate president and noted Estrada ally Juan Ponce Enrile, says the sitdown was doomed from the very start if its aim is to unify the opposition.
Enrile, chairman emeritus of Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), said that Estrada is poised to join the race. “Erap has already stated in Pangasinan that he is 99.9 percent sure of running,” he said.
The older Estrada remains a force to reckon with, staying put at 2nd place in recent presidential surveys.
Estrada rose to the number 2 position in the latest Pulse Asia presidential poll last August with a rating of 19 percent, meaning around one of five Filipinos preferred him to be Arroyo's successor. Estrada at that time trailed behind Nacionalista Party's Manuel Villar, who topped the poll with 25 percent.
Aquino, who joined the presidential race after the death of his mother—former President Corazon Aquino—in early August renewed the much-vaunted yellow fever among Filipinos, was not yet considered as contender for the presidency in any of the previous polls.
However, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in early September among vote-rich areas in Luzon placed Aquino at the lead among presidential aspirants.
In the SWS survey, Aquino was favored by almost 50 percent of respondents from Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Region 3 and Region 4A, an area that covers an estimated 40 percent of registered voters.
Estrada came in second with 13 percent in a virtual tie with Villar, Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and vice president Noli de Castro.
The new survey dashed the plans of erstwhile presidential aspirant Manuel Roxas, who decided to back out of the presidential race and back Aquino instead as standard bearer of the Liberal Party for the May 2010 polls.
Enrile said that these are all indicators that no one will withdraw from the race.
source: ABS-CBNnews.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Legarda mulls against running in 2010
After seeing the destruction caused by tropical storm "Ondoy," Senator Loren Legarda is now thinking of not joining the 2010 elections.
Legarda is said to be eyeing either the presidential or vice presidential post next year.
"Maybe it would be better not to be a candidate, right? Maybe it’s better not to run and whatever you will spend, just use this for humanitarian help. Maybe it’s better not to run,” she told reporters in Filipino at the Senate on Monday.
"Hindi talaga [Really]. You realize, I think that politics and campaigning gets in the way of governance. Nagiging balakid ang pangangampanya sa maayos na pamamalakad ng ating pamahalaan at pagtulong sa mahirap e [Campaigning has become an obstacle to the systematic administration of our government and in helping the poor]," she said.
Instead of campaigning and spending money for advertisements and other campaign materials, Legarda said she would rather help those in need.
And one does not have to be in power, she said, to help the poor.
"I don't need to be famous anymore because I'm already famous. I don't need to prove anything anymore...because really, what I wan to do is humanitarian help," she said.
Legarda said it was "unconscionable" for politicians like her to campaign while many people, like the victims of "Ondoy," were crying for help.
"You known in such a poor country that is disaster-stricken, it's so unconscionable to be spending so much on campaign and politics," she further said.
source: Inquirer.net
Legarda is said to be eyeing either the presidential or vice presidential post next year.
"Maybe it would be better not to be a candidate, right? Maybe it’s better not to run and whatever you will spend, just use this for humanitarian help. Maybe it’s better not to run,” she told reporters in Filipino at the Senate on Monday.
"Hindi talaga [Really]. You realize, I think that politics and campaigning gets in the way of governance. Nagiging balakid ang pangangampanya sa maayos na pamamalakad ng ating pamahalaan at pagtulong sa mahirap e [Campaigning has become an obstacle to the systematic administration of our government and in helping the poor]," she said.
Instead of campaigning and spending money for advertisements and other campaign materials, Legarda said she would rather help those in need.
And one does not have to be in power, she said, to help the poor.
"I don't need to be famous anymore because I'm already famous. I don't need to prove anything anymore...because really, what I wan to do is humanitarian help," she said.
Legarda said it was "unconscionable" for politicians like her to campaign while many people, like the victims of "Ondoy," were crying for help.
"You known in such a poor country that is disaster-stricken, it's so unconscionable to be spending so much on campaign and politics," she further said.
source: Inquirer.net
Aquino, Estrada meet over 2010 polls
The meeting between former president Joseph Estrada and Senator Benigno “Noynoy’ Aquino III finally pushed through Sunday night in an attempt to come up with a common candidate in the 2010 presidential race as the “best scenario.”
Aquino said the meeting, held in an undisclosed house in Metro Manila, was also attended by his sisters – Ballsy, Pinky and Kris, and Estrada’s son, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and the host, whom he did not also identify.
There was discussion on the issue of who should give up their presidential bid but the senator refused to elaborate.
Aquino has formally declared his presidential bid while the former leader publicly expressed his desire to return to power.
“That’s a detail that I’m not at liberty to discuss,” Aquino said, describing the atmosphere of the meeting as a “very, very light,” and “very productive.”
He admitted, however, that there was initial discussion of having common candidates in all slots.
“Yung best case scenario siyempre magkaroon kayo ng [The best case scenario of course is for you to have] common candidate in all slots,” he said. “Mag yu-unite nga kami to one candidate, may mag gi-give way as a best scenario [We will unite with one candidate, someone will give way as a best scenario].”
Uniting the opposition, Aquino said, was “not that essential” as he expressed confidence that the opposition would win the presidency next year even if it would field four candidates.
Other potential candidates from the opposition aside from Aquino and Estrada were Senators Manny Villar and Francis “Chiz’ Escudero.
“Yung [The] emphasis on the opposition uniting is not that essential. 80-20 e. Eighty ang [for the] opposition, 20 kay [for] GMA [President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] at its best. And 20 are not sure come election time so mag-divide into 4 yung 80, 20 pa rin yun di ba [so even if the opposition is divided into four, the 80 will still be 20, right]?” he pointed out.
“[So those who are saying that the opposition is not united], will not triumph? I don’t think so. That’s just the wishful thinking of the administration,” he further said.
In that meeting, Aquino said he and the former leader had a “meeting of minds” on activities we have in common that we should be fostering” like the automation and pooling of resources to prevent a possible no-election scenario.
He said they also re-affirmed that they both belonged with the opposition group.
source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Aquino said the meeting, held in an undisclosed house in Metro Manila, was also attended by his sisters – Ballsy, Pinky and Kris, and Estrada’s son, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and the host, whom he did not also identify.
There was discussion on the issue of who should give up their presidential bid but the senator refused to elaborate.
