Philippine Politics and Election:

Secretary Teodoro Still No VP

2009-11-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

The ruling LAKAS-KAMPI CMD Party is still looking for the possible running mate of Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro. Two possible vice-presidentiables already rejected the offer to be under Sec. Teodoro' slate.

Senator Ramon Revilla rejected the offer saying he will be able to serve more if he will remain as a senator. Former OMB Chairman Edu Manzano also declined to be part of the ruling party. Manzano is expected to take his oath under Liberal Party of Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. He will be one of the senatoriables of the LP. Batangas Governor Vilma Santos also rejected the offer.

With the time running out, the administration may not have a winnable candidate for the vice-presidency. Although the spokesperson for the party said that there are many viable candidates that they can choose from. It includes Senator Migz Zubiri who is from Mindanao. Another VP for Teodoro is former Senator Tito Sotto III. But with so many names coming out in the media, nobody seems to like being the running mate of Sec. Teodoro.

From the latest surveys, Secretary Teodoro is still lagging behind. He must do extra effort to communicate his platform to the people and let them know what he can do for the country.

latest update:

Edu Manzano is the chosen VP of Secretary Teodoro.

Partial List of Candidates for the 2010 Elections

2009-11-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Nacionalista Party (NP)

President: Senator Manny Villar
Vice President: Senator Loren Legarda

Senators:
reelectionist Sen. Pia Cayetano,
detained Col. Ariel Querubin,
lawyer Adel Tamano,
former opposition Rep. Gilbert Remulla of Cavite
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo.
Miriam Defensor-Santiago (a guest candidate)
Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.(guest candidate)

Liberal Party (LP)

President: Senator Noynoy Aquino
Vice-President: Senator Mar Roxas

Senators:
former Senate President Franklin Drilon
former Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta
Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel
Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III
former Sen. Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III (independent)
former Senator and NEDA chairman Ralph Recto

Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

President: Former President JOseph Erap Estrada
Vice President: Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay

Senators:
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile
reelectionist Senators Jinggoy Estrada
Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez,
Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr.
businessman Jose de Venecia III
detained Brig. Gen. Danny Lim.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party

President: Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro
Vice President: former Optical Media Board (OMB) chair Edu Manzano

Senators:
reelectionist senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
reelectionist senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid
reelectionist senator Richard Gordon

Other Presidentiables

President: Senator Richard Gordon
Vice-President: MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando

President: Senator Jamby Madrigal

Bangon Pilipinas
President: Brother Eddie Villanueva

President: Nicanor Perlas (independent)

Ang Kapatiran
President: JC de los Reyes (independent)

Senator Loren Legarda Runs for Vice President

2009-10-24T18:56:00.001-07:00

Senator Loren Legarda already announced her bid to run for vice president in the 2010 elections. However, she did not mentioned her running mate. There are speculations that the Senator is still considering the invitations of other Presidentiables like Senator Manny Villar of NP.

This will also prove that that there might be a problem within the NPC. There were previous reports that other members of the party wants Loren Legarda to the standard bearer but with the endorsement of Chiz Escudero as their candidate for President, it may divide the party.

The only sealed tandem as of this moment are Noynoy Aquino-Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party and Former President Erap Estrada-Jejomay Binay of the united opposition/pwersa ng masa.

Former President Erap Declared His Presidential Bid in Tondo

2009-10-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

Most of us were not surprised on the announcement of Former President Erap Estrada that he will run for President in the 2010 national elections. He already made previous statements that if the opposition can't find a common candidate against the administration, he will run. Right now the opposition will be fielding at least 4 presidentiables which may just divide the peoples decision to have a new president who can promise change and development for the country.

Estrada's camp chose Tondo as the venue of the Pronouncement because they believe that the masses still support him. It also portrays the existing scenario or condition of the Filipino people. He focused on the failure of the current administration to address poverty and corruption. He made mentioned of the surveys of the SWS that almost 50 percent of filipinos consider themselves as poor.

The speech which lasted for minutes is just another traditional speech from a politician. Nothing new, except for his statement that he suffered injustice from the current administration. This time he denied all the accusations against him which landed him 6 years in prison.

