Philippine Politics and Election:

Senator Lito Lapid Claims Money for Medical Purpose, Wife for House

2012-01-27T01:44:00.000-08:00

Senator Lito Lapid:
Wife Arrested in US for Undeclared Money

This is again another typical story about our politicians. Where to put their money. Or maybe hide. The recent apprehension of Senator Lito Lapid's wife in Las Vegas International Airport last Jan. 15 makes our mind wondering about the real purpose of bringing into the United States such huge sum of money.

Marissa Lapid was arrested for bringing in to the US undeclared amount of dollars when he travelled to the country. She was charged for smuggling $50,000 which is punishable with jail term. Mrs Lapid declared only $10,000 and P10,000 in cash. However, inspection of airport officials in her luggage revealed that she has a total of $50,137 and P15,700.

According to online reports, authorities only returned worth $493 and confiscated the rest of her money. Mrs Lapid is out on bail and will be required to appear in a Nevada District Court in February.

Mrs Lapid claimed that the money is intended for her house. However, his husband senator told the local media in the Philippines that her wife will be seeking medical attention in the US, thus the huge sum of money. She had an excess amount of money maybe because she will be seeking treatment for her heart problem, said the Senator.

While the country is seeking the truth whether the current Chief Justice amazed wealth through illegal means, one senator judge is dragged into a similar scenario. Senator Judge Lito Lapid must explain why he had a conflicting statement with his wife. It's not hard for people to surmise that they might be hiding something. Probably bringing outside of the country money which may come from unexplained sources. In fact, former Governor Ed Panlilio wants to revive the case against the Lapids regarding the P500M graft case on lahar quarry in the province.

We just hope that Sen Lapid can give a justifiable reason for this incident. And let's hope that he can also give a fair judgment on the graft and corruption case against Chief Justice corona.

Rep Iggy Arroyo is Not Yet Dead

2012-01-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

Congressman Iggy Arroyo
Terminaly Ill

Mike Arroyo corrected earlier reports that his brother Congressman Iggy Arroyo is already dead. Major media outfits in the country reported that the congressman already died from a major illness in London.

The husband of former President GMA clarified that the Negros Occidental representative is only on life support. Iggy went to London months ago to seek treatment for his liver disease.

The younger brother of Mike Arroyo is known for his loyalty to his older brother. When Mike was involved in the accumulation of unexplained wealth in 2003, Iggy claimed that he was the Jose Pidal owning millions deposited in a bank account. Just recently, he again defended his brother in the anomalous purchase of helicopters in the PNP.

To make it clear, Rep. Iggy Arroyo is not yet dead, he is still alive but on a serious medical condition.

Latest update:

After battling for his life, Rep Iggy Arroyo is now dead as confirmed by his brother Mike Arroyo. His life support system was already removed and the doctors already pronounced him dead. The lawmaker suffered a heart attack when he was rushed to London Clinic.

Primer on Chief Justice Corona Impeachment

2012-01-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

Below is a primer on the procedures and details of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. This primer will serve as the guide of Senator Judges, prosecutors and the defense. Read on and find out if the Senators can perform their duties with just and fairness in mind. Let's see if the lawmaker prosecutors will not be violating the rules of impeachment and the defense will be following the procedures.

Primer 101 on Impeachment Trial: CJ Corona Impeachment

Primer on Impeachment

Updates on the Aftermath of Typhoon Sendong: Deaths, Damages and Videos

2011-12-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

Again, local governments and the local residents were caught unprepared when Typhoon Sendong hit their region. Local government officials blamed the weather bureau for their failure to give appropriate warnings and forecasts. The typhoon is not that strong but the rain that Sendong pours in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and nearby provinces equalled to 1 month of rainfall.

As of today, the death toll rises to 652 people and still counting. There were at least 900 people went missing. Government agencies and NGO's expects that the number will continue to rise as search and rescue operations intensify. Massive flooding (flash floods and mudslides) in several cities and provinces caused the deaths of many residents. There are more than 35,000 families who are in temporary shelters who need food and clothings.

Authorities also announced that mass burial will be arranged soon. With the number of dead bodies found, coffins were not enough and local officials suggested that local saw mills help them solve this problem. It was estimated that billions worth of infrasture and agriculture were damaged by Typhoon Sendong.

Videos of Typhoon Sendong

Latest update on Typhoon Sendong : Damages, Deaths, Funds, Donations, Search and Rescue

-as of December 20, NDRMMC reported a total of 957 deaths and still thousands are missing in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and other provinces
-damage to agriculture more than P2 million
-over 380,000 affected persons in 13 provinces
-1,582 persons injured
-P1.17 billion in calamity funds approved by Pnoy for rehabilitation and rescue operations in the affected cities

another update on the aftermatch of typhoon sendong: December 27, 2011
-the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a total of 1,080 deaths and 1,979 are still missing.
- authorities estimated that the total fatalities in the Typhoon Sendong could reach 3,000 deaths, Sendong is now one of the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines.
-evacuation centers are still flooded with evacuees
-foriegn donations are pouring in, UN, and other countries already sent their donations
-relocation site for the victims of typhoon sendong is already being prepared but it may take 4 months or more before the recipients can relocate to the site.
-most victims are now clearing their houses of debris and trying to make temporary shelter.

Chief Justice Corona's Wife Held 5 Positions during Arroyo Term

2011-12-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

Corona's wife Accepted 5 Positions

The Malacanang has the right to accuse impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona of being partial when it comes to the case of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A recent report by ABS-CBN disclosed that the chief justice do not just have close ties with the former President but his family also benefited from the Arroyo government. The media outfit interviewed veteran journalist Marites Dañguilan Vitug who conducted an in-depth research on the Supreme Court. The journalist wrote the book "Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court."

5 Positions in Camp John Hay

According to Vitug, Corona's wife was given 5 positions in the Camp John Hay. What is disturbing is the acceptance of Mrs. Corona of 5 managerial positions all at the same time. She was appointed by former President Arroyo in 2007. She acted as the chairperson, president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer of Camp John Hay.

But don't think that these positions are too much for Mrs Corona. The former President also named her as a member of the board and the latter allegedly forced the members to resign to give Mrs. Corona a free hand in the management of John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC).

Allegations of misconduct and negligence was filed against Mrs. Corona by JHMC. The ABS-CBN reports:

"[Corona] further compromised his independence when his wife, Cristina Corona, accepted an appointment on March 23, 2007 from Mrs. Gloria Arroyo to the Board of the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC)," it said. "Shortly after assuming her well-paying job at JHMC, serious complaints were filed against Mrs. Corona by her fellow Board members, as well as from the Management and rank-and-file employees of the JHMC. Mrs. Corona’s election as Director and President was reportedly withdrawn in a resolution passed by the Board of Directors of JHMC because of acts of misconduct and negligence."

According to the complaint, Corona's wife was not removed from her post despite the other complaints against her, including one from Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista who protested the replacement of the JHMC management team, in violation of the terms of a city council resolution that protects the security of tenure in the JHMC of local residents occupying key positions in the corporation. It also cited a Commission on Audit Report stating that Mrs. Corona "was improperly holding office in St. Ignatius Village in Quezon City... She was even allowed to rack up unnecessary expenses totalling P690,183, which she spent holding office in Quezon City when JHMC's operations were all in Baguio City."

Here's More

The chief justice also admitted to some of his colleagues that former President Arroyo paid for his medical expenses in one occasion. CJ Renato Corona served the former President as the chief of staff, spokesperson, presidential legal counsel, and executive secretary. She then appointed Corona as the chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2010 when election appointment ban is in place.

Another report from the Inquirer:

As president of John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC), Cristina Corona, wife of Chief Justice Renato Corona, received P78,000 as monthly basic salary, JHMC records showed.

She also received a P10,800 monthly representation allowance, P20,000 for communication expenses every month and P40,000 per board meeting appearance, according to the records.

