The son of Philippines democracy icon Corazon Aquino has made a blistering start to his presidential campaign, with even his rivals admitting that voters are euphoric over his candidacy.
But both supporters and adversaries believe Benigno Aquino faces a huge task in uniting a fractured opposition ahead of next year's poll, with a billionaire property tycoon and a battle-hardened former president his biggest hurdles.
Senator Aquino, 49, on Wednesday invoked "people power" as he threw his hat into the ring for the May election, vowing to fight against corruption that permeates the highest levels of this impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
With few political achievements during his 11 years in parliament, his star attraction comes almost entirely from his mother, who remains loved throughout the country for ending the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Her death last month triggered a huge outpouring of support for the Aquino family, and the man affectionately known as "Noynoy" used that emotion to transform himself from a political lightweight to presidential contender.
President Gloria Arroyo's executive secretary, Eduardo Ermita, said Aquino's candidacy was being propelled by "euphoria", although he insisted this would not last.
"Many of our voters are not voting for the first time... they will see through the performance, appearance, and statements of a candidate such as the senator," Ermita said.
"It's just a matter for us to see how long the euphoria will last."
Nevertheless, three potential opposition rivals for the presidency have already bowed out of the race and endorsed Aquino.
Shortly after Aquino announced he would run, Jejomar Binay, the influential mayor of the financial district of Makati, withdrew to "pave the way towards uniting the opposition".
Senator Manuel Roxas, the Liberal Party chief, and Ed Panlilio, the governor of Arroyo's home province of Pampanga, made the same move even before Aquino officially announced his presidential ambitions.
Various leaders of the Roman Catholic church, a key force that backed his mother's moral crusade against Marcos, have also welcomed the Aquino candidacy.
However his two main opposition rivals, deposed president Joseph Estrada and property magnate Manny Villar, have made no such concessions.
"Let us let the people decide, not the elites and the bourgeois," Estrada, a 72-year-old former movie star, told AFP, portraying Aquino as representing the rich and himself as the beacon of hope for the poor masses.
Nevertheless, Estrada, who won the 1998 presidential election only to be unseated in a coup in 2001 amid corruption allegations, did not definitively rule out eventually falling in behind Aquino, saying only it was "unlikely".
Senator Villar, 59, the self-made billionaire, has declined to comment in recent days on the Aquino phenomenon.
But he has already spent enormous sums of money promoting himself as a future president and few believe he would simply bow to his younger rival.
If Estrada and Villar do not fall behind him, the opposition vote would be split and make the task of Arroyo's ruling coalition much easier.
Arroyo is barred by the constitution from seeking a new six-year term, and the ruling coalition has yet to announce its candidate ahead of the November 30 deadline.
However there are two leading candidates for the ruling coalition and one of them, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, is also Aquino's cousin.
"In the event that Noynoy and I would be the ones to face off, the people can expect a dignified fight because even though we are cousins, we will not allow this contest to become personal," Teodoro told reporters.
Vice President Noli de Castro is the other top contender.
But both supporters and adversaries believe Benigno Aquino faces a huge task in uniting a fractured opposition ahead of next year's poll, with a billionaire property tycoon and a battle-hardened former president his biggest hurdles.
Senator Aquino, 49, on Wednesday invoked "people power" as he threw his hat into the ring for the May election, vowing to fight against corruption that permeates the highest levels of this impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
With few political achievements during his 11 years in parliament, his star attraction comes almost entirely from his mother, who remains loved throughout the country for ending the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Her death last month triggered a huge outpouring of support for the Aquino family, and the man affectionately known as "Noynoy" used that emotion to transform himself from a political lightweight to presidential contender.
President Gloria Arroyo's executive secretary, Eduardo Ermita, said Aquino's candidacy was being propelled by "euphoria", although he insisted this would not last.
"Many of our voters are not voting for the first time... they will see through the performance, appearance, and statements of a candidate such as the senator," Ermita said.
"It's just a matter for us to see how long the euphoria will last."
Nevertheless, three potential opposition rivals for the presidency have already bowed out of the race and endorsed Aquino.
Shortly after Aquino announced he would run, Jejomar Binay, the influential mayor of the financial district of Makati, withdrew to "pave the way towards uniting the opposition".
Senator Manuel Roxas, the Liberal Party chief, and Ed Panlilio, the governor of Arroyo's home province of Pampanga, made the same move even before Aquino officially announced his presidential ambitions.
