Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Philippine Holidays for 2011

We know that you are interested in knowing the holidays for 2011, so here it is. President Noynoy Aquino already signed and approved the holidays for 2011. Expect that we will have fewer holidays and a deviation from the holiday-economics adopted by the previous administration. No more long holidays!

Regular Holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Saturday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday
Maundy Thursday – April 21
Good Friday – April 22, Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday
Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday
National Heroes Day – August 29 (Last Monday of August
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Wednesday
Christmas Day – December 25 (Sunday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Friday).

Special Non-working Days:

Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Sunday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Tuesday)
Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Saturday).


Special Holiday for All Schools

EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Friday)

Tentative Dates for:
Eid’l Fithr
Eid’l Adha

This list of holidays will serve as your guide in planning your vacation for 2011 or in filing your vacation leaves in your office.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hubert Webb and Others Acquitted in Vizconde Massacre

The Supreme Court Ruled: Acquit Hubert Webb and 6 others who were jailed for the Visconde Massacre in 1991.

Today, both camps organized a press conference to air their sentiments on the latest ruling of the highest court.




Here is an update from Thea Alberto of Yahoo News Philippines for more details:

Supreme Court acquits Webb, et al
By Thea Alberto – December 14th, 2010


UPDATE 4) The Supreme Court has acquitted the convicted murderers in the controversial decades-old Vizconde massacre case, reversing an earlier local court decision sentencing those accused of life imprisonment.

In a 34-page decision, Supreme Court said it “reverses and sets aside the Decision dated December 15, 2005 and Resolution dated January 26, 2007 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR-H.C. 00336 and acquits accused-appellants.”

“For, it would be a serious mistake to send an innocent man to jail where such kind of doubt hangs on toone’s inner being, like a piece of meat lodged immovable between teeth,” the SC decision said.

“The court has acquitted Hubert Webb, Antonio Lejano, Michael Gatchalian, Pyke Fernandez, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada and Gerardo Biong,” Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez told a separate press conference.

Seven magistrates voted for the acquittal, four voted against, four others abstained.

The justices who voted in favor of the acquittal were: Associate Justices Roberto Abad; Conchita Carpio-Morales; Diosdado Peralta; Lucas Bersamin; Jose Perez, and Ma. Lourdes Sereno.

Those who dissented were: Chief Justice Renato Corona; Associate Justices Martin Villarama; Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, and Arturo Brion.

Associate Justices Antonio Carpio; Mariano del Castillo; Eduardo Nachura, and Presbitero Velasco meanwhile inhibited themselves from the case.

“The prosecution was not able to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” said Marquez.

Marquez added the Supreme Court also noted that the quality of testimonies of the witnesses, including those of Jessica Alfaro “could not be relied on.”

“It was more on the quality of witnesses presented by the prosecution. The quality of testimony and marked inconsistencies of the witnesses could not be relied on,” Marquez added.

Fritz Webb, brother of Hubert, earlier said the acquittal is the best Christmas gift for their family.

In a separate report, Lauro Vizconde had said he will respect the decision of the Supreme Court but he will ”criticize it” if Webb is freed. Volunteers against Crime and Corruption, a group backing Vizconde, said they are hoping the justices will be able to sleep at night.

On June 30, 1991 Estrellita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde were brutally killed inside the Paranaque abode.

Webb’s alibi was he was not in the country at the time and was actually in the United States.

Webb’s family earlier launched an online campaign seeking for Hubert’s freedom and provided the public their evidence that Hubert was not at the crime scene.

Friday, December 10, 2010

A BalikBayan Claimed the 6/55 Grand Lotto Jackpot

The grand prize for the 6/55 grand lotto was already claimed yesterday. According to online reports, a 60 year old balikbayan from New York won the P741 million jackpot. The PCSO also confirmed that they already released the prize to the first grand winner of lotto in the Philippines.

The man, as described by the PCSO chairman, is a very religious man who was in a pilgrimage when his lucky pick won the jackpot. He said that it was only his second time to place a bet in the 6/55 draw and used the lucky pick for the 6 number combination.

Hope he shares some of his money to poor filipinos this christmas or donate some to charities. If indeed he is really a man of faith. The winner is already planning to return to New York where his family is staying for several years now.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Travel Advisories to the Philippines Modified

The Philippine government was happy about the development of its protest on the recent travel advisories issued by several countries because of alleged imminent terror attacks in the Philippines.

Malacanang said that Australia and France amended their travel advisories. Australia removed the phrase imminent attack in Metro Manila while France made a similar decision by removing the phrase "supposed imminent terror attack in Manila."

According to Palace spokeswoman Abigail Valte the changes are significant development because it removed the contentious part in the travel advisories.

During the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Yokohama, President Noynoy Aquino had ask the leaders of these countries to review their advisories because they may just be depending on raw data and there were no validated information on the alleged terror attacks in the country.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Pnoy Dating Another Woman: Asks media to Respect His Privacy

It was Shalanie Soledad, then Liz Uy. But none of these relationship could prosper probably because of the hectic schedule of the President. But there is one problem that the President has to address, he can't control the media from meddling in his lovelife.

Recently, news agencies reported that President Noynoy Aquino is dating another woman. He was spotted in Power Plant Mall on November 29 together with a young lady. They ate at a restaurant where the president ordered his favorite food, angus burger with onion rings.

Who is the Woman?

Sources said that the woman is a Deutsche Bank stockbroker. A friend of Luli Arroyo, the daughter of former President GMA. There are speculations that the woman is an old friend of the President. Her name is Len Lopez.

When the President was asked about his lovelife, he told the press that they should leave it to him and ask to respect his privacy. He added that right now he belongs to SMP.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Lone Winner of the 6/55 Grand Lotto

At last, the jackpot for the 6/55 worth P741,176,323.20 was won by a bettor in Subic, Olongapo city. The winning combination for the 6/55 Grand lotto is 11-16-42- 47-31-37

Here is a news from abs-cbn detailing how the lone winner got the jackpot prize.

Lucky Grand Lotto winner placed bet in SBMA
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 11/29/2010 10:25 PM | Updated as of 11/30/2010 9:10 AM


MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) - The luckiest person who won the biggest jackpot in the history of the Philippine lotto placed the winning bet in Olongapo City, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said Tuesday.

Arnel Casas, PCSO central operations manager, told ANC's "Headstart" that the lone winner bought the winning ticket inside the lone lotto outlet inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

A radio dzMM report quoting PCSO Chairwoman Margie Juico said that the winner placed the bet at the Nisitas Garcia lotto outlet.

Casas said the lone winner's 6-number combination (11-16-42- 47-31-37)

was literally "lucky pick" or was randomly picked by the PCSO computer.

The Olongapo City bettor, whose identity has yet to be determined by the PCSO, won the highest lottery jackpot in Philippine history.

The P741,176,323.20 lotto prize was won after 6 months of thrice weekly draws. It was the second 6/55 Grand Lotto jackpot since the game was launched April 19, 2010.

The first 6/55 Grand Lotto jackpot prize, also won by a lone bettor, was P134,629,873.20.

The prize is tax-free and will be given in a single tranche in the form of a check, the PCSO said.

Casas said that the lucky winner should drop by the PCSO main office and present the thermal paper receipt with the winning combination and at least one valid ID to claim the prize.

The winner would be issued a check and has the option of depositing or encashing the check.

The PCSO said 66 bettors won the second prize for guessing 5 of the 6 numbers. A total of 5,108 who had 4 correct numbers won third prize while 99,541 won fourth prize.

SBMA outlet owner also a winner

Casas said that the PCSO also gives out incentives or an agent seller's prize to lotto outlets where the winning ticket was bought.

He said the SBMA lotto outlet owner would get the highest incentive given to an agent, which amounts to P500,000.