Data from the Commission on Audit showed she received P972,148.30 in salaries and allowances for six months last year broken down as follows: P469,986 for basic salary; P6,000 for personnel economic relief allowance and additional compensation; P334,000 for allowances; P154,962.30 for bonus, incentives and benefits; and P7,200 for other allowances.

In 2009, she received P939,972 for basic salary; P320,000 in per diem; P200,000 for representation and transportation allowance; P12,000 for personnel economic relief allowance and additional compensation; P4,000 for clothing or uniform allowance; P184,630.79 for bonus and incentives and P254,400 for other allowances, or a total of P1,915,002.79. Ana Roa, Inquirer Research, and Inquirer Northern Luzon,
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/112595/how-much-mrs-corona-earned

Senators Take Oath as Judges in the Impeachment of CJ Corona

2011-12-15T04:47:00.000-08:00

Videos of Senators Convened and Took Oath in the Impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona

Complete List of Congressmen who Signed Impeachment of CJ Corona

2011-12-14T06:31:00.000-08:00

Below are the names of Congressmen who supported/signed the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

1. Tupas, Niel Jr.
2. Umali, Reynaldo
3. Abaya, Joseph Emilio
4. Del Rosario, Antonio
5. Bag-ao, Arlene
6. Teodoro, Marcelino
7. Castelo, Winston
8. Arago, Maria Evita
9. Golez, Roilo
10. Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique
11. Cerilles, Aurora
12. Calixto-Rubiano, Emi
13. Bello, Walden
14. Hataman-Salliman, Jim
15. Catamco, Nancy
16. Lanete, Scott Davies
17. Valencia, Rodolfo
18. Noel, Florencio
19. Mendoza, Mark
20. Gatchalian, Rex
21. Gonzales, Aurelio Jr.
22. Ferrer, Jeffrey
23. Fuentes, Daisy
24. Yu, Victor
25. Rodriguez, Isidro Jr.
26. Angping, Zenaida
27. Espina, Rogelio
28. Ramos, Deogracias Jr.
29. Cortuna, Julieta
30. Zamora-Apsay, Maria Carmen
31. Garay, Florencio
32. Mercado, Roger
33. Roman, Herminia
34. Garin, Janette
35. Gonzales, Neptali II
36. De Venecia, Gina
37. Cojuangco, Enrique
38. Herrera-Dy, Bernadette
39. Loong, Tupay
40. Bernos, Ma. Jocelyn
41. Sahidulla, Nur-ana
42. Balindong, Pangalian
43. Guanlao, Agapito
44. Garcia Albano, Mylene
45. Arenas, Ma. Rachel
46. Cojuangco, Kimi
47. Yap, Susan
48. Go, Ana Cristina
49. Alvarez, Antonio
50. Tomawis, Acmad
51. Ungab, Isidro
52. Go, Arnulfo
53. Magsaysay, Eulogio
54. Sacdalan, Jesus
55. Malapitan, Oscar
56. Sakaluran, Raden
57. Alvarez, Mercedes
58. Benitez, Alfred
59. Ferriol, Abigail Faye
60. Treñas, Jerry
61. Sarmiento, Mel Senen
62. Joson, Josefina
63. Fuentebella, Arnulfo
64. Lapus, Jesi
65. Olivarez, Edwin
66. Gomez, Lucy
67. Lopez, Carlo
68. Mendoza, Joselito
69. Cerafica, Arnel
70. Climaco, Maria Isabelle
71. Robes, Arturo
72. Relampagos, Rene
73. Apacible, Tomas
74. Miraflores, Florencio
75. Haresco, Teodorico
76. Fortuno, Salvio
77. Paras, Jesus
78. Agyao, Manuel
79. Acop, Romeo
80. San Luis, Edgar
81. Maliksi, Erineo
82. Loyola, Roy
83. Palmones, Angelo
84. Almonte, Jorge
85. Javier, Paolo
86. Ocampos, Loreto Leo
87. Lico, Isidro
88. Celeste, Jesus
89. Ping-ay, Jose
90. Singson, Ryan Luis
91. Payuyo, Ponciano
92. Belmonte, Vicente
93. Bulut-Begtang, Eleanor
94. Cosalan, Ronald
95. Collantes, Nelson
96. Quimbo, Romero
97. Vergara, Bernardo
98. Gonzalez, Fernando
99. Arquiza, Godofredo
100. Lagdameo, Antonio
101. Ferrer, Antonio
102. Quisumbing, Gabriel
103. Asilo, Benjamin
104. Alfonso, Baby Aline
105. Arnaiz, George
106. Ting, Randolph
107. Teves, Henry
108. Daza, Raul
109. Violago, Joseph
110. Villarica, Linabelle Ruth
111. Chipeco, Justin
112. Batocabe, Rodel
113. Garbin, Alfredo Jr.
114. Limkaichong, Jocelyn
115. Madrona, Eleandro
116. Sarmiento, Cesar
117. Kho, David
118. Ortega, Francisco Emmanuel III
119. Montejo, Neil
120. Estrella, Robert
121. Garcia, Albert
122. Aggabao, Giorgidi
123. Abayon, Daryl Grace
124. Puno, Roberto
125. Barzaga, Elpidio
126. Eriguel, Eufranio
127. Velarde, Mariano Michael
128. Tieng, Irwin
129. Piamonte, Mariano Jr.
130. Pancho, Pedro
131. Plaza, Maria Valentina
132. Salvacion, Andres
133. Emano, Yevgeny
134. Dayanghirang, Nelson
135. Mendoza, Raymond
136. Biron, Ferjenel
137. Enverga, Mark
138. Cabaluna, Salvador III
139. Mercado, Homer
140. Zubiri, Jose III
141. Antonio, Patricio
142. Cua, Dakila
143. Velasco, Lord Allan Jay
144. Acharon, Pedro Jr.
145. Evardone, Ben
146. Abad, Henedina
147. De Jesus, Emerenciana
148. Palatino, Raymond
149. Tinio, Antonio
150. Briones, Nicanor
151. Colmenares, Neri Javier
152. Casiño, Teodoro
153. Cajayon, Mary Mitzi
154. Lopez, Carol Jayne
155. Banal, Jorge
156. Alcala, Irvin
157. Benaldo, Benjo
158. Cabilao Yambao, Jonathan
159. Tañada, Lorenzo III
160. Unabio, Peter
161. Paez, Cresente
162. Bataoil, Leopoldo
163. Bagatsing, Amado
164. Ledesma, Julio
165. Sema, Bai Sandra
166. Amatong, Rommel
167. Garin, Sharon
168. Crisologo, Vincent
169. Umali, Czarina
170. Dy, Napoleon
171. Rivera, Michael
172. Belmonte, Feliciano
173. Nava, Joaquin Carlos
174. Ejercito, Joseph Victor
175. Jaafar, Nur
176. Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn
177. Del Mar, Rachel
178. Ponce Enrile, Juan Jr.
179. Golez, Anthony
180. Mariano, Rafael
181. Unico, Renato Jr.
182. Bonoan, Trisha
183. Bautista, Franklin
184. Salimbangon, Benhur
185. Durano, Ramon VI
186. Cruz-Gonzales, Cinchona
187. Tugna, Sherwin
188. Angara, Juan Edgardo (signed the complaint but said he abstained because his father, Senator Edgardo Angara, will be a judge in the impeachment court)

source:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/12/13/list-188-congressmen-who-signed-corona-impeachment-case-195573

Lower House Impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona, Senate Trial Soon

2011-12-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

CJ Renato Corona Impeachment

Chief Justice Corona's close ties with former President Gloria Arroyo may cause his removal as the chief of the Supreme Court. in a lightning move by majority members of the House of Representatives, the impeachment complaint was agreed and will be forwarded to the Senate for the next stage in the impeachment process. Although the hearing in the Senate will commence next year because they are already on a holiday break said Senate President Franklin Drilon.