Political analyst are divided whether the Former President, who was convicted with plunder, can still run for President or any position in the government. Lets just wait when Erap files his candidacy at Comelec. Expect that cases for disqualification will be filed against Him since the former President is still a threat to other Presidentiables.

Erap's vice president is Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Senator Chiz Escudero Running For President

2009-10-12T05:34:00.002-07:00

Senator Chiz Escudero is now eligible to run for President in the 2010 national elections when he celebrated his 40th birthday last Saturday. In an interview, Chiz Escudero confirms that he will run in the next election but does not confirm it yet since the party have not made any announcement on their standard bearer.

He said that it is time for him to serve the country especially that the government failed to address the problems of the people during disasters and emergencies.

There were some rumors that the camp of FPJ already decided to support Chiz Escudero on his bid to become the next President of the Philippines. FPJ's daughter denied this news and told the media that they will be waiting for the right time.

Other possible candidates that may be endorsed by FPJ's supporters include former President Erap Estrada and Senator Noynoy Aquino.

Senator Loren Legarda could be the running mate of Senator Chiz Escudero. Both are still waiting for the confirmation of the party.

News update: Philippine headlines on politics and government

2009-10-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

Flood control equipment installed in Metro Manila was a waste because of MMDA's negligence according to DPWH sources. If it was properly maintained, casualties and damages may be minimal. However, Bayani Fernando said that the equipment is already obsolete and defective.

Unidentified uniformed men numbering 15 sprayed more than a hundred of bullets on the home of SSS Chairman Romulo Neri. The chairman was safe but the motive is still unclear. There are speculations that it is about the involvement of Neri in the ZTE-NBN Scandal.

Senator Loren Legarda may opt to run for the vice president position giving way to Senator Chiz Escudero as their standard bearer.

Typhoon Pepeng caused major destruction in northern Luzon, flooding major cities and towns of Pangasinan and Benguet and other nearby provinces. Deaths continue to rise as more people are recovered from landslides and flashfloods. flooding was also attributed to the release of water from 2 dams in the provinces.

Representatives from LGU's were not satisfied with the 4 presidentiables present in the ANC forum. The presidentiables were asked about their plans on calamities and disasters. Some of the presidential candidates present were Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Manny Villar, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Senator Noynoy Aquino. It was a four-hour forum, hosted by ABS-CBN, which sparked a debate over small-versus-big government, the issue of pork barrel, calamity funds, IRA and other local government units issues and problems.

State of Calamity Would Stay Up to 2010

2009-10-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared Metro Manila and nearby provinces under a state of calamity when it was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy last September 26. The president extend its coverage nationwide when Typhoon Peping entered into the country. Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a press conference that the declaration of state of calamity is aimed at allowing the government and the public to immediately respond to weather disturbances that have become increasingly deadly and destructive in the last few years.

The damages to properties and infrastructure could reach more than 9 billion pesos including the damages of Typhoon Pepeng. Rehabilitation efforts could also extend to more than a year according to some experts. The food supply will be affected and the effect will be felt next year. Rice and corn will definitely the most affected commodity and price increase is also expected.

The government is implementing price control on basic commodities especially in areas affected by the typhoon. The DTI is continuously monitoring establishments if they are complying with the directive.

Golez said the calamity fund of the national government is P2 billion while the the LGUs have access to P20 billion. We just hope that this will not be used for corruption. Our government officials should prioritize the needs of those who are greatly affected by the disaster and should not get commissions from the purchases and delivery of other services. Some people fear that this situation could be used by the administration to fund their campaign in the 2010 national election.

Source Code of Counting Machines Urge to be Made Public

2009-10-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

A non-government association is urging the COMELEC to release the source code of the software to be used in the 2010 national and local elections. The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPeg) already filed a petition for mandamus before the Supreme Court to compel the Commission on Elections in disclosing the source code of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to the public.

The COMELEC already approved their request but until now there is no action from the agency. According to the qroup, the Commision on Elections will be violating Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law specifically Section 12 which states that once an AES technology is selected for implementation, the Commission shall promptly make the source code of that technology available and open to any interested political party or groups which may conduct their own review thereof. They also feared that the counting machines might be tampered if the code will not be made public.

CENPEG said that the voters must be assured that the machines themselves cannot be used as instruments for cheating, that they have been programmed correctly. Philstar.com identified other petitioners which include the National Secretariat for Social Action, University of the Philippines-Alumni Association, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Ecumenical Bishops Forum, Solidarity Philippines, and various IT experts.

