- Gibo nixes Party Loyalty Check (Journal)
- No campaigning this holy week, bets told (The Philippine Star)
- 48% of Pinoys see people power if polls fail - SWS (The Philippine Star)
- Drug rehab ililibre ni Sotto (Tonite)
- Erap nixes fake party-list reps (Manila Bulletin)
- Villar: Liberal Party getting desperate due to dwindling lead in surveys (The Philippine Star)
March 27, 2010
Election 2010 News - March 27, 2010
Gibo nixes party loyalty check
From Journal
by Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
Link: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/national/5998-gibo-nixes-party-loyalty-check.html
ADMINISTRATION presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. yesterday rejected proposals to conduct loyalty check among the members of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) after some of his supposed allies defected to the rival Nacionalista Party (NP) of Sen. Manny Villar.
Teodoro, the standard-bearer of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD who was backed by 51 governors, said “the party will not conduct a loyalty check but the party will take appropriate measures (sanctions)” after Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria “Joe” Zubiri, a provincial chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, declared support for Villar.
On Wednesday, former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia, cousin of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, announced that his party, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu) or Kusog, had formed an alliance with Villar’s party.
by Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
Link: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/national/5998-gibo-nixes-party-loyalty-check.html
ADMINISTRATION presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. yesterday rejected proposals to conduct loyalty check among the members of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) after some of his supposed allies defected to the rival Nacionalista Party (NP) of Sen. Manny Villar.
Teodoro, the standard-bearer of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD who was backed by 51 governors, said “the party will not conduct a loyalty check but the party will take appropriate measures (sanctions)” after Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria “Joe” Zubiri, a provincial chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD, declared support for Villar.
On Wednesday, former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia, cousin of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, announced that his party, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu) or Kusog, had formed an alliance with Villar’s party.
No campaigning this Holy Week, bets told
From The Philippine Star
By Mayen Jaymalin, Reinir Padua, Sheila Crisostomo, Ding Cervantes
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561753&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Candidates running in the May 10 elections are barred from campaigning during Holy Week.
James Jimenez, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman, said the law prohibits any candidate, political party or voter from engaging in partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday (April 1) and Good Friday (April 2).
“We urge candidates to turn off their loudspeakers and their campaign jingles during the said dates in deference to the Holy Week,” he said.
“Give yourselves a break and make use of the Holy Week to reflect and ponder on all the promises you dished out during the campaign period and on how you intend to bring them to fruition should you get elected this May,” he said.
By Mayen Jaymalin, Reinir Padua, Sheila Crisostomo, Ding Cervantes
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561753&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Candidates running in the May 10 elections are barred from campaigning during Holy Week.
James Jimenez, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman, said the law prohibits any candidate, political party or voter from engaging in partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday (April 1) and Good Friday (April 2).
“We urge candidates to turn off their loudspeakers and their campaign jingles during the said dates in deference to the Holy Week,” he said.
“Give yourselves a break and make use of the Holy Week to reflect and ponder on all the promises you dished out during the campaign period and on how you intend to bring them to fruition should you get elected this May,” he said.
48% of Pinoys see people power if polls fail - SWS
From The Philippine Star
By Helen Flores
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561744&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Nearly half of Filipino adults believe that a failure of the country’s first nationwide automated elections on May 10 will trigger a people power revolution, a latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
The special SWS Pre-Election Survey, conducted from Feb. 24 to 28, found that 48 percent of voters sense people power will happen if the 2010 elections fail, similar to 49 percent in the SWS October 2009 survey.
To the statement, “If the 2010 elections fail for any reason, e.g., malfunctioning of counting machines, then people power will probably happen already,” the SWS found that 48 percent agree and 21 percent disagree, for a net agreement score of +28.
SWS said the new score is similar to +27 in October 2009 survey.
SWS said expectations of people power in case elections fail either rose or stayed high in most areas and classes, but fell in balance Luzon.
Compared to October 2009, net agreement with the statement rose by 12 points in the Visayas, from +13 (38 percent agree, 25 percent disagree) to +25 (45 percent agree, 20 percent disagree).
By Helen Flores
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561744&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Nearly half of Filipino adults believe that a failure of the country’s first nationwide automated elections on May 10 will trigger a people power revolution, a latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
The special SWS Pre-Election Survey, conducted from Feb. 24 to 28, found that 48 percent of voters sense people power will happen if the 2010 elections fail, similar to 49 percent in the SWS October 2009 survey.
To the statement, “If the 2010 elections fail for any reason, e.g., malfunctioning of counting machines, then people power will probably happen already,” the SWS found that 48 percent agree and 21 percent disagree, for a net agreement score of +28.
SWS said the new score is similar to +27 in October 2009 survey.
SWS said expectations of people power in case elections fail either rose or stayed high in most areas and classes, but fell in balance Luzon.
Compared to October 2009, net agreement with the statement rose by 12 points in the Visayas, from +13 (38 percent agree, 25 percent disagree) to +25 (45 percent agree, 20 percent disagree).
Drug rehab ililibre ni Sotto
From Tonite
Ni: Rey Marfil
Link: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar2710/news_9.htm
Nais ni Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) senatorial candidate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III na maging libre ang rehabilitation sa lahat ng mga drug dependent sa Pilipinas kaya’t bukas ito sa pagbuo ng isang attached agency sa ilalim ng Department of Health (DOH) na tututok sa paglutas sa suliranin ng drug abuse sa bansa.
Ayon kay Sotto, ang libreng rehabilitation ay magiging bahagi ng mga benepisyo na ibinibigay ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) samantalang ang attached agency sa ilalim ng DOH na tatawaging Bureau of Drug Abuse Treatment (BDAT), isang bureau na siyang mamamahala sa lahat ng mga problema at programa para sa ikauunlad ng mga drug dependent.
Naniniwala si Sotto na hindi magtatagumpay ang pamahalaan sa laban nito kontra ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan lamang ng epektibong law enforcement at prosecution, kundi pati na rin sa pagtutok sa rehabilitation at preventive education.
Iminungkahi ni Sotto na gawing libre ang rehabilitation at magtayo ng hiwalay na ahensya ng pamahalaan upang mabigyan ng atensyon ang problema sa drug abuse.
Sa kasalukuyan, ang rehabilitation ay nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ng DOH ngunit hindi ito kasama sa mga prayoridad ng Health department.
Ni: Rey Marfil
Link: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar2710/news_9.htm
Nais ni Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) senatorial candidate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III na maging libre ang rehabilitation sa lahat ng mga drug dependent sa Pilipinas kaya’t bukas ito sa pagbuo ng isang attached agency sa ilalim ng Department of Health (DOH) na tututok sa paglutas sa suliranin ng drug abuse sa bansa.
Ayon kay Sotto, ang libreng rehabilitation ay magiging bahagi ng mga benepisyo na ibinibigay ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) samantalang ang attached agency sa ilalim ng DOH na tatawaging Bureau of Drug Abuse Treatment (BDAT), isang bureau na siyang mamamahala sa lahat ng mga problema at programa para sa ikauunlad ng mga drug dependent.
Naniniwala si Sotto na hindi magtatagumpay ang pamahalaan sa laban nito kontra ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan lamang ng epektibong law enforcement at prosecution, kundi pati na rin sa pagtutok sa rehabilitation at preventive education.
Iminungkahi ni Sotto na gawing libre ang rehabilitation at magtayo ng hiwalay na ahensya ng pamahalaan upang mabigyan ng atensyon ang problema sa drug abuse.
Sa kasalukuyan, ang rehabilitation ay nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ng DOH ngunit hindi ito kasama sa mga prayoridad ng Health department.
Erap: Nix fake party-list reps
From Manila Bulletin
By RIO ROSE RIBAYA
Link: http://mb.com.ph/articles/249697/erap-nix-fake-partylist-reps
Ditch all party-list groups that do not represent the real marginalized sectors.