188 of the 284 Congressmen voted to put the Chief Justice on trial. Opposition lawmakers tried to block the impeachment but they don't have the numbers. Congressman Edcel Lagman said that it was the mother of all blackmails citing that there are a lot of Congressmen who were coerced to sign the impeachment.

There were 8 complaints filed against Chief Justice Renato Corona. The grounds for the impeachment are as follows:

- midnight appointee of former President Arroyo and showed partiality in case where Arroyo is involved
- the CJ's approval of Supreme court ruling giving a temporary restraining order on the watch list order imposed by the Department of Justice.
- failed to account for the judiciary development fund and special allowance for the judiciary.
- issuing a "status quo ante" against the House of Representatives when former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez was being impeached.
- ruling of the supreme court in the creation of 6 cities and the promotion of Dinagat island into a province.
- creating a committee to investigate a Supreme Court justice and exonerate him of any liability.
- the Chief Justice failed to disclose his statement of assets and liabilities (SAL)

According to the lawmakers who initiated the complaint together with other complainants which include a former lawmaker, a whistle blower and anti-Arroyo group, Chief Justice Renato Corona is not a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence. thus should be impeached.

If you want to read the summary of the impeachment complaint against Chief Justine Renato Corona, below is the link:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/12/12/11/summary-impeachment-complaint-vs-cj-corona

2013 Senatoriables Latest Survey by Pulse Asia

2011-12-07T22:56:00.000-08:00

Top Senatoriable 2013 Elections

Based on the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia, incumbent senators enjoys the lead in the 2013 Philippine Senatorial elections. On top of the list is Senator Chiz Escudero followed by Senator Loren Legarda.

Below is the list of senatoriables for 2013 with their corresponding ranks.

1. Sen. Francis Joseph Escudero (65.6 percent)
2. Sen. Lorna Regina Legarda (58.9 percent)
3. Former Sen/Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II (43.0 percent)
4. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (40.3 percent)
5. Former Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr. (34.8 percent), may land fourth to eighth places
6. San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito (30.4 percent)
7. Sen. Gregorio Honasan II (29.6 percent)
8. Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (29.5 percent)
9. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III (29.4 percent)
10. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (29.4 percent)
11. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV (28.7 percent)
12. Former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri (26.9 percent)
13. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (24.3 percent)
14. Former Sen. Ana Consuelo Madrigal (24.0 percent)
15. Former Sen. Richard Gordon (22.1 percent).

Pulse Asia conducted the survey from November 10 to 23, using face-to-face interviews with a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. The survey also showed that 47 percent of Filipinos already has a complete slate for Senators for the May 2013 elections.

“Even though there are still 18 months to go before the next senatorial elections, public interest in the electoral exercise is already apparent, with Filipinos naming a mean of 9 and a median of 11 of their preferred senatorial candidates (out of a maximum of 12) for May 2013,” said Pulse Asia.

Philippines 4th in the World's Worst Countries for Business

2011-12-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

Doing Business in the Philippines

Though this is not new to most Filipinos, the report of the World Bank should serve as a wake up call for the government to look into the existing laws and regulations of government agencies and local government units (LGU's). This might be one of the major factor why many foreign investors shun doing business in the Philippines despite the effort of the Aquino government.

The World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" study includes 183 countries. In the CNBC report, they come up with the 10 Most Worst countries for doing business. The countries were ranked based on a lot of factors such as ease of starting a business, paying taxes, getting construction permits, investor protection laws, and other factors.

The world's worst countries to do business with also included some economic superpowers. Below are the ranking from the countries included in the top 10.

1. Venezuela
2. Ukraine
3. Algeria
4. Philippines
5. Nigeria
6. India
7. Indonesia
8. Brazil
9. Russia
10. Argentina

Reasons why the Philippines is included in the Top 10 of the World's Worst Countries to do Business and why we are on the top in the south East Asia. Qoutes from the CNBC report.

Philippines

2010 GDP: $199.6 billion
2010 FDI: $1.7 billion

The Philippines is the lowest ranked Asian country on the list of the most difficult places to do business in. It attracted just 2.5 percent of the $76.5 billion of foreign direct investment that flowed to the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2010.

Despite having massive untapped mineral wealth, a key geographical location between Southeast and North Asia and a large, growing English-speaking population, the country has fallen behind its neighbors in economic growth.

Foreign businesses are wary of the Philippine's unstable legal system, violence, and bureaucracy. Its ease of doing business ranking from the World Bank fell a further two spots this year from 2010. The country also ranks among the lowest when it comes to starting a business, and resolving insolvency, with the latter taking more than five and half years, compared with an average one year and seven months in OECD countries.

Last month, Philippine President Benigno Aquino made trips to the U.S., China, and Japan to push for investments, as well as to send a message that things are changing in the country, after two previous administrations were dogged by corruption allegations. Aquino's trip to China resulted in $7 billion to $9 billion of potential investments.

The Philippines also jumped 10 places to 75th in the World Economic Forum's global competitiveness index this year.

Philippine lawmakers should take action on this. They could help, by proposing new legislations that would help new investors, filipinos or foreign businessmen. Instead of proposing laws that would change the names of public places, such as naming EDSA to former President Corazon Aquino, or congressional investigations that are only used for personal gains, look at the deeper problems of the Philippine economy.

The government's effort to go after corrupt officials is just the tip of the iceberg. There are still so many things that they must do to improve the business climate in the Philippines.

President Gloria Arroyo Arrested for Electoral Sabotage

2011-11-18T05:15:00.000-08:00

Former President Gloria Arroyo is now under hospital arrest after a regional trial court issued an arrest warrant. Representatives from law enforcement agencies went to St Luke's Medical Center to serve the arrest warrant where the former President is confined due to her medical condition.

The Commission on Election rushed to the court today in filing the electoral sabotage charge against Rep. Arroyo. The former president is accused of rigging the 2004 Presidential Election. Election officials and other witnesses accused the former president of masterminding the 12-0 win in Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, The Supreme Court maintained its stand to enforce the TRO which is supposed to allow the Arroyo couple to leave the country. The highest court still voted 8-5 in rejecting the petition of the DOJ. In addition, the SC instructed Justice Secretary de Lima to explain within 10 days why she must not face in contempt. The Supreme court believes that de Lima refused to follow the order of the SC. She might face a fine and a possible imprisonment of 6 months.

Currently, the former President is guarded by police officers and is barred from leaving the hospital. Taking of finger prints and mug shot photos is scheduled on Saturday at the hospital.

The camp of the former President has yet to give statement on her arrest. It is not also clear if the former President will stay in the St Luke's Medical Center or will be brought to a Quezon City detention cell if her condition improves.

President Arroyo Back to Hospital after Failed Attempt to Leave the Country

2011-11-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

President Arroyo held at the airport despite TRO

The Bureau of Immigration prevented former President Gloria Arroyo from leaving the country Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. They were expected to board the Dragon Air flight at 8:50 pm but was later told by the BI officials that they can't leave the country despite the issuance of the TRO by the Supreme Court. The former President was forced to go back to St Luke's Medical Center.

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court decided to allow the former President to exercise her freedom to travel and seek medical treatment abroad. Some of the conditions set by the highest court include posting of P2 million bond, appointing a lawyer that will receive subpoenas and will represent them in court proceedings, a call or visit in the Philippine embassy where they are expected to seek medical treatment.

Justices Voted for and Against the TRO

The justices that voted for the issuance of the TRO were Chief Justice Renato Corona, Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama, and Jose Perez

Five justices who opposed the decision were Senior Justice Antonio Carpio, Assoc. Justices Maria Lourdes Sereno, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, & Jose Mendoza. Two justices were on leave.

The 8-5 decision made the Arroyos decide to immediately comply with the conditions and booked several flights to Singapore. However, the DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima maintained their stand that the Arroyos could not leave the country because they have not receive a copy of the TRO and they will still contest the ruling of the highest court.