The 6/55 Grand Lotto began with a minimum jackpot prize of P30 million before it ballooned as no one correctly guessed the winning combinations for succeeding draws until Monday.

The soaring jackpot has enticed Filipinos from various sectors of society to cast their bets.

It reached a point that a number of lotto outlets almost ran out of cards and thermal paper and forced some lotto operators to manually input bets.

The large jackpot prize has generated concerns from certain individuals, such as Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, who has suggested placing a cap on the jackpot prize of lotto draws because it allegedly promotes gambling among Filipinos.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Philippines May be Involved in N Korea and S Korea War Because of Treaty

Though we don't have the firepower to aid South Korea in case the tension between the two countries escalates into war, the Philippines had no other choice but to help South Korea because of a treaty with the United States.

Here is a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Gil Cabacungan Jr. why this scenario is possible.

PH ‘obliged’ to aid South Korea

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines under its mutual defense treaty with the United States has an obligation to send troops in case war breaks out between North and South Korea, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Sunday.

“But given our capability, we can only send our doctors, nurses, engineers and maybe some ground troops. These are what we can only contribute because we do not have any air force, we do not have any navy,” Enrile said in an interview with dzBB radio.

Article IV of the mutual defense pact signed in August 1951 states that “each party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

Article V says that “an armed attack on either of the parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.”

The two parties will take their lead from the United Nations Security Council, according to the accord.

Enrile said that some of the American troops deployed in the Philippines under the Visiting Forces Agreement would likely be pulled out to beef up US presence on the Korean border.

“We cannot do anything about that. That’s a function of the command of the US. They can pull out their forces from the Philippines to Korea and replace them with others,” Enrile said.

Fortunately, he said, the Philippines is out of the range of North Korea’s nuclear warheads and its Navy is not big enough to launch a massive sea attack in the region.

However, Enrile said that the Philippine government should closely monitor the situation considering that North Korea had become even more unpredictable with the rise in power of the aggressive Kim Jong-un, youngest son of longtime leader Kim Jong-il.

“But if ever their exchange of fire worsens, I can only say that the US and China would try to settle the matter between the two peacefully. But you never can tell, especially if North Korea launches its nuclear missile and South Korea retaliates … It’s a very unpredictable situation,” Enrile said.

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:17:00 11/29/2010

Friday, October 29, 2010

Former Pres GMA Had a First Hand in the Approval of NBN-ZTE Deal

Based on the court records and testimony of a journalist, former President Gloria Arroyo had influenced former NEDA Director Romulo Neri to approved the NBN-ZTE deal.

“PGMA was pushing it. Binraso ako ni Presidente (I was forced by the President)." Neri allegedly told his journalist friend.

Arroyo forced Neri to okay NBN-ZTE deal, court told

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had forced her Planning secretary, Romulo Neri, to approve the alleged anomaly-ridden proposal of Chinese firm ZTE Corp. in the government's national broadband network project in 2007, a newspaper columnist said Thursday.

Jarius Bondoc told the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division in a hearing that Neri himself told him this in a phone conversation on April 21, 2007, the day before the $329-million NBN deal was signed with ZTE Corp.

The trial was for the graft case slapped against former Commission on Election (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos, who allegedly tried to bribe Neri to approve the deal.

Under direct examination by Prosecutor Jacinto dela Cruz Jr., Bondoc said Neri called him in the morning of April 20, 2007 and gave him four names of people who were allegedly behind the overpricing of the NBN project.

“Secretary Neri mentioned a certain Ricky Razon, Abalos and either GMA (Arroyo’s initials) or (then First Gentleman Jose Miguel) Mike Arroyo. He said, ‘You find out for yourself. I can’t tell you. I won’t tell you’," said Bondoc, who claimed to have known Neri since the Cory Aquino administration.
more from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204592/arroyo-forced-neri-to-okay-nbn-zte-deal-court-told

___________

Newsman quotes Neri: Arroyo pressured me on NBN deal

MANILA, Philippines—“I was pressured by the President,” a newspaper columnist Thursday said quoting Romulo Neri who was tasked with evaluating the National Broadband Network project when he headed the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Neri allegedly told Star columnist Jarius Bondoc that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband were involved in pushing for the $329-million NBN deal with a Chinese firm.

Bondoc recounted his discussions of the deal with Neri, whom he identified as his “anonymous source” in the series of columns on the NBN-ZTE deal in early 2007.

The columnist said Neri called him up on the morning of April 20, 2007, to complain about the deal, which was to be signed in China the next day.

Bondoc said Neri, who believed that the deal was anomalous, was “agitated” during their conversation.
more from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101029-300380/Newsman-quotes-Neri-Arroyo-pressured-me-on-NBN-deal

Monday, October 25, 2010

More than 1500 Barangays Postponed Elections

barangay and sk election update

1,599 barangays or 4 percent of the total number of villages in the country failed to hold the election because of delayed delivery of election paraphernalia.

Some of the Areas where election was postponed: some provinces in northern luzon, bicol region, some visayas provinces and hotspot areas in mindanao. Voting in these areas will be held tomorrow October 26. the COMELEC already asked the Palace to declare 26 a non-working holiday to let the people in the affected areas participate in the barangay and sk poll.

Authorities reported that election related violence were minimal as compared to previous barangay and sk elections.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Quick Facts on Super Typhoon Juan

Here are some of the updates on the aftermath of super typhoon Juan that hits northern Luzon. These statistics were gathered by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

- 26 people have been confirmed killed
- Pangasinan recorded the most number of fatalities
- 4 people missing, 3 from Nueva Ecija and 1 from Aurora
- 34 people were injured
- damage to agriculture is estimated at P7.54 billion
- damage to infrastructure is estimated at P67 million
- 187,860 houses were totally and partially damaged
- the typhoon affected at least 1.3 million people
- provinces most affected by typhoon Juan = Isabela, Cagayan, La Union, Abra, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur
- 32,909 people remain in 251 evacuation centers.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Headliners on Barangay and SK Elections

Comelec eyes 60% turnout in local polls

CAMPAIGNING IN the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections is already in full swing around Metro Manila, but don’t expect much activity in the cloistered neighborhoods of Dasmariñas Village in Makati City.

Only 11 youths had registered for the SK elections in the gated community, according to the National Capital Region (NCR) office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This means there are only three more registered voters than the actual number of seats up for grabs in the SK, a council composed of the chair and seven council members aged 15-17.

“In exclusive subdivisions, there is generally less interest in the barangay and SK elections,” Comelec-NCR director Michael Dioneda said in an interview.

Barangay elections traditionally do not attract crowds as big as those during national elections, especially in rich subdivisions, as shown in the case of Dasmariñas Village, he said.

Dioneda did not have the figure for the number of SK candidates in the subdivision, but he said he would not be surprised if there happened to be only two.

This year, voter turnout in Metro Manila may reach only 60 percent, far below the 80 to 90 percent expected turnout during presidential or senatorial elections, Dioneda added. In gated villages, he said turnout could fall to as low as 40 to 50 percent, including during barangay polls.


read more http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20101017-298271/Comelec-eyes-60-turnout-in-local-polls



Ecowaste issues election appeal

WITH the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections only a week away, green group Ecowaste Coalition yesterday asked Comelec to remind candidates to spare the trees from their campaign activities.

"We request Chairman (Jose) Melo to join us in asking the candidates to show mercy to our life-sustaining trees and spare them of posters, banners, and other materials meant to woo voters," said EcoWaste president Roy Alvarez.

"We urge all candidates and their supporters to demonstrate ecological responsibility by ensuring that their campaign gimmicks do not in any way harm the trees and degrade the environment," he added.


read more: http://www.malaya.com.ph/10182010/news10.html


Comelec Bohol Okays 33,484 Candidates

TAGBILARAN CITY — Some 33,484 candidates have been officially considered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bohol as candidates in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) synchronized elections October 25 in the province. In all, there are some 1,109 barangays in Bohol.