This was the message of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada as he called on voters to shun the partylist group that nominated Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo as its first nominee. Some quarters have accused the young Arroyo of using the marginalized sector to gain a seat in the Lower House.
“Not only Mikey. I’m not singling out Mikey. I’m asking the voters not to vote for (some) groups for misrepresenting themselves as being representatives of the masses,” Estrada said.
Arroyo, President Arroyo’s eldest son, is running for a seat in Congress under party-list group Ang Galing Pinoy, which claimed to represent security guards, instead of seeking re-election in the 2nd District of Pampanga.
President Arroyo, whose term as president will expire on June, is running for a congressional seat in the 2nd District of Pampanga, the post vacated by son Mikey. She is reportedly eyeing the House speakership.
Estrada added that aside from Mikey, another Arroyo – Rep. Lourdes Arroyo, sister of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo – represents another party-list group, Ang Kasangga.
“They are breaking the rule conceptualized by the Constitutional Commission. The party-list is for the marginalized sectors. It’s not for the wealthy,” Estrada said, citing party-list provisions under the Constitution.
“This is too much,” he noted.
By RIO ROSE RIBAYA
Link: http://mb.com.ph/articles/249697/erap-nix-fake-partylist-reps
Ditch all party-list groups that do not represent the real marginalized sectors.
This was the message of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada as he called on voters to shun the partylist group that nominated Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo as its first nominee. Some quarters have accused the young Arroyo of using the marginalized sector to gain a seat in the Lower House.
“Not only Mikey. I’m not singling out Mikey. I’m asking the voters not to vote for (some) groups for misrepresenting themselves as being representatives of the masses,” Estrada said.
Arroyo, President Arroyo’s eldest son, is running for a seat in Congress under party-list group Ang Galing Pinoy, which claimed to represent security guards, instead of seeking re-election in the 2nd District of Pampanga.
President Arroyo, whose term as president will expire on June, is running for a congressional seat in the 2nd District of Pampanga, the post vacated by son Mikey. She is reportedly eyeing the House speakership.
Estrada added that aside from Mikey, another Arroyo – Rep. Lourdes Arroyo, sister of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo – represents another party-list group, Ang Kasangga.
“They are breaking the rule conceptualized by the Constitutional Commission. The party-list is for the marginalized sectors. It’s not for the wealthy,” Estrada said, citing party-list provisions under the Constitution.
“This is too much,” he noted.
Villar: Liberal Party getting desperate due to dwindling lead in surveys
From The Philippine Star
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561749&publicationSubCategoryId=63
By Charlie Lagasca
SANTIAGO, Isabela , Philippines – The Liberal Party (LP) is getting desperate as it is now hurling all charges against its closest rival in the presidential race following its dwindling lead in the surveys.
Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. said this was evident in the LP’s allegations of his being the secret candidate of the administration.
Villar said the accusations of a “Villaroyo” collusion were a sign of the depths of desperation the LP would go to just to destroy the reputation of a rival.
“They are now getting desperate by trying to link every issue against me, like the Villaroyo issue which is baseless and unfounded,” Villar said.
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561749&publicationSubCategoryId=63
By Charlie Lagasca
SANTIAGO, Isabela , Philippines – The Liberal Party (LP) is getting desperate as it is now hurling all charges against its closest rival in the presidential race following its dwindling lead in the surveys.
Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. said this was evident in the LP’s allegations of his being the secret candidate of the administration.
Villar said the accusations of a “Villaroyo” collusion were a sign of the depths of desperation the LP would go to just to destroy the reputation of a rival.
“They are now getting desperate by trying to link every issue against me, like the Villaroyo issue which is baseless and unfounded,” Villar said.
RUNNING OUT OF AIR TIME Aquino, Villar over the limit
From (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
By Kristine L. Alave, Nikko Dizon
By Kristine L. Alave, Nikko Dizon
Link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100327-261052/Aquino-Villar-over-the-limit
MANILA, Philippines—The two leading presidential candidates, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party (LP) and Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP), had exceeded their maximum air time of 120 minutes in a television network, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday.
Aquino had exceeded his limit of commercial air time in ABS-CBN network two months before the May 10 elections, the Comelec said.
It added that Aquino paid for the ABS-CBN commercials, which totaled 291.5 minutes from Feb. 9 to March 12, under his own name.
Villar’s commercials, on the other hand, were logged under NP expenses.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the NP had used up 250 minutes of air time in ABS-CBN. The advertisements that Villar paid under his name in ABS-CBN and TV5 totaled only 33 minutes only, according to Comelec records.
MANILA, Philippines—The two leading presidential candidates, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party (LP) and Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP), had exceeded their maximum air time of 120 minutes in a television network, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday.
Aquino had exceeded his limit of commercial air time in ABS-CBN network two months before the May 10 elections, the Comelec said.
It added that Aquino paid for the ABS-CBN commercials, which totaled 291.5 minutes from Feb. 9 to March 12, under his own name.
Villar’s commercials, on the other hand, were logged under NP expenses.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the NP had used up 250 minutes of air time in ABS-CBN. The advertisements that Villar paid under his name in ABS-CBN and TV5 totaled only 33 minutes only, according to Comelec records.
March 25, 2010
Election 2010 News - March 25, 2010
- Gibo supporters launch Mulipliers Movement to generate votes (The Philippine Star)
- Lakas may expel members supporting other bets---Teodoro (Inquirer Northern Luzon)
- Palace on Noynoy threat of protests: Bring it on (The Philippine Star)
- Arroyo allies in Cebu nix Teodoro for Villar Villar gains support of Garcias 3 other solons (Inquirer Visayas)
- 60% ng ballots tapos na (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
- Ex-colonel tagged in "Hello Garci" scandal a party-list nominee (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Ex-Napolcom official warns of Mindanao poll cheating (The Daily Tribune)
- Party-list kinokontrol ng mga mayayaman (Abante)
Gibo supporters launch Multipliers Movement to generate votes
from The Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561065&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Supporters of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. launched yesterday a new movement for a people-based network to generate votes for their candidate.
Lead convenor Eli Quinto said the Gibo Multipliers Movement was formed to consolidate, coordinate and multiply individuals and groups supporting Teodoro.
“At the heart of the (movement) is the idea that a single person or group is connected to others who, in turn, have their own respective connections,” he said.
Speaking at the movement’s launch at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City, Quinto said they aim to increase the number of supporters to ensure his victory in the May 10 elections.
“When you add them all up, the reach of that one person or group would be much larger,” he said.
Quinto said although a person or group can only do so much, they can become multipliers by reaching out to other people they know.
“It’s all just a matter of bringing these people together so that they realize there are more who believe in the candidate they want to support, which is Secretary Teodoro,” he said.
MANILA, Philippines - Supporters of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. launched yesterday a new movement for a people-based network to generate votes for their candidate.
Lead convenor Eli Quinto said the Gibo Multipliers Movement was formed to consolidate, coordinate and multiply individuals and groups supporting Teodoro.
“At the heart of the (movement) is the idea that a single person or group is connected to others who, in turn, have their own respective connections,” he said.
Speaking at the movement’s launch at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City, Quinto said they aim to increase the number of supporters to ensure his victory in the May 10 elections.
“When you add them all up, the reach of that one person or group would be much larger,” he said.
Quinto said although a person or group can only do so much, they can become multipliers by reaching out to other people they know.
“It’s all just a matter of bringing these people together so that they realize there are more who believe in the candidate they want to support, which is Secretary Teodoro,” he said.
Lakas may expel members supporting other bets—Teodoro
By Yolanda Sotelo (Inquirer Northern Luzon)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100324-260646/Lakas-may-expel-members-supporting-other-betsTeodoro
BINALONAN, Pangasinan, Philippines—Lakas-Kampi standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said party members who back other presidential aspirants run the risk of enduring strict disciplinary actions or outright expulsion.
But he said the Lakas campaign had already forecast the eventual party-switching among its ranks before it launched his presidential bid.