Debate on the Legality of Watchlist Order and Dishonor of the SC Decision

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Supreme Court, Justice Midas Marquez argued that the TRO is already in effect and executory. This now leads to various sentiments and opinions whether the government is now acting beyond its power.

The camp of the former president will file a case in court citing in contempt the Secretary of Justice for not honoring the TRO. Other constitutionalists says that this could lead to constitutional crisis. Pro and anti Gloria have different opinions on this issue. Others said that the government should follow the order of the supreme court while others hails the DOJ for taking a hard stand on the case.

The case of plunder, electoral sabotage and cases have yet to be filed in court against the Arroyos. They are still in the preliminary investigation. If the former President leaves the country it will be difficult for the administration to put her in jail.

Political Asylum for Former President Gloria Arroyo

2011-11-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Political Asylum for President GMA

The alleged political asylum application of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became a hot issue after the government refused to grant the former president a chance to be treated abroad. The PNoy administration feels that the former president may not return to the Philippines if allowed to travel abroad. Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo is facing so many charges but these are not yet filed in courts. Among the many list of possible charges that may be filed against the Arroyo's are plunder and electoral sabotage.

The Arroyo camp denied any application for political asylum in the Dominican Republic. This was also confirmed by some foreign officials of the said country. Though, the Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima did not confirm that there is, she still talk to the media about the issue.

According to a legal expert, the continued persecution of the present government of the Arroyos will make it easier for the latter to seek political asylum. If the cases will finally go to courts, President GMA had to take this as a last resort.

President GMA already avoided the US as a possible country for her treatment because she knows that there is a strong extradition treaty between the Philippines and the US. She opted for European countries like Italy, Spain and UK. Other countries also emerged as a possible destination of GMA for her treatment. But critics believe that she is not seeking treatment but want to evade the charges that will be filed against her.

Since the Dominican Republic denied any offering of political asylum to the former President, what other countries do you think are willing to cuddle the former President.

Lets take your stand on this. List the countries in the comment section.

Half-sister of Senator Bong Revilla who was Implicated in the Murder of Her Brother Flown to Turkey

2011-11-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

Updates on the Ramgen Revilla Murder Case

According to recent reports, Ramona Bautista Revilla, the sister of murdered Ramgen Revilla, flown to Turkey. She left the country Friday aboard Boeing 747 plane of Cathay Pacific at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1. The plane was bound to Hongkong but reports from law enforcement agencies revealed that Ramona Revilla was already in Turkey.

Atty. Dennis Manzanal, the lawyer of Ramona, earlier said that the decision of his client to leave the country is to avoid media persecution. "Flight from media, not from justice. No legal impediment to travel," he told a media outfit.

Ramona Revilla is one of the suspects in the murder of actor Ramgen Revilla, her brother. According to the police investigation, the crime was committed because of siblings rivalry which the family vehemently denies. Authorities already apprehended other suspects involved in the death of Ramgen and frustrated murder of his girlfriend Janelle Manahan who is still recuperating from gunshot wounds. Mahanan is set to undergo another operation this week.

Ramon Joseph “RJ” Bautista, the alleged mastermind, is already at the custody of the authorities. Other suspects also testified that Ramon Joseph and Ramona had a hand in the killing of their brother.

Senator Bong Revilla issued a statement that they will help in finding justice for his murdered half brother. He also asked Ramona to face the investigation and leaving the country could be a sign of guilt.

Since there is no issued arrest warrant for Ramona Bautista Revilla, authorities can't ask for Interpol's help in tracking the whereabouts of Ramona. According to NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula, there are several legal impediments that prevents the agency from pursuing Bautista.

Ramona can't be placed in the Red notice of Interpol because of lack of arrest warrant. The Prosecutor’s Office will conduct its preliminary investigation into the murder and frustrated murder case on November 8. They will determine if there is a probable cause to indict Ramona Revilla.

We will update this post on any development on this murder case involving the son and daughter of former actor and Senator Ramon Revilla Sr.

update:

-another suspect in the Ramgen Revilla murder case could become a state witness.
-Janelle Manahan tweeted thanking her friends and family for the support and prayers, shes getting better.
-arraignment of RJ Bautista re-scheduled on January 17, 2012
-two suspects, Glaiza Visda and Norwin de la Cruz implicated another sibling of slained actor Ramgen Revilla. His sister Gail or Maria Ragelyn Bautista was named as one of the mastermind in the killing of the young actor. Authorities have yet to verify the info and does not consider Gail as one of the suspects yet.
-Ramona Revilla was not in Turkey anymore according to the Interpol.

-alleged sex videos of Janelle Manahan and Ramgen Revilla circulating in the net, CIDG now looking for the uploader of video.
-Janelle talks about the alleged sex video

Stimulus Plan of the President Aimed to Boost Economy

2011-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

The President recently announced a plan to counter the possible effects of another recession in the US and Europe. The slowdown in the economy of these countries will surely affect Asia and the Philippines. P72 Billion will be set aside to boost the economy and alleviate poverty in the Philippines. The economic stimulus package is expected to be implemented later this year and in 2012.

If you want to know the specifics of the stimulus plan by President Noynoy Aquino, here are some of the details:

1. P6.5-billion support fund for local government units (LGUs) - this can be spent by LGU's to implement infrastructure project and counter poverty in the local level.

2. P10 billion allocation for the relocation and resettlement of informal settlers along danger zones.

3. P5.5 billion for infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).- this will help increase farm to market roads, construction and repair of bridges and roads.

4. P1.868 billion allocation for the improvement of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

"We are not sure exactly what the negative effects of the world's economic turmoil will have on us since it is still a developing story. But P72 billion will have its own multiplier effect and this pump primes the economy to that extent. We will do what we can within the bounds of fiscal prudence to keep the economy growing and to make certain that the effects of this growth are felt more widely," the President said during the press conference held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City with the FOCAP or Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

Update on Tropical Storm Ramon, Storm Signals Raised

2011-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tropical storm Ramon (Banyan) will bring heavy rains to large part of the Visayas and Southern Luzon according to PAGASA. In the latest update on typhoon Ramon, storm signals were raised in many provinces.

Areas Under Storm Signal No. 2:

- Western Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Leyte Provinces
- Biliran
- Camotes Island
- Northern Cebu
- Bohol
- Surigao del Norte
- Siargao Island
- Surigao del Sur
- Dinagat Island
- Camiguin Island
- Agusan Del Norte

Areas Under Storm Signal No. 1:

- Marinduque
- Mindoro Provinces
- Romblon
- Camarines Sur
- Southern Quezon
- Catanduanes
- Albay
- Burias Island
- Sorsogon
- Masbate
- Ticao Island
- Northern Samar
- Panay Island
- Guimaras
- Negros Provinces
- Rest of Cebu
- Siquijor Island
- Misamis Oriental
- Agusan del Sur

LGU's should not be complacent because this typhoon will bring 10 to 30 mm per hour of heavy rain within its 400-km diameter. Flash floods and erosion are expected in areas that will be directly hit by the typhoon. Residents should also cooperate with local government units in preemptive evacuations.

Senate and House of Representatives Agreed on Charter Change

2011-10-02T02:13:00.000-07:00

The leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives agreed in principle to revive the discussion on Charter Change or Cha-Cha. the possible amendments on the 1987 Philippine Constitution is centered on economic provisions. The consensus was made at the first legislative summit initiated by House speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

Lawmakers insists that only the economic provisions of the Constitution will be touched and not the political structure. The amendments will be made through a bicameral constituent assembly where both chambers will vote separately according to Senator Franklin Drilon.

'We will use the legislative process, (the) lawmaking procedure, in amending the Constitution and then on that point, we will be exercising our constituent function through a bicameral assembly. We’re glad there’s unanimity in this,” Drilon added.

The charter change initiative will not start this year because of budget hearings and other priority bills like the Reproductive Health bill and the Freedom of Information bill.