However, there are also some people who are not in favor of making the source code public as it will be more prone to hacking which could be more dangerous because it can also tamper results.

There will be 80,000 counting machines that will be installed in polling precints while an additional 2,000 units will serve as a backup. The machines will make the automatic counting, canvassing, and transmission of votes.

Registration Procedures and Requirements for First Time Voters

2009-10-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

For first time voters, you may have so many questions like how to register at Comelec, what are the procedures in registration and the requirements for you to be able to vote in the 2010 National and Local elections. Below are some information that will guide you in your registration at comelec offices. Preparing the requirements beforehand can lessen the burden and problems usually encountered by new voters. Let your vote be counted, register!

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES:

1. A qualified applicant need only to appear personally at the local COMELEC office.
2. The applicant's identity and residence will be verified. (Bring a valid ID with photograph and signature.)
3. The applicant's status of registration will also be verified. (NOTE: Your registration status may also be verified here.)
4. After a successful verification, the applicant shall be given an application form to fill up (in 3 copies).
5. The applicant's biometrics will then be digitally captured.
6. An Acknowledgment Receipt will be given to the applicant afterwards.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:
* at least 18 years old;
* 1 year residence in the Philippines;
* 6 months residence in the place wherein he proposes to vote

DISQUALIFICATIONS:
* sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment of not less than 1 year;
* adjudged by final judgment of a competent court;
* insane or incompetent persons as declared by competent authority

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS:
1. Employee’s identification card (ID) with the signature of the employer or authorized representative;
2. Postal ID;
3. Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority;
4. Senior Citizen’s ID;
5. Driver’s license;
6. NBI/PNP clearance;
7. Passport;
8. SSS/GSIS ID;
9. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID;
10. License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC); and
11. Any other valid ID.

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE:

As Per COMELEC Resolution No. 8514
as amended in COMELEC Resolution No. 8585 (Promulgated: February 12, 2009)

WHEN:
During office hours, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, (Mondays - Saturdays including holidays)
beginning December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) to October 31, 2009 (Saturday)

WHERE:
at the office of the local COMELEC office where you reside
Satellite registration Schedule for NCR (Metro Manila)

HOW:
personally

COVERAGE:
All cities and municipalities, except the ARMM

source:
http://www.comelec.gov.ph

KAMPI-LAKAS CMD Merger Legal Based on SC Decision

2009-10-05T00:59:00.000-07:00

The case filed by former Speaker Jose de Venecia questioning the validity of the merger of two powerful political party in the Philippines was turned down by the Supreme Court. The court said that the merging of Lakas and Kampi followed the procedures set by law. They have complied all the requirements and the petition of De Venecia was not covered by the jurisdiction of the courts.

Here's an excerpt of the report from GMANews

In an 18-page decision penned by Commissioner Elias Yusoph, the poll body's second division said the merger of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino has complied with the requirements stated under Section 60 of the Omnibus Election Code.

“Lakas-Kampi-CMD has fully shown that it is qualified to be registered as a political party and that it has complied with all the procedural requirements needed for it to be registered and accredited as a national political party," the resolution read.

Among the requirements are having a full name for the party, a principal headquarters, name of officers, extent of constituency, program of government, declaration to uphold the Constitution, and to not be funded by any foreign government.

The Comelec however noted that De Venecia was late with his petition, saying it came after the merged party’s accreditation had already been heard by the poll body.

“The July 16 hearing for the accreditation was published five days before in three newspapers of general circulations, all persons who oppose the accreditation are deemed to be notified, any opposition submitted after the hearing should be considered as being filed out of time," it said.

It also said De Venecia failed to present a justiciable issue to back his request to nullify the Lakas-Kampi-CMD merger.

“His alleged cause of action against the interim officers of good standing of Lakas-CMD by scheming ‘to keep the center of power in the hands of a cabal of people for their own personal and selfish ends’ is a political and not a justiciable issue over which the Commission has no jurisdiction," the resolution read.