A total of 729,815 registered voters in Bohol as of the last elections are expected to troop to their respective precincts to elect their preferred candidates listed by the poll body. The filing of certificates of candidacies closed on midnight of last Wednesday, October 13.

There could be more candidates as the elections this October 25 include candidates for the SK. Age of political maturity in the Philippines is pegged at 18.

Opened slots for the local elections are a seat for chairman and seven barangay council members or kagawads in each barangay while similar positions are also at stake in the barangay youth council or SK.

According to the data furnished by the Comelec, a total of 2,147 of these candidates eye the office of barangay chairman, while 17,008 are running for the seven slots opened for the barangay council members.

For the SK, 2,359 are interested in 1,109 slots for youth barangay SK chairman while 11,970 youth are running to get elected as SK councilor.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/282684/comelec-bohol-okays-33484-candidates

Thursday, October 7, 2010

President Aquino's First 100 Day Report

Message
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
On The First Hundred Days of his Administration

[October 7, 2010, La Consolacion College, Manila]
(As Delivered)


Maraming salamat po, maupo po ho tayong lahat.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, members of the Cabinet, our host led by Sister Imelda, honored guests, fellow workers in government, mga minamahal ko pong kababayan, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Ang basehan po ng demokrasya ay mayroon po tayong mga politiko na naglalahad ng kanilang plataporma. Ang nanalo po ay obligadong ipatupad ang platapormang ipinangako.

Isandaang araw po ang nakalipas, nagpanata ako sa taumbayan: Hindi ko tatalikuran ang tiwalang kaloob ninyo sa akin. Ang nakalipas na isandaang araw ang magsisilbing tanda ng ating pong paninindigan.

Malalim at malawak po ang mga problemang minana natin. Nag-ugat ito sa isang gobyernong parang tatlong matsing na nagbingi-bingihan, nagbulag-bulagan, at gumawa ng sariling katotohanan.

Mali po ito. Ngayon, mayroon na po kayong gobyernong handang makipag-usap at magsabi ng totoo; handang makinig sa makabuluhang usapan; handang iangat ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso ukol sa mga isyung makaaapekto sa ating lahat, at maging sa mga darating na henerasyon.

Ang natamasa po natin ngayong unang isandaang araw ng ating panunungkulan: Mayroon na po kayong gobyernong hindi kayo binabalewala o inaapi.

Bumalik na po ang kumpyansa sa ating bansa. Tumatatag ang ating ekonomiya, at dahil dito, lumalago ang kaban ng ating bayan. Ang lahat ng inani at aanihin pa natin mula sa pinatibay na ekonomiya ng ating bansa, ibinabalik naman natin sa taumbayan upang tuluyan na tayong makaahon sa kahirapan. Binibigyan natin ng katuturan ang paggastos. Walang pisong dapat nasasayang.

Halimbawa po ang mga itinalagang opisyal sa mga GOCC. Naroon po dapat sila para pangalagaan ang interes ng taumbayan. Noon pong nakaupo sila doon, nilabag nila ang Memorandum Order 20, na pinirmahan noon pang Hunyo 2001. Inatupag po nila ang sariling interes na nagdulot ng pinsala sa interes ng taumbayan: nakakuha sila ng kung anu-anong mga bonus at allowance.

Ipinatutupad naman po natin ang Executive Order No. 7 na nagsususpinde sa lahat ng pribilehiyong iyon. Idiniin lamang po natin ang dapat naipatupad pa noong 2001. Sa isang kumpanya lang po tulad ng MWSS, ang napigil nating mahulog sa bulsa ng bawat opisyal ay umaabot na sa dalawa’t kalahating milyong piso kada taon. Siyam po ang miyembro ng Board nila, at sa MWSS lamang po iyan. At ilan po ang mga GOCCs, GFIs, at mga ahensyang sakop ng EO No. 7? Isandaan, dalawampu’t dalawa (122) mga ahensya at kumpanya.

Nariyan din po ang nangyayari sa mga kontrata tulad sa NAIA 3. Isipin lang po natin, tatlong administrasyon na ang dinaanan nito. Pang-apat na kami. Tumagal na po nang husto ang kasong ito, may mga pinaslang pa dahil dito. Kundi dahil sa mga tapat na nagmamahal sa bansa tulad nina Justice Florentino Feliciano at Justice Meilou Sereno, baka wala na ring pinatunguhan ang kasong ito. Sila po ang mga tunay na bida sa kaso, ngunit death threats pa po ang ibinayad sa kanila. Tila ba nagkulang sa aruga ang nakaraang gobyerno. Ngayon pong alam nilang suportado sila ng mga kapwa nila nasa tuwid na landas, naresolba na po nila ang kontrata. Kung natalo po ang gobyerno natin rito, 990 million dollars ang nalagas sa ating mga pondo. 43.5 bilyong piso ang perang nailigtas nila at natin. Higit pa rito, mapapakinabangan na natin ang airport sa lalong madaling panahon.

Kung naaalala po ninyo, pinahinto natin itong negotiated contracts ng DPWH; pinarebid natin ito. Ginawa lang po natin kung ano ang tama, napigil na po natin ang paglustay ng 934.1 million pesos, at lumalabas na kung susunod tayo sa tamang proseso ay nasa 600 million pesos lang ang dapat gastusin sa mga proyektong ito. Nabalik po ang pera sa kaban ng bayan na kung pinahintulutan natin ang maling sistema ay natapon na naman sanang muli. Hindi lang po sa mga kalsada: sa DOTC, pinigil natin ang pagwaldas ng isang bilyong piso. Sa Department of Agriculture, 30 million at least ang natipid sa isang proyekto lang na bibili tayo ng spectrometer na gusto sanang doblehin ang presyo.

Doon po sa Department of National Defense, ang dinefend po ang pag-purchase ng mga helicopter na tila overspecified para paburan ang isang kumpanya lang. Sinisiyat ito. Itinabi na muna natin. Ang gastos na 3.6 billion ay hindi pa po nangyari.

Lahat po iyan naibalik natin sa kaban ng bayan.

Mayroon pa po. May proyektong inaprubahan ang dating administrasyon, huhukayin daw nila ang Laguna de Bay para palalimin ito. Ang sabi raw dadami ang isda. Mas makakaiwas daw sa baha. Mas madali daw makakaikot ang mga bangka at mga ferry service. Tatanggalin din ang pollutants doon sa Laguna de Bay. Ang tanong ko, saan ililipat ang lupang hinukay? Ang tatanggalin sa Laguna de Bay ay itatambak lang din pala sa ibang bahagi ng Laguna de Bay. At magkano naman po ang uutangin ng gobyerno para sa prebilihiyong ito? Konti lang daw po : 18.5 billion pesos lang naman po. At pareho rin ang kuwento: Tila hindi na naman dumaan sa tamang proseso ang pag-aapruba sa kontrata. Hindi natin dadaanin sa madaliang hokus-pokus ang proyektong ito. Pag-aaralan natin ito nang husto at sisiguraduhing hindi masasayang ang pondong gagamitin para rito.

Idadagdag ko lang po: ito po ay ni-review natin last week. Isipin po ninyo: hanggang ngayon, mayroon pa rin humihirit.

Napansin n’yo po ba, pati ‘yung weather forecasting gumanda? Napansin n’yo po ba na hindi na paulit-ulit ang mga mensahe ng PAGASA? Ngayon po, nakatutok na at mas malaman ang mga weather bulletin natin. Ang dating intermittent rainshowers across the country, ngayon, sasabihin na uulan sa ganitong lugar nang mga ganitong oras, delikadong lumabas para sa mangingisda at iba pa.