Various leaders of the Roman Catholic church, a key force that backed his mother's moral crusade against Marcos, have also welcomed the Aquino candidacy.
However his two main opposition rivals, deposed president Joseph Estrada and property magnate Manny Villar, have made no such concessions.
"Let us let the people decide, not the elites and the bourgeois," Estrada, a 72-year-old former movie star, told AFP, portraying Aquino as representing the rich and himself as the beacon of hope for the poor masses.
Nevertheless, Estrada, who won the 1998 presidential election only to be unseated in a coup in 2001 amid corruption allegations, did not definitively rule out eventually falling in behind Aquino, saying only it was "unlikely".
Senator Villar, 59, the self-made billionaire, has declined to comment in recent days on the Aquino phenomenon.
But he has already spent enormous sums of money promoting himself as a future president and few believe he would simply bow to his younger rival.
If Estrada and Villar do not fall behind him, the opposition vote would be split and make the task of Arroyo's ruling coalition much easier.
Arroyo is barred by the constitution from seeking a new six-year term, and the ruling coalition has yet to announce its candidate ahead of the November 30 deadline.
However there are two leading candidates for the ruling coalition and one of them, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, is also Aquino's cousin.
"In the event that Noynoy and I would be the ones to face off, the people can expect a dignified fight because even though we are cousins, we will not allow this contest to become personal," Teodoro told reporters.
Vice President Noli de Castro is the other top contender.
Kris Aquino and husband James Yap, along with their son, baby James, show their support for Noynoy during his presidential bid announcement at Club Filipino on September 9, 2009.MANILA - Actress-host Kris Aquino, together with husband James Yap and son James Yap Jr., accompanied her only brother, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, as he formally announced his candidacy for president in next year's elections.
Noynoy, son of democracy icon Corazon Aquino and the late Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.,announced at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City Wednesday morning that he is running in next year's presidential election under the Liberal Party.
In an interview with ABS-CBN's morning show "Umagang Kay Ganda," Kris said she and sisters Ballsy, Viel and Pinky, who were also present during the announcement, support the political decision of their brother.
"Tinuro sa amin talaga na kailangan support each other," Kris said.
"Napag-usapan na namin bilang pamilya ang lahat ng mga plano at kung paano namin hahati-hatiin ang aming mga trabaho," Kris added.
Kris said that since Noynoy made his decision, he would be needing funds for his campaign in 2010.
"He needs fund, okay. Let's be honest. Kaya kailangang magtrabaho nang magtrabaho para matulungan siya," she said.
The son of late Philippine president Corazon Aquino called Wednesday for another round of "people power" as he announced he would run for president to continue his mother's work.Vowing to fight against corruption that pervades the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, Benigno Aquino said he would be a leader for all sectors of society and not just the rich.
"I will be there because of the people, I will stay there because of the people and hopefully I will be true to my word to serve the people," Aquino, 49, told a crowd of cheering supporters as he declared his presidential bid.
Aquino made the announcement at Manila's historic Club Filipino, where his mother "Cory" was sworn in as president in 1986 after leading the "people power" revolution that ended dictator Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year reign.
Aquino will represent the opposition Liberal Party in next year's elections, hoping to end the reign of President Gloria Arroyo's ruling coalition.
The Liberal Party has been a fierce critic of Arroyo, who is mandated by the constitution to step down, alleging widespread corruption in her administration.
Arroyo's spokesman Lorelei Fajardo conceded Aquino has emerged a strong contender for the presidency, while calling him a "welcome addition to the race".
Aquino said he would rely on the help of ordinary Filipinos to become president, just as they propelled his mother to power.
"The reason why I am on this path is because I believe the public will support and help me in the campaign," he said.
"I want to make democracy work not just for the rich and the well-connected, but for everybody."
He also promised to give the nation "closure" by going after stolen wealth controlled by the Marcos family.
Although Aquino has been a member of parliament for 11 years, he said he only began seriously considering a presidential bid after seeing the massive outpouring of support following his mother's death from cancer last month.
His father, also named Benigno, is held in equally high esteem by many throughout the nation of 92 million people.
Marcos' gunmen shot him dead at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from exile.
His assassination led to Cory reluctantly moving into politics and becoming president for six years, a period that has been widely acclaimed for restoring democracy after a generation of martial law.