New Typhoon, New Risk to Metro Manila

2009-09-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

The new typhoon will again hit Luzon area which will include Metro Manila. It will again pose danger to the residents especially in places still under flood. Our government officials, the LGU and other NGO's should again prepare for this calamity. Preemptive strategies should be implemented to avoid the casualties and damages that will be caused to properties and infrastructures.

According to the weather bureau, they are expecting that the coming typhoon will also bring heavy rains.

Latest update on Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) was reported leaving more than 300 deaths and billions worth of damages.

Its good to see that there are donations (cash and in kind) and other aids coming from private businesses and other politicians. Politics should be set aside during this situation.

Videos of Typhoon Ondoy

2009-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Latest update on the casualties of Typhoon Ondoy

-240 deaths and still increasing as more people are found in creeks, rivers within Metro Manila. Other deaths were due to landslides and flashfloods.

-P2.4 billion estimated damages to properties and infrastructure

Some videos on Typhoon Ondoy:

Updates on the Aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy

2009-09-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Our latest update on the casualties and damages caused by Typhoon Ondoy is still rising. As of this day, there are places in Metro Manila that is still flooded and there are people who needs to be rescued.

Based on newspaper reports, the total casualties is already 75 people which includes missing persons. The damage to infrastructure could reach to millions of pesos. The government is now asking for international aid to finance the relief and rescue operations.

There are some points that I want our readers to ponder;

If our government officials were prudent in their spending (like those grand dinner at exclusive restaurants and expensive travels abroad) we will not be asking for help from other countries.

If we have a carefully planned emergency response strategy, there would be lesser casualties. Instead of too much politicking in the Senate and the lower house why not think of laws that will tackle disasters like this.

Some of our presidentiables were tested on this particular situation. Please take note of their participation and role in responding to this emergency situation.
-Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (DND)
-MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando
-Senator Richard Gordon (Red Cross Chairman)
-Other Presidentiables like Senator Manny Villar,Senator Noynoy Aquino,VP Noli de Castro, Erap Estrada, Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Jamby Madrigal, Bro Eddie Villanueva

If our incumbent senators and congressmen used properly their pork barrel, flooding and other disasters will be avoided in Metro Manila and other provinces. Instead of putting waiting sheds and making large billboards to claim the projects, why not prioritize those projects that will benefit and safeguard people in the community.

Latest update NDCC:

-the number of casualties reached 100 persons according the the report from the National Disaster Coordinating Council
- US government, through ambassador Kirstie Kenny donated an additional $50,000 for Typhoon Ondoy assistance

Overpriced Equipment at TESDA; Mother of All Greed

2009-09-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was dismayed at the news report, aired by abs-cbn, that TESDA purchased overpriced equipments. Overpricing in government biddings and transactions are not new to us but padding the price for more than 32,000 percent is too much.

A baking equipment which is worth P900 was purchased for more than P34,000. There are also some feedback that the equipments were substandard. This is another example of plain and simple corruption done by people close to the President. I still don't believe that the current government is really working to fight graft and corruption.

This issue in TESDA is not the first one under the supervision of Secretary Syjuco. It was also reported that the books published by Secretary Syjuco is overpriced but he was absolve in the case. The infomercial which is too expensive is also being questioned.

If this department is tainted with corruption under Secretary Syjuco, how can we say that he will be more effective as a senator of the republic. There are rumors that he will run as a senator this coming 2010 elections.

The anti-graft body should act fast on this. But maybe they will clear the agency and the people behind it. Political affiliation is still so powerful that if you are close to the leader, you are likely to be free from scrutiny and real investigations.

TESDA should be helping the poor, educate the youth and train them to be productive citizen of the country. If the budget were being used to enrich some people and to satisfy their greed, Filipinos should be asking the President, what are you doing?

President Erap vs Senator Ping Lacson

2009-09-23T05:33:00.001-07:00

Ping and Erap, who will win in mudslinging? Both political personalities are implicated in the Dacer-Corbito Double Murder case. They are now accusing each other of the crime. Since Senator Lacson is immuned from libel, he is using his previlege speech to attack the former president. In return, President Erap also uses his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada to counter the allegations of Lacson.

It seems that the senate is being used for personal interest and issues. They are wasting peoples money and trust for electing them in those positions. Why not let the court decide on who is the real mastermind in this case. Or maybe why not present themselves in court and prove what they are saying.

People are now annoyed of too much politicking,can we have a new senate with more responsible people?