Tama po na hindi pa kumpleto ang equipment natin. Pero ngayong nagsimula na po tayong magtrabaho, kakaunti na lang ang kulang na kagamitan. Maling sistema at maling palakad ang nanligaw sa pagtataya ng panahon. Ang mga update dati na dumarating kada anim na oras, kada oras na ngayon kung dumating. Marami po tayong binago sa PAGASA, at kasama na po rito ang bulok na sistema.

Nakita naman po natin ang katakut-takot na problemang minana natin, pero hindi po tayo natinag. Naisaayos at naisasaayos na natin sa loob ng isandaang araw ang hindi nagawa ng dating administrasyon sa loob ng tatlong libo, apat na raan, apatnapu’t walong (3,448) araw.

Hininto na po natin ang pagkatagal-tagal na sistema kung saan itinuloy nang itinuloy ang mga proyekto na walang sumisiyasat kung angkop ba o kung may katuwiran ba ang mga ito. Isinulong po natin ang zero-based budgeting. Ang sabi po namin, isa-isahin natin iyan. Kung hindi po mapatunayang may saysay ka pa, tigil na ang ginugugol ng bansa sa iyo.

Ang mga Agriculture Input Subsidies na lalo lamang nagpapayaman sa mayayaman na habang binalewala ang mga mahihirap; ang mga programa tulad ng Kalayaang Barangay at Kilos-Asenso na hindi naman inilatag nang malinaw kung ano ang prosesong dinaanan, at kung saan napunta ang pera—inilipat po natin ang kanilang mga pondo tungo sa mga programang napatunayan nang makakatulong sa taumbayan.

Humigit-kumulang na 11 bilyong piso pa po ito na magagamit at mapapakinabangan nating lahat.

Sa edukasyon, kalusugan, at pag-ahon sa kahirapan po natin itinutok ang pondong natipid natin. Mula 175 billion pesos, umangat ang budget ng DepEd sa 207.3 billion pesos. Gugugulin po ito upang makabuo ng 13,147 na bagong classroom, at ng sampung libong bagong teaching positions. Sa DoH, umangat mula sa 29.3 billion pesos ang budget papuntang 33.3 billion, upang mapatatag ang unang-una, ang National Health Insurance Program. Sa DSWD, lagpas doble na po ang budget, galing 15.4 billion pesos papuntang 34.3 billion pesos.

Ang punto po natin dito: Walang maiiwan. Hindi po tayo papayag na yayaman ang iilan habang nalulunod sa kahirapan ang karamihan.

Kaya nga po natin pinatatag ang Conditional Cash Transfer Program. Salbabida po ito para sa mga nalulunod nating kababayan upang makapunta na sila sa pampang ng pagkakataon at pag-unlad. Lampas doble po ang bilang ng mga pamilyang matutulungan ng conditional cash transfers, mula isang milyong pamilya sa ngayon, tungo sa kabuuang 2.3 million na pamilya sa 2011.

Patuloy po ang ating tema ng pagbibigay ng lakas sa taumbayan. Dahil na rin po sa panunumbalik ng tiwala sa gobyerno, nabiyayaan ang KALAHI-CIDSS program ng dagdag na 59.1 million dollars—halos tatlong bilyong piso—mula sa World Bank. Sa programa pong ito, dadami pa ang komunidad na magkakaroon ng kuryente, kalsada, at malinis na tubig—mga proyektong ang taumbayan mismo ang nagpaplano at nagpapalakas.

Paulit-ulit po nating ididiin: trabaho ang pangunahing agenda ng ating administrasyon. At marami pong magandang balita ukol dito.

Ang papasok na pera sa ating bansa mula sa mga foreign investors ay aabot sa 2.4 billion dollars, at iyon ay pang-umpisa pa lamang. Direkta po itong magbibigay ng 43,600 na trabaho sa mga Pilipino. Simula pa lamang po iyan: Kung hindi natin sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom, makukumbinsi pa po silang magnegosyo rito, at madadagdagan pa ang mga trabahong nalikha.

At manganganak pa po ng manganganak ang mga trabahong ito. Halimbawa, sa call center, kailangang panggabi ang trabaho. Kailangang magbukas ng kapihan, ng fastfood, ng mga convenience store. Hindi bababa sa dalawandaang libong bagong trabaho ang malilikha pa—kahit hindi ka marunong mag-computer, may pagkakataon ka sa dagdag na mga trabahong ito.

Trabaho din po ang idudulot ng mga Public-Private Partnerships na patuloy nating isinusulong. Nagtayo na po tayo ng PPP Center, kung saan ang mga gustong makilahok sa pagbabago ay mapapasailalim sa tapat, malinaw, at mabilis na proseso. Mula sa pagpapahaba ng mga LRT Lines, hanggang sa pagpapatayo ng bagong paliparan na tutulong sa turismo, hanggang sa mga eskuwelahan na itatayo sa buong sambayanan, magsisimula na po ang bidding para sa mga ito sa loob ng mga susunod na buwan.

Kinikilala na ng pandaigdigang merkado ang pagtatag ng piso. All-time high po ang ating Gross International Reserves na umabot na sa 52.3 billion dollars noong ika-dalawampu ng Setyembre. Ang dati-rati ay parang imposibleng maabot ng Philippine Stock Exchange Index na 4,000, nalampasan na po. Kahapon lamang po, all-time high na naman ang inabot ng ating Philippine Stock Exchange Index na umabot sa 4,196.73 points. Ipinapakita nito ang kumpiyansa sa ating ekonomiya sa ating mamamayan at sa atin pong pamahalaan. Kabilang na po ang ating PSE sa mga best-performing stock market sa buong Asya. At habang lumalakas ang piso at lumalago ang ekonomiya, steady lang naman po ang mga presyo ng ating mga bilihin. Handang-handa na po tayo talaga sa pag-unlad.

Lahat po ito nagawa natin dahil nakasandal ang gobyerno sa inyong tiwala. At umaapaw na rin po ang tiwalang iyan sa buong daigdig.

Dalawang ulit na pong nag-apply ang Pilipinas para sa Millenium Challenge Corporation Grant. Sa unang tatlong buwan lang po ng administrasyon natin napaaprubahan ito. Ang sa kanila lamang po, aminado silang hindi natin maiwawasto agad ang lahat ng problema, pero naniniwala silang patungo na tayo roon. Sabi nila, gusto namin kayong matulungan para maabot ang inyong mga pinapangarap, heto ang 430 million dollars.

Ididiin ko lang po: dalawang beses nag-apply, ni-reject sa loob nang hindi bababa sa siyam na taon, tayo po sa tatlong buwan, inaprubahan.

Pati po ang mga international organization tulad ng OECD, tinanggal na tayo sa listahan ng mga bansang kumukupkop ng mga tax evader. Maaari na tayong makakuha ng impormasyon na makakatulong sa paghuhuli sa mga tax evader na isinasagawa ng BIR.

Dahil na rin po sa panibagong tiwalang nangingibabaw sa pamahalaan, dumadami ang mga tumutulong sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga tip tungkol sa katiwalian. Sumasaksi sila sa maling pangyayari, para makatulong sa ating paghahabol ng demanda. Halimbawa, sa bagong-tayo na Pera ng Bayan website, isa-isa nang lumilitaw ang mga taong makatutulong sa atin upang tugisin ang mga smuggler at tax evader.

Ibinabalik ng mga hakbang na ito ang kumpiyansa ng daigdig sa Pilipinas. Nagkakaisa nang muli ang ating lipunan, at ang nanatili na lang na parang sirang-plaka na paulit-ulit ang reklamo ay ang mga gustong manumbalik sa poder upang ituloy ang kanilang ligaya na nagmumula sa ating pagkakaapi.