Aquino called on Filipinos to recall his mother's achievements when they considered who they wanted to be their next president.
"During my mother's time, she was not corrupt. Even the policeman on the street had second thoughts of being corrupt," he said.
Nevertheless, his family belongs to one of the powerful clans that have dominated Philippine life for generations, and observers have pointed out that a win for Aquino would be another victory for the elite.
Corazon Aquino was born into the Cojuangco family, which continues to play a major role in the economy.
Her cousin, Eduardo Cojuangco, is majority owner of brewing giant San Miguel and, according to the latest Forbes rich list, the seventh wealthiest man in the Philippines.
Aquino's decision also opens the tantalising prospect of a two-way race for the presidency against his first cousin, Gilberto Teodoro, who is a leading candidate to run for the ruling coalition.
The first challenge for Aquino, known by his nickname of "Noynoy," is to unite a fractious opposition.
Former president and movie star Joseph Estrada wants to run again, while property tycoon Senator Manuel Villar has been leading recent polls of potential opposition presidential candidates.
Original members of the administration party Lakas led by former President Fidel Ramos and Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. decided yesterday to break away from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD and form a new coalition with other political parties and support their own presidential candidate in next year’s elections.
At the same time, the group, composed of more than 50 members calling themselves the Lakas Originals, declared that the merger of Lakas and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) last May 28 was illegal and null and void.
In a statement issued after the meeting at De Venecia’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati, the group quoted Ramos as saying the merger was “highly irregular” and violated the constitution and bylaws of Lakas.
Members of the Lakas-Ramos-De Venecia wing said their party is still a “reigning party” since its merger with Kampi was not approved by the Lakas national assembly and the new officers were elected illegally.
President Arroyo was elected chairman of the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD, with Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Speaker Prospero Nograles as co-vice chairmen.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was chosen party president and Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio as secretary-general.
Reached for comment, Nograles said he was not aware of the meeting held and the decisions made by the Lakas Originals.
The Ramos-De Venecia faction created a committee that will decide which political parties it will coalesce with. The committee will also choose the presidential candidate it will support.
De Venecia was chosen to chair the panel, with Ramos’ sister former Sen. Leticia Shahani, former interior secretary Cesar Sarino, Ramos’ media handler Ed Malay, former Samar Rep. Jose Tan Ramirez, Marieta Primicias Goco and former Pasig Rep. Toti Carino as members.
During the meeting, Ramos reportedly emphasized the international character of Lakas-CMD (Christian Muslim Democrats), which is affiliated with Christian Democrats International.
CDI is composed of more than 100 political parties worldwide, and its members include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
De Venecia is a CDI vice president, chairman of CDI Asia-Pacific and chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, which is meeting in Kazakhstan this month.
More than two weeks ago, Ramos announced that he was not accepting merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s offer to be its chairman emeritus but said he would keep his post as Lakas chairman emeritus.
He said Mrs. Arroyo merged the two parties without consulting Lakas leaders like him.
He aired the same misgivings before the May 28 merger. After that, it was reported that Ermita and Claudio met with him and that they were able to patch up their differences over a bottle of expensive cognac.
Ermita and Claudio have announced that they would meet again with Ramos, their former Palace boss.
Ramos said he would listen but that no “expensive dinners” could convince him to support the Lakas-Kampi merger.
He was referring to the costly steaks, lobsters, wine, escargot, and soft shell crab that Mrs. Arroyo and her large entourage enjoyed during her recent visit to the United States.
Two members of her entourage, Representatives Martin Romualdez of Leyte and Danilo Suarez of Quezon, reportedly paid $35,000 for the two expensive dinners in New York and Washington.
The Lakas Originals met at the Makati residence of De Venecia, and passed a resolution reaffirming “former President Ramos as chairman-emeritus, De Venecia as party president and many of those in attendance as the duly elected officers of the party.
Amado Valdez, the Lakas Originals’ lawyer, explained that those elected last March 10, 2008 at the Manila Hotel were illegally elected, and the subsequent appointees of President Arroyo as officials of Lakas-Kampi were likewise illegal.