Aquino has formally declared his presidential bid while the former leader publicly expressed his desire to return to power.
“That’s a detail that I’m not at liberty to discuss,” Aquino said, describing the atmosphere of the meeting as a “very, very light,” and “very productive.”
He admitted, however, that there was initial discussion of having common candidates in all slots.
“Yung best case scenario siyempre magkaroon kayo ng [The best case scenario of course is for you to have] common candidate in all slots,” he said. “Mag yu-unite nga kami to one candidate, may mag gi-give way as a best scenario [We will unite with one candidate, someone will give way as a best scenario].”
Uniting the opposition, Aquino said, was “not that essential” as he expressed confidence that the opposition would win the presidency next year even if it would field four candidates.
Other potential candidates from the opposition aside from Aquino and Estrada were Senators Manny Villar and Francis “Chiz’ Escudero.
“Yung [The] emphasis on the opposition uniting is not that essential. 80-20 e. Eighty ang [for the] opposition, 20 kay [for] GMA [President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] at its best. And 20 are not sure come election time so mag-divide into 4 yung 80, 20 pa rin yun di ba [so even if the opposition is divided into four, the 80 will still be 20, right]?” he pointed out.
“[So those who are saying that the opposition is not united], will not triumph? I don’t think so. That’s just the wishful thinking of the administration,” he further said.
In that meeting, Aquino said he and the former leader had a “meeting of minds” on activities we have in common that we should be fostering” like the automation and pooling of resources to prevent a possible no-election scenario.
He said they also re-affirmed that they both belonged with the opposition group.
source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Comelec division ordered to resolve Lakas-Kampi merger issue soonest
As the deadline draws near for political party conventions to select candidates for the 2010 polls, Commission on Elections chairman Jose Melo ordered a poll body division Thursday to resolve soonest the row involving the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.
In a radio interview, Melo said the hearings on the merged party are already finished and it is up to the division handling the case to come out with a resolution.
“Alam ninyo, 'di ako nakikialam sa trabaho ng division. Sabi ko sa kanila medyo bilis-bilisan nila ang action. Mukhang natapos na ang hearing, ilalabas na lamang ang decision nila (You know, I do not interfere in the work of the Comelec’s divisions. But I have ordered the one handling the case to speed up its work and come up with its decision soon)," he said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Founders of Lakas, including former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., had questioned the party’s merging with President Gloria Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).
De Venecia is even seeking to nullify the merger.
Source: GMANews.tv
---------------------
It's funny to see our leaders who are vowing to unite us, can't even get their own group united. I'm really in favor of two-party system.
JonQBX
In a radio interview, Melo said the hearings on the merged party are already finished and it is up to the division handling the case to come out with a resolution.
“Alam ninyo, 'di ako nakikialam sa trabaho ng division. Sabi ko sa kanila medyo bilis-bilisan nila ang action. Mukhang natapos na ang hearing, ilalabas na lamang ang decision nila (You know, I do not interfere in the work of the Comelec’s divisions. But I have ordered the one handling the case to speed up its work and come up with its decision soon)," he said in an interview on dzXL radio.
Founders of Lakas, including former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., had questioned the party’s merging with President Gloria Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).
De Venecia is even seeking to nullify the merger.
Source: GMANews.tv
---------------------
It's funny to see our leaders who are vowing to unite us, can't even get their own group united. I'm really in favor of two-party system.
JonQBX
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
2010 bets invited to a "job interview"
Human resource management experts yesterday invited all presidential candidates to a “job interview” to allow the people to decide who among them is the most competent to be the country’s next president.
The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), with 1,800 member companies, challenged the presidential candidates to come for a job interview to determine who among them is most qualified candidate.
Among those invited were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Loren Legarda and Richard Gordon.
PMAP also invited Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando and Bangon Pilipinas candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva to a dialogue on Sept. 25 at the Sofitel Hotel.
“The Philippines needs an outstanding leader because 23 years after EDSA (people power revolution), we have not significantly solved the twin problems of poverty and corruption,” PMAP president Grace Zata said.
“We need to look at their individual capacities based on their track record and experiences, beyond motherhood statements of helping the poor and alleviating poverty,” she said.
Zata said the presidential candidates should undergo rigorous evaluation just like any job applicant to determine their qualifications and capacity.
“How much more the president of this country who has to steer the entire nation to overcome the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment?” Zata asked.
Zata said Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and former senator Franklin Drilon would be the PMAP’s guests to speak on the kind of leadership required to solve poverty and corruption.
“The voting public deserves to be correctly informed about the competencies of the candidates seeking their precious votes,” Zata said.
PMAP said the good candidate must be able to play the roles of “navigator and captain of the ship,” a servant-leader with a genuinely caring heart and work ethic to achieve the goals of government, a guardian of the national wealth and resources, and a captivator to inspire unity, trust and optimism among the people.
Zata added a good candidate should be a “mobilizer of concerned government and non-government and private sectors to achieve objectives and build consensus.”
PMAP had interviewed past presidents and other officials from the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as representatives from the media to identify critical incidents that the president must successfully deal with in order to lead the country.
source: PhilStar.com
***************
This is indeed a welcome initiative by this group of experts. If this will be well participated by the 2010 candidates, it will surely provide the voting public a better perspective on each candidate's advocacies, aspirations and depth of their passion to serve their countrymen.
JonQBX
The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), with 1,800 member companies, challenged the presidential candidates to come for a job interview to determine who among them is most qualified candidate.
Among those invited were Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Loren Legarda and Richard Gordon.
PMAP also invited Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando and Bangon Pilipinas candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva to a dialogue on Sept. 25 at the Sofitel Hotel.
“The Philippines needs an outstanding leader because 23 years after EDSA (people power revolution), we have not significantly solved the twin problems of poverty and corruption,” PMAP president Grace Zata said.
“We need to look at their individual capacities based on their track record and experiences, beyond motherhood statements of helping the poor and alleviating poverty,” she said.
Zata said the presidential candidates should undergo rigorous evaluation just like any job applicant to determine their qualifications and capacity.
“How much more the president of this country who has to steer the entire nation to overcome the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment?” Zata asked.
Zata said Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and former senator Franklin Drilon would be the PMAP’s guests to speak on the kind of leadership required to solve poverty and corruption.
“The voting public deserves to be correctly informed about the competencies of the candidates seeking their precious votes,” Zata said.