"We have factored [into the campaign strategy] a certain amount of defection [that would take place]. That happens. You can't stop it. Rather than not accept [defections] as a reality, you have to be ready [if you want to proceed with an efficient campaign]," he said.
Teodoro toured this town on Wednesday, part of a Pangasinan sortie that coincided with the two-day provincial tour of his cousin, Senator Benigno Aquino III, standard-bearer of the Liberal Party.
On Sunday in Baguio City, Florencio Abad Jr., LP campaign manager, said his party had been documenting the activities of Lakas provincial candidates, who have openly campaigned for Senator Manuel Villar Jr., the Nacionalista Party standard-bearer.
Abad said LP has concluded that Villar may soon receive full backing from the Lakas-Kampi leadership, which would place Teodoro in an awkward position.
BINALONAN, Pangasinan, Philippines—Lakas-Kampi standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said party members who back other presidential aspirants run the risk of enduring strict disciplinary actions or outright expulsion.
But he said the Lakas campaign had already forecast the eventual party-switching among its ranks before it launched his presidential bid.
"We have factored [into the campaign strategy] a certain amount of defection [that would take place]. That happens. You can't stop it. Rather than not accept [defections] as a reality, you have to be ready [if you want to proceed with an efficient campaign]," he said.
Teodoro toured this town on Wednesday, part of a Pangasinan sortie that coincided with the two-day provincial tour of his cousin, Senator Benigno Aquino III, standard-bearer of the Liberal Party.
On Sunday in Baguio City, Florencio Abad Jr., LP campaign manager, said his party had been documenting the activities of Lakas provincial candidates, who have openly campaigned for Senator Manuel Villar Jr., the Nacionalista Party standard-bearer.
Abad said LP has concluded that Villar may soon receive full backing from the Lakas-Kampi leadership, which would place Teodoro in an awkward position.
Palace on Noynoy threat of protests: Bring it on
By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561048&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang belittled yesterday the threat of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to lead massive street protests against a Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing President Arroyo to appoint the next chief justice.
Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo also maintained that Mrs. Arroyo would proceed with the appointment of the successor of Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who retires on May 17.
“She will comply with her duty under the Constitution. The Constitution requires that a Supreme Court chief justice should be appointed within 90 days (upon vacancy) and she will do her part, that one is appointed within 90 days,” Saludo told a news briefing.
“We believe that at the end of the day, the great majority of our people and their leaders will comply with the demands of the Constitution as interpreted by the body that is authorized to interpret it, the Supreme Court,” Saludo said.
“The people want to see the Constitution followed,” he said.
Referring to Aquino’s statements, he said “people will say all sorts of things during campaign period to get into the papers.”
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang belittled yesterday the threat of Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to lead massive street protests against a Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing President Arroyo to appoint the next chief justice.
Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo also maintained that Mrs. Arroyo would proceed with the appointment of the successor of Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who retires on May 17.
“She will comply with her duty under the Constitution. The Constitution requires that a Supreme Court chief justice should be appointed within 90 days (upon vacancy) and she will do her part, that one is appointed within 90 days,” Saludo told a news briefing.
“We believe that at the end of the day, the great majority of our people and their leaders will comply with the demands of the Constitution as interpreted by the body that is authorized to interpret it, the Supreme Court,” Saludo said.
“The people want to see the Constitution followed,” he said.
Referring to Aquino’s statements, he said “people will say all sorts of things during campaign period to get into the papers.”
Arroyo allies in Cebu nix Teodoro for Villar Villar gains support of Garcias, 3 other solons
By Michael Lim Ubac, Jhunnex Napallacan (Inquirer Visayas)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100325-260685/Arroyo-allies-in-Cebu-nix-Teodoro-for-Villar
MANILA, Philippines—While Malacañang was not looking, Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar has quietly gained the support of the biggest political party and the most powerful political family in vote-rich Cebu, according to well-placed party sources.
Villar met with congressmen and local officials belonging to One Cebu and the Garcia family behind closed doors at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City on Wednesday.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed to local journalists, Alvin Garcia, who is seeking to regain the city’s mayoral post, announced an alliance between his party, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu) or Kusug, and the NP in a press conference at the same hotel.
His position was different from that taken by his cousin, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia, who founded One Cebu and has expressed support for Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro.
The governor sealed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections, giving her a one-million vote margin over the late opposition candidate, Fernando Poe Jr. Cebu has 2,416,289 registered voters, according to the Commission on Elections.
The administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD Wednesday night downplayed the report of One Cebu’s turnaround of support for Villar.
Gwendolyn’s call
MANILA, Philippines—While Malacañang was not looking, Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar has quietly gained the support of the biggest political party and the most powerful political family in vote-rich Cebu, according to well-placed party sources.
Villar met with congressmen and local officials belonging to One Cebu and the Garcia family behind closed doors at Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City on Wednesday.
Although details of the meeting were not disclosed to local journalists, Alvin Garcia, who is seeking to regain the city’s mayoral post, announced an alliance between his party, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Progress for Cebu) or Kusug, and the NP in a press conference at the same hotel.
His position was different from that taken by his cousin, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia, who founded One Cebu and has expressed support for Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro.
The governor sealed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s victory in the 2004 elections, giving her a one-million vote margin over the late opposition candidate, Fernando Poe Jr. Cebu has 2,416,289 registered voters, according to the Commission on Elections.
The administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD Wednesday night downplayed the report of One Cebu’s turnaround of support for Villar.
Gwendolyn’s call
60% ng ballot boxes tapos na
mula sa Pilipino Star Ngayon
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560943&publicationSubCategoryId=92
MANILA, Philippines - Umaabot na sa 60 porsiyento ng mga ballot box ang natatapos gawin ng poll automation service provider na Smartmatic-Total Information Management para sa nalalapit na poll automation.
Ayon kay Gene Gregorio, spokesperson ng Smartmatic, ang unang 20,000 specialized ballot boxes ay una ng nadala sa bansa habang ang 30,000 naman na kamakailan lang natapos ay idedeliver na patungo sa Pilipinas anumang araw mula ngayon.
Magmumula ang mga ito sa Taiwan kung saan ginawa ang mga nasabing ballot box.
Sinabi pa ni Gregorio na posibleng mas mauna pang matapos ang manufacturing ng mga modern ballot box kumpara sa paglilimbag ng mga balota sa National Printing Office.
Magugunitang ilang beses na pinalitan ang disenyo ng mga ito para na rin sa seguridad ng mga balota matapos itong lagyan ng iba’t ibang security markings para at para mai-angkop na rin ito sa precinct count optical scan machine.
Kaugnay nito, batay sa pinakahuling update ng NPO ay umabot pa lamang sa 22, 515, 019 ballots ang kanilang nalilimbag at inaasahan kahapon ay posibleng madala na sa NPO ang karagdagang printing machine na dumating mula sa Japan. (Gemma Garcia)
MANILA, Philippines - Umaabot na sa 60 porsiyento ng mga ballot box ang natatapos gawin ng poll automation service provider na Smartmatic-Total Information Management para sa nalalapit na poll automation.
Ayon kay Gene Gregorio, spokesperson ng Smartmatic, ang unang 20,000 specialized ballot boxes ay una ng nadala sa bansa habang ang 30,000 naman na kamakailan lang natapos ay idedeliver na patungo sa Pilipinas anumang araw mula ngayon.
Magmumula ang mga ito sa Taiwan kung saan ginawa ang mga nasabing ballot box.
Sinabi pa ni Gregorio na posibleng mas mauna pang matapos ang manufacturing ng mga modern ballot box kumpara sa paglilimbag ng mga balota sa National Printing Office.
Magugunitang ilang beses na pinalitan ang disenyo ng mga ito para na rin sa seguridad ng mga balota matapos itong lagyan ng iba’t ibang security markings para at para mai-angkop na rin ito sa precinct count optical scan machine.