For a complete report on the this issue, you can visit this link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=732281&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Koko Pimentel Swears as a New Senator of the Philippines

2011-08-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

After waiting for more than 4 years and spending millions for an election protest, Atty. Koko Pimentel, now a duly elected Senator will now serve his country for less than two years. The Senate Electoral Tribunal declared Koko Pimentel as the rightful 12th place winner in the 2007 Senatorial Elections.

The seat was previously given to Miguel Zubiri, an ally of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Zubiri resigned from his post amidst the allegations that there were massive election frauds in ARMM where he got his majority votes.

Based on the information provided by the Senate Electoral Tribunal, the final votes for Koko Pimentel and Miguel Zubiri are as follows

Previous tally------- Revised Tally

Pimentel
10,987,347------------10,898,786

Zubiri
11,005,866------------10,640,620

The SET also found out that 60 percent of the total votes from the seven provinces in ARMM were forged. According to the SET spokeswoman, 15.11% of the ballots from ARMM were written by only one person. 3.46% showed only two distinct writing styles and 0.27% of these were marked ballots.

Senator Koko Pimentel took his oath at Mati City in Davao Oriental where he got a major support during the May 2007 elections.

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III will report to the Senate on Monday. The newly proclaimed senator wants to focus on bills related to electoral reforms, overseas Filipino workers’ welfare, justice, and Mindanao.

Should Bishops Ask For an Apology and Resignation of PCSO Chair

2011-07-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

Though the CPCP already apologized for the scandal that hounded the Catholic church, a Bishop or some of them are demanding for an apology and resignation of the PCSO Chair. One Bishop contends that using the term Pajero 7 or referring to the vehicles as Pajeros were erroneous and with malicious intent.

However, Bishops should think twice or pray for guidance first. Please take note that one of theirs was caught asking for a vehicle as gift for his birthday. Isn't it against their vows?

Pajero or not, Bishops received luxury vehicles(or more specific sports utility vehicle). For poor Filipinos, a Pajero is usually referred to as a luxury vehicle.

Bishops who received SUV's from the PCSO:

Mitsubishi Montero
Butuan City Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos

Nissan Pathfinder
Bontoc-Lagawe Bishop Rodolfo Beltran

Mitsubishi Strada
Abra Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian

Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace
Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo

Mitsubishi Strada
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad

Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace
Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles

Isuzu Crosswind
Nueva Segovia Archbishop Ernesto Salgado

If these are used for social services like helping the poor in their dioceses, well it may justify their actions (maybe). However, some of these vehicles are only built to be used in urban areas which contradicts with their claim that it is used in far flung barangays to help the needy.

60-Year Old Carpenter Claimed the 356 Million Lotto Jackpot

2011-06-03T00:53:00.000-07:00

The lone winner of the 6/55 lotto jackpot came from Las Pinas, Metro Manila and currently working as a village watchman. The 60-year old man, who also work as a part time carpenter, is residing in a slum area in the locality according to the PCSO. The bettor used birth dates and wedding anniversary in winning the combination 09-05-26-30-19-45.

The PCSO already released the P356,552,917.20 jackpot prize. The man plans to buy a new house and will start a business. He will also share part of his winnings to his siblings. The new millionaire has 6 children but none of them reach college because of poverty.

According to PCSO, though most of his children were married, they are still living with him in a small shack. The man came from Albay, Bicol and tried his luck in Metro Manila. his wife is a street sweeper.

The jackpot in Wednesday's 6/55 draw was the second biggest in PCSO's history.

Public Places in Metro Manila on Smoking Ban

2011-05-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

Smoking in public places in Metro Manila will cost you Five Hundred pesos (P500). The implementation of this ordinance, which was initiated by the MMDA and local government units, will start on May 30. This will coincide with the World No Tobacco Day. The program dubbed as "100% Smoke-Free Metro" is aimed to put Metro Manila as a smoke-free capital by 2012. "We should transform Metro Manila into a smoke-free community. A healthy Metro Manila is a healthy and progressive Philippines," MMDA Chairman Tolentino said.

Covered Public Places

According to MMDA, the anti-smoking drive is only an expansion of the existing program. Currently, smoking in goverment institutions is prohibited. City and municipal officials agreed with the MMDA to expand the coverage and included bus and jeepney terminals, loading and unloading bays, pedestrian passes, schools, hospitals, and youth recreation centers.

A 100-meter perimeter prohibition from the public areas will be implemented also. Warning signs and billboards will be placed in these places to warn smokers.

Fines and Community Service

First time offenders will be fined P500 and those violators who can't afford to pay will be required to render 8 hours of community service.

The MMDA clarified that apprehension can only be made by authorized MMDA environmental enforcers. They will be issuing tickets starting July. Local government units will also help in the implementation of this ordinance.

10 Filipinos Die Every Hour

According to the Department of Health and World Health Organization, smoking kills at least 10 Filipinos every hour which translate into 80,000 deaths every year. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer. A cigarette stick contain at least 4,000 chemicals. MMDA said that they want to protect non-smokers with this program.

Videos of Tsunami in Japan, Philippines on Tsunami Warning Level 2

2011-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hits Japan is the strongest and the first in the country. It also created a 4 to 7 meters tsunami that devastated Sendai City and other provinces in Japan. As of this moment, there are already at least 300 confirmed casualties but authorities expects that the number could escalate to thousands when rescue and retrieval operations starts.

Authorities also issued Tsunami warnings to countries in the Pacific Region including the Philippines. According to PAGASA, the first wave already reach the country (19 provinces are in alert level 2) but the magnitude and height of the tsunami is not comparable to what happened in Japan. However, people in coastline areas are still advised to take precautionary measures and follow the orders of the authorities if they are required to evacuate.

Here are some of the videos of tsunami in Japan.

Update on Bus Bombing Makati

2011-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

Authorities and the President himself confirmed to the media that the bombing on Makati yesterday could be a terrorist attack in the country. Though more information is being gathered and investigation is still on going, police and other security agencies were on full alert to avert any other similar attacks on vital installations such as airports, trains and bus stations.

A news update from the Inquirer already put the death toll to 5 and several others are still recuperating from injuries suffered during the blast.

Bus blast toll now at 5 dead
By Abigail Kwok INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) The death toll in the bus explosion Tuesday rose to five Wednesday after one of the victims succumbed to blast wounds at the hospital, a police official said.

Chief Superintendent Jose Arne Delos Santos, director of the Southern Police District, confirmed over the phone that Irish Teniola died after she was transferred to the Makati Medical Center past 12 a.m. today.

She was first brought to the Ospital ng Makati. The number of those injured is 13. Delos Santos could not comment on the status of the other injured.

After determining that an 81-millimeter mortar was used in the
explosion, the task group in charge of investigating the blast would be holding a case conference to look at possible groups who might have employed similar attacks in the past.

"As of now we can't say for sure if this is a terroristic attack,"
Delos Santos said. Police are still gathering witness accounts to possibly create a
profile of the suspects. Nevertheless, Delos Santos said the bomb could have been triggered remotely.

For the report, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990.

Philippine Holidays for 2011

2010-12-29T01:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Hubert Webb and Others Acquitted in Vizconde Massacre

2010-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

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.

A BalikBayan Claimed the 6/55 Grand Lotto Jackpot

2010-12-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

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.

Travel Advisories to the Philippines Modified

2010-12-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Pnoy Dating Another Woman: Asks media to Respect His Privacy

2010-12-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Lone Winner of the 6/55 Grand Lotto

2010-11-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2010-11-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

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

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

2010-10-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

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

Quick Facts on Super Typhoon Juan

2010-10-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Headliners on Barangay and SK Elections

2010-10-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

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

President Aquino's First 100 Day Report

2010-10-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

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.

P3 per voter for Barangay and SK candidates

2010-09-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-09-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

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.

President PNoy Named People Responsible in the Hostage Crisis

2010-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Result of Investigation of hostage Crisis in Manila

2010-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

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.