PMAP said the good candidate must be able to play the roles of “navigator and captain of the ship,” a servant-leader with a genuinely caring heart and work ethic to achieve the goals of government, a guardian of the national wealth and resources, and a captivator to inspire unity, trust and optimism among the people.
Zata added a good candidate should be a “mobilizer of concerned government and non-government and private sectors to achieve objectives and build consensus.”
PMAP had interviewed past presidents and other officials from the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as representatives from the media to identify critical incidents that the president must successfully deal with in order to lead the country.
source: PhilStar.com
***************
This is indeed a welcome initiative by this group of experts. If this will be well participated by the 2010 candidates, it will surely provide the voting public a better perspective on each candidate's advocacies, aspirations and depth of their passion to serve their countrymen.
JonQBX
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Noynoy on cousin: He has more hair
Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is ready to slug it out with his cousin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, in next year’s presidential race, conceding that Teodoro already has a two-point edge over him – more hair and a wife.
Teodoro was chosen yesterday as the standard bearer in 2010 of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.
Aquino and Teodoro are second cousins, their mothers Corazon and Mercedes being first cousins in the Cojuangco family. Mercedes is the youngest sister of business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
Aquino, standard bearer of the Liberal Party, said Teodoro was “a worthy opponent” that would “mount a campaign with decency and honor.”
“I wish him well,” Aquino said, even as he admitted that he was not really close to Teodoro.
source: PhilStar.com
Teodoro was chosen yesterday as the standard bearer in 2010 of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.
Aquino and Teodoro are second cousins, their mothers Corazon and Mercedes being first cousins in the Cojuangco family. Mercedes is the youngest sister of business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
Aquino, standard bearer of the Liberal Party, said Teodoro was “a worthy opponent” that would “mount a campaign with decency and honor.”
“I wish him well,” Aquino said, even as he admitted that he was not really close to Teodoro.
source: PhilStar.com
Noynoy plan to give Hacienda Luisita hailed
The plan of Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III to convince his family to relinquish control over the 6,453-hectare Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac is “a step to the right direction”, and if the Cojuangco-Aquino clan will support him, more so will the Liberal Party, a party official said.
Former Education Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, the party’s campaign manager, said Sunday that Aquino’s bold statement Saturday during his visit to a squatters’ colony in Quezon City is a positive development that will address public qualms about his fairness and independence.
Earlier, a group advocating farmers’ rights dared the only son of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to scrap the October 30 ultimatum set by his family for some 500 families in Hacienda Luisita to leave the vast sugar plantation.
Members of the Kilusang Mayo Uno challenged the senator to prove his promise of a “working democracy” by “giving land to those who till it” and “ordering the military to stop harassing the farmers.”
“This is a positive development that paves the way to resolve certain controversial issues being thrown against Senator Aquino. It is certainly a step in the right direction that is still subject to the approval of his family.
“If the family rallies behind his stand, more so will his party mates,” Abad told the Manila Bulletin.
source: The Manila Bulletin
Former Education Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, the party’s campaign manager, said Sunday that Aquino’s bold statement Saturday during his visit to a squatters’ colony in Quezon City is a positive development that will address public qualms about his fairness and independence.
Earlier, a group advocating farmers’ rights dared the only son of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to scrap the October 30 ultimatum set by his family for some 500 families in Hacienda Luisita to leave the vast sugar plantation.
Members of the Kilusang Mayo Uno challenged the senator to prove his promise of a “working democracy” by “giving land to those who till it” and “ordering the military to stop harassing the farmers.”
“This is a positive development that paves the way to resolve certain controversial issues being thrown against Senator Aquino. It is certainly a step in the right direction that is still subject to the approval of his family.
“If the family rallies behind his stand, more so will his party mates,” Abad told the Manila Bulletin.
source: The Manila Bulletin
FVR no-show at Lakas-KAMPI meeting
Former President Fidel V. Ramos was a no-show at the historic selection of Teodoro as the administration’s official standard bearer in next year’s elections.
Ramos, who has opposed the merger of Lakas and Kampi due to lack of consultations among party members, did not attend the crucial meeting of the party’s national executive committee held in EDSA Shangrila Hotel.
Heeding a legal advice coming from Speaker Prospero Nograles, the party made clear that the candidacies of Teodoro and Puno remain unofficial and will be subjected to ratification by a national convention by the party “in accordance with law.”
Prior to the election, Nograles reminded the body of a Supreme Court ruling against premature announcement of official candidates.
“Subject to ratification, by a national convention to be called by the Party in accordance with law, the candidate fo Lakas-Kampi-CMD for the 2010 presidential election, as endorsed by the Party’s National Executive Committee is the Honorable Gilbert C. Teodoro,” party secretary general and presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio declared.
Ramos, who has opposed the merger of Lakas and Kampi due to lack of consultations among party members, did not attend the crucial meeting of the party’s national executive committee held in EDSA Shangrila Hotel.
Heeding a legal advice coming from Speaker Prospero Nograles, the party made clear that the candidacies of Teodoro and Puno remain unofficial and will be subjected to ratification by a national convention by the party “in accordance with law.”
Prior to the election, Nograles reminded the body of a Supreme Court ruling against premature announcement of official candidates.
“Subject to ratification, by a national convention to be called by the Party in accordance with law, the candidate fo Lakas-Kampi-CMD for the 2010 presidential election, as endorsed by the Party’s National Executive Committee is the Honorable Gilbert C. Teodoro,” party secretary general and presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio declared.
It's Gibo Teodoro over Bayani
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., 45, was selected on yesterday to be the standard bearer of the ruling Lakas-Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino)-CMD party, setting the stage for an underdog's uphill climb against more popular and better known opponents.
Teodoro won by a landslide against Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando, who walked out of the party?s national executive committee meeting after his motion to defer the voting was rejected.
Lakas stalwart Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. claims his selection was done by ?an illegitimate group.?
Brickbats also started to train on Teodoro, who is at the lower rung in surveys among presidential aspirants, way behind his cousin, Sen. Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III, who had become the front-runner just days after he announced his own candidacy under the Liberal Party last week.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Baraquel-Hontiveros recalled allegations of election fraud in 2004 that implicated the military and President Arroyo.