Among those who attended the meeting were former Sen. Santanina Rasul, former Reps. Jose Tan Ramirez, Bert Lumauig, Mars Pineda, and Bojie Cabochan, former cooperative chairman Bert Zingapan, Col. Willy de la Cruz, former Social Security System commissioner Ildefonso Remolona, Fernando Peña, former transportation secretary Luis Lagdameo, Boy Saycon, Lakas treasurer Tony Vilar, Wainright Rivera, deputy Lakas secretary general Luis Corral, columnist Chit Pedrosa, Ramos’ son-in-law Freddie Jalasco, ex-mayor Felipe Siapno, Vice-Mayor Teddy Manaois, Malvar Rama, June Battung, Mary Ann Robles, Lakas CMD’s deputy executive director.
Palace downplays meeting
Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, the chief architect of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD merger, however, downplayed the meeting and expressed belief that Ramos was more objective than the group portrayed him to be.
He also noted that most of those who attended the meeting were incumbent officials, implying that they do not have much influence with their elected party mates.
“Obviously they want to enlist the support of other Lakas-Kampi-CMD but we are not belittling them. Let’s just wait for the decision of the Comelec,“ Claudio told The STAR in a telephone interview.
He said it was “awfully premature for the group” to talk about alliances with other party when the Comelec has yet to rule on their motion.
“By what basis are they representing the party? Precisely the case has yet to be decided by the Comelec,” Claudio said.
At the same time, the group, composed of more than 50 members calling themselves the Lakas Originals, declared that the merger of Lakas and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) last May 28 was illegal and null and void.
In a statement issued after the meeting at De Venecia’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati, the group quoted Ramos as saying the merger was “highly irregular” and violated the constitution and bylaws of Lakas.
Members of the Lakas-Ramos-De Venecia wing said their party is still a “reigning party” since its merger with Kampi was not approved by the Lakas national assembly and the new officers were elected illegally.
President Arroyo was elected chairman of the merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD, with Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Speaker Prospero Nograles as co-vice chairmen.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was chosen party president and Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio as secretary-general.
Reached for comment, Nograles said he was not aware of the meeting held and the decisions made by the Lakas Originals.
The Ramos-De Venecia faction created a committee that will decide which political parties it will coalesce with. The committee will also choose the presidential candidate it will support.
De Venecia was chosen to chair the panel, with Ramos’ sister former Sen. Leticia Shahani, former interior secretary Cesar Sarino, Ramos’ media handler Ed Malay, former Samar Rep. Jose Tan Ramirez, Marieta Primicias Goco and former Pasig Rep. Toti Carino as members.
During the meeting, Ramos reportedly emphasized the international character of Lakas-CMD (Christian Muslim Democrats), which is affiliated with Christian Democrats International.
CDI is composed of more than 100 political parties worldwide, and its members include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
De Venecia is a CDI vice president, chairman of CDI Asia-Pacific and chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, which is meeting in Kazakhstan this month.
More than two weeks ago, Ramos announced that he was not accepting merged Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s offer to be its chairman emeritus but said he would keep his post as Lakas chairman emeritus.
He said Mrs. Arroyo merged the two parties without consulting Lakas leaders like him.
He aired the same misgivings before the May 28 merger. After that, it was reported that Ermita and Claudio met with him and that they were able to patch up their differences over a bottle of expensive cognac.
Ermita and Claudio have announced that they would meet again with Ramos, their former Palace boss.
Ramos said he would listen but that no “expensive dinners” could convince him to support the Lakas-Kampi merger.
He was referring to the costly steaks, lobsters, wine, escargot, and soft shell crab that Mrs. Arroyo and her large entourage enjoyed during her recent visit to the United States.
Two members of her entourage, Representatives Martin Romualdez of Leyte and Danilo Suarez of Quezon, reportedly paid $35,000 for the two expensive dinners in New York and Washington.
The Lakas Originals met at the Makati residence of De Venecia, and passed a resolution reaffirming “former President Ramos as chairman-emeritus, De Venecia as party president and many of those in attendance as the duly elected officers of the party.
Amado Valdez, the Lakas Originals’ lawyer, explained that those elected last March 10, 2008 at the Manila Hotel were illegally elected, and the subsequent appointees of President Arroyo as officials of Lakas-Kampi were likewise illegal.