Kaugnay nito, batay sa pinakahuling update ng NPO ay umabot pa lamang sa 22, 515, 019 ballots ang kanilang nalilimbag at inaasahan kahapon ay posibleng madala na sa NPO ang karagdagang printing machine na dumating mula sa Japan. (Gemma Garcia)
Ex-colonel tagged in "Hello Garci" scandal a party-list nominee
By Kristine L. Alave (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100324-260572/Ex-colonel-tagged-in-Hello-Garci-scandal-a-party-list-nominee
MANILA, Philippines -- Military officials, including one colonel implicated in the Hello Garci scandal have been named nominees of some party-list groups, according to progressive group Bayan.
The Abante Tribung Makabansa (ATM) has former Army Colonel Allen A. Capuyan as its first nominee, Bayan said in a statement.
Capuyan was among those implicated by former Technical Sergeant Vidal Doble in the “Hello Garci” controversy, Bayan said. The 2005 scandal erupted when Doble presented to the public taped phone conversations between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official (widely believed to be Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano) about her one-million vote lead in the 2004 presidential elections.
The tape also implicated high-ranking military officials and senior poll officials in the 2004 electoral fraud.
Mrs. Arroyo has apologized to the public for talking to the official but denied she asked him to cheat for her, claiming she just called to check on the status of her votes. She survived three impeachment complaints against her.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100324-260572/Ex-colonel-tagged-in-Hello-Garci-scandal-a-party-list-nominee
MANILA, Philippines -- Military officials, including one colonel implicated in the Hello Garci scandal have been named nominees of some party-list groups, according to progressive group Bayan.
The Abante Tribung Makabansa (ATM) has former Army Colonel Allen A. Capuyan as its first nominee, Bayan said in a statement.
Capuyan was among those implicated by former Technical Sergeant Vidal Doble in the “Hello Garci” controversy, Bayan said. The 2005 scandal erupted when Doble presented to the public taped phone conversations between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a Comelec official (widely believed to be Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano) about her one-million vote lead in the 2004 presidential elections.
The tape also implicated high-ranking military officials and senior poll officials in the 2004 electoral fraud.
Mrs. Arroyo has apologized to the public for talking to the official but denied she asked him to cheat for her, claiming she just called to check on the status of her votes. She survived three impeachment complaints against her.
Ex-Napolcom official warns of Mindanao poll cheating
By Mario J. Mallari (The Daily Tribune)
http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20100325nat1.html
A former commissioner of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) yesterday called for the close monitoring of the entire Mindanao region during the upcoming May presidential elections to avoid a repeat of the 2004 alleged electoral fraud in the area that resulted in the defeat of then opposition standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr.
During a forum at Club Filipino, former Napolcom Commissioner Mario General, who was relieved recently from his post for still unknown reasons, said concerned authorities, apparently the political opposition, should have a close watch at Mindanao areas during the May national polls.
“They should closely monitor Mindanao during the coming elections,” General said, adding “what happened in 2004 might happen again.”
During the 2004 presidential elections, Poe lost to President Arroyo but filed a protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal but the actor-turned-politician died before the PET could decide on the matter. Poe, who is very popular among Muslims, but lost to Arroyo in some parts of Mindanao allegedly due to alleged election manipulation. In the controversial “Hello Garci” recordings of supposed conversations of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and some personalities, including a female voice allegedly that President Arroyo, regarding alleged manipulation of the election results in Mindanao.
A former commissioner of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) yesterday called for the close monitoring of the entire Mindanao region during the upcoming May presidential elections to avoid a repeat of the 2004 alleged electoral fraud in the area that resulted in the defeat of then opposition standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr.
During a forum at Club Filipino, former Napolcom Commissioner Mario General, who was relieved recently from his post for still unknown reasons, said concerned authorities, apparently the political opposition, should have a close watch at Mindanao areas during the May national polls.
“They should closely monitor Mindanao during the coming elections,” General said, adding “what happened in 2004 might happen again.”
During the 2004 presidential elections, Poe lost to President Arroyo but filed a protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal but the actor-turned-politician died before the PET could decide on the matter. Poe, who is very popular among Muslims, but lost to Arroyo in some parts of Mindanao allegedly due to alleged election manipulation. In the controversial “Hello Garci” recordings of supposed conversations of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and some personalities, including a female voice allegedly that President Arroyo, regarding alleged manipulation of the election results in Mindanao.
Partylist kinokontrol ng mga mayayaman
Nina BTaguinod/DMatining/RMiranda (Abante)
http://abante.com.ph/issue/mar2510/news04.htm
PUERTO PRINCESA --- Nakokontrol na ng mga mayayaman ang partylist system dahil inaagawan na ng mga ito ng pagkakataon ang mga marginalized sector na magkaroon ng kinatawan sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso.
Ito ang pahayag ni dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada na nagbantang kanyang paaamyendahan ang partylist law kapag siya ang nanalong pangulo ng bansa sa Mayo at harangin ang mga mayayaman na maging congressman gamit ang sistemang ito.
“Siguro kailangan sa next Congress kailangan pag-aralan nang mabuti ang partylist, eh ang iba, are taking advantage of it. Ang partylist eh supposedly para sa marginalized representatives. Eh puro mayayaman so ginagamit lang ang partylist to dominate Congress,” pahayag ni Estrada.
Inihalimbawa nito si Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo na first nominee ng Ang Galing Pinoy partylist at tiyahin nito na si Kasangga partylist Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo na walang maniniwalang galing ang mga ito sa marginalized sector.
Nais din umano nitong paimbestigahan kung bakit lahat ng mga kakampi ni Arroyo na nagtayo ng partylist organization ay agad na inaprubahan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) samantala ang iba na galing talaga, aniya, sa marginalized sector ay ibinasura ang aplikasyon.
PUERTO PRINCESA --- Nakokontrol na ng mga mayayaman ang partylist system dahil inaagawan na ng mga ito ng pagkakataon ang mga marginalized sector na magkaroon ng kinatawan sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso.
Ito ang pahayag ni dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada na nagbantang kanyang paaamyendahan ang partylist law kapag siya ang nanalong pangulo ng bansa sa Mayo at harangin ang mga mayayaman na maging congressman gamit ang sistemang ito.
“Siguro kailangan sa next Congress kailangan pag-aralan nang mabuti ang partylist, eh ang iba, are taking advantage of it. Ang partylist eh supposedly para sa marginalized representatives. Eh puro mayayaman so ginagamit lang ang partylist to dominate Congress,” pahayag ni Estrada.
Inihalimbawa nito si Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo na first nominee ng Ang Galing Pinoy partylist at tiyahin nito na si Kasangga partylist Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo na walang maniniwalang galing ang mga ito sa marginalized sector.
Nais din umano nitong paimbestigahan kung bakit lahat ng mga kakampi ni Arroyo na nagtayo ng partylist organization ay agad na inaprubahan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) samantala ang iba na galing talaga, aniya, sa marginalized sector ay ibinasura ang aplikasyon.
March 24, 2010
Election 2010 News - March 24, 2010
- Gibo invades Fernando territory (The Philippine Star)
- BREAKAWAY FROM LAKAS Teodoro on Zubiri defection: Expected (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Villar, Roxas top UP mock presidential polls (The Philippine Star)
- Marcos torch passed to Bongbong (The Philippine Star)
- Villar bats for strict monitoring of RP human rights situation (The Philippine Star)
- Arroyo son, Velarde eye party-list seats President's, Bong Pineda's sons in Galing Pinoy (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Melo: Poll failure is pure fantasy (The Philippine Star)
Gibo invades Fernando territory
from The Philippine Star
Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560689&publicationSubCategoryId=65
MANILA, Philippines - Former defense chief and Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro took his campaign sortie yesterday to Marikina City, the bailiwick of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, who bolted the administration party after Teodoro defeated him in the party’s presidential nomination late last year.
Teodoro, whose late grandfather is from Marikina, was welcomed by mayoralty bet Dr. Alfredo Cheng and other local candidates.