The Manila Hostage Taking Incident: A Tragedy

2010-08-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

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.

-

Poll Fraud Whistle Blowers No Proof, Comelec Investigates

2010-05-19T23:21:00.004-07:00

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.

2010-05-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

9 Senators Proclaimed by Comelec

2010-05-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

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

Vote Buying in Election and Other Related Violence

2010-05-08T23:46:00.001-07:00

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.

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

2010-05-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

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.

May 2010 Elections in Peril Due Wrong Configuration of CF Cards

2010-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-04-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-04-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Pulse Asia Senatoriables Survey

2010-04-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

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.

BusinessWorld Latest Survey on Presidentiables

2010-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Complete List of Senatoriables for the 2010 National Elections

2010-03-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

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 Osmeña III – Independent (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

Son of Actor-Politician Cesar Montano Committed Suicide

2010-03-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Party Lists Used as a BackDoor by Traditional Politicians to Congress

2010-03-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Pulse-Asia Survey for February: 2010 Elections

2010-03-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

Available Positions in the 2010 National and Local Elections

2010-02-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

Pulse Asia 2010 Presidential Survey

2010-01-29T20:43:00.001-08:00

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

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

2010-01-21T00:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T00:29:00.001-08:00

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)

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?

Peace Talks With MILF and Clashes in Mindanao

2009-08-16T23:43:00.002-07:00

Senator Biazon raised some concern on the peace talks initiated by the government with the MILF. He was alarmed on the failure of the MILF leaders to control their group. With the recent clashes between the government troops and the abu sayyaf, it was reported that some of the break-away members of the MILF gave support to the Abus which lead to the bloody encounter and claimed the lives of more than 20 soldiers. The worst thing is, many civilians were also reported as casualties.

The government should reassess their plans of keeping peace in MIndanao.

1 Million Dinner by the President vs. 30 Million Hungry Filipinos

2009-08-11T20:28:00.001-07:00

Secretary Remonde scolded the media for sensationalizing the issue of 1 million worth of dinner of the President in New York during her visit and meeting with President Barack Obama. He emphasized that poverty and hunger is the main priority of President GMA. But I just have one question.

For almost a decade of Presidency, was she able to eradicate or at least reduced the incidence of poverty in the Philippines?

If there are almost 30 million of filipinos who can't even eat 3 times a day, then 1 million dinner would not be appropriate even if it was shouldered by a congressman.

Willi Revillame, Disrespectful on President Cory Aquino's Cortege?

2009-08-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Below is the video of the statement of Willi Revillame on his TV show while the coverage of funeral procession of the former President Cory Aquino was also being shown at the inset of the TV screen. There is an increasing clamor from different media organization including MTRCB to impose sanction to the TV host of Wowowee.

Willi already explained his side but more Filipinos sees it as a disrespect to the late President. It will be hard for Willie to defend himself. The issue will always be about his atittude as a host. Some comments online shows what they felt on the statements of Willie.

Here are some comments from youtube:

Driggyboy: korek na korek kayo jan VIc and Joey! kahit blocktimer ang show nyo open kayo ma inset or ipasok ang live feed or news interruption dahil mahalaga yon! Sila iba ang humor nila, institusyon na yan, yung Willie na yan puro yabang dahil walang laman ang utak! puro panloloko ang ginagawa sa mga tao parang yung kinabibilangan nyang istasyon!

rainfree14: sa tingin b ni willie people are watching because of wowowee that day??? 99.9% of people watching because of cory so to ask the live streaming of the cortege be removed is just f%$#% disrespectful and arrogant...he need to pick his spot...ABS CBN is just about money if they still dont fire him..he's a disgrace parang ala sya breeding...who cares about his show that time????

aprilfoool83: remember the 2million pesos supposedly given by a politician to willy? if he did not really want to use the money, he shouldn't have accepted it in the first place. yes he did not use it for his own expenses but he used it to make himself look good and heroic to people. in short, to glorify himself. i know it's a different issue but it goes to show the true character of willie. he's a crap!

jonjoyful: naiintindihan ko ang ibig sabihin ni willie kaya lang hindi maganda ang pagkasabi niya dapat sa commercial na lang niya sinabi, kasi si willie akala niya komo nakakatulong siya sa mga tao akala niya tama lagi ang sinasabi niya. minsan naman mag iisip muna sana si willie bago magsalita para di siya matrouble. at ito naman si joey at vic tignan muna ninyo ang sarili ninyo bago kayo magsalita sa kapwa ninyo. eh mga bastos din kayo akala mo kung sino kayong magaling. gago lang ang nanonood sa inyo.

Now his "longtime critic" talks about it on their show:

Now its up to you to decide whether Willie's action is inappropriate. Remember the news is about a former head of state, an icon, the person who freed us and lead us to democracy.

Noynoy for Vice President

2009-08-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

After the burial of his mother, former President Cory Aquino, the political party of Noynoy Aquino considers him as a good candidate for the vice presidency. The LP said that it is agood development for their party since they already have 2 winnable candidates. The other one is Kiko Pangilinan who already declared his intention to run for vice president in the 2010 elections.

If Noynoy decides to run as vice president, the party will be forced to follow the selection process for these 2 candidates. Although this is considered by party members as a positive problem since LP is the only party that could fill the top position without inviting other candidates from other opposition parties.

Fielding Noynoy for the vice presidency came up when party members have seen that the Cory Magic is still there. With the huge support of the people for Cory, with the way Noynoy handles the relationship with Malacanang and his statement during the requiem mass, contributed further to his status as a senator and a possible candidate for vice president.

As to the question whether Kris Aquino will run for 2010 national election, NOynoy said that it is not yet time for Kris and he want his sister to be in showbiz rather than be involved in politics.

New Presidentiables for 2010 Elections

2009-08-01T05:47:00.002-07:00

The latest personalities and politicians who acknowledge their intention to run for the highest office in the land for the 2010 national election:

Senator Jamby Madrigal

Governor Grace Padaca

Brother Eddie Villanueva

Who's next?

Critics of President Cory Express Support for Her

2009-07-31T01:41:00.000-07:00

Some of the critics or shall we say former enemies of President Aquino gave their support and prayers for the ill former president. Prominent people and politicians which includes former President Erap and Senator Gringo Honasan who led several coup attempts during her administration.

Health Status and Update of Former President Cory Aquino

2009-07-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

The real health status of former President Cory Aquino is still withheld by the family members. Although they give some updates from time to time. Supporters and more Filipinos continue their prayer vigils to help the president recover from her health condition. We know that the cancer is already on its later stage when they diagnosed the President. Treatment is definitely very difficult on this case.

Let us hope that a miracle would happen so that the President Cory could recuperate from her ailment and live longer so that she could continue serving the Filipino people and continue to defend democracy.

Amnesty for Abu Sayyaf?

2009-07-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Some lawmakers are thinking of giving the ASG or Abu sayyaf Group amnesty to end the conflict and atrocities in Mindanao. This idea did not gained favorable support from other lawmakers and the public. We have to remember that the Abu sayyaf Group is a terrorist with links with JI. They already have so many criminal activities and providing them amnesty is actually accepting and tolerating their criminal acts.

They don't fight for any political issues or ideologies. They are there to kill,extort,sow terror in Mindanao. They make a living from kidnapping so giving them amnesty is an absurd idea.

They just released Red Cross Personnel Vagni. There are speculations that ransom was paid for his release. The question is how much?

Now giving them amnesty is another question that we should ask our lawmakers. Why? Is it for political interest? Maybe. Election is coming up.

Smartmatic-TIM Breakup Will Jeopardize 2010 Elections

2009-07-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today is the deadline given by the Commission on Election to the winning bidder for the 2010 national elections to settle their differences. The consortium was having some problems with regards to who will have control of the majority of the operations.

According to some sources inside the consortium, it is not about the half billion pesos being asked allegedly by TIM owner Antunez but it is about management conflict. TIM wants to control the partnership.

