Noynoy: Baby James was just playing around

Source: GMANEWS
SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — Baby James endorsed Villar? Come on, the kid was just playing around.

Presidential aspirant Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party), the uncle of Kris Aquino's now famous youngest child, virtually made the statement Wednesday after his closest rival Senator Manuel Villar Jr. expressed elation over Baby James' mention of his last name at Aquino's campaign sortie.

"Ganun ba kaunti yun nag-eendorso sa atin pong katungali na kailangan po nilang angkinin yung binigkas ng isang two-year-old na baka naman ang kaalaman ay maglaro sa kasalukuyan?," Aquino said at a press conference in the Jose Feliciano College in Mabalacat, Pampanga, where he is currently campaigning.

(Does our opponent have such few endorsers that he has to claim that they're being supported by a two-year-old who's currently interested only in playing.)

"Sana naintindihan po nila yung bata pong two years old mahilig maglaro po yun (They should understand that a two-year-old only wants to play)," Aquino said.

Asked why he thought Baby James said "Villar!" during a campaign sortie, Aquino said: "Siguro bihira niya naririnig yung tao nagsasabi nun kaya siya na lang nagsabi nun (Perhaps he seldom hears people say it so he said it himself)."

In one of Aquino's commercials, Baby James memorably uttered "Noynoy!" in the end, even flashing the "L" (for Laban) sign.

But a video footage of a rally in Bacolod weeks ago that was released recently showed Baby James uttering the last name of his uncle's closest rival for the presidency before a large crowd. His mother, celebrity Kris Aquino, instantly turned the toddler away from the crowd. In reaction, Villar said: "Ako ay natutuwa at isang malaking karangalan sa akin dahil alam mo ang mga bata, pinakahonest (I'm glad and it's a great honor for me, because you know, kids are the most honest)." In a separate press statement, Villar said "we welcome all forms of support, even those that come in small packages." — RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

Villar thanks Baby James

Source: www.yahoo.com.ph
By Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia



Nacionalista Party bet Senator Manny Villar has thanked Baby James Aquino-Yap, nephew of his closest rival for the presidency, Senator Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino for an unanticipated support.

“We welcome all forms of support, even those that come in small packages,” Villar said in a statement, following Baby James’ unexpected ‘endorsement’.

The two-year-old Baby James, son of actress Kris Aquino and basketball star James Yap, suddenly chanted ‘Villar’ instead of ‘Noynoy’ during a campaign rally in Bacolod. Kris was apparently asking Baby James to greet the crowd but the boy suddenly said the name of his uncle’s rival.

"It's surprisingly amusing to hear it straight from the babe's mouth…natutuwa ako dyan kasi ang mga bata ay busilak ang kalooban at 'di nagsisinungaling," Villar said.

Kris, meanwhile, said in her Twitter account she already said sorry to her brother about Baby James’ ‘naughtiness’.

“Nag-sorry ako to Noy & my sisters right away & they told me siempre he's 2 yrs old- terrible 2s. Moral of the story- we let him be 2 while guiding him to be a good boy,” Aquino tweeted on Monday.

Kris also explained why Baby James, whom she fondly calls as ‘Bimby,’ suddenly chanted Villar.

“Hay naku, ang ka naughty-han ni Bimby! Talagang heaven's way of making me feel all I did before to stress Mom. True, he said "Veeyar" in Bacolod rally. Nag naughty siya kasi 10th event namin that day- pagod na. Bimby is sikat so nasa news,” Kris added.

Rhian takes a stand against celebrities endorsing candidates

Source: Manila Bulletin

A few months ago, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting stirred up a controversy regarding its stand on celebrities endorsing political candidates while media personalities insisted on their right to freedom of expression.

Not all artists share the same belief.

TV actress and singer Rhian Ramos shared her stand regarding the issue in an interview with the reporters during a recent “Party Pilipinas” taping at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I am very against endorsing because the wealthy has greater edge over the others,” Rhian said.

Rhian added that running should not really be a matter of wealth – the very reason why she did not accept any of the political commercials offered to her.

“I could not let that overtake my belief.”

Even though her bet among the May 2010 presidential candidates is not the most charismatic, she added that she likes him because he doesn’t spent a fortune on advertising.

The other side of Bongbong

Source: Philippine Star


Senatoriable Bongbong Marcos: “It’s been 30 years or maybe more since the last time I played."
MANILA, Philippines - Picture this: Cool wind, calm waters, picturesque sunset. Then there’s a group of musicians making music, led by the saxophone guy they fondly call Bongbong.

Yes. Bongbong Marcos the congressman and the senatorial candidate can play the sax.

“It’s been 30 years or maybe more since the last time I played,” he said.

Bongbong did the intro of Labuyo’s Tuloy Pa Rin Ako, his carrier campaign song.

Mon Espia, the song’s original singer, took the lead vocals while Dingdong Eduque and Bongbong jammed with him in the chorus.

With apologies sandwiching his grand performance, Bongbong got a thumbs up from everyone present. Make it double thumbs up for the effort.

With Dingdong prodding the reluctant sax player, the crowd joined the fun and sang along.

Others who shared their music in the cruise were Romy Posadas, Richard Merck, Marc Abaya of Kjwan, Raymond Marasigan of Eraserheads, Aya, choirmaster Jonathan Velasco, saxophone player Joey V., vocalist Arthur M., trombone artist Romy San Jose, harp player Dona Punsalan, soprano Tricia Jimenez, The Bloomfields Band, drummer George and members of the Filharmonika orchestra and Route 70 band.

Edu Manzano explains why son Luis is unable to join him in campaign sorties

Source: PEP



Bagamat nakikita mo na ang kakaibang kaseryosohan at determinasyon ng actor-TV host na si Edu Manzano, na tumatakbo bilang vice president ngayong 2010 elections, nakakatuwa pa ring makausap dahil he always finds ways to make the conversation light and fun.



Contrary sa balitang hindi sila masyadong nangangampanya ni Gibo Teodoro, ang ka-tandem ni Edu bilang presidential candidate under the administration party, sinabi ni Edu na halos wala silang bakanteng araw o kahit oras man lang dahil sa paglilibot nila sa iba't ibang lugar sa Pilipinas.



LUIS HAS YET TO JOIN HIS SORTIES. Ayon pa kay Edu, sa mga pangangampanya na ginagawa nila ay wala silang bitbit na celebrity o artista na mag-e-endorse sa kanila ni Gibo. Kahit ang anak niyang si Luis Manzano ay hindi pa raw niya nakakasama sa pangangampanya.



"No, hindi na nga namin isinasama. Alam mo minsan, kapag sumasama ka sa mga ganung klase... Yung mga rally, puwede. Pero yung mga pagbibisita sa mga markets, nakakabagal lang," paliwanag ni Edu sa ipinatawag na press conference para sa kanya sa Annabel's restaurant sa Tomas Morato noong Martes ng tanghali, March 23.



Nabanggit ni Edu na nakakasama niya minsan ang anak ni Senator Bong Revilla na si Jolo. Magka-tiket kasi sina Edu at Bong sa ilalim ng Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Pero mabilis namang ipinaliwanag ni Edu ang sitwasyon ng kanyang anak na si Luis.



"Not for anything else, Luis works six days a week, yung taping. Kaya hindi ganun kadaling hilahin and it's also by choice. Hindi pa naman kailangan. Hindi nga ibig sabihin na maraming endorsers ay nakakapag-translate into votes 'yan. Kaya kami ni Gibo, ang ginagawa namin, we put a premium dun sa personal na interaction," saad niya.



Naitanong din kay Edu kung ano ang reaction niya na sa TV ads ni Ralph Recto, na tumatakbo namang senador sa ilalim ng Liberal Party, ay kasama si Luis. Nagpaalam ba si Luis sa kanya tungkol sa paglabas nito sa campaign ad ng kanyang stepfather?



"Well, never akong tinanong," pag-amin ni Edu. "And also at the same time, next month, magti-treinta anyos na si Luis...or 29 years old rather. I believe, he makes his own decision already. So, hindi na kailangang humingi ng permiso."



Napag-usapan din ang tungkol sa condo unit niya sa Renaissance na ibinigay na raw niya kay Luis. Natawa si Edu dahil tila nagustuhan nga raw ni Luis ang condo niya.



"No, hindi pa naman ibinibigay pero he is free to use it for as long as he wants," sabi niya. "Actually, ang nangyari kasi sa akin, first time kong pumunta sa isang bahay na walang garden. I guess, yung pagka-probinsiyano sa akin. Malaki ang unit, 250 square unit yung condo. I'm still the same old self na naghahanap ng garden.



"So, noong nakakita ako sa aking bagong nilipatan, hiningi ni Luis sa akin [yung condo]. Kung puwede diyan muna raw siya habang ang bahay sa Greenmeadows, e, being subjected to renovation. Lately nga, biglang tumahimik, e. So, may kutob ako na baka hindi na niya lalayasan ang bahay ko!" natatawa niyang sabi.



"Actually, all of my children will be taken care of," pahabol pa ng dating vice mayor ng Makati at OMB chairman.



VICE-PRESIDENTIAL FORUM. Sinagot din ni Edu ang tungkol sa hindi niya pagdalo sa naganap na vice-presidential forum sa ABS-CBN, ang Harapan, noong Linggo ng gabi, March 21.