Among those who attended the meeting were former Sen. Santanina Rasul, former Reps. Jose Tan Ramirez, Bert Lumauig, Mars Pineda, and Bojie Cabochan, former cooperative chairman Bert Zingapan, Col. Willy de la Cruz, former Social Security System commissioner Ildefonso Remolona, Fernando Peña, former transportation secretary Luis Lagdameo, Boy Saycon, Lakas treasurer Tony Vilar, Wainright Rivera, deputy Lakas secretary general Luis Corral, columnist Chit Pedrosa, Ramos’ son-in-law Freddie Jalasco, ex-mayor Felipe Siapno, Vice-Mayor Teddy Manaois, Malvar Rama, June Battung, Mary Ann Robles, Lakas CMD’s deputy executive director.
Palace downplays meeting
Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio, the chief architect of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD merger, however, downplayed the meeting and expressed belief that Ramos was more objective than the group portrayed him to be.
He also noted that most of those who attended the meeting were incumbent officials, implying that they do not have much influence with their elected party mates.
“Obviously they want to enlist the support of other Lakas-Kampi-CMD but we are not belittling them. Let’s just wait for the decision of the Comelec,“ Claudio told The STAR in a telephone interview.
He said it was “awfully premature for the group” to talk about alliances with other party when the Comelec has yet to rule on their motion.
“By what basis are they representing the party? Precisely the case has yet to be decided by the Comelec,” Claudio said.
Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III disclosed on Sunday that his initial talks with Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Liberal Party (LP) leaders are going well.
Roxas had earlier confirmed that he and Aquino will meet this weekend to discuss the possibility of running as partners in 2010. He said there have been ideas of a Mar-Noynoy tandem even before Aquino's mother the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino died.
“Nag-share ako sa kanila ng mga feedback, ito ang mga natatanggap ko… Maganda ang aming meeting,” said Aquino in a short interview at his family’s house in Quezon City Sunday afternoon.
He said however that talks would continue especially during this long ‘weekend’ at the same time apparently avoiding to present exact details on the contents of his meeting Saturday night.
“May continuing dialogues pa,” said Aquino.
He said that he and Roxas were a bit tired Saturday night citing that LP ‘s declared presidential aspirant had just come from General Santos City.
He admitted that he himself, has been attending to the many letters in connection to the death of his mother the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino. He cited that there still four boxes of letters that he needs to respond to – and some still have ‘get well’ messages for his late mother.
Aquino also said that the LP was fortunate that the party has “great leaders.” He said the party leaders has expressed their support during the meeting.
When asked if there has been any decision to change Roxas as the LP standard bearer, Aquino said: “As of this time there is no need for any change, there is only one declared aspirant for the [presidential] position therefore and we have been campaigning for our standard bearer.”
No decision yet
He also disclosed that he has yet to make up his mind if he will run for a higher elective position in the 2010 elections.
“Gusto ko pang mangayari kapag tinanggap ko ang hamon niyo dapat mayroon tayong magawa. Kung nababagalan kayo sa desisyon tandaan na lang po natin na napakabigat po ng repsonsiblisdad na ating pong aakuihin. Kapag pinasukan po natin iyan, ginawa nating madalian, ay parang ginawang biro ho ang nangyari at di po karapat-dapat na response iyon sa inyong mga mungkahi,” Aquino responded when asked on his message to groups who have been asking him to run for president.
Aquino also said that he has been discussing his possible plans with his sisters.
“I've had very good dialogues with my sisters contrary to my initial expectations. Siyempre nandoon pa rin ang 'eto na naman!'. At the same time it is not as difficult as I had imagined. There's seems to be a meeting of the minds tapos varying degrees of 'ganadong-ganado' at di ko rin naman siguro masabing ganado,” said Aquino.
He confirmed however that her sister Viel, who was not able to attend Sunday’s family gathering was still hesitant on his running. Aquino said that Viel was attending her father-in-law who just suffered an accident.
Aquino’s sister, Kris, had also confirmed his brother’s meeting with Roxas but said she had no knowledge on what transpired.
Aquino also said that he would be going to consult his mother’s spiritual colleagues and advisers saying that he will visit the different religious orders and even “convent to convent” to help him in making his decision.
He did say however that an announcement would be forthcoming.
“Until when? Siguro napapalapit na tayo doon,” said Aquino adding that it may be done after the 40th day of her mother’s death.
May be adopted
Another party meanwhile has signified that it will support Aquino should the LP decide not to support his possible presidential bid.
Sonia Roco, Aksyon Demokratiko leader and wife of the late senator Raul Roco, said that her group wants Aquino to run for the presidency in 2010.