“He is the most competent and qualified among the candidates,” said Cheng during a mini-rally in Barangay Calumpang attended by Teodoro, senatorial candidate Rey Langit and Mark Lambino, who represented his father, senatorial candidate Raul Lambino.
Teodoro said all residential development in Marikina should be vertical in order to spare residents from floods. He said this should have been done before but this was not addressed by concerned government agencies, especially those involved in housing development.
The Fernandos have ruled the city for almost a decade and have focused their efforts into converting the city into a tourist attraction.
MANILA, Philippines - Former defense chief and Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro took his campaign sortie yesterday to Marikina City, the bailiwick of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando, who bolted the administration party after Teodoro defeated him in the party’s presidential nomination late last year.
Teodoro, whose late grandfather is from Marikina, was welcomed by mayoralty bet Dr. Alfredo Cheng and other local candidates.
“He is the most competent and qualified among the candidates,” said Cheng during a mini-rally in Barangay Calumpang attended by Teodoro, senatorial candidate Rey Langit and Mark Lambino, who represented his father, senatorial candidate Raul Lambino.
Teodoro said all residential development in Marikina should be vertical in order to spare residents from floods. He said this should have been done before but this was not addressed by concerned government agencies, especially those involved in housing development.
The Fernandos have ruled the city for almost a decade and have focused their efforts into converting the city into a tourist attraction.
BREAKAWAY FROM LAKAS Teodoro on Zubiri defection: Expected
By TJ Burgonio, Christine Avendaño, Fe Zamora (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100324-260501/Teodoro-on-Zubiri-defection-Expected
MANILA, Philippines—Administration standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Tuesday expressed no surprise at Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri’s defection to the rival Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.
“At the start he was already wavering so we expected that... he had been blowing hot and cold,” Teodoro told reporters in Calumpang, Marikina City, where he addressed a crowd of youth supporters.
Zubiri, Lakas chair for Bukidnon, 20 town mayors and two city mayors endorsed Villar for president after the latter spoke at the 12th Charter Day celebration of Malaybalay City on Monday.
Asked if this would result in his expulsion of Zubiri from the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Teodoro, the party chair, said “appropriate measures” would be taken.
“I believe there are calls for that (expulsion),” he said.
Teodoro, however, was confident of continuing support from Zubiri’s sons, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and Bukidnon Rep. Jose Ma. Zubiri III, pointing out that they went a long way back in the House of Representatives.
“The father has his own mind, the children have their own minds,” Teodoro said.
Miguel Zubiri, Lakas’ vice president for Mindanao, Tuesday apologized to his party mates for his father’s defection.
He said he and his brother remained loyal to the party and would continue to support Teodoro’s presidential bid.
“I apologize to my party mates for what happened to our group in Bukidnon but, nevertheless, Rep. Candido Pancrudo, Rep. Joey Zubiri and myself stay committed to Gibo,” he said in a statement.
The younger Zubiri said he had “long and intense” arguments with his father about his decision to back Villar, “but in the end he does what he wants.”
“My father has his own mind. Everyone who knows him can attest to that,” he said.
“I am not my father’s keeper and in politics we very much differ,” he added.
And in order to prevent from being “misconstrued as playing it safe” or “dipping his oar in two rivers,” Zubiri said he would take a back seat from the campaign and “just concentrate on taking care of my wife who is about to give birth to our son in April.”
While Lakas may have lost the elder Zubiri, 51 governors belonging to the League of Provinces of the Philippines have declared their support for Teodoro, according to a press release from the party.
On Monday, courting voters in Manila’s Parola slum, Teodoro promised to continue President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s P500-financial subsidy to poor families if he wins.
“We will continue the Pantawid Gutom program, at isama na natin ang (and let’s include) livelihood,” Teodoro said at a rally at Parola’s Gate 54 compound.
MANILA, Philippines—Administration standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Tuesday expressed no surprise at Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri’s defection to the rival Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.
“At the start he was already wavering so we expected that... he had been blowing hot and cold,” Teodoro told reporters in Calumpang, Marikina City, where he addressed a crowd of youth supporters.
Zubiri, Lakas chair for Bukidnon, 20 town mayors and two city mayors endorsed Villar for president after the latter spoke at the 12th Charter Day celebration of Malaybalay City on Monday.
Asked if this would result in his expulsion of Zubiri from the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Teodoro, the party chair, said “appropriate measures” would be taken.
“I believe there are calls for that (expulsion),” he said.
Teodoro, however, was confident of continuing support from Zubiri’s sons, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and Bukidnon Rep. Jose Ma. Zubiri III, pointing out that they went a long way back in the House of Representatives.
“The father has his own mind, the children have their own minds,” Teodoro said.
Miguel Zubiri, Lakas’ vice president for Mindanao, Tuesday apologized to his party mates for his father’s defection.
He said he and his brother remained loyal to the party and would continue to support Teodoro’s presidential bid.
“I apologize to my party mates for what happened to our group in Bukidnon but, nevertheless, Rep. Candido Pancrudo, Rep. Joey Zubiri and myself stay committed to Gibo,” he said in a statement.
The younger Zubiri said he had “long and intense” arguments with his father about his decision to back Villar, “but in the end he does what he wants.”
“My father has his own mind. Everyone who knows him can attest to that,” he said.
“I am not my father’s keeper and in politics we very much differ,” he added.
And in order to prevent from being “misconstrued as playing it safe” or “dipping his oar in two rivers,” Zubiri said he would take a back seat from the campaign and “just concentrate on taking care of my wife who is about to give birth to our son in April.”
While Lakas may have lost the elder Zubiri, 51 governors belonging to the League of Provinces of the Philippines have declared their support for Teodoro, according to a press release from the party.
On Monday, courting voters in Manila’s Parola slum, Teodoro promised to continue President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s P500-financial subsidy to poor families if he wins.
“We will continue the Pantawid Gutom program, at isama na natin ang (and let’s include) livelihood,” Teodoro said at a rally at Parola’s Gate 54 compound.
Villar, Roxas top UP mock presidential polls
By Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560795&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. topped the third and final mock elections among students of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.
Villar garnered 2,866 votes or 33.8 percent of the total votes cast by 8,468 students from 25 different colleges in the mock polls conducted by the Alpha Sigma Fraternity’s Boto ng Iskolar ng Bayan.
Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III garnered 1,787 votes, or 21.1 percent, a difference of 12.7 percentage points.
Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon came in third with 1,317 votes or 15.5 percent while administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro, who topped the last mock election, dropped to fourth place with 646 votes or 7.6 percent of the total votes cast.
The students were asked, “If elections were held today, (whom) would you vote for president and vice president?”
Alpha Sigma explained the difference in the results of the three mock polls was attributed to how voters are yet to make a final decision on who they would vote for on May 10.
MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. topped the third and final mock elections among students of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.
Villar garnered 2,866 votes or 33.8 percent of the total votes cast by 8,468 students from 25 different colleges in the mock polls conducted by the Alpha Sigma Fraternity’s Boto ng Iskolar ng Bayan.
Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III garnered 1,787 votes, or 21.1 percent, a difference of 12.7 percentage points.
Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon came in third with 1,317 votes or 15.5 percent while administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro, who topped the last mock election, dropped to fourth place with 646 votes or 7.6 percent of the total votes cast.
The students were asked, “If elections were held today, (whom) would you vote for president and vice president?”
Alpha Sigma explained the difference in the results of the three mock polls was attributed to how voters are yet to make a final decision on who they would vote for on May 10.
Marcos torch passed on to Bongbong
from The Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560793&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has formally accepted the symbolic torch of leadership of the Marcos forces in Philippine politics when he was feted on Wednesday last week at the Manila Polo Club by former Cabinet members and colleagues of his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, political leaders and supporters, former ranking officers of the military and police, and members of the Marcos-Romualdez clan.
“I know everyone of you have busy schedules and active lives,” Marcos, a senatorial bet, told the gathering of some 300 guests. “For you to find time to show support for my candidacy is very moving. You strengthen my confidence that we will win in the coming elections.”