?Teodoro as president may be bad news for Philippine sovereignty,? the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said, referring to his advocacy of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Teodoro won by a landslide against Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando, who walked out of the party?s national executive committee meeting after his motion to defer the voting was rejected.
Lakas stalwart Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. claims his selection was done by ?an illegitimate group.?
Brickbats also started to train on Teodoro, who is at the lower rung in surveys among presidential aspirants, way behind his cousin, Sen. Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III, who had become the front-runner just days after he announced his own candidacy under the Liberal Party last week.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Baraquel-Hontiveros recalled allegations of election fraud in 2004 that implicated the military and President Arroyo.
?Teodoro as president may be bad news for Philippine sovereignty,? the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said, referring to his advocacy of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Noynoy Aquino tops new poll survey
Latest opinion polls put the son of former Philippines President Corazon Aquino ahead of other candidates for the country's 2010 presidential elections.
The first survey to include Benigno Aquino's name, was conducted several days before he announced his candidature.
It found 50 percent of respondents said they would vote for him for President.
Senator Manuel Villar, and former President Joseph Estrada followed Aquino with 14 percent, and 13 percent.
Current Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro got 7 percent.
The first survey to include Benigno Aquino's name, was conducted several days before he announced his candidature.
It found 50 percent of respondents said they would vote for him for President.
Senator Manuel Villar, and former President Joseph Estrada followed Aquino with 14 percent, and 13 percent.
Current Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro got 7 percent.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Ermita: Noli no longer on Lakas-Kampi radar
Vice President Noli de Castro, one of the frontrunners in surveys of presidential aspirants for the 2010 elections, is no longer on the “radar screen” of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD in its search for a standard-bearer, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed yesterday.
Ermita, president of the party, said there has been “an unexpected groundswell from local executives… unanimously supporting one of our aspirants, (Defense) Secretary (Gilbert) Teodoro.”
Ermita, however, clarified that the party is not yet discounting the bid of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando to be the administration’s presidential candidate.
Lakas-Kampi-CMD has given aspirants wanting to be the administration standard-bearer until Sept. 15 to join the party’s selection process.
The deadline is apparently aimed at De Castro who has remained an independent. Fernando and Teodoro are already party members and have signified their intention to run for president.
source: PhilStar.com
Ermita, president of the party, said there has been “an unexpected groundswell from local executives… unanimously supporting one of our aspirants, (Defense) Secretary (Gilbert) Teodoro.”
Ermita, however, clarified that the party is not yet discounting the bid of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando to be the administration’s presidential candidate.
Lakas-Kampi-CMD has given aspirants wanting to be the administration standard-bearer until Sept. 15 to join the party’s selection process.
The deadline is apparently aimed at De Castro who has remained an independent. Fernando and Teodoro are already party members and have signified their intention to run for president.
source: PhilStar.com
NPC fielding complete slate for 2010 polls - Sotto
he Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) is in the process of forming a complete line-up from president down to the local officials for the upcoming 2010 elections, Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Vicente Sotto III said Friday.
In an interview with Senate reporters after the hearing of the DDB’s proposed budget, Sotto said he is included in the list of prospective senatorial candidates of the party founded by business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco in the early 1990s.
"What I can confirm is that the NPC is forming a complete line up from president, to the Senate and local officials in all districts, provinces, municipalities and cities," Sotto said.
Aside from him, Sotto said the other senatorial candidates being considered by the party are Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, former senator Sergio Osmeña III, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano and Grace Poe, daughter of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Sotto said he will most likely try his luck again in the senatorial race should the party finally chooses him to be one of its candidates. "I leave it to the party, ayokong pangunahan ang partido, hindi ko pwedeng pangunahan ang liderato ng NPC. I’m an NPC member, I will have to follow the party line."
He added that the party will have an announcement on September 23.
"I suppose it would be an announcement of the things agreed [to] by the party, more or less that would be the meat of the announcement. If there are other things to be announced, it is the NPC leadership that should do it," Sotto said without elaborating.
source: GMAnews.tv
In an interview with Senate reporters after the hearing of the DDB’s proposed budget, Sotto said he is included in the list of prospective senatorial candidates of the party founded by business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco in the early 1990s.
"What I can confirm is that the NPC is forming a complete line up from president, to the Senate and local officials in all districts, provinces, municipalities and cities," Sotto said.
Aside from him, Sotto said the other senatorial candidates being considered by the party are Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, former senator Sergio Osmeña III, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano and Grace Poe, daughter of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Sotto said he will most likely try his luck again in the senatorial race should the party finally chooses him to be one of its candidates. "I leave it to the party, ayokong pangunahan ang partido, hindi ko pwedeng pangunahan ang liderato ng NPC. I’m an NPC member, I will have to follow the party line."
He added that the party will have an announcement on September 23.
"I suppose it would be an announcement of the things agreed [to] by the party, more or less that would be the meat of the announcement. If there are other things to be announced, it is the NPC leadership that should do it," Sotto said without elaborating.
source: GMAnews.tv
Administration to adopt Villar?
Is the Arroyo administration serious in considering the adoption of Manny Villar as their presidential bet?
The administration party has denied a report that it will adopt Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. as its standard-bearer in the 2010 elections.
Radio dzBB’s Aileen Intia on Friday quoted Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio as saying that the report was baseless because only a bonafide member of the party could become Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s presidential candidate.
Claudio, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary-general, reportedly said that nobody in the party had been authorized to negotiate with or extend support for Nacionalista Party president Villar, who consistently tops surveys on probable presidential candidates.
He also denied about the result of an August 20 straw vote among members of the party’s national executive committee that favored a presidential aspirant from the opposition.
But Intia said that Claudio admitted that the panel had conducted an informal survey on the party’s choice for a possible standard-bearer, the result of which was submitted to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last August 26 in front of the members of the committee. He said the party’s official choice would be known on September 16.
source: GMAnews.tv
The administration party has denied a report that it will adopt Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. as its standard-bearer in the 2010 elections.
Radio dzBB’s Aileen Intia on Friday quoted Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio as saying that the report was baseless because only a bonafide member of the party could become Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s presidential candidate.
Claudio, Lakas-Kampi-CMD secretary-general, reportedly said that nobody in the party had been authorized to negotiate with or extend support for Nacionalista Party president Villar, who consistently tops surveys on probable presidential candidates.