Mar Roxas Finally Accepts Vice President Position

2009-09-21T05:17:00.001-07:00

Senator Mar Roxas finally accepts the challenge to be the running mate of Senator Noynoy Aquino. In a press conference held today, Senator Roxas announced that he is now running for vice-president. The Aquino-Roxas tandem is seen by many as a start of the unification of the Liberal Party.

Update on Philippine Elections

2009-09-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Senator Noynoy Aquino will meet former President Erap Estrada next week in an effort to unify the opposition. The talk will focus on the possibility of having one candidate for president.

Secretary Gilbert Teodoro wins the nomination of the Lakas Kampi CMD Coalition as the party standard bearer in the 2010 Presidential elections. MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando accepts the decision.

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia contest the merging of LAKAS CMD and KAMPI. He believes that the merging is void ab initio or illegal from the very beginning.

Eap files suit against Yunchengco for the alleged intimidation resulting to the Yuchengco's sale of stake to Pangilinan Group.

Congressman Mikey Arroyo Undeclared Wealth

2009-09-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

For those who are interested on the report of Vera Files on the unaccounted wealth of Congressman Mikey Arroyo, I have compiled some of the videos uploaded on youtube. It will depend on our readers whether his actions, decisions, and judgement were appropriate.

"Public office is a public trust"

Noynoy Aquino Leads Presidentiables in the Latest Survey

2009-09-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

In the latest survey of Presidentiables for the 2010 national elections, Senator Noynoy Aquino leads the survey with 50% of the respondents chose him to be the next president of the Republic. He was followed by Senator Manny Villar and other presidentiables.

The Aquino-Roxas tandem also leads the survey against the possible team-up between Estrada-Legarda, De Castro- Puno, and Villar-Pangilinan. SWS cunducted the survey in Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon on September 5-6, 2009. Vice President Noli de Castro will announced today his plans for the 2010 elections.

Some political strategist are still wary of the chances of Senator Aquino in the coming Presidential race. In an article of Philstar, Lito Banayo, said Aquino’s close links to his parents could be both beneficial and disadvantageous to him. “It’s not a ‘walk in the park’ for him... Ninoy is now considered a martyr and a hero while Cory, after her death, had assumed a person almost of sainthood. If Noynoy becomes a candidate now, the memories of Ninoy and Cory will become fodder." Banayo enumerated some of the issues that will be faced by Senator Aquino which include unresolved issues of the Aquino administrationlike the exclusion of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the Mendiola massacre and the operation of the so-called “Kamag-anak Inc.”

Banayo added that his mother Cory Aquino assumed a very fruitful reverie of the president of the country in comparison with what followed, especially the present administration. Opponents might revive old issues. Banayo also said Aquino would have to deal with the limited reach of the Liberal Party. “The Liberal Party has no infrastructure in Mindanao... He cannot rely only on the LP. He needs more vehicles. He needs to unite the opposition minus Erap and Villar,” he said.

The director of the Makati Business Club, on the other hand, has a positive analysis of the presidential bid of the Senator. "We now have renewed hope that we can look forward to a new dawn where accountability and good governance prevail over abuse and deceit. From apathy, we now see a reinvigorated citizenry,” Del Rosario added.

“There is a shared assessment that the state of governance in the country has become intolerable and that people must act now on their own to bring back the good and fight corruption, injustice and abuse. In short, people are calling to bring back ethical leadership and are willing to participate as citizens to bring this about. This is one of the most significant developments as far as protecting and enhancing Philippine democracy is concerned,” he said. Del Rosario is supporting Senator Aquino but he said that it does not mean that it is also the decision of the Makati Business Club.

Senator Noynoy Aquino Declares His Bid To Run for President

2009-09-09T06:59:00.002-07:00

In the press conference held today by the Liberal Party and Senator Noynoy Aquino III, the public is now assured by the Senator that he is now determined to accept the challenge given to him by the party and other private organizations and individuals.

Senator Noynoy Aquino declares that he is willing and already made the final decision to run for President for the 2010 national elections.

HE also ask Senator Mar Roxas to be his vice president. Senator Mar Roxas, who previously withdraws his bid for presidency to give way to the clamor of the party members for Aquino as the standard bearer did not give a comment on the request of Noynoy Aquino. He said that they will still talk about it.