"I was in Dagupan, Pangasinan, Tarlac," paliwanag ni Edu. "Matagal nang nakaplano talaga yung sked na yun. At saka unang-una, hindi nga yun debate. Pangalawa, it wasn't even a forum. Actually, it was nga pambabato ng mga bricks...siraan. In a way, marami rin ang tumawag sa akin at nagsabing, 'Mabuti na lang hindi ka nagpunta.'



"Well if you noticed, talagang nire-raise namin yung level of campaign ni Gibo. If you noticed, never ho kaming nanira. But you know, when you are in the province kasi, kung tutuusin, walang impact sa probinsiya yun [forum]. In the province, gusto nilang malaman, 'Paano mo iaangat ang aming kalidad ng buhay? Paano ang aming mga problema sa probinsiya?' Like in Pangasinan, 'Edu, paano ang aming agrikultura?'



"So, for them, hindi nakaka-address sa kanilang mga concerns ang mga forums. They want an honest-to-goodness answer to their problem. So that's why ini-encourage namin ang mga tao na magtanong. For me, ang kumikita lang naman diyan [sa mga forum] is yung TV station dahil nakakabenta ng advertising spot. Kahit maging circus 'yan, nakakabenta pa rin. At the end of the day, ang TV station lang ang nakikinabang," pahayag niya.



May nagsasabi naman na kaya raw siya tinatabangan dahil wala naman daw silang nakikitang suporta tulad ng ipinangako sa kanila ni Gibo?



"Wala naman kasing ipinangako, e," diin ni Edu. "Yung usapan namin from the very beginning, yung sinasabing ground forces. Yun ang naging problema namin. Kasi, dahil palagi kaming nag-i-schedule ng sunud-sunod, minsan nade-delay, lalong lumalaki ang gastos namin. Nagkakaroon ng domino effect na yung nahuhuli, galit na galit na yun dahil pinaghintay siya. Pati yung mga tao na dapat nasa venue dahil gabi na, umuuwi na."



May kakulangan ba sila pagdating sa financial aspect?



"Ay, yung financial, problema nila yun, e. Pati yung mga posters, flyers, wala kaming gastos dun. Yun ang usapan from the beginning," sabi niya.

If elected, ang cabinet position daw siguro na gugustuhin niya ay ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST).



"Ang growth engine kasi natin, science and technology. At saka yun din ang background ko, e, engineering," sabi niya.



NOT BACKING OUT. Kailan lang, umingay rin ang balitang plano na raw ni Edu na mag-backout sa kanyang kandidatura bilang vice president. Pero itinanggi niya na may ganoong plano.



"Hindi totoo yun," aniya. "Never. As a matter of fact, noon ngang lumabas yung balita na yun, kasama ko si Adel Tamano, Susan Ople, Ralph Recto...nandun kami sa Hong Kong.



"I don't see... Well, that was an invention of media—yung sinasabing pag-aatras. Almost halfway na kami, tuluy-tuloy na."



Sinabi rin during the press conference ang ilang concerns na naririnig mula sa taumbayan. May nagsasabi kasi na kung siya man o si Gibo ang gustong iboto ng mga tao, huwag na lang dahil matatalo rin sila at sayang lang ang boto.



Ano ang masasabi ni Edu tungkol sa bagay na ito?



"Alam n'yo po, 'yan ang dapat nating alisin sa ating pag-iisip at sa ating sistema. You don't vote for a person because you know he's going to win. You vote for an individual that you feel, we feel, partly part of the plan, vision, determination, integrity and competence para isulong ang ating bansa. It cannot be a waste of vote. On the contrary, kung ayaw mo nga sa kandidato na ito at dito ka sa sinasabi mong hindi magaling pero mananalo... Minsan kasi, sa isang kandidato, pera talaga para manalo sa isang election," sabi niya.



QUITTING SHOWBIZ. Sa naturang presscon, kinumpirma rin ni Edu na win or lose this coming elections, posibleng hindi na niya balikan ang kanyang showbiz career.



"Actually, kung titingnan mo, unti-unti na akong lumalayo. In 2003, I made my last movie, ang Tanging Yaman. Hindi na ako muling gumawa. Inspite of yung mga offer. In 2007, itinigil ko na ang mga teleserye. All of these, in line with the Optical Media Board. So, tinigil ko na ang movies, mga teleserye. Tinanggap ko lang ang Game KNB? because it was always after office hours. Taping pa, so kontrolado. At yung time management, mas madali.



"I'm turning 55 this year and I cannot imagine myself at 55, doing the 'Papaya' and shouting, 'Pilipinas, game ka na ba?' What I'd like to do after is in current affairs. I would like to do like a National Geographic-type of show or Discovery of the Philippines na ako ang nagho-host. Out of showbiz arena, mas malalim ng konti.



"Win or lose, I want to do something different, yung ibang genre naman," sabi ni Edu.

On 'Kris Aquino' hacker, ‘Mansion Hoax’ and the mistweet

Did Noynoy Aquino III’s camp just wage a net war of sorts against Manny Villar?

Just recently, a hacker using the alias “Kris Aquino” posted a blog entry on Villar’s site maliciously twitting his camp for using children in furthering their political agenda.

Dated March 19, the entry read: “Omigosh kalerky to the max. Imagine, may I gamit pa mga kids sa commercial to make sipsip to the poor. Pano naman kaming mga richhh!”

The blogger then asked the readers to vote for Aquino, redirecting a portion of the site to the Liberal Party’s official site.

The Nacionalista Party had already pulled out the entry. They issued a statement that was shared in social networks.

“We are extremely disturbed by the hacking of Sen. Manny Villar’s website by persons unknown,” said Gilbert Remulla, NP spokesman and senate candidate.

Remulla said the attack was seemingly made because they are now the “front-runner in the 2010 elections.”

“Underground elements seem to persist, and a cyber war is being waged against us--what with the flurry of black propaganda texts and 'mansion hoax' e-mails to spoofing our identity on social networks… clearly, this hacking attempt was meant to negatively impact on our campaign's goodwill,” he added.

The “Mansion Hoax” was a chain mail circulating since early last month, which featured photos of the interior of a palatial home allegedly owned by the Villars.

The e-mail, "Who owns a house like this?" was sent to several e-groups. It was prefaced with the question: "Imagine who would have such taste and live in such opulence?"

The NP refuted the charge. Villar’s daughter, Camille, even made light of it.

“It would be hard to clean a house that big,” she said.

The NPO also released the result of their investigation on the email, showing that it has been circulating as early as 2008, and that the said mansion was first linked to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe; former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida; Indian film star Shahrukh Khan; and Edir Macedo, founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

Meanwhile, Leah Navarro, content head of the online new media bureau of Noynoy Aquino, had denied allegations that they are the source of the cyber poison.

“We don’t do that,” Navarro said. “(It) could be a case of (the tail) wagging the dog.”

Early this week, Aquino III’s camp had to deflect a net issue as well—this time pertaining to a seemingly suspicious tweet that was broadcast Tuesday morning on the presidential aspirant's official Twitter account, which read thus:

“Won’t be bringing a car to work na everyday! Stupid taxi who bumped my car! 5k down the drain!”

The tweet elicited mostly amused response, but the camp eventually issued a statement declaring it a “mistweet.”

Navarro cleared that Aquino does not usually post messages on his account [@noynoyaquino].

“He’s not actually the one texting it in,” Navarro clarified.

“He usually just instructs his staff about what he wants to be posted,” she added explaining that an employee “mistakenly updated” the account with a personal missive not related to Aquino.

Harapan The Vice Presidential Debate

Invest in Pinoy brainpower to stem brain drain - Gibo

Source: Philippine Star
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated March 18, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Administration presidential bet Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro said investing in the Filipino brainpower and in physical infrastructure could check the country’s “brain drain” of medical professionals, especially in far-flung areas.

Teodoro discussed the wrong assignments of healthcare providers in the country during Presidential Forum on Health held at The Medical City in Mandaluyong last Tuesday night, which was televised live on ANC.

Doctors said 80 percent of Filipinos, most of them in the countryside, are not receiving proper medical attention because 50 percent of doctors are in urban centers if not working abroad.

“This is not solely a healthcare problem, it is also a developmental problem,” said Teodoro, Lakas-Kampi standard-bearer. “If we also invest in education and infrastructure, this can be resolved.”

Lack of infrastructure in remote areas is one of the apparent reasons why proper health attention is not distributed effectively in the country.

Thus, there is a need to enhance the country’s infrastructure system by requiring the integration and convergence of various transport networks, he said.

Aside from the need to improve the country’s infrastructure, he also emphasized the importance of improving the quality of education in the country.

“We must rectify the institutions that provide both in the country for better quality of life and for strategic progress and strength of the country,” he said.

Proper nourishment and food should also come into the picture. Nourishing the population with adequate food security will lead to a healthier populace and thereby reduce the need for healthcare professionals, he said.

“These things, which are so vital and fundamental to the nation’s progress and for human life to exist, are so difficult to tackle at times,” said Teodoro. “But they must be tackled institutionally. We hope we will be able to evolve that system soon. By law, through law, and effectively enforced by the government.”

Meanwhile, administration senatorial bet Raul Lambino supported yesterday the proposal to form an independent body to investigate allegations of corruption, criminal and civil liabilities, and even sex scandals against a sitting president and other top government officials.