He also denied about the result of an August 20 straw vote among members of the party’s national executive committee that favored a presidential aspirant from the opposition.
But Intia said that Claudio admitted that the panel had conducted an informal survey on the party’s choice for a possible standard-bearer, the result of which was submitted to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last August 26 in front of the members of the committee. He said the party’s official choice would be known on September 16.
source: GMAnews.tv
Friday, September 11, 2009
The politics of Noynoy Aquino
Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III has become the third member of his immediate family to be thrust into the vortex of what a sociologist calls periodic episodes of “romanticism" in Philippine politics and history.
But the real burden of the senator and now presidential aspirant is not just proving his sincerity and integrity. He also has to declare what he stands for, and on his own merits and in his words, convince a public awash in goodwill for the Aquinos that he is a worthy son to his parents, and a worthy candidate to the highest post in the country.
And then after he has accomplished that, Aquino will have to sustain the interest of a public that is notorious for being fickle-minded and having a short memory.
It’s a formidable task for someone who political strategist and Aquino family friend Reli German says has been seen by most people as “a political lightweight, (with) his transformation not yet sufficiently remarkable."
But since Noynoy Aquino has heeded the public clamor for him to run for president, observers like sociologist Randy David say the surprise 2010 presidential candidate now needs to ask himself, “Am I the one? If I take on that mandate, what will I do? What do I stand for?"
"He’s been a politician for more than a decade, unlike his mom who had hardly any preparations," says David, with a hint of impatience.“ He is almost 50 years old, he has been in that realm vicariously, he should have certain ideas. Tell us what these are."
According to David, “the spontaneity, the idealism, the romanticism in politics, the romanticism of hope" is the power that seems to be firing up the Noynoy Aquino for president movement.
“It’s a very powerful movement that is responsible for all sudden historical surges," he says, but the downside is “it also does not have very long shelf life."
source: GMAnews.tv
But the real burden of the senator and now presidential aspirant is not just proving his sincerity and integrity. He also has to declare what he stands for, and on his own merits and in his words, convince a public awash in goodwill for the Aquinos that he is a worthy son to his parents, and a worthy candidate to the highest post in the country.
And then after he has accomplished that, Aquino will have to sustain the interest of a public that is notorious for being fickle-minded and having a short memory.
It’s a formidable task for someone who political strategist and Aquino family friend Reli German says has been seen by most people as “a political lightweight, (with) his transformation not yet sufficiently remarkable."
But since Noynoy Aquino has heeded the public clamor for him to run for president, observers like sociologist Randy David say the surprise 2010 presidential candidate now needs to ask himself, “Am I the one? If I take on that mandate, what will I do? What do I stand for?"
"He’s been a politician for more than a decade, unlike his mom who had hardly any preparations," says David, with a hint of impatience.“ He is almost 50 years old, he has been in that realm vicariously, he should have certain ideas. Tell us what these are."
According to David, “the spontaneity, the idealism, the romanticism in politics, the romanticism of hope" is the power that seems to be firing up the Noynoy Aquino for president movement.
“It’s a very powerful movement that is responsible for all sudden historical surges," he says, but the downside is “it also does not have very long shelf life."
source: GMAnews.tv
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Poll Automation Bidding -- A Satire
Read this satirical story by Alan Robles on GMAnews.tv which I found very amusing but with a pinch of reality in the state of our current society. Please read on:
When it comes to the struggle to automate and modernize elections, only the best technological solutions were considered.
Official: Hello! Some critics have said that we in the government aren't serious about modernizing our election system, and that we're just wasting the public's money. We resent such accusations. That's why right now, to show you how transparent we are, we will show you video of some of the cutting-edge proposals that we considered for poll automation. Let's show the first bidder.
Bidder No. 1: I have here a schematic for an automated integrated dynamic ballot protection system.
Official: Please explain what this means.
Bidder No. 1: My system uses a sophisticated isomer-fuelled nanotech biometric system that will scan the voter's eyes, fingerprints and face, then compare those datapoints with a robust database, looking for positive ID confirmation.
Official: And if there's no confirmation?
Bidder No. 1: The voter will be locked out of the system.
Official: And then?
Bidder No. 1: An alarm will go off...
Official: An alarm?
Bidder No. 1: Steel doors will slam shut...
Official: What?
Bidder No. 1: Then all the ballot boxes in the precinct will fly together and transform into a 25-foot battle robot that will smash and destroy the alien lifeform!
Official: Er, can you call security? Guard?
Bidder No. 1: And the robot will also fire anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down flying voters!
(Security guards drag raving, screaming bidder away)
Bidder No. 1 (while guards try to cover his mouth): They will feel the wrath of Megatron!
Official: OK, let's get on with this. Bidder number two, how do you propose to automate our elections?
Bidder No. 2: We have done a careful analysis of previous elections. We have identified the key processes and applied technological solutions to each one. Our goal is to make things easier for everybody.
Official: How?
Bidder No. 2: Well, for example, see these electronic slot machines we plan to put in each precinct?
Official: They look like US voting machines.
Bidder No. 2: No, they ARE slot machines. After the voters cast their ballots by pulling the right lever for the corresponding candidate, the machine immediately dispenses the cash they were promised by the candidate. We estimate that this will automate the process of vote buying.
Official: Er, that's interesting...
Bidder No. 2: And take a look at our proposed communications net. It's a frequency-hopping voice scrambler digital link! If a Certain Someone should ever, hypothetically, want to order an election fraud witness kidnapped and tortured, that person can give the order with perfect communications security!
Official: Ahem, cough cough, er, maybe we can move on to the next bidder...
Bidder No. 2: And we've also designed an Artificial Intelligence asset management program that will keep a private jet fueled and ready to fly anytime an official has to suddenly flee the
country!
Official: Thank you! Goodbye! Now let's consider the next bidder. What's your proposal? I don't see any diagrams or models.
Bidder No. 3: I represent a company that was just incorporated last night.
Official: Oh really?
Bidder No. 3: Our partners include people with no technical experience, our friends, their cousins, and a labandera with strange powers. And we have no paid-up capital, but we expect to be paid billions in advance.
Official: So what's so special and high-tech about your plan?
Bidder No. 3: We call it “The Automated Payout and 40 per cent Commission Project."
Official: You know, I like that. It sounds like a technological solution we can discuss!
Bidder No. 3: Shall we play golf?