Roxas had earlier confirmed that he and Aquino will meet this weekend to discuss the possibility of running as partners in 2010. He said there have been ideas of a Mar-Noynoy tandem even before Aquino's mother the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino died.
“Nag-share ako sa kanila ng mga feedback, ito ang mga natatanggap ko… Maganda ang aming meeting,” said Aquino in a short interview at his family’s house in Quezon City Sunday afternoon.
He said however that talks would continue especially during this long ‘weekend’ at the same time apparently avoiding to present exact details on the contents of his meeting Saturday night.
“May continuing dialogues pa,” said Aquino.
He said that he and Roxas were a bit tired Saturday night citing that LP ‘s declared presidential aspirant had just come from General Santos City.
He admitted that he himself, has been attending to the many letters in connection to the death of his mother the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino. He cited that there still four boxes of letters that he needs to respond to – and some still have ‘get well’ messages for his late mother.
Aquino also said that the LP was fortunate that the party has “great leaders.” He said the party leaders has expressed their support during the meeting.
When asked if there has been any decision to change Roxas as the LP standard bearer, Aquino said: “As of this time there is no need for any change, there is only one declared aspirant for the [presidential] position therefore and we have been campaigning for our standard bearer.”
No decision yet
He also disclosed that he has yet to make up his mind if he will run for a higher elective position in the 2010 elections.
“Gusto ko pang mangayari kapag tinanggap ko ang hamon niyo dapat mayroon tayong magawa. Kung nababagalan kayo sa desisyon tandaan na lang po natin na napakabigat po ng repsonsiblisdad na ating pong aakuihin. Kapag pinasukan po natin iyan, ginawa nating madalian, ay parang ginawang biro ho ang nangyari at di po karapat-dapat na response iyon sa inyong mga mungkahi,” Aquino responded when asked on his message to groups who have been asking him to run for president.
Aquino also said that he has been discussing his possible plans with his sisters.
“I've had very good dialogues with my sisters contrary to my initial expectations. Siyempre nandoon pa rin ang 'eto na naman!'. At the same time it is not as difficult as I had imagined. There's seems to be a meeting of the minds tapos varying degrees of 'ganadong-ganado' at di ko rin naman siguro masabing ganado,” said Aquino.
He confirmed however that her sister Viel, who was not able to attend Sunday’s family gathering was still hesitant on his running. Aquino said that Viel was attending her father-in-law who just suffered an accident.
Aquino’s sister, Kris, had also confirmed his brother’s meeting with Roxas but said she had no knowledge on what transpired.
Aquino also said that he would be going to consult his mother’s spiritual colleagues and advisers saying that he will visit the different religious orders and even “convent to convent” to help him in making his decision.
He did say however that an announcement would be forthcoming.
“Until when? Siguro napapalapit na tayo doon,” said Aquino adding that it may be done after the 40th day of her mother’s death.
May be adopted
Another party meanwhile has signified that it will support Aquino should the LP decide not to support his possible presidential bid.
Sonia Roco, Aksyon Demokratiko leader and wife of the late senator Raul Roco, said that her group wants Aquino to run for the presidency in 2010.
President GMA has just signed the 11.4 billion peso supplemental budget that will enable the full computerization of the May 10, 2010 national and local elections. The Commission on Elections (Comelec), in turn, has published the terms of reference or “Request for Proposal 2010 Elections Automation Project” (RFP) which will guide the vendors in their bids to supply computer and communications equipment, election software, training of Comelec personnel, and management of the entire election process.
The amount of 11.4 billion pesos is not a small amount of money, and is probably the biggest budget for an IT project ever undertaken in the entire IT history of the Philippines. Why the important players like computerIT companies, communications companies, software houses, government IT agencies, the academe, and local computer organizations, were not consulted in the design of this allimportant IT project is incomprehensible. Even more incomprehensible is why an IT person was not appointed to the Comelec at a time when the Comelec needed an IT expert among its commissioners.
All preparations have been made, no matter how inadequate, and Comelec will push through with fully computerized 2010 elections. All that we can do is be vigilant and make sure that Comelec does not squander its humongous budget.