Lambino of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial slate said the independent body like the one handled by Kenneth Starr against the sex scandal involving former US President Bill Clinton will give investigators enough authority to gather evidence to pin down erring top government officials.

The Starr investigation found evidence to prove Clinton’s moral impropriety by engaging then White House intern Monica Lewinsky into sexual encounters, including a blouse with the alleged dried semen of Clinton still on it.

Lambino proposed the creation of the Independent Counsel Office that is different from the US probe body headed by Starr.

“The Supreme Court will appoint the personnel and the Chief Independent Counsel to shelter it from any political influence. No one could pressure or manipulate the agency. It will have complete independence,” he said.

Lambino, who has been teaching constitutional law for more than two decades, said the Independent Counsel Office would also handle cases against presidential appointees, including Cabinet members.

Noynoy, Mar most trusted candidates - Pulse Asia

Source: Philippine Star
By Aurea Calica

Nationalist People’s Coalition member Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco, with wife Kimi, talks with Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Sen. Mar Roxas in Urdaneta last Saturday during an inspection of public markets and the San Roque Dam in San Miguel.


MANILA, Philippines - The Liberal Party (LP) said yesterday its standard-bearer, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and his running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II were the most trusted by Filipino voters among public figures and among all candidates running in the presidential and vice-presidential elections on May 10, according to a Pulse Asia survey.

In contrast, voters’ trust for their rivals, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. and his running mate, Sen. Loren Legarda’s ratings declined, with Villar suffering a double-digit drop.

According to LP, the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from Feb. 21 to 25 among 1,800 respondents also showed Aquino and Roxas topping voters’ preferences for president and vice president, respectively if elections were held today.

Pulse Asia said Aquino enjoyed the “big trust” of 64 percent of Filipino voters, making him the most trusted candidate for president. Only 14 percent of voters said they had “small/no trust” for Aquino, with the rest undecided.

Roxas, on the other hand, still earned the highest trust among Filipino voters with 70 percent saying they had “big trust” in him, with only 10 percent having “small/no trust” and the rest undecided.

Villar’s ratings dipped to 59 percent due to an 11-point drop among Filipinos with ”big trust” in him.

Legarda’s trust rating likewise went down to 58 percent, or a drop of three percent from her January trust rating.

Among the presidential candidates, former President Joseph Estrada came third with 40 percent, followed by administration standard-bearer Gilberto Teodoro Jr. with 29 percent and Sen. Richard Gordon with a 25 percent rating.

In the vice presidential race, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay came third, with only 45 percent; former Metro Manila Development Authority chief Bayani Fernando with 22 percent and actor Edu Manzano, 19 percent.

Aquino and Roxas are campaigning on a platform of good governance and transformational leadership. They promised to open their bank accounts to public scrutiny to stress their commitment to wipe out graft and corruption in government.

Noynoy: I did not mean to offend Erap

Meanwhile in a sortie in Naga City in Camarines Sur, Senator Aquino clarified yesterday that he did not mean to offend former President Joseph Estrada and that he should have pointed out a fair trial was a prerequisite to any pardon.

Aquino was earlier quoted as saying it was wrong for President Arroyo to have pardoned Estrada and the soldiers accused of being part of conspiracy to kill his father, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

He said there must be certainty of punishment to those convicted of crimes. He reiterated he would create a commission to resolve the cases involving Mrs. Arroyo such as the “Hello, Garci” and the national broadband network deal controversies and the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

“The part that I was not able to mention was that if there was justness in the trial. To get a conviction, you must deserve your sentence,” Aquino told reporters.

“But the context of what I said was that, how could you forgive and grant pardon when there was no fair trial and in the case of my (father’s assassination), there was no admission of guilt,” Aquino said.

He said what was imposed on Estrada after his trial on plunder was questionable and that should be the context of his statement.

Aquino said he would have to review what he said exactly and that it should be noted that the justice who convicted Estrada was immediately promoted after the trial.

He suggested Estrada did not get a fair trial.

“Maybe the (promotion) was due, but it came too soon after the decision (on Estrada’s) case,” Aquino said.

Aquino also said he only wanted to emphasize that those proven guilty after fair trial must be meted the punishment according to the laws.

He said this was the reason why he said he would create a commission to handle the cases of Mrs. Arroyo.

Malacañang said Aquino should work to win first before eyeing the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo, which it claimed to be part of the LP bet’s political campaigning.

“I hope they got the context right. I was asked what I would do if elected. Anyway, they are quite consistent with their refusal to face issues, what can we expect from them? But the non-closure of issues will not help our country any, they weakened a lot of institutions,” Aquino said.

‘Up to Kris to take a leave’

Aquino also said yesterday it would be up to his sister, actress and television host Kris Aquino-Yap to decide on whether to take a leave from her shows during the campaign period.

Kris said she was thinking of saying goodbye to the showbiz talk show The Buzz because of criticisms she had been getting. She had also been complaining that she was being considered a liability to her brother.

She has three others shows at ABS-CBN Channel 2.

“It’s her decision. But it’s me who got into this and the campaign should be my primary responsibility,” Aquino said.

“I think she’s old enough to decide for herself. She has been helping me in so many ways. In this people’s campaign, we do not want to impose on anyone, whether relatives or not, if they voluntarily help in the campaign, we are thankful, whoever they are,” Aquino said.

Aquino said he was proud of his sister and the other showbiz personalities who were making a stand during these crucial elections.

Even if Kris takes a leave, Aquino said he was not expecting the black propaganda against him and his family to stop.

He said only Baby James, son of Kris, had been spared of criticisms thrown against their family.

‘Worse than Marcos’

Meanwhile in Daet, Camarines Sur, Sen. Aquino rated President Arroyo as a leader worse than the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos because she had the tenacity to muzzle institutions when the country had supposedly become more democratic.

The Liberal Party also said it was not concerned about the attacks from Malacañang and welcomed the “non-endorsement” from Mrs. Arroyo.

In an interview with reporters on Tuesday night after a rally here, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo pushed the country backwards instead of strengthening the democratic institutions put in place after the late strongman was ousted in a peaceful people power revolution on Edsa in 1986.

Earlier, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo disrespected the Office of the President.

He said this was the reason why he would like to have a commission to handle all the cases against Mrs. Arroyo, if elected, so that all the issues against her would be resolved. Aquino said this body would run after ill-gotten wealth of the Arroyos, if there were any.

“The lack of closure on many issues does not help the country, we are weakening many institutions,” Aquino said.

Aquino and his running mate, Senator Roxas would visit the Ilocos region today to campaign. Aquino said he was expecting at least a civil reception in the Marcos bailiwick.

Villar has 11 times more ads than GMA in pre-election year

Source: ABS CBN NEWS
By Carmela Fonbuena, Newsbreak
But President Arroyo had a free ride on institutional ads placed by government agencies

MANILA, Philippines - The country has seen in 3 elections how political advertisements can elect senators. But its power in a presidential race is yet to be seen. The candidacy of Manuel Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista Party (NP) is the test case.

Based on rate cards, Villar spent a total of P1.4 billion in television, radio, and print ads from January to December 2009, the pre-election year. This is based on data from media monitoring group AGB Nielsen Media Research.

Survey frontrunner Benigno Aquino III, who joined the race only in September 2009, spent P143 million from October to December.

According to the Fair Elections Act, media organizations should give candidates a 30% discount. But Villar’s camp claimed that they got a 66% discount because they bought the spots early. At this rate, it means that Villar spent P488 million for airing and publishing his advertisements the whole year last year. This amount does not include the cost of producing the ads.

Notwithstanding the actual cost of the ads, Newsbreak calculations show that, in terms of number, Villar had at least 11 times more ads last year than President Arroyo had the year before she ran for president (to get her own mandate; she was only serving the unexpired term of President Joseph Estrada, who was ousted in 2001).

President Arroyo’s ads from January to December 2003 cost a total of P63 million, based on the monitoring of AC Nielsen Media Research. (AC Nielsen has since merged with AGB.)

The advertising costs have doubled in the past 6 years. At today’s rates, President Arroyo’s ads would cost about P126 million. We used this amount in our calculation.

This computation is conservative. We used the rates for TV ads to adjust President Arroyo’s spending. In 2003, a 30-seconder ad on ABS-CBN during prime time cost P218,213. Last year, the cost of the same spot practically doubled to P432,879.

We used TV ad rates because TV corners the biggest chunk of candidates’ ad spending. It is also the most expensive medium. In terms of total number of ads on TV, radio, and print, Villar may have more than 11 times President Arroyo had in 2003 because the same amount spent for TV can buy more spots in radio and print.

Newsbreak obtained the 2009 data from 2 advertising agencies that regularly receive reports from the AGB Nielsen. For veracity, we checked that the numbers from the 2 sources are identical. (AGB Nielsen has given another media organization an exclusive rights to its data this election.)

We compared the numbers with our file data on ad spending for the 2004 presidential elections.

Gov’t vs personal money

The political ad ban was lifted in January 2001. President Arroyo belonged to the first batch of presidential candidates who were allowed to use political advertisements as campaign tool.

But the 2004 election was not a good testing ground for the power of the political ads in a presidential race. President Arroyo’s victory—albeit disputed—in 2004 could not be attributed to her ads.

An incumbent president seeking to extend her term, President Arroyo enjoyed unmatched advantage over her rivals. As president, her activities were always covered in the news, giving her constant media exposure.