Sila na nga ang nagdulot sa atin ng mga problemang pinapasan natin ngayon, sila pa ang may ganang bumanat nang bumanat sa atin. Papansinin ba ninyo sila? Magpapalinlang ba kayong muli?

Hindi po kami nagbibiro sa pagtahak sa tuwid na landas. Kayong mga mali ang palakad at pinipinsala ang mga kababayan natin, ginagarantiya ko sa inyo: may taning kayong lahat.

Ito pong mga problemang pinangako nating solusyonan, tatlong buwan pa lang nakikita na ninyong nabubuo ang solusyon. At ang inyong tiwala po ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ating naabot sa loob lamang nitong tatlong buwan ng ating panunungkulan.

Mula pa noong kampanya, ibinato na po sa atin ang lahat ng puwedeng ibato sa loob at labas ng Revised Penal Code. Pati po ang buhok ko ginawa nilang isyu. Palagay ko ho dahil siguro binata pa tayo, hindi na tayo binigyan ng honeymoon. Payag po si Sister Imelda diyan. Gusto talaga tayong gibain ng mga taong nais mapanatili ang lumang sistema, kung saan para silang mga dambuhalang buwayang nagpapakasasa sa kaban ng bayan.

Binabatikos lang naman po tayo dahil may iilan na naghahanap ng paraan para magpatuloy ang siklo ng mali. Alam din naman po nila ang tama, hindi pa nila maatim gawin. Mayroon po talagang mga nag-aambisyon na makabalik sa poder, nag-aambisyon na panatilihin ang sistemang sila lang ang nakikinabang, mga kapit-tuko sa puwesto na nakikinabang sa lumang sistema—mga taong gusto lamang ituloy ang kanilang ligaya, habang binabalewala naman ang sakripisyo ng taumbayan.

At tayo naman po: tuloy na tuloy ang laban. Hindi po tayo titigil.

Kung mayroon po tayong pagkukulang, ito marahil ay ang hindi nating naging kaugalian na ipamalita ang mga tagumpay na atin pong nakamit. Mas binigyan nating halaga ang paghahanap ng mga paraan na makatutulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kitang-kita naman po ng taumbayan ang resulta ng ating pagtatrabaho. Talagang nakagagalak ng puso itong satisfaction rating na seventy one percent. Natural po, sa inyo ang tagumpay na ito—sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala at nakikilahok sa ating agenda ng pagbabago.

Ang patuloy ko pong panata: Hindi tayo titigil. Habang dumarami tayo sa tuwid na landas, dumadali naman po ang tungkulin nating itama ang mali.

Hinding-hindi po tayo titigil sa tuwid na landas. Unti-unti na pong natutupad ang ating mga pangarap.

Maraming salamat po. Magandang umaga sa lahat.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

P3 per voter for Barangay and SK candidates

The COMELEC announced that candidates for the upcoming local barangay and SK election can spend P3 per voter only. This was included in the Resolution No. 9043 issued by the COMELEC.

an excerpt from the PhilStar:

"No candidate shall spend for his election campaign aggregate amount exceeding P3 for every registered voter in the barangay where he seeks to be elected, the Comelec said in Resolution No. 9043, which contains the rules and regulations governing election campaign, propaganda, contributions and expenditures of candidates. Comelec said the resolution is in line with Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Elections Act.

Under the resolution, candidates, their spouses or any relative to the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity or their campaign managers, agents or representatives shall not directly or indirectly make any donation, gift in cash or in kind or contribute to the construction or repair of any infrastructure during the campaign period that runs from Oct. 14 to 23."


Common Poster Area will be Designated on October 10.

Areas/Places not allowed to Post any campaign Materials:

trees,
electric posts or wires,
shrines,
bridges,
public structures or buildings,
schools,
streets or main thoroughfares.

Unlawful acts:

it is unlawful for any person to remove, destroy, obliterate, deface or tamper with, or prevent the distribution of any lawful election propaganda.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

19 Billion grant from the US Aimed to Stop Corruption and Improve Economy

The grant is one of the highlights in President Aquino's trip to the US. The $434 million is part of the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) financial aid to the country. This will be used in the construction of new roads and bridges particularly in Samar area.

The remaining funds will be spent on new school buildings, water systems,and clinics. Portion of the fund will also go to the computerization of the BIR to fight corruption and increase and become more effective in tax collection.

The Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has this to say about the financial aid given to the country.

“This was a negotiated agreement. This was not a decision just to give the Philippines some money ... This was a negotiation. Because that’s the whole idea behind the MCC. There are certain principles that we believe in, and the Philippines has made a commitment to these principles. We believe that you can unleash the human potential in a country like the Philippines by tearing down the barriers to economic growth and fighting corruption, which is like a cancer in the economy and society,” she said.

We just hope that this money will go the the intended beneficiaries. And no more kickbacks from the implementing agencies or percentages given to the directors, governors and mayors.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

President PNoy Named People Responsible in the Hostage Crisis

The names of several people and entities who should be held responsible in the hostage crisis were made public. President Aquino said in a press conference that a review will be made on the report submitted to him so that appropriate charges will be given. Based on the investigation, the government could file administrative and criminal charges.

Names of Person and Entities:

former Philippine National Police Chief Jesus Verzosa;
PNP’s Chief Superintendent Rolando Magtibay;
NCRPO chief Leocaldo Santiago;
DILG Usec Rico Puno;
Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra;
the head of the SWAT team;
Ombudman Merceditas Gutierrez;
a Deputy Ombudsman;
News anchors Erwin Tulfo and Mike Rogas;
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim;
Vice Mayor Isko Moreno;
and some officials from three TV news networks.

"The report is recommendatory in nature. I have forwarded it, and its recommendations, to a legal team composed of the Executive Secretary and the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to make a thorough review of the IIRC’s recommendations. We are committed to implementing the necessary changes to upgrade the capabilities of our local government units, police and security forces, to ensure the safety of the public. We have also been working to review and improve our procedures and protocols for emergency and crisis situations and a draft of a new crisis management manual is now being prepared," said the president in a press conference.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Result of Investigation of hostage Crisis in Manila

It is expected that this week the joint committee conducting the investigation in the hostage crisis in Manila will be making an announcement of their findings. Justice de Lima who heads the panel assures the public that their report will be unbiased and the truth will come out.

By the way, the digital or animated presentation of the bus used in the hostage taking costs the government at least 2 million pesos according to online reports. We just hope that there was proper bidding on this. 2 million is like buying the equipment used in the digital animation.

Officials should be made responsible for their lapse of judgment in the incident. Heads should roll including some top officials in Malacanang.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Manila Hostage Taking Incident: A Tragedy

The Manila hostage taking incident is indeed a tragedy that our government should learn from. The death of Chinese citizens might have been avoided if the people (police, politicians and other government officials) have made the right decisions. In this case, somebody ( or should we say several people) made the wrong decision.

I would like to disagree to a statement made by Hon. Mayor Lim of Manila, that the SWAT team were properly trained and do have enough trainings. Even a low grade student can tell that what had happened is a proof that the police did not show how a SWAT TEAM should do in hostage taking situation.

They even lack the basic equipment to be called an elite force of the PNP. These are also observed by many people;

-some do not have kevlar helmet
-some do not have bullet proof vest (unless they have anting anting to catch those bullets)
-ladder appropriate for SWAT
- hammer and rope inappropriate for the situation
- used tear gas but they don't have gas mask
- and many more.....

In social media sites, some Filipinos who were disgusted on what happened even change the meaning of SWAT to Sugod Wait Atras Tago and many other acronyms.

And lastly, the officials handling the hostage crisis failed to follow the basic protocols in handling the situation.

The President should not be complacent on this incident. This hostage taking may be an isolated case but it involves other nationalities. The question right now for many tourists; Is it still safe to travel to the Philippines?