This issue alarms some of the lawmakers since TIM has ties with the first family. There could be some manipulation on the result of the election even if it is computerized. The planned backing out of the TIM from the consortium was seen by some as a move to derail the computerization of the 2010 elections. That would mean we will go back to manual voting and counting which is prone to cheating. Others accused the administration of having a hand in this latest issue.

As of this moment, most of the news coming out from the media are still considered speculation since the consortium is not divulging the actual problem between the partners. We just hope that this will be settled and of course they are already obliged to fulfill their obligation as the winning bidder. Failure to provide the services under the bid would mean a breach of contract. They could face legal problems.

update:

Smartmatic and TIM met at the Comelec yesterday and they announced that the consortium will proceed with the automation of the next election.

Advocacy Ads: Does It Help The Presidentiables?

2009-06-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

Questions whether politicians who are having advocacy ads on television are violating election laws are still unanswered. Our election code permits appearances in mass media provided they are not directly campaigning for a particular position. They are after the words, vote for me, elect me, i campaign,,, and so on. Anyway, this is the Philippines, we have so many laws with so many loopholes.

In the recent survey, the presidentiables for the 2010 election seems to be well prepared to take all the strategies just to be noticed by the public regardless of the cost involved.

If you want to know how these presidentiables spend money for their advocacy ads (or campaign ads if we can say that). These are the numbers:

Mar Roxas - 140 million
Manny Villar - 90 million
Loren Legarda - 10 million

There are also some politicians who are spending a lot on tv ads like Mayor Jejomar Binay and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

The question is, if they are spending a lot of money in the coming election, do you think they will not get it back when elected? We know that these people are not philanthropists.

President GMA is Eyeing A Position in Pampanga

2009-06-15T16:59:00.001-07:00

With the frequent visit of President Gloria to her hometown in Pampanga, many believes that it is in preparation for her plans to run as a Congresswoman in the province after her terms ends.

Although her spokesperson already denied indirectly her plans of running again for any position but what they assure the public is President Gloria Arroyo will step down as President next year. She is not planning to extend her term. However, there are allies of the President who are also confirming that she will be running for a position in Pampanga on 2010 national election just like the former DOJ Secretary Gonzalez.

In an interview with the Speaker of the House Congressman Prospero Nograles, he said that he is not in favor for the President to run for another position. He said the President already reached its peak of political career for becoming the President of the Philippines.

But one thing is clear right now,,, the congress (lower house) is railroading the approval of Con-Ass. Once this happens, it is now easy to change provisions in the Constitution especially the form of government. We all know that they want to have a Parliament. So, If President Gloria wins a spot in Pampanga, and became a Congresswoman, it would be easy for her to become the next Prime Minister. In this way she would be extending her term the legal way.

That's is why the people were not buying the idea of these congressmen that they are after Con-Ass to just change the economic provisions of the constitution

News Update on Philippine Politics

2009-06-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

-Some opposition and other activists says that the rally against Con-Ass is successful, and they will be planning for more until these congressmen who supported the house resolution change their minds.

- The independence day marks the start of AkoMismo and ABS-CBN Boto mo Ipatrol Mo, Ako ang Simula. I hope this organization will help make the election clean in the Philippines. At least Namfrel, PPCRV and other established groups will get more help from these newly established orgs.

- The bidding for computerization/automation of the 2010 National Election is already awarded to SMARTmatic. I hope they can eliminate cheating since there are still doubts to their credibility and reliability.

Problems with the New Coalition LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD

2009-06-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

Few days ago, MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando commented on how the coalition handles its selection process for the presidency in 2010 elections. He asked why Vice President Noli de Castro and defense secretary Gibo Teodoro tops the lists of Presidentiables where in fact they are not yet members of the party. De Castro is an independent while Teodoro is still a member of Danding Cojuangco's political party.

Are we expecting more conflicts as the May 2010 election becomes nearer? In my point of view, it will definitely happen. Fighting for positions and endorsement will be a problem for these 3 big political parties.

So its not surprising that some opposition are going after some of its party members. It was reported that some members of LAKAS-CMD were being courted by the group of Manny Villar.

The political adviser of the president also commented on the standing of Sec. Teodoro in the surveys. If he wants to win, he should at least compete in the top list. With less than 5%, he is not the type of candidate that will win the race. However, if they use some illegal strategy, they could change the result of the election, as what the administration is doing for the past years.

Ping Lacson Withdraws from Presidency

2009-06-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

The announcement of Senator Ping Lacson that he will not run for President in the 2010 elections shocks most of us. Although, he made a statement that the reason is the money that he needs to fund a national campaign in the coming elections. Another reason that we can assume is the case of PR man Dacer and Corbito double murder case which he is being implicated. The return of Mancao made him uneasy and he knows that it will certainly affect his candidacy, whether he is innocent or guilty of the accusations.

List of Representatives Supporting Con Ass

2009-06-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

When i opened my twitter account, Somebody shared a link to a site where the list of congressmen who supported the Con Ass Resolution can be found. For those people who are following this new escapade of our beloved congressmen, find them below... If your representative is one of them, you know what to do in the 2010 election.

Luzon

National Capital Region

Vincent P. Crisologo, Quezon City
Matias V. Defensor, Jr., Quezon City
Mary Ann L. Susano, Quezon City
Nanette Castelo-Daza, Quezon City
Bienvenido M. Abante Jr., Manila
Jaime C. Lopez, Manila
Maria Zenaida B. Angping, Manila
Maria Theresa B. David, Manila
Amado S. Bagatsing, Manila
Daniel R. De Guzman, Marikina City
Marcelino R. Teodoro, Marikina City
Eduardo C. Zialcita, Parañaque City
Henry M. Dueñas, Jr., Taguig
Alvin S. Sandoval, Malabon City-Navotas City
Jose Antonio F. Roxas, Pasay City
Oscar G. Malapitan, Caloocan City
Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon, Caloocan City
Roman T. Romulo, Pasig City
Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Valenzuela City
Magtanggol T. Gunigundo I, Valenzuela City

Cordillera Administrative Region

Manuel S. Agyao, Kalinga
Elias C. Bulut, Jr., Apayao
Mauricio G. Domogan, Baguio City
Samuel M. Dangwa, Benguet
Solomon R. Chungalao, Ifugao

Ilocos Region

Thomas M. Dumpit Jr., La Union
Victor Franciso C. Ortega, La Union
Arthur F. Celeste, Pangasinan
Conrado M. Estrella III, Pangasinan
Marcos O. Cojuangco, Pangasinan
Victor F. Agbayani, Pangasinan
Ma. Rachel J. Arenas, Pangasinan
Eric D. Singson, Ilocos Sur
Ronald V. Singson, Ilocos Sur
Roque R. Ablan, Jr., Ilocos Norte
Cecilia S. Luna], Abra

Cagayan Valley

Florencio L. Vargas, Cagayan
Manuel N. Mamba, Cagayan
Junie E. Qua, Quirino
Carlo Oliver D. Diasnes, Batanes
Rodolfo T. Albano, Isabela
Edwin C. Uy, Isabela

Central Luzon

Jose V. Yap, Tarlac
Jeci A. Lapus, Tarlac
Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro, Tarlac
Lorna C. Silverio, Bulacan
Pedro M. Pancho, Bulacan
Reylina G. Nicolas, Bulacan
Ma. Victoria Sy-Alvarado, Bulacan
Arturo C. Robes, San Jose del Monte City
Albert C. Garcia, Bataan
Herminia B. Roman, Bataan
Joseph Gilbert F. Violago, Nueva Ecija
Ma. Milagros H. Magsaysay, Zambales
Antonio M. Diaz, Zambales
Aurelio D. Gonzales, Jr., Pampanga
Juan Miguel M. Arroyo, Pampanga
Anna York P. Bondoc, Pampanga
Carmelo F. Lazatin, Pampanga