By current standards, President Arroyo’s media spending of P63 million is a drop in the bucket. But at that time when most people were still unfamiliar with the new campaign tool, President Arroyo’s ad spending was already controversial for being excessive.

President Arroyo’s ads in the pre-election year were even more questionable because government funds were used to pay for them. Various government agencies and corporations—Department of Agriculture, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Department of Transportation and Communications, Office of the Press Secretary, and Pag-Ibig Fund—came out with “institutional ads” showcasing President Arroyo’s supposed achievements.

A Commission on Audit shows that the national government spent a total of P278.4 million in advertisements in 2003.

For his part, Villar, who says he is spending his own money for the ads, is equally criticized for his huge spending. Critics fear that he will ecoup his spending if he gets elected, a charge denied by the candidate.

It is in an advertisement that Villar defends himself against allegations that he will seek to enrich himself. “Kung talagang gusto ko yumaman, babalik na lang ako sa pagka-negosyante (If I really want to get rich, then I’ll just go back to being a businessman),” he says in the ad.

A real estate and housing magnate, Villar has a conjugal fortune valued by Forbes business magazine at US$540 million, making him the 9th richest in the country this year.

In a presidential forum in February, Villar also said his ads were his tools to match the popularity of Aquino.

“Hindi naman ako artista. Wala akong nanay na presidente. Wala akong kapatid na artista. Kailangan ang mahirap ang pinagsimulan na gaya ko ay bigyan ng pagkakataon, ng level playing field. Kung hindi ito (pol ads), wala na (I’m not a movie star. I don’t have a president for my mother. I don’t have a sister who’s an actress. Those with poor beginnings should be given a chance, a level playing field. There’s no other way to do that but through ads),” Villar said.

Villar had been the survey frontrunner until Aquino joined the presidential race in September 2009. Aquino’s candidacy was accidental—pushed by his supporters as a “public clamor” resulting from the death of her mother, democracy icon President Corazon Aquino.

Pulse Asia chief research fellow Ana Tabunda, former dean of the University of the Philippines School of Statistics, said media’s tribute to President Aquino as an honest, loving, and motherly played a role in “conditioning” the minds of Filipino voters into favoring Aquino.

In the October 2009 Pulse Asia survey, Aquino got 44 points compared to Villar’s 19 points.

Benefits of SC ruling

Based on the increase of Villar’s survey ratings, it appears that the voters didn’t mind his spending. It was his massive ad spending that was credited for the improvement of Villar’s survey ratings, allowing him to catch up with Aquino.

The January 2010 Pulse Asia survey showed Aquino and Villar statistically tied at 36 points and 35 points, respectively. For Villar, it was a 16-point leap from the October survey. For Aquino, it was a 9-point slide. The numbers have since been erratic, but Aquino’s lead has since failed to break the single-digit mark.

Villar’s ads worked for voter JR Hidalgo, 19, a squid balls vendor in Quezon City. “Gusto ko ’yung si Manny dahil mayaman siya, kaya ginagastos niya ’yung pera niya sa commercial, hindi ’yung pera ng mga tao, di ba? Hindi ’yun corrupt! (I like Manny Villar because he is rich and spends his own money on ads and not other people's money. He is not corrupt),” Hidalgo said in an interview.

A November 2009 Supreme Court ruling nullifying the concept of premature campaigning was crucial in Villar’s timely rise before the start of the official campaign period.

The Supreme Court voided Section 80 o the Omnibus Election Code on premature campaigning. It said it cannot be applied for the May 2010 automated elections.

Without the last-minute ruling, Villar should have been forced to stop airing ads from Dec. 1, 2009, to February 9, 2010—the period between his filing of his certificate of candidacy and the start of the official campaign period.

In December 2009 alone, Villar spent P91 million, after a 66% discount on the rate-card amount of P267 million. His closest rival, Aquino, spent P24.94 million in ads.

(For the presidential elections in 2004, the deadline of filing of certificate of candidacies was on Dec. 31, 2003. Because of the poll automation in May, the Commission on Elections moved the deadline to December 1 to allow more time for the printing of ballots.)

The rest of the campaign period will show how far Villar’s ads can get him. It’s still a long way to go. Campaign period for the local elections has not even started. With reports from Maria Althea Teves, Newsbreak

Foreign observers say RP vote lacks transparency

Source: Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Western election observers on Saturday criticized the Philippine government for "insufficient" openness as the country prepares to choose its next president with a new automated voting system.

While it recognized that "substantial efforts" were being made to improve on previous elections, the US-based National Democratic Institute mission still urged the state poll watchdog Commission on Elections (Comelec) to do more to ensure that machines are fraud-proof and have adequate backup.

The Philippines, for the first time, will use the machines to count ballots and pool and transmit results from more than 350,000 precincts.

"The perception, whether fair or not, is that the Comelec has not done so. When it concerns elections, perceptions can be as important as reality," it said after it concluded a weeklong visit in the country.

This perception has "inhibited public confidence in the elections and generated anxiety about the automated election system, " it added.

Fifty million voters are set to go to the polls on May 10, when 17,000 posts from president down to municipal council seats will be contested.

The report said the Comelec has yet to reveal to candidates and voters what backup plan they have in place in the event the automated system fails.

"The biggest challenge and contribution that the Comelec can make is to communicate openly and frankly," Thomas Barry, NDI's deputy regional director for Asia, told a news conference.

Noynoy doesn't buy transition promise

Source: Philippine Star

By Aurea Calica
SURIGAO DEL NORTE , Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday warned that President Arroyo’s assurance of a smooth turnover to the next president may be a hollow one.

Aquino said there are indications that Mrs. Arroyo could have been making decisions to ensure her stay in power beyond her term of office on June 30, citing the appointment of Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit as the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Another instance, Aquino added, is the impending appointment of the next chief justice despite the constitutional prohibition against the President making any appointment during the last few months of her term.

The President on Wednesday vowed to ensure a peaceful turnover of power to the next chief executive on June 30, assuring critics that she would not stay a day longer in office.

Mrs. Arroyo said she would respect the nation’s democratic process and vowed to make way for the next president who would be elected on May 10.

Aquino, however, joined other critics in doubting Mrs. Arroyo’s sincerity.

“Do I trust what she said? I have not been trusting (Mrs. Arroyo) for a while now on what she says,” Aquino said.

Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo, after taking over the botched presidency of Joseph Estrada in 2001, had earlier promised that she would not seek office in 2004.

Mrs. Arroyo later reneged on her word and joined the presidential elections in 2004, winning over the late Fernando Poe Jr. in the most controversial and hotly contested electoral exercise in the country’s political history, including the “Hello, Garci” scandal where she was caught talking to an election commissioner about her votes.

Despite the President’s assurance of a smooth turnover, Aquino said the people must remain vigilant because Mrs. Arroyo has broken her promises before, such as the one she made on Rizal Day 2002 that she would not run in 2004.

“When we err, let’s err on the side of caution. Why should we wait for history to repeat itself?” Aquino said.

On the appointment of Bangit, Aquino said he would give the new AFP chief “the benefit of the doubt.”

The appointment of Bangit has raised widespread speculations that Mrs. Arroyo is plotting to derail the May 10 elections, then take the opportunity to remain president amid the ensuing chaos.

Mrs. Arroyo came under fire from critics who saw the appointment of Bangit, her former Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief, as a move to ensure the May 10 elections would run in her favor.

Bangit took over the command of the AFP from Gen. Victor Ibrado, who retired Wednesday on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu was appointed the new Army commander following the assumption of Bangit as the new AFP chief.

Bangit, for his part, sought to allay critics’ concerns on his appointment by denying charges that he was chosen by Mrs. Arroyo to help her stay in power.

Bangit vowed to keep the AFP out of politics and ensure the May 10 elections would be peaceful and orderly.

Despite the assurances of Bangit, Aquino said he was not totally convinced.

Although the President has the right to appoint the AFP chief, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo should have done better by appointing someone who is not closely identified with her.

“In that sense, give us a legacy or at least give the appearance of neutrality given the importance of this transition,” he said.

Aquino said the appointment of Bangit stirred more controversy since the “Hello, Garci” wiretap scandal that involved Mrs. Arroyo and some high-ranking military officials in the alleged cheating in the 2004 elections remains unresolved.

“Then you put in someone (at the AFP helm) closely identified with the administration,” he pointed out.

Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo was apparently not concerned about the legacy she would leave as leader of the country because of her choice of the new military chief as well as the energy crisis in Mindanao.

“We (are supposed to) have a transition, (so) she should be managing as outgoing president. But once again and consistently, she chose to advance her own interest,” Aquino added.

With close to nine and a half years of leading the country, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo should be thinking about the country’s stability and her legacy.

“Perhaps we should even be more worried if there are other changes, (if) people not due to retire are retired or advanced to inconsequential posts. That should make us (apprehensive),” Aquino warned.

‘Benefit of the doubt’

Speaker Prospero Nograles led administration allies in defending the appointment of Bangit, appealing to critics to give the new AFP chief the chance to prove his mettle for the sake of national interest.

“Gen. Bangit deserves the respect and confidence of the entire military hierarchy. He is a professional soldier. Doubts may have been instilled by critics, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt as he vowed to insulate the military from partisan politics,” Nograles said.

Nograles defended the appointment of Bangit, saying the President did not deviate from the proper procedure of appointing the next military chief.