Marcos spoke of how he could have had a comfortable life, just staying away from politics. But the legacy of his father was in fact “a call to service and leadership.” Politics and leadership are in his DNA, he said.
The gathering was conceived by Philippine Constitutional Association president and former presidential legal counsel Manuel Lazaro and former deputy executive secretary Ramon Cardenas as a rally of support for Bongbong’s candidacy. The event became an emotional reunion for many, as they renewed ties with one another.
MANILA, Philippines - Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has formally accepted the symbolic torch of leadership of the Marcos forces in Philippine politics when he was feted on Wednesday last week at the Manila Polo Club by former Cabinet members and colleagues of his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, political leaders and supporters, former ranking officers of the military and police, and members of the Marcos-Romualdez clan.
“I know everyone of you have busy schedules and active lives,” Marcos, a senatorial bet, told the gathering of some 300 guests. “For you to find time to show support for my candidacy is very moving. You strengthen my confidence that we will win in the coming elections.”
Marcos spoke of how he could have had a comfortable life, just staying away from politics. But the legacy of his father was in fact “a call to service and leadership.” Politics and leadership are in his DNA, he said.
The gathering was conceived by Philippine Constitutional Association president and former presidential legal counsel Manuel Lazaro and former deputy executive secretary Ramon Cardenas as a rally of support for Bongbong’s candidacy. The event became an emotional reunion for many, as they renewed ties with one another.
Villar bats for strict monitoring of RP human rights situation
from The Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560699&publicationSubCategoryId=65
MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday called for the strict monitoring of the implementation of human rights policies adopted by the government and treaties ratified by the Philippines.
“If we are serious in dealing with extra-judicial killings in the country, we must raise the awareness that the Philippines absolutely adheres to the highest standards of protecting the people’s rights at all times,” Villar said.
To address the human rights problem, Villar said he would propose the creation of a network of government and independent groups that will monitor human rights compliance and abuses committed by law enforcers and members of the national security force.
Villar’s appeal was prompted by a 2009 report of Freedom House, a New York-based human rights group, classifying the Philippines as only a “partly free” nation in 2008 due to several controversies in the human rights field and unfavorable developments in the political arena.
In 2005, the group’s “Freedom in the World” annual report categorized the Philippines as “free.”
Villar maintained that the Philippine society is ruled by law and not by the barrel of the gun, but said this is hardly achieved. He said it would take a tested leader to ensure a peaceful environment through observance of human rights.
He also said discussions on the Human Security Act of 2007 should be held regularly in order to avoid misinterpretations of the law. The Human Security Act makes terrorism a crime and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily detain them without charges. – Christina Mendez
MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday called for the strict monitoring of the implementation of human rights policies adopted by the government and treaties ratified by the Philippines.
“If we are serious in dealing with extra-judicial killings in the country, we must raise the awareness that the Philippines absolutely adheres to the highest standards of protecting the people’s rights at all times,” Villar said.
To address the human rights problem, Villar said he would propose the creation of a network of government and independent groups that will monitor human rights compliance and abuses committed by law enforcers and members of the national security force.
Villar’s appeal was prompted by a 2009 report of Freedom House, a New York-based human rights group, classifying the Philippines as only a “partly free” nation in 2008 due to several controversies in the human rights field and unfavorable developments in the political arena.
In 2005, the group’s “Freedom in the World” annual report categorized the Philippines as “free.”
Villar maintained that the Philippine society is ruled by law and not by the barrel of the gun, but said this is hardly achieved. He said it would take a tested leader to ensure a peaceful environment through observance of human rights.
He also said discussions on the Human Security Act of 2007 should be held regularly in order to avoid misinterpretations of the law. The Human Security Act makes terrorism a crime and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily detain them without charges. – Christina Mendez
Arroyo son, Velarde eye party-list seats President’s, Bong Pineda’s sons in Galing Pinoy
By Kristine L. Alave, Leila B. Salaverria (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100324-260480/Arroyo-son-Velarde-eye-party-list-seats
MANILA, Philippines—The elder son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has teamed up with the son of suspected “jueteng” lord Bong Pineda to gain seats in the House of Representative as nominees of a party-list group that claims to represent security guards.
Outgoing Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the first nominee of Ang Galing Pinoy, while Dennis Pineda, the outgoing mayor of Lubao, Pampanga, is the group’s second nominee.
Each party-list group is entitled to a maximum of three seats in the House of Representatives, but the groups are required to submit the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Bro. Mike Velarde, leader of the El-Shaddai Charismatic Movement, is the fifth nominee of Buhay. The first nominee is his son Mariano Michael. Another Velarde son, Rene, is an incumbent Buhay representative, who is on his third and last term.
A congressional seat is Velarde’s for the taking if Buhay wins seats in the House, according to Buhay Rep. Irwin Tieng, the group’s No. 2 nominee. Other Buhay nominees are Ignacio Jimenez and former Bulacan Rep. Willy Villarama.
MANILA, Philippines—The elder son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has teamed up with the son of suspected “jueteng” lord Bong Pineda to gain seats in the House of Representative as nominees of a party-list group that claims to represent security guards.
Outgoing Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo is the first nominee of Ang Galing Pinoy, while Dennis Pineda, the outgoing mayor of Lubao, Pampanga, is the group’s second nominee.
Each party-list group is entitled to a maximum of three seats in the House of Representatives, but the groups are required to submit the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Bro. Mike Velarde, leader of the El-Shaddai Charismatic Movement, is the fifth nominee of Buhay. The first nominee is his son Mariano Michael. Another Velarde son, Rene, is an incumbent Buhay representative, who is on his third and last term.
A congressional seat is Velarde’s for the taking if Buhay wins seats in the House, according to Buhay Rep. Irwin Tieng, the group’s No. 2 nominee. Other Buhay nominees are Ignacio Jimenez and former Bulacan Rep. Willy Villarama.
Melo: Poll failure is pure fantasy
By Miriam Desacada (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560789&publicationSubCategoryId=63
TACLOBAN CITY – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo yesterday reassured the public that a failure of elections on May 10 is “pure fantasy.”
“I am informing the public that there will be no failure of elections in May, that this (scenario) is purely fantasy as we have been preparing for this and we expect everything to turn out well with the use of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines,” Melo told a joint press conference of the Comelec, Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and the Department of Education after a meeting with local authorities here and the signing of a peace covenant with Eastern Visayas candidates.
Melo said they do not discount the possibility of having minor problems in the local levels but said these will certainly not be caused by glitches in the machines.
Melo also allayed fears that the rotating blackouts being experienced in some parts of the country may affect the results of the polls since the PCOS machines have batteries that may run until the end of voting time and the results will immediately be released.
Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento added that in case a PCOS machine breaks down, there are spare units that could be used.
TACLOBAN CITY – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo yesterday reassured the public that a failure of elections on May 10 is “pure fantasy.”
“I am informing the public that there will be no failure of elections in May, that this (scenario) is purely fantasy as we have been preparing for this and we expect everything to turn out well with the use of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines,” Melo told a joint press conference of the Comelec, Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and the Department of Education after a meeting with local authorities here and the signing of a peace covenant with Eastern Visayas candidates.
Melo said they do not discount the possibility of having minor problems in the local levels but said these will certainly not be caused by glitches in the machines.
Melo also allayed fears that the rotating blackouts being experienced in some parts of the country may affect the results of the polls since the PCOS machines have batteries that may run until the end of voting time and the results will immediately be released.
Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento added that in case a PCOS machine breaks down, there are spare units that could be used.