Our relationship with other countries is also affected because of the manner the Philippine government handles crisis like the Manila hostage taking incident.


-

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Poll Fraud Whistle Blowers No Proof, Comelec Investigates

There are claims that there are some people who manage to cheat in the May 2010 national election. A whistle blower came to ABS-CBN saying that his group was able to manipulate the results of votes for some candidate in exchange of money from politicians. He said that for every vote for a national candidate cost P20.00 while for the local level it costs P10.00. He also narrated how their illegal activities worked. Based on the interview, they claimed that they were able to transmit election returns to the central server of the comelec.

Although these were mere allegations, the whistle blower did not want to be identified nor want to testify in hearings if the congress and the comelec will look into the accusation.

The congressional hearing stopped the presentation of the video of the whistle blower named robin since what he says are all hearsays.

Even if these were just some gimmicks of some loosing politicians, the comelec should still investigate this. The allegation that Mayor Jejomar Binay was one of their clients is a big concern for us.

We don't want to have another set of illegitimate leaders.

It is a fact that the comelec and smartmatic have so many flaws in the conduct of the May elections. Right now the comelec created a body investigating the recovery of some compact flash (CF) cards in a junk shop in Cagayan De Oro City.

Automation is good however, some safeguards were removed or not implemented. This makes the process open to fraud, cheating and other forms of illegal activities that benefits some politicians.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

9 Senators Proclaimed by Comelec

New Senators proclaimed by Comelec

Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada
Miriam Defensor-Santiago
Franklin Drilon
Juan Ponce-Enrile
Pilar Juliana Cayetano
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ralph Recto
Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

At the time of their proclamation as winners in the senatorial race, there are still 7 percent of votes not canvassed. According to Melo this will not affect the standing of the 9 proclaimed senators. The remaining seats are closely contested by Sen. Lito Lapid, former Senator Sergio Osmena, Rep Riza Hontiveros Baraquel, Rep TG Guingona, Joey de Venecia, Brig Danny Lim, Rep Ruffy Biazon, and Sonia Roco

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Vote Buying in Election and Other Related Violence

This is the day where local campaign leaders are busy not for campaigning their candidates but checking the lists of voters who are on their vote buying list.

It is a sad thing for Philippine politics that vote buying during election becomes a tradition and worst becomes the culture of the Filipinos. That is why corruption will be very difficult to eradicate because of huge amount spent on vote buying. There are some politicians who do not rely on advertising, public debates, campaigning since they know that there are some or a lot of people who can bought before the day of the elections.

The amount of money ranges from P50 up to P5,000 depending on the position of the candidate. At the local level, candidates for mayor and congressman starts from P1000 per head. A local candidate in a municipality even gives 1 sack of rice as an additional incentive to voters who will shift their support.

Violence and threats from opposing groups or supporters are also common. There are times that supporters of a candidate will harass voters who are known to support their rivals.

As of this moment, there are already some reports that attempts to steal ballots and PCOS machine were made in some provincial areas.

We just hope that on May 10, 2010 elections, we will have an orderly and peaceful elections.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Religious Endorsement: Can It Help Candidates Win The 2010 Elections?

Here are some of the endorsements or support promised by some religious leaders and organization. Candidates are still trying to win the support of as many religious sects hoping that it will bring them more votes in the May 10 elections.

Senator Noynoy Aquino - Iglesia ni Cristo

Senator Manyy Villar - Brother Mike Velarde, El Shaddai

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro - Pastor Quiboloy

Brother Eddie Villanueva - His own church , Jesus is Lord


Some of these religious groups have been known to vote as a block, so lets wait on Monday if this will translate to actual votes for the candidates.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

May 2010 Elections in Peril Due Wrong Configuration of CF Cards

It is a very big question why the Comelec and the smartmatic-TIM was not able to foresee the possibility of an error in program configurations when they alter the format of the printed ballots. It was already explained by their IT experts that it was due to program installed on the CF cards why the errors in the tally for the local level occurred.

The CF cards was previously programmed to read single spaces in the ballots(that is why there was no reported error in the national level candidates)but at the back of the ballots which is for the local candidates, the printed part is double spaced thus the program will not be able to read it correctly.

Again people are asking why is this scenario happening. Is this done with a purpose? Or they just overlook it.

There are so many possible scenario that may happen if the May 2010 elections will become a failure.

It will create chaos, uprising, affect our economy, and the extension of the term of the current President.

We just hope that the COMELEC and SMARTMATIC will be able to fulfill their promise to the Filipino people- a clean, honest and orderly elections.

Since there are only a few days left before the elections, the COMELEC people and the SMARTMATIC should work 24 hours a day to make the poll happen.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

2 Weeks with 2 Digits Lead; Does It Mean Noynoy is 2 Steps Away from Malacanang

The recent survey of Social Weather Station and Business World showed that the presidential bet of the Liberal Party could be the next President of the Philippines. The 2 digit lead is a good sign that his closest rival will be finding a very difficult chance to win the highest position in the land. The Liberal party knows that they have to maintain and increase the lead to make it sure that Senator Noynoy Aquino will win a landslide victory come May 10, 2010 elections. The Nationalista Party on the other hand, is trying to cope up and intensified its tri-media campaign. They have launched a new ad featuring his mother and Villar's camp lambasts the media for not reporting fairly.

Political analysts believes that the issues haunting Villar affects his stat in the survey. If these remained unanswered, these will definitely affect the decision of the voters.




The endorsement of Senator Chiz Escudero could also become a major factor in Senator Aquino's victory in the presidential race. According to surveys, any endorsement coming from Senator Escudero will bring more votes to the candidate. This is aside from the endorsement of Governor-Actress Vilma Santos-Recto. The defection of the Governor Joey Salceda from the administration party is also considered as a major boost for Senator Aquino's candidacy. The Liberal Party is assured of a big number of votes from Bicol which is known as a block-voting region.

The last 2 weeks is very crucial to every candidate. All are trying to get media attention. A few weeks ago, Senator Richard Gordon wants to sue two leading poll agencies for including his name in the surveys thus affecting his campaign. Senator Jamby Madrigal will go on hunger strike once the Comelec did not act on her requests. Former President Joseph Estrada is accusing Senator Villar of influencing the PSE to approve the use of the shares from one of his real estate business.

Expect that the next days will be the worst battle ground between these presidential candidates.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Gay Rights Party Ang Ladlad Can Run Says High Court, Church Disagrees

It was a victory for the gay rights movement to finally get the approval of the highest court saying that they can participate in the May 10 national elections. The party who was previously disqualified by the COMELEC for moral issues went to the Supreme Court to fight the case. The court asked the poll body to accredit the application of the Ang Ladlad as a party list.

"I felt vindicated," said Danton Remoto, the head of the group. He said that Ang Ladlad had struggled for recognition and accreditation for the past seven years. The ruling was unanimous citing that there is no law that would bar the gay party to participate in the coming elections. "The denial of Ang Ladlad's registration on purely moral grounds amounts more to a statement of dislike and disapproval of homosexuals, rather than a tool to further any substantial public interest," the court said.

However, a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church expressed his disappointment on the decision of the high court. The church has been firm in teaching about the issue of morality.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Pulse Asia Senatoriables Survey

Here is the latest result of the survey of Pulse Asia conducted last March 21-28. It showed that the contest for senators in the May 1 election is not one-sided. However, it is noted that only 2 candidates from the administration were able to get into the top 14 position. The rest is taken by the different opposition candidates. Four senatoriables came from the Liberal Party, 4 from President Erap's party, and 4 candidates came from the group of Senator Manny Villar.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

BusinessWorld Latest Survey on Presidentiables

The latest poll commissioned by the BusinessWorld showed Sen. Aquino gaining the lead again after losing the lead on previous poll. The latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations Pre-Election Survey was conducted last March 19-22. It was conducted just before campaigning for local posts began. From a previous statistically tied results, the Liberal Party candidate showed that he is still the candidate to beat in the May 2010 national elections.