“It was just coincidental that the new chief of staff earned his cap within the term of President Arroyo. You can call this destiny of a deserving officer,” Nograles said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), on the other hand, said they would hold on to the statement of Bangit that the military will remain non-partisan in the coming polls.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said Bangit’s assurances are a welcome development since Comelec is doing its best to make the May 10 elections peaceful and orderly.

“We welcome the statement of Gen. Bangit that they will be our partners (in the elections). He made a statement that he will faithfully perform his duties and he will ensure that the AFP is neutral in this coming elections,” Larrazabal said.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said Bangit has already outlined his programs to improve efficiency and benefits of servicemen during his term.

Two hours after the turnover ceremonies last Wednesday, Burgos said Bangit immediately called for a command conference and told senior military commanders that one of the priorities would be health services for soldiers.

“He (Bangit) also made mention (of) the improvement of the values of soldiers. Our trainings would dwell not only on equipage and training but also the inculcation of values,” Burgos said.

Burgos added they will enhance the feedback system among the soldiers and strengthen their “indoctrination” to maintain professionalism in the service.

Burgos clarified the system has nothing to do with the allegations that the AFP would be used to manipulate the results of the coming elections. -With Roel Pareño, Alexis Romero, Sheila Crisostomo, Delon Porcalla, Jaime Laude

Aquino, Villar race tightens

Source: Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—Two months before the May 10 elections, the presidential race may have narrowed down to Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., but nobody has a clear lead yet, a political analyst said Tuesday.

“You may have a lead, but it does not necessarily mean that this will be maintained. But it appears that it’s a one-on-one between the two,” Ramon Casiple said of Aquino and Villar.

In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Aquino of the Liberal Party (LP) and Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP) were neck and neck. Aquino’s running mate Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, however, continued to lead the vice presidential race by a wide margin.

Of the 2,100 registered voters SWS polled from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28, Aquino got 36 percent, while Villar stayed close with 34 percent.

The gap falls within the margin of error of 2.2 percentage points used in the survey.

With the margin of error, support for Aquino ranged from a low of 33.8 percent to a high of 38.2 percent, while support for Villar ranged from 31.8 percent to 36.2 percent. The respondents were given “ballots” that they had to mark in private and deposit in a container brought by the interviewer, according to BusinessWorld.

Other candidates

Trailing the front-runners were deposed President Joseph Estrada (15 percent, up 2 points), former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro (6 percent, also up 2 points), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (3 percent, up 1 point), Sen. Richard Gordon (2 percent, no change), Vetellano Acosta (0.4 percent), Nicanor Perlas (0.2 percent), Olongapo Councilor JC de los Reyes (0.1 percent) and Sen. Jamby Madrigal (0.1 percent).

Acosta was disqualified by the Commission on Elections last week.

“[Aquino’s] lead is steadily getting smaller,” Mahar Mangahas, SWS president, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel. “That’s very clear.”

Not a tie

In the SWS surveys on Dec. 5-10, 2009, and Jan. 21-24, Aquino was ahead of Villar by 19 points and 7 points, respectively.

“We’re saying it’s a 2-point lead [in the latest survey]. We’re not calling it a tie,” Mangahas said. “To say that it is a tie is to lean toward one side. So we’re not calling it a tie unless it is the exact same point.”

SWS said the 6-point decline in Aquino’s rating since January was due to drops in all four areas across the country: 7 points in the balance of Luzon, 6 in Mindanao, 5 in the Visayas, and 3 in Metro Manila.

Villar “lost 6 percentage points in Metro Manila, 2 in the balance of Luzon, and one in Mindanao, but picked up 5 in the Visayas to trim his overall slide to just 1 point,” BusinessWorld said.

By socioeconomic class, Aquino was ahead in Class D (38 percent compared with Villar’s 34 percent), while Villar was ahead in Classes ABC (33 percent compared with Aquino’s 30 percent) and Class E (34 percent versus Aquino’s 32 percent).

Vice presidential race

As for the vice presidential race, Roxas remained No. 1 with 45 percent. This was actually a drop of 4 percentage points for Roxas from the January survey, but support for Loren Legarda, Villar’s running mate, remained at 28 percent.

Other vice presidential candidates did not gain substantially. Following Roxas and Legarda were Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (17 percent), former Metro Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando (3 percent), former Optical Media Board chair Edu Manzano (2 percent), broadcaster Jay Sonza (1 percent), former Securities and Exchange Commission chief Perfecto Yasay (0.4 percent), and Dominador Chipeco (0.4 percent).

Wild swings

The most recent Pulse Asia survey, released last week, showed Villar’s 29 percent trailing Aquino’s 36 percent.

The different results of the Pulse Asia and SWS surveys could be an indication of voters’ “wild swings,” said Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

“There are wild swings among the voters, and there are only a few undecided. They have somebody in mind, but their choice is affected by issues that come out in the media. That’s why the trending is not fixed,” he said in a brief phone interview.

The voters, Casiple said, had a “deep interest” in the presidential election and were closely monitoring the news coming out in the media about the candidates.

Aquino upbeat

“Their choice is affected by rumors that Villar is a secret candidate of the administration, and the issue of incompetence against the other,” he said.

The presidential race has tightened, but Aquino is upbeat. “I’m still No. 1, but it doesn’t mean we’re satisfied with that. The tightening race means that we’d just have to redouble our efforts,” he said in a phone interview.

Aquino said remaining ahead of his rivals despite what he called a “tsunami” of political ad and media spending by Villar was in itself an achievement.

“I think our message is getting to its target audience despite our lack of resources. We just make it up with our campaigns and grassroots volunteers,” said the LP standard-bearer.

LP campaign strategist Florencio “Butch” Abad Jr. said Villar had failed to overtake Aquino in the surveys despite exceeding the limit on ad spending.

Villar happy

In Davao City, a beaming Villar said: “We are statistically tied.”

Villar said the presidential contest was still between him and Aquino.

“As for me, I am comfortable with my lead and, of course, we still look to Noynoy (as a close rival) although we respect all the candidates. However, (Estrada’s) distance (or lead) from us is still far,” Villar said.

He said he was happy that “surveys have confirmed that we are responding to the hopes of the people across the country.”

“During my campaign sorties in the provinces the people have shown that they are supporting our vision to address poverty,” Villar added.

He attributed the rise in his ratings to the frenetic pace of his campaign sorties across the country since Feb. 9.

“Of course, the others who are (trailing in surveys), we expect them to get more points now because of their wider exposure,” Villar said.

Estrada elated

Estrada expressed elation over his rising rating. Told that his performance in the SWS survey wasn’t as good as his showing in Pulse Asia’s poll, Estrada said: “Whose numbers went down? As far as we are concerned, we are moving up.”

Estrada, who’s running for another term after he was forced out of office in 2001, said that if his numbers continued to go up at the rate they were going, he would have a high-enough rating to win come May.

“It’d be over for them,” Estrada said.” In 1998, I started in third place. It’s hard to be No. 1. It’s more difficult (to start) from the top (and then) going down, isn’t it?”

The camp of Teodoro welcomed his slight improvement in rating. “We’re gaining ground right in time for the presidential elections in May,” said Mike Toledo, spokesperson for Teodoro.

Mind conditioning

Gordon wondered how a small sample of respondents could accurately represent more than 50 million voters across the country.

Gordon warned against the mind-conditioning effects of the surveys.

Madrigal said she did not believe in surveys. “Unless and until these survey groups clarify who are funding them and what their methodology is, there will always be a cloud of doubt on their accuracy,” she said. Reports from TJ Burgonio, Inquirer Research, Gil Cabacungan, Michael Lim Ubac, Norman Bordadora, Christian V. Esguerra, Cathy Yamsuan and Jerry Espalanada

Aquino takes 7-pt. lead

Source: Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — The drop in Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar’s rating in Pulse Asia’s February survey may be an indication of public backlash over his reported ties with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a political analyst said Friday.

Villar has so far skirted issues against the administration, and is thus perceived to be Ms Arroyo’s “secret candidate,” observed Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.

Casiple said this perception became more pronounced if the presidential race were reduced to Villar and his closest rival, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

“This is clearly an effect of the insidious rumor that Villar is the secret candidate of Gloria (Ms Arroyo). That’s his Achilles’ heel. In a one-on-one with Noynoy, who would people think is Gloria’s candidate?” Casiple said on the phone.

In the Pulse Asia survey conducted on Feb. 21-25, Villar rated 29 percent, down by six percentage points from the Jan. 10 survey. In contrast, Aquino held on to 36 percent, down by one percentage point from the previous survey.

At a press conference in Digos City, Villar said he was pleased with the survey results considering that in last year’s polls, he had to contend with Aquino’s double-digit lead.

“I am quite happy with it. As I’ve said before, as long as it’s a single-digit [lead], we’ll be happy,” Villar said.

He said it was “OK” as long as one was “improving,” and that it was still “a long fight.”

But he also pointed out that the survey was conducted around the time of the 24th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, which most Filipinos associated with Aquino’s late mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

‘Genuine affection’

Reached for comment, Noynoy Aquino said his continued top ranking in the major presidential surveys showed that he was “connecting” with the people, especially with the spike in the number of his public appearances.

“I expect to pull away in the surveys as the campaign season goes deeper. The more the people see me in my campaign rallies, the more they get to know the lies being hurled at me,” the Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer told the Inquirer on the phone.