Election 2010 News - March 23, 2010
- Pink is out; MMDA going 'Gibo' green (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Selling Gibo Teodoro in Manila's markets (Malaya)
- Gibo's gameplan (Manila Standard)
- Villar surges ahead in latest survey (Manila Bulletin)
- Noynoy tinawanan lang ni Villar (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
- NO FREE PASS FOR PRE-CAMPAIGN ADS Top bets liable for breach of ethics; donors for taxes (Malaya Philippine Center for Journalism)
- Vice Presidential bets trade barbs in debate (The Philippine Star)
- Noynoy ibinisto ng pinsan sa 'Luisita' (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
- Torch of leadership passed to Bongbong (Malaya)
Pink is out; MMDA going ‘Gibo’ green
By Niña Calleja (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Tarpaulins printed with slogans like “Green is Cool,” “Green Is Go,” Green Is Hope,” and “Green is Clean” would be mounted this week along major thoroughfares, especially along EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue), to formally launch the agency’s “Go Green Metro” program, MMDA Chair Oscar Inocentes said Monday.
“Green symbolizes environmental growth,” Inocentes said in a statement. “We would like the world to know that through the MMDA, Metro Manila is doing its share to conserve and protect our Earth, our environment.”
He sought the cooperation of the 17 Metro Manila mayors in promoting the agency’s “green ideology.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100323-260311/Pink-is-out-MMDA-going-Gibo-green
MANILA, Philippines—“Green” and bear it, BF! Looks like Gibo’s color is taking over your formerly “rosy” turf.
Not only is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) repainting various road structures from pink to green, but it is also putting up signs trumpeting its new choice of color.
MANILA, Philippines—“Green” and bear it, BF! Looks like Gibo’s color is taking over your formerly “rosy” turf.
Not only is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) repainting various road structures from pink to green, but it is also putting up signs trumpeting its new choice of color.
Tarpaulins printed with slogans like “Green is Cool,” “Green Is Go,” Green Is Hope,” and “Green is Clean” would be mounted this week along major thoroughfares, especially along EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue), to formally launch the agency’s “Go Green Metro” program, MMDA Chair Oscar Inocentes said Monday.
“Green symbolizes environmental growth,” Inocentes said in a statement. “We would like the world to know that through the MMDA, Metro Manila is doing its share to conserve and protect our Earth, our environment.”
He sought the cooperation of the 17 Metro Manila mayors in promoting the agency’s “green ideology.”
Selling Gibo Teodoro in Manila’s markets
By Regina Bengco (Malaya)
http://www.malaya.com.ph/03232010/news3.html
"HUWAG kayong mahiya, kamayan ninyo (Don’t be shy, shake his hand)," aides of administration presidential bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said encouragingly.
The subjects – the lady vendors of the Blumentritt market in Manila – stood beside their wares, arms stiff at their sides, hesitating as their curious eyes regarded the tall mestizo guy in a light green short-sleeved polo shirt surrounded by supporters in darker shades of green.
Teodoro crossed the pavement, and shook their hand, smiling reassuringly.
"He looks taller in person than in his commercial," one vendor said.
"Iyan sana ang pinakamagaling sa lahat, kaya lang naka-ano kay Gloria (Arroyo)," someone remarked.
Soon, Teodoro was on a roll, shaking hands, exchanging banter, and setting people at ease by speaking to them in Ilocano.
"Raul!" he called to his senatorial candidate, Raul Lambino who was also busy shaking hands and distributing campaign materials, "They are your province mates. From Pangasinan."
"HUWAG kayong mahiya, kamayan ninyo (Don’t be shy, shake his hand)," aides of administration presidential bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said encouragingly.
The subjects – the lady vendors of the Blumentritt market in Manila – stood beside their wares, arms stiff at their sides, hesitating as their curious eyes regarded the tall mestizo guy in a light green short-sleeved polo shirt surrounded by supporters in darker shades of green.
Teodoro crossed the pavement, and shook their hand, smiling reassuringly.
"He looks taller in person than in his commercial," one vendor said.
"Iyan sana ang pinakamagaling sa lahat, kaya lang naka-ano kay Gloria (Arroyo)," someone remarked.
Soon, Teodoro was on a roll, shaking hands, exchanging banter, and setting people at ease by speaking to them in Ilocano.
"Raul!" he called to his senatorial candidate, Raul Lambino who was also busy shaking hands and distributing campaign materials, "They are your province mates. From Pangasinan."
Gibo’s gameplan
by Jojo A. Robles (Manila Standard)
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideOpinion.htm?f=2010/march/23/jojorobles.isx&d=2010/march/23
People who defend the iron grip that certain families have had on the politics of this country for generations like to say that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. The reality, of course, isn’t so easily contained in any aphorism, no matter how quaint and hoary.
Children may share the looks or other physical qualities of their parents, just as siblings and even cousins possess the same superficial attributes. But that’s as far as it goes, unless one is making a case to elect someone on the sole basis of familial ties.
We’ve seen this tree-to-fruit correspondence worked near to death in the case of Noynoy Aquino, even if we have no proof whatsoever that Noynoy is as politically astute and overachieving as his father or as sincere and well-meaning as his mother. Then, of course, there’s the matter of Kris Aquino, who shares even fewer of the outward attributes of either of her parents and who still has no qualms of pushing her brother’s candidacy—and even of explaining her own actions—because of this family connection.
If the people who regularly make this all-too-easy conclusion were truly honest, they’ll admit that they are merely justifying their own political leanings. Or simply hoping that the admirable qualities of the parents could somehow—despite a ton of evidence to the contrary—be transferred to their offspring.
Indeed, even the Aquino camp has already moved on from the Ninoy-Cory link that they constantly bombarded people with at the beginning of the campaign, perhaps after seeing how this strategy has only made Noynoy steadily lose ground to his less pedigreed rivals. After all, if Noynoy did somehow inherit his forebears’ good qualities (and only the good ones, mind you), what does that make Gibo Teodoro, who comes from the same family, after all?
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideOpinion.htm?f=2010/march/23/jojorobles.isx&d=2010/march/23
People who defend the iron grip that certain families have had on the politics of this country for generations like to say that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. The reality, of course, isn’t so easily contained in any aphorism, no matter how quaint and hoary.
Children may share the looks or other physical qualities of their parents, just as siblings and even cousins possess the same superficial attributes. But that’s as far as it goes, unless one is making a case to elect someone on the sole basis of familial ties.
We’ve seen this tree-to-fruit correspondence worked near to death in the case of Noynoy Aquino, even if we have no proof whatsoever that Noynoy is as politically astute and overachieving as his father or as sincere and well-meaning as his mother. Then, of course, there’s the matter of Kris Aquino, who shares even fewer of the outward attributes of either of her parents and who still has no qualms of pushing her brother’s candidacy—and even of explaining her own actions—because of this family connection.
If the people who regularly make this all-too-easy conclusion were truly honest, they’ll admit that they are merely justifying their own political leanings. Or simply hoping that the admirable qualities of the parents could somehow—despite a ton of evidence to the contrary—be transferred to their offspring.
Indeed, even the Aquino camp has already moved on from the Ninoy-Cory link that they constantly bombarded people with at the beginning of the campaign, perhaps after seeing how this strategy has only made Noynoy steadily lose ground to his less pedigreed rivals. After all, if Noynoy did somehow inherit his forebears’ good qualities (and only the good ones, mind you), what does that make Gibo Teodoro, who comes from the same family, after all?
Villar surges ahead in latest survey
By Rolly Carandang (Manila Bulletin)
http://mb.com.ph/articles/249100/villar-surges-ahead-latest-survey
Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar continues to gain strength as he has now overtaken erstwhile leader, Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the latest survey of The Issues and Advocacy Center (The CENTER).
In that survey, conducted March 3-10, 2010, Villar got 28 percent to Aquino’s 26 percent.
Ed M. Malay, director of The Center, said the results of the latest nationwide survey also reinforces the view that the coming May 10, 2010 elections is going to be a media-driven campaign with both broadcast and print media emerging as the most preferred medium employed by national candidates to put their respective political agenda across.
In that survey conducted among 2,400 respondents nationwide, the results show that the decision-making process of Filipino voters can be enhanced and influenced by the outpouring of information supplied by the national candidates and generated by the various forms of media, television in particular.