The two go off happily in a swirly, pink cottony cloud of fantasy, because as we all know, things like this just don't happen in real life.
When it comes to the struggle to automate and modernize elections, only the best technological solutions were considered.
Official: Hello! Some critics have said that we in the government aren't serious about modernizing our election system, and that we're just wasting the public's money. We resent such accusations. That's why right now, to show you how transparent we are, we will show you video of some of the cutting-edge proposals that we considered for poll automation. Let's show the first bidder.
Bidder No. 1: I have here a schematic for an automated integrated dynamic ballot protection system.
Official: Please explain what this means.
Bidder No. 1: My system uses a sophisticated isomer-fuelled nanotech biometric system that will scan the voter's eyes, fingerprints and face, then compare those datapoints with a robust database, looking for positive ID confirmation.
Official: And if there's no confirmation?
Bidder No. 1: The voter will be locked out of the system.
Official: And then?
Bidder No. 1: An alarm will go off...
Official: An alarm?
Bidder No. 1: Steel doors will slam shut...
Official: What?
Bidder No. 1: Then all the ballot boxes in the precinct will fly together and transform into a 25-foot battle robot that will smash and destroy the alien lifeform!
Official: Er, can you call security? Guard?
Bidder No. 1: And the robot will also fire anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down flying voters!
(Security guards drag raving, screaming bidder away)
Bidder No. 1 (while guards try to cover his mouth): They will feel the wrath of Megatron!
Official: OK, let's get on with this. Bidder number two, how do you propose to automate our elections?
Bidder No. 2: We have done a careful analysis of previous elections. We have identified the key processes and applied technological solutions to each one. Our goal is to make things easier for everybody.
Official: How?
Bidder No. 2: Well, for example, see these electronic slot machines we plan to put in each precinct?
Official: They look like US voting machines.
Bidder No. 2: No, they ARE slot machines. After the voters cast their ballots by pulling the right lever for the corresponding candidate, the machine immediately dispenses the cash they were promised by the candidate. We estimate that this will automate the process of vote buying.
Official: Er, that's interesting...
Bidder No. 2: And take a look at our proposed communications net. It's a frequency-hopping voice scrambler digital link! If a Certain Someone should ever, hypothetically, want to order an election fraud witness kidnapped and tortured, that person can give the order with perfect communications security!
Official: Ahem, cough cough, er, maybe we can move on to the next bidder...
Bidder No. 2: And we've also designed an Artificial Intelligence asset management program that will keep a private jet fueled and ready to fly anytime an official has to suddenly flee the
country!
Official: Thank you! Goodbye! Now let's consider the next bidder. What's your proposal? I don't see any diagrams or models.
Bidder No. 3: I represent a company that was just incorporated last night.
Official: Oh really?
Bidder No. 3: Our partners include people with no technical experience, our friends, their cousins, and a labandera with strange powers. And we have no paid-up capital, but we expect to be paid billions in advance.
Official: So what's so special and high-tech about your plan?
Bidder No. 3: We call it “The Automated Payout and 40 per cent Commission Project."
Official: You know, I like that. It sounds like a technological solution we can discuss!
Bidder No. 3: Shall we play golf?
The two go off happily in a swirly, pink cottony cloud of fantasy, because as we all know, things like this just don't happen in real life.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Noli seeking own discernment
Vice President Noli de Castro has joined the ranks of politicians and religious leaders seeking “discernment” in deciding whether to run for president in the 2010 elections.
De Castro has been playing coy in announcing his presidential bid.
Yesterday, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said De Castro, who remains undecided on whether to seek the presidency and join the administration party, is "doing his own discernment."
"We’re hoping before the first half of this month that there would be a clear resolution of what would be the decision of Vice President Noli de Castro," Claudio told a morning news show at government-run NBN.
He said De Castro is "doing his own careful consideration of the entire situation and we’re giving him time."
De Castro is still among those topping the surveys for favored presidential candidates but in a recent Pulse Asia survey, he dropped to third spot.
De Castro was reportedly approached by President Arroyo to consider running under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Claudio said De Castro is assured of the administration’s support if he joins the ruling party and of "a good margin or good chances of victory."
He said the Vice President has "good instincts and exquisite timing" that have served him well in his political career.
De Castro’s reluctance to run can also be considered an advantage, he added.
"I do not contemplate or I do not see the probability of Vice President ‘Kabayan’ running under any political party or group," Claudio said, referring to De Castro’s moniker.
source: PhilStar.com
De Castro has been playing coy in announcing his presidential bid.
Yesterday, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said De Castro, who remains undecided on whether to seek the presidency and join the administration party, is "doing his own discernment."
"We’re hoping before the first half of this month that there would be a clear resolution of what would be the decision of Vice President Noli de Castro," Claudio told a morning news show at government-run NBN.
He said De Castro is "doing his own careful consideration of the entire situation and we’re giving him time."
De Castro is still among those topping the surveys for favored presidential candidates but in a recent Pulse Asia survey, he dropped to third spot.
De Castro was reportedly approached by President Arroyo to consider running under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Claudio said De Castro is assured of the administration’s support if he joins the ruling party and of "a good margin or good chances of victory."
He said the Vice President has "good instincts and exquisite timing" that have served him well in his political career.
De Castro’s reluctance to run can also be considered an advantage, he added.
"I do not contemplate or I do not see the probability of Vice President ‘Kabayan’ running under any political party or group," Claudio said, referring to De Castro’s moniker.
source: PhilStar.com
Ping goes for Noynoy; urges Erap to drop presidential bid
Former President Joseph Estrada should drop his presidential bid if he really wants to unify the political opposition, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday.
In the same breath, Lacson hinted support for the possible presidential candidacy of Sen. Benigo "Noynoy" Aquino III, who has chosen to undergo a spiritual retreat first before finally deciding on his plans for the 2010 polls.
"If integrity is one of the standards, Senator Noynoy would definitely pass my book," Lacson told reporters.
He added that he doesn't believe the only son of the late former President Corazon Aquino and slain Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. would abuse his power to enrich himself once he is in office.
"Si Noynoy, isa lang masasabi ko, at least sigurado tayo di mangungurakot. Kung si Noynoy nga at siya palarin medyo more or less kampante tayo [na] di siya magnanakaw (With Noynoy, at least we are sure that he is not corrupt)," he said.