CALABARZON

Danilo E. Suarez, Quezon
Wilfrido Mark C. Enverga, Quezon
Michael John R. Duavit, Rizal
Adeline Rodriguez-Zaldarriaga, Rizal
Angelito C. Gatlabayan, Antipolo City
Roberto V. Puno, Antipolo City
Eileen Ermita-Buhain, Batangas
Mark Llandro L. Mendoza, Batangas
Victoria H. Reyes, Batangas
Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Cavite
Elpidio F. Barzaga, Jr., Cavite
Maria Evita R. Arago, Laguna
Edgar S. San Luis, Laguna

MIMAROPA

Antonio C. Alvarez, Palawan
Carmencita O. Reyes, Marinduque
Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, Romblon
Ma. Amelita C. Villarosa, Occidental Mindoro
Rodolfo G. Valencia, Oriental Mindoro

Bicol Region

Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, Masbate
Narciso R. Bravo, Jr., Masbate
Antonio T. Kho, Masbate
Al Francis C. Bichara, Albay
Reno G. Lim, Albay
Luis R. Villafuerte, Camarines Sur
Felix R. Alfelor, Jr., Camarines Sur
Diosdado Ignacio Jose Maria Macapagal-Arroyo, Camarines Sur
Joseph A. Santiago, Catanduanes
Jose G. Solis, Sorsogon

Visayas

Western Visayas

Florencio T. Miraflores, Aklan
Genaro M. Alvarez, Jr., Negros Occidental
Jeffrey P. Ferrer, Negros Occidental
Ignacio T. Arroyo, Jr., Negros Occidental
Jose Carlos V. Lacson, Negros Occidental
Alfredo D. Marañon III, Negros Occidental
Raul T. Gonzalez, Jr., Iloilo City
Niel C. Tupas, Jr., Iloilo
Ferjenel G. Biron, Iloilo
Arthur Defensor, Sr., Iloilo
Judy J. Syjuco, Iloilo
Janette L. Garin, Iloilo
Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, Guimaras
Fredenil H. Castro, Capiz

Central Visayas

Roberto C. Cajes, Bohol
Edgardo M. Chatto, Bohol
Pryde Henry A. Teves, Negros Oriental
Pablo P. Garcia, Cebu
Pablo John F. Garcia, Cebu
Ramon H. Durano VI, Cebu
Nerissa Corazon Soon-Ruiz, Cebu
Benhur L. Salimbangon, Cebu
Eduardo R. Gullas, Cebu
Antonio V. Cuenco, Cebu City
Raul V. Del Mar, Cebu City

Eastern Visayas

Roger G. Mercado, Southern Leyte
Eufrocino M. Codilla, Sr., Leyte
Carmen L. Cari, Leyte
Andres D. Salvacion Jr., Leyte
Trinidad G. Apostol, Leyte
Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Leyte
Reynaldo S. Uy, Samar
Sharee Ann T. Tan, Samar
Teodolo M. Coquilla, Eastern Samar
Paul R. Daza, Northern Samar
Emil L. Ong, Northern Samar
Glenn A. Chong, Biliran

Mindanao

Zamboanga Peninsula

Rosendo S. Labadlabad, Zamboanga del Norte
Cecilia G. Jalosjos-Carreon, Zamboanga del Norte
Cesar G. Jalosjos, Zamboanga del Norte
Victor J. Yu, Zamboanga del Sur
Antonio H. Cerilles, Zamboanga del Sur
Dulce Ann K. Hofer, Zamboanga Sibugay

Northern Mindanao

Vicente F. Belmonte, Jr., Lanao del Norte
Abdullah D. Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte
Rolando A. Uy, Cagayan de Oro City
Marina P. Clarete, Misamis Occidental
Herminia M. Ramiro, Misamis Occidental
Yevgeny Vicente B. Emano, Misamis Oriental
Pedro P. Romualdo, Camiguin
Candido P. Pancrudo Jr., Bukidnon

Davao Region

Franklin P. Bautista, Davao del Sur
Marc Douglas C. Cagas IV, Davao del Sur
Arrel R. Olaño, Davao del Norte
Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr., Davao del Norte
Isidro T. Ungab, Davao City
Vincent J. Garcia, Davao City
Prospero Nograles, Davao City
Thelma Z. Almario, Davao Oriental
Nelson L. Dayanghirang, Davao Oriental
Rommel C. Amatong, Compostela Valley
Manuel E. Zamora, Compostela Valley

SOCCSKSARGEN

Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu, Sultan Kudarat
Arnulfo F. Go, Sultan Kudarat
Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Cotabato
Bernardo F. Piñol, Jr., Cotabato

Caraga

Glenda B. Ecleo, Dinagat Islands
Philip A. Pichay, Surigao del Sur
Florencio C. Garay, Surigao del Sur
Francisco T. Matugas, Surigao del Norte
Guillermo A. Romarate, Jr., Surigao del Norte
Edelmiro A. Amante, Agusan del Norte
Jose S. Aquino II, Agusan del Norte

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Pangalian M. Balindong, Lanao del Sur
Faysah Omaira M. Dumarpa, Lanao del Sur
Yusop H. Jikiri, Sulu
Munir M. Arbison, Sulu
Simeon Datumanong, Maguindanao
Nur G. Jaafar, Tawi-Tawi

Party- Lists

Narciso D. Santiago III, Alliance for Rural Concerns
Edgar L. Valdez, Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives
Ernesto C. Pablo, Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives
Robert Raymund M. Estrella, Abono
Nicanor M. Briones, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines, Inc.

I found this list on this site:
http://www.thepoc.net/index.php/Politi-Ko/Politiko-News/Con-ass-resolution-endorsers-named.html

Merging of Lakas Kampi CMD Final

2009-05-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

The merging of LAKAS KAMPI CMD becomes final with the recent meeting of the party representatives. They agreed that they will be fielding only one candidate for top position in the coming 2010 national elections. For me, this is a good development since we will be having smaller number of candidates to choose from. although we still dont know how many candidates the opposition has.

The possible tandem for the 2010 presidential election for the LAKAS KAMPI CMD coalition is VP Noli de Castro and Secretary Puno or VP Noli de Castro and Defense Secretary Teodoro.

Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho Sex Video Scandal and our lawmakers

2009-05-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

If you will look at the latest statistics on the searches made on the internet on this latest sex video scandal of Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho, you will see a the volume of searches which only mean that there a lot of filipinos interested to see this sex scandal videos. Although it was already removed from youtube, there are still other sites that allows streaming of this videos. And of course, the pirated dvd's which are selling like hot cakes. Based from reports, the sex videos of DR. Hayden Kho was found out by his girlfriend Vicky Belo. Im just wondering if Dr. Hayden Kho shared this videos to other people such as close friends.

How come that his friend ,Mr. Chua, or other individual who allegedly sold the copy for 2 million. He said that his laptop was confiscated by Belo. Can we conclude that Belo has a hand in this scandal. I really doubt it. Since right now, there are sex videos being shared on the internet including the alleged sex videos with Vicky Belo and Rufa Mae Quinto. These sex videos can be downloaded for free.

I admire the courage of Katrina Halili of filing charges against Dr. Hayden Kho. However, the problem is on how these lawmakers can help her in against Dr. Kho. most of these lawmakers, senators and congressmen who are just riding with the issue. We have already observed that it in the past. Witnessess, victims were just used by the congress for publicity and sometimes for personal interest.

There were so many sex scandals in the past, but what our lawmakers did to help the victims, none,,,, Right now that this involves an actress, they are all into this issue. This is could be used by some for the next national elections. But of course, we are hoping that they are sincere in protecting people from sex scandal and hopefully they could come up with a law protecting women on this issue.

A friend of mine told me that the download link to the Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho sex video can be found at spankwire(dot)com. I'm not endorsing this but you can just see how Hayden Kho violated women's rights even though he's claiming that they were under the influence of drugs during that time.