Senator Noynoy Aquino - 37%
Senator Manny Villar- 28%
former President Erap Estrada- 19%
Secretary Gibo Teodoro- 6%
Senator Dick Gordon - 3%
Brother Eddie Villanueva- 2%
John Carlos “JC" De Los Reyes- 0.3%
Jesus Nicanor “Nick" P. Perlas- 0.1%
Sen. Ana Consuelo “Jamby" Madrigal- 0.04%


However, political analysts believe that the numbers will still change because of the start of the local campaign period. There are already several local candidates who are changing alliances and this will definitely affect the outcome of the May 2010 election for the Presidency.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Complete List of Senatoriables for the 2010 National Elections

Liberal Party (LP)
Nereus Acosta Jr.
Ana Theresia Baraquel (Risa Hontiveros)
Martin Bautista
Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon
Franklin Drilon
Teofisto Guingona III
Alexander Lacson
Yasmin Lao
Ralph Recto
Sonia Roco
Sergio Osme̱a III РIndependent (Guest Candidate)

Nacionalista Party (NP)
Pia Cayetano
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Ramon Mitra
Susan Ople
Ariel Querubin
Gilbert Remulla
Adel Tamano
Gwendolyn Pimentel – PDP Laban (Guest Candidate)
Liza Maza – Independent [Gabriela] (Guest Candidate)
Satur Ocampo – Bayan Muna Party (Guest Candidate)
Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Silvestre Bello III
Ramon “Bong” Revilla
Ramon Guico
Raul Lambino
Rey Langit
Lito Lapid

Pwersa Ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)
Juan Ponce Enrile
Jinggoy Estrada
Joey De Venecia
JV Larion Bautista
Apolinario “Jun” Lozada


Ang Kapatiran Party
Reginald Tamayo
Hector Tarrazona
Jo Aurea Imbong
Rizalito David
Zosimo Paredes
Ma. Gracia Riñoza-Plazo
Adrian Sison
Manuel Valdehuesa Jr.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL)
Sharuff Ibrahim Albani
Ma Judea Millora
Regalado Maambong
Alma Lood
Imelda Papin
Hector Villanueva

Bangon Pilipinas
Kata Inocencio
Ramoncito Ocampo
Reynaldo Princesa
Alexander Tinsay
Israel Virgines
Zafrullah Alonto

Others
Rodolfo Plaza – NPC
Vicente Sotto III – NPC
Francisco Tatad - Grand Alliance for Democracy
Brig General Danny Lim - Independent
Henry Caunan – PDP-Laban
Jovito Palparan Jr. – Independent

Friday, March 26, 2010

Son of Actor-Politician Cesar Montano Committed Suicide

The son of actor-politician Cesar MOntano allegedly committed suicide according to news reports. Christian Angelo Manhilot, Cesar's son with his first wife, shot himself in the head with a .45 pistol inside their home along Yakal Street, Tivoli Royale subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills around 6 a.m..

There are still no clear motive why his son committed suicide. The actor-turned politician is currently busy campaigning in Bohol, his hometown, because he is running as governor. Cesar Montano is running under the Liberal Party in the May 10 elections. He lost in the 2007 senatorial polls.

Dr. Ed Antonio of the General Malvar Hospital in Quezon City said the victim sustained a gunshot wound in the right temple, and an exit wound at the back of the head and was declared dead on arrival.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Party Lists Used as a BackDoor by Traditional Politicians to Congress

With so many party list vying for positions in congress, it is no doubt that it is now being used as an alternative way for some traditional politicians to return to Congress. This could be used by some groups to lobby for their personal interests. It is noted that some of these so called "Party List" were not actually representing the actual minority or underprivileged sector. There is one party which was able to place more than 10 million TV ad but they represent poor children.

The head of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Henrietta de Villa urged voters to be careful in voting for party lists by examining the background of their representatives. "Party-list now has deviated from the intention of the law, the spirit of the law ... so the real marginalized [groups] lose a chance to win. She contends that there are many bogus party list who were able to get the approval of the Comelec.

This would just mean that the chances of legitimate party lists representing the marginalized sector are affected. other groups such as Kontra Daya also filed a petition to the Comelec to remove from the list some of the party list associated to the administration. These are Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA), Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM), Agbiag Timpuyog Ilocano (AGBIAG), Babae para sa Kaunalara (BABAE KA), League of Youth for Peace and Development (LYPAD), and Kalahi Advocates for Overseas Filipinos (KALAHI). There are many others who are known to be founded and managed by some politicians especially those who already served the maximum term in Congress.

However, the Comelec already printed the ballots including the party lists being in question. They said that if these group will be disqualified, the votes casted for them will be disregarded.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Pulse-Asia Survey for February: 2010 Elections

The latest 2010 Presidentiable Survey of Pulse Asia for February.














For complete details of this survey:
http://pulseasia.com.ph/pulseasia/story.asp?ID=710

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Available Positions in the 2010 National and Local Elections

NATIONAL AND LOCAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE

President 1

Vice president 1

Senators 12

House of Representatives
congressman 230
Party Lists 57

Governor 80

Vice Governor 80

Sanguniang Panlalawigan 766

City Mayor 137

City Vice mayor 137

Sanguniang Panglungsod 1,524

Municipal Mayor 1,497

Municipal Vice Mayor 1,497

Sanguniang Bayan 11,980

_______________
Total number of candidates in the national level

President 10
Vice President 8
Senators 61
_______________

Registered voters for 2010: 50,723,734

Registered voters in the previous election (2007): 45,041,777

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Pulse Asia 2010 Presidential Survey

Here is another survey for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates from Pulse Asia conducted from December 8 to 10, 2009 among 1,800 adults (margin of error of 2).


Presidential Candidates

Senator Noynoy Aquino – 45 percent
Senator Manny Villar – 23 percent
Former President Joseph Estrada – 19 percent
Secretary Gibo Teodoro – 5 percent
Senator Richard Gordon – 1 percent
Brother Eddie Villanueva – 1 percent


Vice-Presidential Candidates

Senator Mar Roxas – 39 percent
Senator Loren Legarda – 37 percent
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay – 14 percent


*Other candidates were not included in the survey

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Latest SWS Survey on Presidentiables; Aquino and Villar Still Battle for Top Slot

Below is the latest survey conducted by SWS last December 2009 for presidential candidates in the 2010 national elections. The first survey was commissioned by Business World while the other one was sponsored by Rep. Ronaldo Zamora. Still leading in the survey is Senator Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party followed by Senator Manny Villar of the Nationalista Party. Still trailing on the third slot is Former President Erap Estrada.







For complete details of the survey, you can find it here: http://www.sws.org.ph/pr20100111b.htm

List of Party List Approved by COMELEC for the 2010 Elections

Voters will be expecting a very long list of party list vying for a position in Congress. COMELEC had already released the final list of acredited party list for the 2010 Presidential Elections. There are 144 in the list, so doing some research on each of the party would help you decide during the election day.