Lacson made the statement even as Aquino has yet to announce his political plans for next year. Aquino on Wednesday said he would go on a "retreat" first before announcing if he would accept calls for him to run for president.
Lacson however clarified that he is not categorically saying that Aquino has his all-out support. Asked on who would he support next year, he said, "Sa ngayon wala pa. Di natin alam kung sino magfa-file (No one, so far. I don't have an idea who will file for candidacy)."
Lacson meanwhile said Estrada should abandon his renewed quest for the presidency and instead initiate the unification move among the ranks of the opposition.
"Ang influence niya di matatawaran. Kung siya mismo magsalita na magsama-sama tayo, aatras ako, mangunguna ako, kung puwedeng sundan ninyo ako, palagay ko mas lalakas ang [na] panawagan magkakaroon ng isang opposition candidate," he said.
(His influence is unquestionable. If he will lead the unification move, then the opposition is likely to end up with just one standard bearer next year.)
He added that as the leader of the opposition, it is only prudent for Estrada to take charge in unifying the group.
source: inquirer.net
In the same breath, Lacson hinted support for the possible presidential candidacy of Sen. Benigo "Noynoy" Aquino III, who has chosen to undergo a spiritual retreat first before finally deciding on his plans for the 2010 polls.
"If integrity is one of the standards, Senator Noynoy would definitely pass my book," Lacson told reporters.
He added that he doesn't believe the only son of the late former President Corazon Aquino and slain Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. would abuse his power to enrich himself once he is in office.
"Si Noynoy, isa lang masasabi ko, at least sigurado tayo di mangungurakot. Kung si Noynoy nga at siya palarin medyo more or less kampante tayo [na] di siya magnanakaw (With Noynoy, at least we are sure that he is not corrupt)," he said.
Lacson made the statement even as Aquino has yet to announce his political plans for next year. Aquino on Wednesday said he would go on a "retreat" first before announcing if he would accept calls for him to run for president.
Lacson however clarified that he is not categorically saying that Aquino has his all-out support. Asked on who would he support next year, he said, "Sa ngayon wala pa. Di natin alam kung sino magfa-file (No one, so far. I don't have an idea who will file for candidacy)."
Lacson meanwhile said Estrada should abandon his renewed quest for the presidency and instead initiate the unification move among the ranks of the opposition.
"Ang influence niya di matatawaran. Kung siya mismo magsalita na magsama-sama tayo, aatras ako, mangunguna ako, kung puwedeng sundan ninyo ako, palagay ko mas lalakas ang [na] panawagan magkakaroon ng isang opposition candidate," he said.
(His influence is unquestionable. If he will lead the unification move, then the opposition is likely to end up with just one standard bearer next year.)
He added that as the leader of the opposition, it is only prudent for Estrada to take charge in unifying the group.
source: inquirer.net
Comelec vows Electronic Transmission in 2010
In an article in www.inquirer.net, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and telecom industry stakeholders are working on plans to ensure electronic transmission of election results from 80,000 precincts nationwide in next year's polls. Comelec Advisory Council (CAC) member Renato Garcia said telcos vowed to ensure nationwide network coverage by creating a multi-platform contingency plan so that all election results from clustered precincts nationwide are transmitted to canvassing and consolidation centers from the municipal to national levels.
They added that, "In the automated elections, the transmission stage is priority," said Garcia. "We have to ensure all polling precincts, especially in the provinces can transmit their results immediately after close of polls to speed up the canvassing and prevent tampering of votes."
Telcos are public entities that can be "deputized" by Comelec to help ensure successful automation, according to Garcia, who also sits as commissioner in the Commission on Information and Communications Technology.
Garcia disclosed the poll body is working on a contingency plan to enable precincts in areas with limited network coverage to transmit results to the four Comelec national servers designated for the Senate, House of Representatives, Comelec national board of canvassers and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.
The contingency plan will focus on four areas: use of high power transmission or realignment of sectoral antennas, use of high-gain antennas, use of emerging technologies such as SMS or text messaging,
WiMax, WiFi and two-way radio, to transmit results to neighboring cell sites and the use of mobile satellite.
Comelec plans to tap all existing technology platforms to deliver the election results from precinct count optical scan machines (PCOS) to national servers.
Each computerized election result would have an approximate size of 50 kilobytes or comparable to one multimedia messaging service sent via mobile phone, and requires only a few seconds to transmit, Garcia said.
Present in Thursday's meeting at the Comelec headquarters in Manila were representatives from telecom firms Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, PLDT, Digitel, Eastern Telecoms and Mabuhay Satellite.
Also represented were the National Telecommunications Commission, Telecommunications Office, Philippine
Association of Private Telco Companies, Federation of International Cable TV Association and Philippine Cable TV Association.
In the editorial of Manila Times, it absolutely true that the Constitution must be amended. Changes must be made to streamline our government system, reinforce the rule of law and remove provisions that deter our national development. Provisions must be added or removed to make it difficult for officials in all the branches of government to commit abuses and corrupt practices, neglect their duties, fail to do their work, and lie to the people with impunity. There are hundreds of others things that must be done with the 1987 Constitution to make it a more effective fundamental law.
The public outcry against HR 1109 made the House leadership freeze HR 1109 in their chamber’s rules committee. But it could be made to slither into life like an ugly snake. It was passed by a massive majority, don’t forget.
sources: inquirer.net
manilatimes.net
They added that, "In the automated elections, the transmission stage is priority," said Garcia. "We have to ensure all polling precincts, especially in the provinces can transmit their results immediately after close of polls to speed up the canvassing and prevent tampering of votes."
Telcos are public entities that can be "deputized" by Comelec to help ensure successful automation, according to Garcia, who also sits as commissioner in the Commission on Information and Communications Technology.
Garcia disclosed the poll body is working on a contingency plan to enable precincts in areas with limited network coverage to transmit results to the four Comelec national servers designated for the Senate, House of Representatives, Comelec national board of canvassers and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.
The contingency plan will focus on four areas: use of high power transmission or realignment of sectoral antennas, use of high-gain antennas, use of emerging technologies such as SMS or text messaging,
WiMax, WiFi and two-way radio, to transmit results to neighboring cell sites and the use of mobile satellite.
Comelec plans to tap all existing technology platforms to deliver the election results from precinct count optical scan machines (PCOS) to national servers.