The amount of 11.4 billion pesos is not a small amount of money, and is probably the biggest budget for an IT project ever undertaken in the entire IT history of the Philippines. Why the important players like computerIT companies, communications companies, software houses, government IT agencies, the academe, and local computer organizations, were not consulted in the design of this allimportant IT project is incomprehensible. Even more incomprehensible is why an IT person was not appointed to the Comelec at a time when the Comelec needed an IT expert among its commissioners.
All preparations have been made, no matter how inadequate, and Comelec will push through with fully computerized 2010 elections. All that we can do is be vigilant and make sure that Comelec does not squander its humongous budget.
Come 2010, the Philippines will have its national election, and we are again talking about automated election as usual. The difference of this 2010 election is that we have a new leader in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by the name of Chairman Jose Armando R. Melo.
The Comelec is now working on an 8 billion pesso supplemental appropriation from an original 13 billion peso that was adjusted to 11 billion peso.
It is more likely that an optical mark reader (OMR) system will be used for 2010, the same system deployed for the August 2008 polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The OMR will require voters to shade the names of the candidates and the ballots will be read by a machine.
If this procedure pushes through, is it not possible that we use the Lotto machines scattered all over the country? Our Lotto machines here use the same procedure, where punters also need to shade or mark their favorite numbers, pay the bet, with the card inserted into a machine where the numbers will be read. Then a piece of paper would be printed showing the chosen numbers, signifying that the bet has been accepted.
Later in the day, the draw would be televised on national TV to eliminate any doubts that there was cheating.
Now, I was thinking, why doesnt' COMELEC print a card that contains numbers, with each number representing a candidate? Another paper could contain the list of candidates plus their corresponding numbers. Some of the budget should also go to awareness and educating the voting public.
Technology-wise, I believe this can be done. The question is whether the country has the will to do so. Just imagine. If we adopt the Lotto system, we could have an election carried out in the morning, and the results known before the end of the day.
Not only is this fast, it will be difficult to cheat in the polls with this kind of speed, which I think would make this suggestion unpopular.
Wishful thinking, you say? Well, there's nothing wrong with wishing, right?
God bless us all!
The Comelec is now working on an 8 billion pesso supplemental appropriation from an original 13 billion peso that was adjusted to 11 billion peso.
It is more likely that an optical mark reader (OMR) system will be used for 2010, the same system deployed for the August 2008 polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The OMR will require voters to shade the names of the candidates and the ballots will be read by a machine.
If this procedure pushes through, is it not possible that we use the Lotto machines scattered all over the country? Our Lotto machines here use the same procedure, where punters also need to shade or mark their favorite numbers, pay the bet, with the card inserted into a machine where the numbers will be read. Then a piece of paper would be printed showing the chosen numbers, signifying that the bet has been accepted.
Later in the day, the draw would be televised on national TV to eliminate any doubts that there was cheating.
Now, I was thinking, why doesnt' COMELEC print a card that contains numbers, with each number representing a candidate? Another paper could contain the list of candidates plus their corresponding numbers. Some of the budget should also go to awareness and educating the voting public.
Technology-wise, I believe this can be done. The question is whether the country has the will to do so. Just imagine. If we adopt the Lotto system, we could have an election carried out in the morning, and the results known before the end of the day.
Not only is this fast, it will be difficult to cheat in the polls with this kind of speed, which I think would make this suggestion unpopular.
Wishful thinking, you say? Well, there's nothing wrong with wishing, right?
God bless us all!
As early as now a lot of politicians are slowly coming out to tell their plans in running for the 2010 Presidential elections. One of those is former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who will run in condition of the Opposition not going united under only one solid Presidential candidate.
Also eyeing the Presidential position are Vice President Noli de Castro and Senators such as Mar Roxas, Manny Villar & Richard Gordon.They are all in their own way masters of the political field with different attitudes and ways of leading this nation.
An unlikely candidate, in the form of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio is now seriously being encouraged by ordinary people to go for the Presidential seat.
Also eyeing the Presidential position are Vice President Noli de Castro and Senators such as Mar Roxas, Manny Villar & Richard Gordon.They are all in their own way masters of the political field with different attitudes and ways of leading this nation.
An unlikely candidate, in the form of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio is now seriously being encouraged by ordinary people to go for the Presidential seat.