Aquino also said he was not surprised by his continued dominance in the surveys because he was feeling “genuine affection” from the people in the provinces.

Business, poor ‘nervous’

“We’re just in the first phase of our campaign strategy. We expect to get even better as we near Election Day,” he said.

Public perception that Villar is the administration candidate has been bolstered by the Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer’s expensive TV and radio “infomercials” and celebrity endorsements, according to Casiple.

“This is making business nervous, more so the poor. There is perception that he will pay his way [to the presidency],” Casiple said, adding:

“I don’t believe he has all the personal money to spend. It’s not only the administration that is bankrolling his campaign, but also the Marcoses.”

Among the NP’s senatorial candidates is Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the late strongman’s son and namesake.

On the other hand, Casiple said, the son of the late People Power icon Corazon Aquino and the martyred Benigno Aquino Jr. had a problem connecting with the poor.

“Noynoy has to reach out to the poor. He has not spelled out any concrete action on poverty. People are expecting him to rebut Villar. You can’t do that with [just referring to] Edsa I,” Casiple said.

“He has an image problem. There’s a disconnect between people who place significance on People Power and the majority who don’t prioritize it in their choice of candidate,” the analyst said.

The ‘real survey’

In Digos City, Villar and his running mate Sen. Loren Legarda faced the media at a press conference confident that the crowd turnout in their barnstorming across the country was a more reliable indicator of voters’ preference than the survey showing them trailing the LP’s Aquino and Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas.

Said Legarda: “Let your videos and photos speak for themselves. That’s the real survey. The 1,800 respondents [of Pulse Asia], I respect that. That’s a guide. That’s OK. But if you look at [Aquino and Roxas’] figures, [you will see that] they’ve dropped 20 percent [since 2009]. They’ve got a big problem.

“We can see Noynoy and Mar’s free fall.”

Villar predicted a close fight for the presidency and vice presidency, but boasted of a united team that, he said, was getting stronger.

He said that in such a close fight, his party was gaining ground over the LP.

Not weak in Mindanao

Villar took issue with Pulse Asia’s observation that his following in Mindanao had weakened based on the survey results. He said he and his team received a warm welcome in southern Mindanao, where they barnstormed for a week.

Legarda said it was important that people see members of Team Villar during their campaign sorties.

“We’re aiming for 100-percent conversion. With less than 70 days to go before Election Day, we’ll be seeing more yellow turn to orange,” she said of the campaign colors of the LP and NP, respectively.

Swings possible

Villar also said his team would travel to more parts of the country in order to get more people to see its candidates on the campaign trail.

While Aquino and Villar are the front-runners, deposed President Joseph “Erap” Estrada (18 percent) and administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (7 percent) should not be counted out, according to Casiple.

“There could be swings. It can happen to Erap [or] to Gibo. As long as Gloria is in the limelight, Gibo has a handicap. But then again, there’s the machinery of his party [Lakas-Kampi-CMD],” Casiple said.

“They’re still in contention, but the two front-runners have a shot at winning,” he added.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva, another presidential candidate, scored 2 percent in the Pulse Asia survey.

Improbable

But his party, Bangon Pilipinas, said this was “quite improbable” because he already had that rating before the official start of the campaign.

In a statement, Bangon Pilipinas said: “After visiting key cities and provinces, even Hong Kong where [it] gathered the biggest crowd for a political rally at Chater Road in February, the party just cannot believe that the rating would remain at 2 percent.

“Moreover, at least six social networking sites, including Facebook, point to Villanueva as the No. 1 or No. 2 contender in the presidential election.”

The party said its position on surveys remained the same: “While surveys can be helpful references in determining the public pulse, surveys can also be internally influenced. Hence, paid and commissioned surveys during the election season do not necessarily help in giving our public informed and wise decisions.”

Not commissioned

It cited as examples former President Fidel Ramos and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who were “both lagging in surveys when [they] ran for public office,” but came out winners.

“The only way to find out the people’s truthful pulse is [through] a credible election, not ... commissioned surveys,” Bangon Pilipinas said.

In its media release Friday, Pulse Asia said it was undertaking preelection surveys “on its own, without any party singularly commissioning the research effort.” With a report from Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Noynoy widens lead

Source: Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has widened his lead over Sen. Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP) in the latest survey by Pulse Asia on presidential candidates for the May 10 elections.

Aquino obtained 36 percent against Villar’s 29 percent in the Feb. 21-25 survey results released yesterday.

Still coming in third was former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino-United Opposition with 18 percent, followed by the administration’s Gilberto Teodoro of Lakas-Kampi-CMD with seven percent.

Aquino improved his lead over Villar, with whom he was “statistically tied” in the January survey of Pulse Asia. Aquino then had 37 percent and Villar 35 percent.

Aquino gained momentum after Villar fell by six percentage points in February.

Estrada, on the other hand, posted the biggest gain of six percentage points in the latest survey.

Teodoro also improved his ratings, posting a gain of two points in the latest survey compared to January.

Pulse Asia said the other presidential candidates registered voter preference of seven percent or less.

Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas came in fifth with two percent, followed by Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan Party with one percent.

The other candidates who posted less than one percent include Sen. Jamby Madrigal (0.3); environmentalist Nicanor Perlas (0.2 percent); Vetellano Acosta (0.04 percent); and Olongapo City councilor John Carlos de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party (zero percent).

The survey, conducted from Feb. 21 to 25, had included Acosta before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified the KBL candidate last Thursday.

In the same survey, Aquino remains the favorite in the National Capital Region (NCR), obtaining 40 percent preference from among the upper socioeconomic classes ABC (43 percent) and D (36 percent).

Aquino and Villar received almost the same percentages in balance Luzon (33 percent Aquino; 31 percent Villar) and the Visayas (39 percent Aquino, 38 percent Villar) and among the poorest class E (36 percent Aquino; 33 percent Villar).

In Mindanao, 38 percent of respondents chose Aquino while 31 percent picked Estrada as their presidential bet.

Compared to the January 2010 survey, Pulse Asia said voter support for Aquino is virtually unchanged.

The survey also found that six percent of Filipino voters have yet to decide on their presidential preference or have no preferred candidate if the May 2010 elections were held during the survey period.

As in the previous survey, about the same number of voters with a presidential preference say that they opted for their candidate because he/she is not corrupt (26 percent) and cites his/her caring for the poor (22 percent).

Other reasons cited for preferring a candidate are that he/she can do/ is doing /will do something (14 percent); helps/is helping others (11 percent); is a good person (10 percent) and is used to governing/has experience (seven percent).

On the vice presidential bets, LP’s Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II continued to lead with 43 percent of voter preference.

Villar’s running mate, Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, came in second at 27 percent followed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay with 15 percent.

The other contenders who obtained voter support of four percent or less were former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando (four percent); Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet actor Edu Manzano (two percent); former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay (one percent); broadcaster Jay Sonza (one percent); and Dominador Chipeco (0.1 percent).

Seven percent of voters said they have no vice-presidential preference, Pulse Asia said.

Pulse Asia said Roxas has the advantage over his opponents across areas and socioeconomic classes except in balance Luzon and among the poorest socioeconomic class E, where voter support for him is statistically tied with that for Legarda.

Voter preference for Roxas is marginally higher in balance Luzon (36 percent versus 31 percent), while Legarda has the edge, although marginal, among the poorest class E (39 percent against 35 percent), the polling firm said.

Pulse Asia said preferences for the vice-presidential candidates are virtually unchanged since January, there being but marginal increases and marginal declines even among the top four contenders.

Binay and Fernando both posted marginal increases of two percentage points, while Roxas and Legarda registered marginal declines of four percentage points and one percentage point, respectively.

The non-commissioned survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 representative adults 18 years old and above with a plus or minus two percentage points error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Confidence level

Aquino and Roxas were both elated with the latest Pulse Asia survey, which they said reflected the people’s hope for change “rather than believe the lies being spread by those who want to destroy us.”

“I am happy because the survey shows the outpouring of support from the people who aim for real change in the country because I won’t stop until we are able to give our fellow Filipinos a leadership that is clean and can be trusted,” Aquino said.

Roxas, for his part, said the pre-election surveys were a strong indication of how voters would pick the country’s second highest elective official in this year’s national elections.

Villar, on the other hand, said he is still satisfied with the latest survey even after falling by six points in ratings against Aquino.

“I’m still happy about it. As I said earlier, as long as the lead is still in the single digit, I’m still happy,” Villar said at a press conference after meeting with local leaders in Davao City.

Legarda, for her part, said the surveys can be used as “gauge” in the campaign. She said surveys mean nothing compared with the support of the people attending their campaign sorties.

The NP said they remain unfazed by the drop in ratings by Villar.

NP spokesperson and senatorial candidate Gilbert Remulla said the elections are still three months away and anything can happen.

Remulla attributed the results of the latest survey to the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution, which rekindled the memories of the late former President Corazon Aquino.

“But it should also be pointed out that the survey was conducted on the same week that the nation was commemorating EDSA 1, thus, people were remembering Noynoy’s mother Cory,” he said.

Remulla also pointed out Villar’s ratings also went down in another survey, the Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), as much as 41 points last month.

Aquino spokesman Edwin Lacierta said Remulla “tried to pull off another spin” in citing the TNS survey, and was simply trying to downplay the Pulse Asia survey by citing another.