The sisters of Senator Aquino are all supporting his candidacy. Senator Kiko Pangilinan was also chosen as the spokesperson of Senator Aquino during the campaign period. He might also withdraw from the race and just support the Aquino - Roxas tandem.

Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Mar Roxas Tandem in 2010 Elections

2009-09-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

The announcement of Senator Mar Roxas that he will already withdraw his intention to run for the top position in the coming election gives more freedom to the party as to who will be their standard bearer in 2010 election. Roxas would also accept the Liberal Party's decision on who will be the best candidate for the Presidency in 2010.

Even if it is hard for him to make that decision, Senator Roxas still believes that it can unite the Liberal Party. This development will also give Senator Noynoy Aquino the best option to run for the Presidency in 2010. Although senator Aquino is still undecided whether he will run for the Presidency or vice president, the Liberal Party and as well as other established party such as the Aksyon Democratiko of the late Senator Raul Roco had already announced that Noynoy Aquino will be their standard bearer.

Governor Ed Panlilio who also declared his intention to run for president already expressed his support for Aquino. With more people and organization supporting Aquino for President, we can now assume that he will decide to run for the position.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan who is eyeing the vice president position also told the media that he is willing to support Noynoy Aquino if he will run for the Presidency. Senator Pangilinan is an inactive member of the Liberal Party.

Still an Aquino-Roxas tandem is a very strong team-up that is very difficult to beat in 2010 elections.

Unity Walk of Presidentiables

2009-08-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Its good to see politicians walk hand in hand for clean and orderly elections. The recent event sponsored by GMA 7 network and other organization, Tatakbo Ka Ba Election 2010 is a good example on how the private sector and the public can help in unifying candidates and urging them to follow election laws.

They signed a manifesto stating that they will not use force,money and other illegal activities during the elections in 2010. They also took an oath so we just hope that they will honor and follow what they have signed and promised.

Some of the candidates present were:

Senator Mar Roxas
Senator Jamby Madrigal
Senator Loren Legarda
Senator Dick Gordon
Senator Manny Villar
MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando
Former President Erap Estrada
Brother Eddie Villanueva
Senator Kiko Pangilinan
Ang Kapatiran

Other presidentiables were not present due to previous commitments or out of the country on official travel.

Religious Leaders for President: Better Alternatives?

2009-08-25T03:19:00.000-07:00

Religious leaders are now more vocal and involves themselves in the political activities with the hope that they can also provide the change Filipinos are longing for. It is stated in our constitution that there is a separation of the church and the state but with the recent developments in our politics today, it seems that this prohibition may not deter people from the church to participate in election.

The number of people from religious organization interested in the 2010 national election is increasing. They are hoping that, with huge following, they have an edge from traditional politicians.

Those who are willing to run for the presidency in the coming elections are the following:

Gov. Ed Panlilio - priest on leave Roman Catholic Church
Brother Eddie Villanueva - (JIL) Jesus is Lord Founder
Brother Mike Velarde - El Shaddai Founder

Are we expecting for more when the filing of candidacies starts in November? Who do you think is the best alternative leader from these candidates? How big is thier chance to win the election?

Should we expect that Iglesia ni Cristo will also field their candidate?

Bro Mike Velarde Plans to Run for President in 2010 Elections

2009-08-20T02:43:00.000-07:00

Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai said in an interview that he thought of running for President on 2010 national elections. He still have to make his final decision after consulting his followers. A survey is being conducted on all El Shaddai member to know if they can bring 20 more supporters for Bro. Mike.

Bro Mike Velarde also said that his support for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ends in 2010. Other politicians suggests that Brother MIke velarde should just endorse a candidate rather than running for president. He lacks the political machinery needed to have a successful national campaign.

General Danny Lim Will Run as Senator

2009-08-18T05:27:00.000-07:00

Detained General Danny Lim announced today that he will be running for senator in the 2010 national elections. He is confident that he can also duplicate what Senator Trillanes did to grab a seat in the senate. He also changed his voters registration to his home province where he meet some of his supporters.

General Lim believes that he can do more things if elected in the senate. The problem that he will be facing is the same with Senator Trillanes. Can he serve fully the filipino people if inside a cell?