Yes, you heard it right! Convicted plunderer former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada cannot run for the presidential election, for his freedom is at risk according to his former lawyer Alan Paguia. A disgraced leader, who was convicted of plunder and sentenced to 40 years in prison but was immediately pardoned by President Macapagal-Arroyo, could be sent to jail for violating the terms of his pardon, which is not to seek any political position. However, his advisers urged him to run again in 2010. Therefore, Estrada’s pardon is conditional not absolute. But, he said that if the opposition forces fail to unite, he might run for president in 2010.
On the other hand, a former activist Nilo Tayag, the bishop of the Iglesia Catolica Filipina Independiente, launched a signature campaign to get two million Filipinos to urge Chief Justice Reynato Puno to seek presidency in 2010. According to Tayag, he is the example of what is not a traditional politician. In addition, he has good virtues to make a good leader for the country. Puno is committed to principles, clean, and a Christian. Tayag also added that the country needed a leader with moral integrity.
However, Puno is not interested in joining the executive branch. Aside from Tayag, Deputy Secretary General Christine Machabetcha of Southern Tagalog Chapter of the Bagong Alyasang Makabayan and other militant groups in the region supported Puno in his call for morality in the government. She said that if it was true the Puno’s impeachment was being planned, the group will conduct campaign to support him. Protest actions would be held in schools, communities, factories, and farm lands.
A group called itself the Artists’ Reponse to the Call for Social Change and Transformation or Artists’ Arrest also expressed its full support for the Chief Justice Puno.
On the other hand, a former activist Nilo Tayag, the bishop of the Iglesia Catolica Filipina Independiente, launched a signature campaign to get two million Filipinos to urge Chief Justice Reynato Puno to seek presidency in 2010. According to Tayag, he is the example of what is not a traditional politician. In addition, he has good virtues to make a good leader for the country. Puno is committed to principles, clean, and a Christian. Tayag also added that the country needed a leader with moral integrity.
However, Puno is not interested in joining the executive branch. Aside from Tayag, Deputy Secretary General Christine Machabetcha of Southern Tagalog Chapter of the Bagong Alyasang Makabayan and other militant groups in the region supported Puno in his call for morality in the government. She said that if it was true the Puno’s impeachment was being planned, the group will conduct campaign to support him. Protest actions would be held in schools, communities, factories, and farm lands.
A group called itself the Artists’ Reponse to the Call for Social Change and Transformation or Artists’ Arrest also expressed its full support for the Chief Justice Puno.
10/05: 2010 Presidential Election
The 2010 Presidental election in the Philippines is still over a year from now, but this early candidates who are hoping to get the position are doing all the things they need to do in order to keep in the people's mind that they are going for it.
Campaign ads in television, magazines, tabloids and broadsheets are their way to tell the people they want to become the next president of the Republic of the Philippines. Well, these people spent millions for these advertisement, an amount enough to help small people in the society.
There are a lot of aspirants but the sure ones are Sen. Manny "Sipag at Tyaga" Villar, Sen. Mar "Mr. Palengke" Roxas, Sen. Ping Lacson, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Sen. Loren Legarda and of course, Vice President Noli de Castro.
All of them have already expressed their interest in the position that will be vacated by the current president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Well, personally, none of the names above deserve to become the next president. But since there aren't any other who will fit for the presidency, I guess I will have to weigh them and eventually choose one, when I cast my vote on May 2010.
Here is one of the ad campaign from contender Sen. Mar "Mr. Palengke" Roxas. He is not only Mr. Palengke (Mr. Market) but now you can also call him Mr. Padyak (Mr. Pedicab).
Campaign ads in television, magazines, tabloids and broadsheets are their way to tell the people they want to become the next president of the Republic of the Philippines. Well, these people spent millions for these advertisement, an amount enough to help small people in the society.
There are a lot of aspirants but the sure ones are Sen. Manny "Sipag at Tyaga" Villar, Sen. Mar "Mr. Palengke" Roxas, Sen. Ping Lacson, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Sen. Loren Legarda and of course, Vice President Noli de Castro.
All of them have already expressed their interest in the position that will be vacated by the current president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Well, personally, none of the names above deserve to become the next president. But since there aren't any other who will fit for the presidency, I guess I will have to weigh them and eventually choose one, when I cast my vote on May 2010.
Here is one of the ad campaign from contender Sen. Mar "Mr. Palengke" Roxas. He is not only Mr. Palengke (Mr. Market) but now you can also call him Mr. Padyak (Mr. Pedicab).