Each computerized election result would have an approximate size of 50 kilobytes or comparable to one multimedia messaging service sent via mobile phone, and requires only a few seconds to transmit, Garcia said.
Present in Thursday's meeting at the Comelec headquarters in Manila were representatives from telecom firms Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, PLDT, Digitel, Eastern Telecoms and Mabuhay Satellite.
Also represented were the National Telecommunications Commission, Telecommunications Office, Philippine
Association of Private Telco Companies, Federation of International Cable TV Association and Philippine Cable TV Association.
In the editorial of Manila Times, it absolutely true that the Constitution must be amended. Changes must be made to streamline our government system, reinforce the rule of law and remove provisions that deter our national development. Provisions must be added or removed to make it difficult for officials in all the branches of government to commit abuses and corrupt practices, neglect their duties, fail to do their work, and lie to the people with impunity. There are hundreds of others things that must be done with the 1987 Constitution to make it a more effective fundamental law.
To serve their own ambitions and corrupt ends, unscrupulous, self-serving, and corrupt politicians have made it their project to amend the Constitution by hook or by crook. On June 2, the House majority shamelessly rammed through House Resolution 1109 which would convene Congress to convert itself into a Constituent Assembly (which is how our Constitution calls that body made up of the House and the Senate to deliberate on and vote on amendments to the Constitution to be submitted to the people in a referendum).
But the Constituent Assembly envisioned by the House leadership and majority who passed HR 1109 is one in which members of the House and the Senate would vote jointly—not separately. That would of course nullify the principle that the Congress is bicameral. The overwhelming House majority that comprises four-fifths of the chamber would always outvote all the 23 senators plus the House opposition members.
HR 1109 would then allow a Constituent Assembly to be convened with or without the participation of the senators, who have vowed to reject the whole thing.
The public outcry against HR 1109 made the House leadership freeze HR 1109 in their chamber’s rules committee. But it could be made to slither into life like an ugly snake. It was passed by a massive majority, don’t forget.
sources: inquirer.net
manilatimes.net
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Palace unfazed by Noynoy
While conceding that the Liberal Party has become a formidable organization with the imminent presidential bid of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there is no guarantee that popularity and pedigree would convert to actual votes.
Ermita, president of the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, said Wednesday the “Cory magic” may work well for the young Aquino but it was “premature” to declare that such phenomenon will ensure his victory in the presidential elections next year.
“It’s one to convert popularity into votes and the popularity now doesn’t mean popularity at the time when the people start going to the precincts to vote. Things can easily change.
Popularity is a big thing but let’s see how this will be transmitted to actual votes,” he said.
The administration party also said it is certain that it could match or even surpass the possible tandem of Aquino and Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the 2010 national elections.
Ermita said the ruling party is set to reveal its official standard bearer this month.
“The administration is confident that whatever be the (LP) tandem, it will be able to match it with the candidates that it will field,” he said, adding that the party’s victory will be enhanced by the continuing disunity within the opposition forces.
source: mb.com.ph
Ermita, president of the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, said Wednesday the “Cory magic” may work well for the young Aquino but it was “premature” to declare that such phenomenon will ensure his victory in the presidential elections next year.
“It’s one to convert popularity into votes and the popularity now doesn’t mean popularity at the time when the people start going to the precincts to vote. Things can easily change.
Popularity is a big thing but let’s see how this will be transmitted to actual votes,” he said.
The administration party also said it is certain that it could match or even surpass the possible tandem of Aquino and Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the 2010 national elections.
Ermita said the ruling party is set to reveal its official standard bearer this month.
“The administration is confident that whatever be the (LP) tandem, it will be able to match it with the candidates that it will field,” he said, adding that the party’s victory will be enhanced by the continuing disunity within the opposition forces.
source: mb.com.ph
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Panlilio gives way to Aquino in 2010 Presidential Election
Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio is poised to throw his support behind the presidential candidacy of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and is just preparing to consult with his supporters to finalize his political plans in 2010.
Panlilio, also a presidential aspirant, said on Wednesday he would give up his plans for higher office and support Aquino should the senator announce his bid for the presidency in the May 2010 elections.
"I will probably support Noynoy, pending a consultation I have to do with my supporters," he said.
Panlilio said he was not feeling any public clamor for him to run for higher office.
He said that at the moment, he would like to focus his attention on the recount of votes for the 2007 Pampanga gubernatorial race which he won over former Board Member Lilia Pineda.
source: inquirer.net
Panlilio, also a presidential aspirant, said on Wednesday he would give up his plans for higher office and support Aquino should the senator announce his bid for the presidency in the May 2010 elections.
"I will probably support Noynoy, pending a consultation I have to do with my supporters," he said.
Panlilio said he was not feeling any public clamor for him to run for higher office.
He said that at the moment, he would like to focus his attention on the recount of votes for the 2007 Pampanga gubernatorial race which he won over former Board Member Lilia Pineda.
source: inquirer.net
"Country First Before Self" -- Mar Roxas
Last Tuesday, in a jam-packed crowd at Club Filipino, Liberal Party presidentiable Sen. Mar Roxas announced that he is giving way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino's bid in 2010 Philippine Presidential Elections.
“Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership. The parting of our beloved President Cory has reawakened a passion among us,” Roxas said, reading from a prepared statement.
“I see this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dreams: Good will win over evil,” said Roxas, who as early as April had mounted a spirited campaign for the presidency by launching a series of “infomercials.”
“Noynoy and I want to make a difference, but we also know that we need to unite to achieve what we want,” he said.
Noynoy Aquino told reporters, "Give this day to Mar", as he is expected to hold a press conference today on this development. Opposition party leaders welcomed Roxas' move and commended the senator for "sacrificing his dream for the country".
“Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership. The parting of our beloved President Cory has reawakened a passion among us,” Roxas said, reading from a prepared statement.
“I see this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dreams: Good will win over evil,” said Roxas, who as early as April had mounted a spirited campaign for the presidency by launching a series of “infomercials.”
“Noynoy and I want to make a difference, but we also know that we need to unite to achieve what we want,” he said.
Noynoy Aquino told reporters, "Give this day to Mar", as he is expected to hold a press conference today on this development. Opposition party leaders welcomed Roxas' move and commended the senator for "sacrificing his dream for the country".
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