“The numbers do not correspond with the money dole-out simply because the Filipino people are tired, they want change, and can now smell the stench of corruption no matter how expensive the perfume,” Lacierta said.

On the other hand, Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas party (BPP) said the numbers in the latest Pulse Asia survey revealing their presidential candidate in fifth place were “quite improbable.”

“Before the official start of the campaign, Bro. Eddie Villanueva was already at two percent. After visiting key cities and provinces, even Hong Kong where Bangon Pilipinas gathered the biggest crowd... the party just cannot simply believe that ratings would still remain at two percent,” the BPP said in a statement.

The BPP said the survey results run contrary to the outcome of the surveys by other social networks that showed Villanueva remains the popular choice, particularly among Facebook users.

The BPP cited Villanueva’s interviews with the media that he does not believe in surveys.

Villanueva had cited the cases of former President Fidel Ramos and detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who were both lagging in surveys but won anyway. -With Aurea Calica, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan, Christina Mendez

Voters’ list in May polls ‘padded’ by 5 million - watchdog

Source: GMANEWS
At least five million voters have been “padded" to the more than 50 million listed for the May 10 automated elections, a multi-sectoral poll watchdog bared on Tuesday.

In a phone interview with GMANews.TV, Kontra Daya lead convenor Archbishop Oscar Cruz said that not all of the 50,723,734 registered voters are real. “The estimate of all voters registered combined is padded . . . the list of voters is padded by five million."

Cruz said he got the information from a “well-respected" former commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“That is the estimate that she has and I got that in writing. Nung nawala na siya sa Comelec, hindi na tinuloy yung (when she left the Comelec, they were not able to push through with the) cleansing," he said.

Cruz said these five million “extra votes" probably came from those who registered twice or more, and those who are still listed despite being dead or convicted. He said the alleged padding was not done on purpose in many cases.

“Hindi naman lahat sadya, maliban yung (Not all were done on purpose, except for the) flying voters," he said.

Cruz, however, said they will not report their findings to the Comelec, adding that they are leaving it to the poll body’s initiative to look into the matter since the total figure of registered voters came from the commission itself.

Comelec chairman Jose Melo, meanwhile, was surprised at Cruz’s revelation. “Where did they get that figure? Five million sobra-sobra (is too much)," he said in a separate interview.

Melo maintained that they have already cleansed the voters’ list. He said that in the case of multiple registrants, they only consider the latest registration.

Earlier, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) revealed that there were more than 40,000 “double registrants" in Davao City and Davao del Sur. It said they expect to unearth more as reports from their volunteers come in. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMANews.TV

If I were President

Source: Daily Inquirer

By Andrea Teran


The speech that somehow wrote itself: For this and no other.

Or, A draft campaign speech for any of the next possible Philippine presidents, provided he who takes it up, makes it happen;

And if no one does, then: If I were President because you all refused to do your jobs, goddammit.

Strangely enough, when I began writing this speech, I could not stop thinking about the word ad hoc. I had always thought this word meant temporary, hastily put together for one purpose or another. I had imagined this meaning on to the word because of how we have always created, and treated, the numerous ad hoc committees to deal with and try to solve single parts of our multifarious problems.

Imagine my surprise, when upon closer inspection, I discover that, from the Latin, ad hoc literally means for this, toward this and no other. And it is for this and no other that I am more than willing to work and work hard in the next six years, as your leader and servant, as your next president: I am Filipino.

If not us, then who else?

And these are the things we need to do, that I will initiate, not in June, but starting right now:

(1) I will not only fight, but eradicate, corruption. I will punish those who have and will use the country's resources to their own ends--past, present, future. I will punish those who have used their power to abuse others. I will punish and punish heftily, that everyone will unlearn this habit. And I will eradicate it, by not making it easy, by not allowing it to be part of our everyday, by refusing to think it our culture. I will expedite government transactions and services, without shortcuts or short-cutting any one, and build a government that is not only happy to serve her people, but knows what an important job it is. I will get rid of all unnecessary procedures and payments, and make sure that everyone who approaches a government office gets served and served well, without having to be passed on to another office, or another person, or on to oblivion.

It is not only that we currently have corrupt officials in our government, but that we have a government that officially encourages corruption. I will speed things up that no one will have to pay extra to get what they deserve, when they need it. And I will pay our public servants well that they will not need you to pay them any more than what is fair and just.

Our current government only makes one thing easy: It makes it easy for us to leave the country. And though I will not refuse anyone who is not a criminal this choice, I will do better and make them want to stay.

(2) I will make Filipinos want to stay in the Philippines. I will do this not only by giving them jobs, but decent jobs worthy of their education and skills and inclination. I will make it worthy of their time. I will not give them "pwede na yan" jobs, just because the family needs to eat, or the eldest is about to start college, or God knows, because they need pambaon for elementary school tomorrow. And if and when they want to stay, I will give them every reason and opportunity to do so.

(3) I will give the best of the Philippines to the Filipinos, and not to the foreigners. I will ensure that the country and its people cater to the Philippines and to the Filipino. I will ensure that if Boracay is the best beach there is, or Sagada the best mountain getaway, then Filipinos can afford to enjoy them if they are so inclined, to their taste and financial capability. The hotel and department stores and all commercial establishments will serve both the local and the foreigner, the native and the foreign. The flight attendants will be kind and efficient to both the domestic helper coming home and the businessman from Hong Kong.

I will make us proud to be Filipinos here and around the world, and I will make the world proud of the Filipino. And I will do this without wanting or pretending to be America, or insisting on America, or asking what America, or any other country, thinks.

And so that the Philippines, in turn, can give her best to her people, (4) I will pass the Reproductive Health Bill. I will pass this bill because we need to control our population, and so much of our problems are rooted in this one problem. And we need to ensure that our natural resources are enough to support our people, now and in the future.

And I refuse to enter into any pro- or anti-life debates regarding this. I will not allow abortion during my rule, and this bill does not allow it either. What it does instead is give the woman control over her body, the option to refuse her husband or lover sex, and provide her the option not to get pregnant should she wish to have sex. Neither does the bill judge her for it. Because what this bill ultimately wants, not just for women but for every single Filipino, is a chance at a fair and equitable share to our country's natural resources, a beginning of a life of quality.

And to be able to continue to that life of quality, (5) I will provide them with quality health care whether they can afford it or not. I will ensure that PhilHealth works to the advantage of both rich and poor, and is used in both public or private hospitals. I assure the poorest of the poor universal coverage. I will ensure too that our social security systems, whether public or private, work for everyone, that our premiums will result in returns when we need them.

(6) I will provide free and quality basic education, and ensure sources of scholarships and study-now-pay-later schemes for college and post-graduate degrees. I will ensure quality education is available to all Filipinos, whatever their economic class, and that information is available to them, and that it is waiting for them and not the other way around.

To do this I will pay the teachers well, and make sure they deserve it. I will ensure that history books teach them more than just dates and places, science books correct and updated science, that they learn to read well and learn to love to read.

I will incent multinationals to train our workers and make them into world-class assets, in order to build on a high-value economy here that rests on its high-value workforce.

(7) I will make this country rich by making our farmers rich, by providing them with the help and support they need, whether it be science or subsidy, or to weather the storm or the world markets. I will make it their option if they want to own their own land, or if land is not enough, the option to work as a collective. I will support their cooperatives, and watch the corporations that employ them.

(8) I will encourage green growth, not only because we need to cut down on greenhouse gases, but because we need to be energy-independent. Nor will I allow the first world to influence our decisions regarding our energy sources, because while climate change is a global problem, excessive green house gas emissions is not. Instead, I will promote energy efficiency, and natural resources management, because my priority is our development, and the quality of life of our people. I will build on the examples of some of our excellent local government units, who have done comprehensive land-use planning, disaster management, community development, and self-sufficiency outside of Metro Manila.

And I encourage this because (9) I want to move development to other parts of the country, not just in the capital. I will decongest Metro Manila by moving development to the other regions, ensure that most opportunities available in the capital are available elsewhere. And I will spend on the necessary efficient infrastructure that will allow all this.

Lastly, I will do all this without sacrificing what makes us Filipino, and democracy--whether it be in terms of culture or customs, beliefs, religion, region or tribe. If utang na loob is inherent to us, then I will encourage it because we need to help each other, not because help needs to be repaid. If ningas cogon describes our short-lived passions all too well, then we will do everything to fan the fire, and that the fruits trickle down to the bottom of the pyramid. If we have forgotten our Bayanihan culture, then we will teach it to ourselves and our kids again. And if this is trabaho lang like any other job, then let us do good work every single time.

And if we need to do more, when have we ever turned our backs when it is family that asks and needs? We just need to widen our circles a little bit, and slowly widen the scope and capacity of who and how we love.

Let the next six years be temporal and not temporary, our responses to our problems urgent and not hasty. And if it be necessary that the next government act like an ad hoc committee, so be it. If I be judged by these promises, and measured by their fulfillment, bring it on. This is the call, and I will answer, and be answerable.

Through no choice of ours, we were born into this country. And for whatever reason or lack of choice, have remained her citizens. Who else will answer for us? We are the Philippines, we are Filipino. For this. No other.

#

This is a result of lack of sleep, my current job, and more importantly, conversations with people around me, whom I did not mean to plagiarize, but I think feel the same way. Ayan, sinulat ko na.