1. 1-AANI
2. 1-Aangat Pilipino (1-AK)
3. 1ST Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy (1-CARE)
4. 1-Ako Babaing Astig Aasenso (1-ABAA)
5. 1Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines
6. 1st Kabalikat ng Bayan Ginhawang Sangkatauhan (1st KABAGIS)
7. A Blessed Federation of Farmers and Fishermen International inc. (A BLESSED)
8. Aangat Tayo (AT)
9. Abakada Guro (ABAKADA)
10. Abang Lingkod
11. Abante Ilonggo
12. Abante Katutubo Inc. (ABANTE KA)
13. Abante Mindanao (ABAMIN)
14. Abante Tribung Makabayan (ATM)
15. Abono
16. Action Brotherhood for Active Dreamers (ABROAD)
17. Action for Democracy and Development for the Tribal People (ADD-TRIBAL)
18. Action for Dynamic Development (ADD)
19. Act Teachers
20. Action League of Indigenous Masses (ALIM)
21. Adhikain at Kilusan ng Ordinaryong Tao para sa Lupa, Pabahay, Hanapbuhay at Kaunlaran (AKO)
22. Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)
23. Adhikaing Alay ng Marino sa Sambayanan (ALON)
24. Adhikaing Tinataguyod ng Kooperatiba (ATING KOOP)
25. Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Throug Action Cooperation and Harmony Towards Education Reform (A TEACHER)
26. Advocates for Special Children and the Handicaed Movement (ASAHAN MO)
27. Agapay ng Indigenous Peoples Right Alliance (A-IPRA)
28. Agbiag Timpuyog Ilokano (AGBIAG)
29. Agila Pwersa ng Nagkakaisang Magsasaka (AGILA)
30. Agila ng Katutubong Pilipino (AGILA)
31. Agri-Agra na Reporma para sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Movement (AGRI)
32. Agrarian Development Association (ADA)
33. Agricultural Section Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP)
34. Ahon Pinoy (AHON)
35. Akap Bata
36. Akbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI)
37. Akbayan Citizens Action Party (AKBAYAN)
38. Ako Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga (AKO)
39. Ako Bicol Political Party (AKB)
40. Aksyon Magsasaka Partido Tinig ng Masa (AKMA-PTM)
41. Aksyon ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa (AMANA)
42. Alagaan Natin Ating Kalusugan (ANAKALUSUGAN)
43. Alagad
44. Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation (ALAY BUHAY)
45. Alay sa Bayan ng malayang Propesyunal at Repormang Kalakal (ABAY PARAK)
46. Alliance of Advocates in Mining Advancement for Nation Progress (AAMA)
47. Alliance for Barangay Concerns Party (ABC)
48. Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD)
49. Alliance for Philippines Security Guards Cooperative (AFPSEGCO)
50. Alliance for Rural Concerns (ARC)
51. Alliance for Association of Accredited Workers in the Water Sector (1-TUBIG formerly AAWAS)
52. Alliance for Bicolnon Party (ABP-BICOLNON)
53. Alliance for National Urban Poor Organizations Assembly (ANUPA)
54. Alliance for People's Organizations (APO)
55. Alliance of Regional Coalitions against People's Povery (ARCAPP)
56. Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE)
57. Alliance Transport Sector (ATS)
58. Alma sa Paghihikahos at Ignorasya (ALMA)
59. Alyansa ng Mamamayang Naghihirap (ALMANA)
60. Alyansa ng Media at Showbiz (AMS)
61. Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan (AGHAM)
62. Alyansa ng Bayanihan ng Magsasaka, manggagawang Bukid at Mangingisda (ABA)
63. An Waray
64. Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
65. Anak Pawis (AP)
66. Ang Agrikultura Natin Isulong (AANI)
67. Ang Asosayon Sang Mangunguma Bisaya-Owa Mangunguman (AAMBIS-OWA)
68. Ang Galing Pinoy (AG)
69. Ang Laban ng Indigong Filipino (ALIF)
70. Ang Ladlad LGBT Party (ANG LADLAD)
71. Ang Mata'y Alagaan (AMA)
72. Ang Tao Muna at Bayan (A TAMBAY)
73. Angat Ating Kabuhayan Filipinas (ANAK)
74. Arts Business and Sciece Professionals (ABS)
75. Atong Paglaum
76. Asosasyon ng mga Maliliit na Negosyanteng Gumaganap (AMANG)
77. Association for Righteousness Advocacy in Leadership (ARAL)
78. Association of Laborers and Employess (ALE)
79. Association of Administrators and Professionals and Seniors (AAPS)
80. Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC)
81. Babae Para sa Kaunlaran (BABAE KA)
82. Bago National Cultural Society of the Philippines (BAGO)
83. Bagong Bayan na nagtataguyod ng Demokratikong Ideolohiya at Layunin (BANDILA)
84. Bagong Henerasyon (BH)
85. Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency (BANAT)
86. Bayan Muna
87. Bayani
88. Batang Iwas sa Droga Foundation (BIDA)
89. Bigkis Pinoy Movement (BIGKIS)
90. Binhi-Partido ng mga Magsasaka Para sa mga Magsasaka (BINHI)
91. Biyaheng Pinoy Labor Association (BIYAHENG PINOY)
92. Biyayang Bukid
93. Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (BUHAY)
94. Butil Farmers Party (BUTIL)
95. Champions for Innovative Employment (CHINOY)
96. Citizen Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
97. Citizen Power Movement (CPM)
98. Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Country (SENIOR CITIZENS)
99. Cocofed-Philippine Coconut Producers Federation (COCOFED)
100. Coconut Farmers Association of Linamon Lanao del Sur (COFA)
101. Confederation of Nonstock Savings and Loan Association (CONSLA)
102. Cooperative Natcco Network (COOP-NATCCO)
103. Democratic Independent Workers' Associaiton (DIWA)
104. Filipino Muslim Organization (FIL-MUS)
105. Firm 24-K Association (FIRM 24-K)
106. First People's Representative for Indigent Student Athletes (1ST PRISA)
107. Gabriella Women's Party list (GABRIELLA)
108. Green Force for the Environment Sons and Daughters of the Mother Earth
109. Itenerant Vendors Alliance of the Philippines (IVAP)
110. Kababaihang Lingkod Bayan sa Pilipinas (KLBP)
111. Kabalikat ng Mamamayan (KABAYAN)
112. Kabataan party list
113. Kabukluran ng mga Kababaihang Filipina sa Timog Katagalugan (BUKLOD FILIPINA)
114. Kalahi Sectoral Party (KALAHI)
115. Kalinga Advocacy for Social Empowerment and Nation-Building Through Easing Poverty (KALINGA)
116. Kapatiran ng mga Nakakulong na Walang Sala (KAKUSA)
117. Kasangga sa Kaunlaran (ANG KASANGGA)
118. Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange Association (AA-KASOSYO PARTY)
119. Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan All Filipino Democratic Movement (KAAKBAY)
120. Katribu Indigenous Peoples' Sectoral Party (KATRIBU)
121. Kaunlaran ng Agrikultura Asensadong Bayan Probinsiya Angat ng Bayan (KAAGAPAY)
122. Koalisyon ng Katutubong Samahan ng Philipinas (KASAPI)
123. One Advocacy for Health Progress and Opportunity (1-AHAPO)
124. Organization of Regional Advocates for Good Governance Onward Nation Building (ORAGON)
125. Pamilyang OFW-SME Network Foundation (OPO)
126. Parents Enabling Parents Coalition (PEP)
127. Partido Katutubong Pilipino (KATUTUBO)
128. Partido Manggagawa (PM)
129. Pilipimo Association for Country – Urban Poor Youth Advancement and Welfare (PACYAW)
130. Pro-active in Climate Change Leaders (PCL)
131. Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PCL)
132. Social Movement for Active Reform and Transparency (SMART)
133. Sulong Barangay Movement (SB)
134. The True Marcos Loyalist (For God, Country and People) Association of the Phils (BANTAY)
135. Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)
136. Una ang Pamilya (1 ANG PAMILYA), which is formerly Alliance of Neo-Conservatives (ANC)
137. United Movement Against Drugs Foundation (UNI-MAD)
138. United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK)
139. Vendors and Traders of the Philippines
140. Veterans Freedom Party (VFP)
141. Women Power (WPI)
142. Yes We Can
143. You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP)
144. Youth Leagues for Peace Advancement (LYPAD)