(Andrea Teran works for a congressional commission on science & technology and engineering, and writes poetry--and essays like these--on her not-so-free time.)

Noynoy is rival’s pick for president

Source: Manila Times
Councilor JC de los Reyes sounded like he was not just trying to humor Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd, a fellow candidate for president in the May 2010 elections, when he told Aquino that he would win the national balloting less than four months away.

“Sen. Aquino, there is a big chance that you will be the next president, based on the surveys. I want you to succeed,” de los Reyes, the standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran, said during a forum in Makati City (Metro Manila) on Tuesday.

After the forum, the councilor, Aquino and Sen. Jamby Madrigal, another presidential candidate in this year’s polls, signed a covenant on integrity and human rights.

Aquino seemed pleased with de los Reyes’ apparently endorsing his run for Malacañang, saying, “Thank you to Councilor JC for acknowledging that I have a chance of running the country.”

He said that his administration would protect human rights and prevent hunger.

Personally, Aquino added, he would waive his rights under the Bank Secrecy Law (Republic Act 1405) to set an example in his watch and in the interest of transparency.

A few days before, he seemed highly pessimistic that he would not make it to Malacañang, saying that groups were out to stop him from winning.

Senatorial candidates of the ruling party, Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), also on Tuesday berated him for making the statement.

Reelectionist Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said that survey results would not guarantee victory in the May polls, apparently referring to Aquino topping opinion polls since he announced his bid for president.

Revilla added that the statement was unfair to the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, religious groups, non-government organizations and media that are exerting efforts to make the May 10 voting peaceful and credible.

His fellow senatorial bet and broadcaster Rey Langit described Aquino’s statement as “baseless.”

Another ruling-party reelectionist, Sen. Lito Lapid, advised the LP standard-bearer to press charges against government officials whom Aquino had accused of harassing his election campaign donors.

The administration party’s presidential candidate might be lagging behind Aquino in the surveys but, according to a political analyst, all that would change with the start next month of the campaign for local-government posts.

Alexander Magno cited Lakas-Kampi CMD being able to field local candidates almost nationwide, an achievement that he said would work in favor of former Defense chief Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the party’s standard-bearer, in the homestretch.

Like Aquino, transparency will be a rule under his leadership, Bangon Pilipinas presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva said also on Tuesday.

In a statement, Villanueva vowed to implement a “radical” action plan in weeding out corruption in all levels of the bureaucracy if he is elected president.

His administration, he said, would not allow government officials to invoke “executive privilege” in evading legislative and judicial investigation and scrutiny in cases involving national and public interest.
Cris G. Odronia, Jefferson Antiporda and Ruben D. Manahan 4th

Noynoy is rival’s pick for president

Source: Manila Times
Councilor JC de los Reyes sounded like he was not just trying to humor Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd, a fellow candidate for president in the May 2010 elections, when he told Aquino that he would win the national balloting less than four months away.

“Sen. Aquino, there is a big chance that you will be the next president, based on the surveys. I want you to succeed,” de los Reyes, the standard-bearer of Ang Kapatiran, said during a forum in Makati City (Metro Manila) on Tuesday.

After the forum, the councilor, Aquino and Sen. Jamby Madrigal, another presidential candidate in this year’s polls, signed a covenant on integrity and human rights.

Aquino seemed pleased with de los Reyes’ apparently endorsing his run for Malacañang, saying, “Thank you to Councilor JC for acknowledging that I have a chance of running the country.”

He said that his administration would protect human rights and prevent hunger.

Personally, Aquino added, he would waive his rights under the Bank Secrecy Law (Republic Act 1405) to set an example in his watch and in the interest of transparency.

A few days before, he seemed highly pessimistic that he would not make it to Malacañang, saying that groups were out to stop him from winning.

Senatorial candidates of the ruling party, Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), also on Tuesday berated him for making the statement.

Reelectionist Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said that survey results would not guarantee victory in the May polls, apparently referring to Aquino topping opinion polls since he announced his bid for president.

Revilla added that the statement was unfair to the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, religious groups, non-government organizations and media that are exerting efforts to make the May 10 voting peaceful and credible.

His fellow senatorial bet and broadcaster Rey Langit described Aquino’s statement as “baseless.”

Another ruling-party reelectionist, Sen. Lito Lapid, advised the LP standard-bearer to press charges against government officials whom Aquino had accused of harassing his election campaign donors.

The administration party’s presidential candidate might be lagging behind Aquino in the surveys but, according to a political analyst, all that would change with the start next month of the campaign for local-government posts.

Alexander Magno cited Lakas-Kampi CMD being able to field local candidates almost nationwide, an achievement that he said would work in favor of former Defense chief Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the party’s standard-bearer, in the homestretch.

Like Aquino, transparency will be a rule under his leadership, Bangon Pilipinas presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva said also on Tuesday.

In a statement, Villanueva vowed to implement a “radical” action plan in weeding out corruption in all levels of the bureaucracy if he is elected president.

His administration, he said, would not allow government officials to invoke “executive privilege” in evading legislative and judicial investigation and scrutiny in cases involving national and public interest.
Cris G. Odronia, Jefferson Antiporda and Ruben D. Manahan 4th

'Wrong choice of leader to make country worse'

Source : philstar.com
By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated February 22, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The son of two democracy icons yesterday called on Filipinos to make the forthcoming presidential elections "people power" day, pointing out that the wrong choice of leader could make the situation of the country worse.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III told lawyers supporting his political party that the first EDSA people power revolt – whose 24th anniversary would be marked tomorrow until Friday – should have ended the "one-person, one clique" regime.

"I thought Martial Law was really bad. The situation today is also as bad. The situation – if we are not able to repair the changes come May 10 – will be infinitely worse," Aquino warned.

Aquino's parents, former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, fought for the restoration of freedom in the country.

The first bloodless revolution in 1986 installed Cory, being the widow of slain senator Ninoy, also a national hero, who fought the Marcos dictatorship. He was assassinated upon his return from exile in the United States in 1983.

The peaceful uprising inspired other revolutions in the world where people felt oppressed by their governments.

"What is our obligation at this time? I was 12 years old when Martial Law was proclaimed in the middle of the night. We were awakened, father was taken from us, he was incarcerated. That began the journey into the darkness, the journey into the unknown, a journey where the future was topsy-turvy," Aquino said.

"What was right became uncertain whether it was right, where wrong together with might was the prevailing atmosphere, mood and practice of the land. It is sad. The first EDSA should have taken us out from that quagmire of one person, one clique, their interests alone are important to the detriment of everyone else," he said.

Aquino stressed this was the reason why the people must rise up again not by going to the streets but by using their power through the elections.

"Think about it. (President Arroyo's) depredations had a certain amount of resources. The basket had really been ravaged... suppose 10 years of her administration and the next person who follows her continues the methodology of the interest of one person and one group, you have then an even worse situation to those who are not parties or members," Aquino added.

"We have to make them feel that one true master in a democracy are the people themselves. They are the one and only master, to those who forget," Aquino said, stressing that only vigilant citizens could enjoy true democracy.

Aquino expressed gratefulness that he was running now through a "people's campaign" to continue what his parents started.

He said if his father felt alone in his fight before, it was a different thing for him now.

"Since we began, I never felt alone because of all of you. Here we can see (that the people) no longer want one interest, one group (to perpetuate the system)," Aquino told the lawyers who volunteered to help guard his votes and that of his running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, along with the other LP candidates.

Aquino said studying the country's problems would make one realize that solutions "would not be magic."

"But we do not have to find them, they are here we just have to (implement) them," Aquino said.

He said the people must not be swayed by "packaging" or "imaging" or the black propaganda against candidates who were advocating for change.

Aquino said the country's problems remained the same, particularly in the administration of justice.

He said it would take six years to adjudicate a case in a lower court, another six years in the appellate court and then another six years in the Supreme Court.

"If you are lucky, you will have a decision after 20 years. Through the years we had so much frustrations," Aquino said.

He also cited the plan of Mrs. Arroyo to appoint the next chief justice of the Supreme Court when the Constitution is clear that she is banned from making appointments two months before the end of her term.

People's campaign

Aquino said the changes that the country needs must start with credible elections.

He said he is happy that lawyers are with him to fight against the likes of former election officials Virgilio Garcillano and Lintang Bedol, who both got involved in poll fraud.

Aquino thanked the lawyers for their initiative, saying their move was another sign that his was a people's campaign.

Some 120 volunteer lawyers gathered in Pasig City Saturday night to tackle ways to protect the votes of Aquino and Roxas on May 10.

The PiNoY Lawyers group is the legal arm of Team Aquino-Roxas.

"I am honored to present to you the PiNoY Lawyers at your service... In the best legal way we will protect your votes and the causes you are fighting for," PiNoY Lawyers spokesman Jose Amor Amorado told Aquino and Roxas at the gathering, adding that many of the lawyers are from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Amorado told reporters that so far, the group has 118 volunteer lawyers nationwide who are acting as coordinators in highly urbanized areas.

"We are not alarmed but knowing things might happen, we are focusing on our contingency plans," he said.

He said they are now looking for municipal coordinators in 1,634 areas, so the group would have at least one lawyer for each canvassing area.

On the other hand, at least 50 more lawyers will be stationed at their headquarters for ready deployment anywhere in the country.

During the Saturday night meeting, Commission on Elections spokesman James Arthur Jimenez answered questions from the lawyers on the automated poll system.