The Center also said it continues to rely on the multi-stage probability sampling method employing face-to-face interviews with a skip interval method of four to five houses to obviate any possible bias in the responses adding that its survey has a + 2.8% margin of error anda confidence level of 95%.
Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar continues to gain strength as he has now overtaken erstwhile leader, Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the latest survey of The Issues and Advocacy Center (The CENTER).
In that survey, conducted March 3-10, 2010, Villar got 28 percent to Aquino’s 26 percent.
Ed M. Malay, director of The Center, said the results of the latest nationwide survey also reinforces the view that the coming May 10, 2010 elections is going to be a media-driven campaign with both broadcast and print media emerging as the most preferred medium employed by national candidates to put their respective political agenda across.
In that survey conducted among 2,400 respondents nationwide, the results show that the decision-making process of Filipino voters can be enhanced and influenced by the outpouring of information supplied by the national candidates and generated by the various forms of media, television in particular.
The Center also said it continues to rely on the multi-stage probability sampling method employing face-to-face interviews with a skip interval method of four to five houses to obviate any possible bias in the responses adding that its survey has a + 2.8% margin of error anda confidence level of 95%.
Noynoy tinawanan lang ni Villar
by Butch Quejada (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560502&publicationSubCategoryId=92
MANILA, Philippines - Tahasang binalewala at tinawanan ng kampo ng Nacionalista Party ang akusasyon ni Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino na ipinababaklas ni NP standard bearer Manny Villar ang kanyang mga campaign posters.
“Ito’y isang bagong black propaganda ng partido liberal,” anang kampo ni Villar.
Tahasang sinabi ng NP na imposible ang naturang balita dahil talong-talo ni Aquino ang kampo ni Villar sa postering at paglalagay ng streamers.
Halimbawa na dito ang mga lalawigan ng Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Mindanao, Bacolod at iba pang lugar sa bansa kung saan namamayagpag ang streamers at posters ng Noy-Mar tandem.
Inireklamo rin ng supporters ni Villar ang pambabaklas ng yellow armies at volunteers ni Noynoy sa mga orange ribbons na nakakabit sa mga poste at streamers ni Villar at ng iba pang NP candidates sa isang sortie sa Catbalogan, Samar.
“Kami nga ang dehado. Kung tutuusin, wala ni katiting ang mga campaign posters at streamers ni Sen. Villar at ng buong tiket ng NP. Samantalang yung kampo ng mga dilaw ay nagsalimbayan kahit sa mga puno at poste ng kuryente ang kanilang mga mukha,” ayon Adel Tamano, senatorial candidate ng NP at dating spokesman ng United Opposition.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560502&publicationSubCategoryId=92
MANILA, Philippines - Tahasang binalewala at tinawanan ng kampo ng Nacionalista Party ang akusasyon ni Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino na ipinababaklas ni NP standard bearer Manny Villar ang kanyang mga campaign posters.
“Ito’y isang bagong black propaganda ng partido liberal,” anang kampo ni Villar.
Tahasang sinabi ng NP na imposible ang naturang balita dahil talong-talo ni Aquino ang kampo ni Villar sa postering at paglalagay ng streamers.
Halimbawa na dito ang mga lalawigan ng Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Mindanao, Bacolod at iba pang lugar sa bansa kung saan namamayagpag ang streamers at posters ng Noy-Mar tandem.
Inireklamo rin ng supporters ni Villar ang pambabaklas ng yellow armies at volunteers ni Noynoy sa mga orange ribbons na nakakabit sa mga poste at streamers ni Villar at ng iba pang NP candidates sa isang sortie sa Catbalogan, Samar.
“Kami nga ang dehado. Kung tutuusin, wala ni katiting ang mga campaign posters at streamers ni Sen. Villar at ng buong tiket ng NP. Samantalang yung kampo ng mga dilaw ay nagsalimbayan kahit sa mga puno at poste ng kuryente ang kanilang mga mukha,” ayon Adel Tamano, senatorial candidate ng NP at dating spokesman ng United Opposition.
NO FREE PASS FOR PRE-CAMPAIGN ADS Top bets liable for breach of ethics; donors for taxes
By Malou Mangahas (Malaya) Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism
http://www.malaya.com.ph/03232010/news4.html
THEY probably thought they got a free pass to flood television with political ads beyond the airtime and spending limits set in law, having run commercials before the 90-day campaign period could start last February 9.
But the top candidates for president and vice president, as well as those who donated and bankrolled their pre-campaign ads, had better think again, according to lawyers and officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
By the letter and spirit of anti-graft and tax laws, say the lawyers and tax officials, their pre-campaign period airing of political ads does not free the candidates and their donors of all liabilities.
By PCIJ’s calculations, the combined actual ad spending of six presidential candidates and four vice-presidential candidates from November 1, 2009 to February 8, 2010 comes up to P1.472 billion. By most standards, the amount is huge enough to compromise these candidates, most of whom are incumbent public officials.
The figure is also huge enough to shore up the tax collection drive of the BIR amid the country’s rising fiscal deficit -- if the candidates’ donors have paid taxes.
Just last week, BIR Commissioner Joel Tan-Torres said his agency has collected only P100 million from the five-percent withholding tax slapped on all political contributions and campaign expenditures of candidates during the campaign period.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/03232010/news4.html
THEY probably thought they got a free pass to flood television with political ads beyond the airtime and spending limits set in law, having run commercials before the 90-day campaign period could start last February 9.
But the top candidates for president and vice president, as well as those who donated and bankrolled their pre-campaign ads, had better think again, according to lawyers and officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
By the letter and spirit of anti-graft and tax laws, say the lawyers and tax officials, their pre-campaign period airing of political ads does not free the candidates and their donors of all liabilities.
By PCIJ’s calculations, the combined actual ad spending of six presidential candidates and four vice-presidential candidates from November 1, 2009 to February 8, 2010 comes up to P1.472 billion. By most standards, the amount is huge enough to compromise these candidates, most of whom are incumbent public officials.
The figure is also huge enough to shore up the tax collection drive of the BIR amid the country’s rising fiscal deficit -- if the candidates’ donors have paid taxes.
Just last week, BIR Commissioner Joel Tan-Torres said his agency has collected only P100 million from the five-percent withholding tax slapped on all political contributions and campaign expenditures of candidates during the campaign period.
Vice presidential bets trade barbs in debate
By Aurea Calica – With Perseus Echeminada, Mike Frialde, Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560521&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Six candidates for vice president traded barbs and grilled each other during a televised debate aired last Sunday night.
Leading vice presidential candidate Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Liberal Party had a face-off with Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and the Nacionalista Party, who criticized her main rival over the expanded value added tax, Cheaper Medicine Law and land distribution.
Legarda was fierce in grilling Roxas, who implied that she was a hypocrite and a political butterfly for transferring to various parties.
The debate dubbed as “Harapan” was organized by ABS-CBN and held at the La Consolacion College in Manila. Members of the audience were each given a “truth meter” and were told to vote on whether the answer of the candidates was “believable” or “not believable.”
Roxas registered high scores on the believability of his answers while Legarda did poorly despite her attacks on the LP bet every chance she got. Roxas laughed off some of the issues raised by Legarda.
Legarda and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, the vice presidential bet of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, gave dramatic opening and closing remarks to the viewers while former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando of Bagumbayan even wore an engineer’s hat to call attention to his training and his qualifications to be vice president.
MANILA, Philippines - Six candidates for vice president traded barbs and grilled each other during a televised debate aired last Sunday night.
Leading vice presidential candidate Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Liberal Party had a face-off with Sen. Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and the Nacionalista Party, who criticized her main rival over the expanded value added tax, Cheaper Medicine Law and land distribution.
Legarda was fierce in grilling Roxas, who implied that she was a hypocrite and a political butterfly for transferring to various parties.
The debate dubbed as “Harapan” was organized by ABS-CBN and held at the La Consolacion College in Manila. Members of the audience were each given a “truth meter” and were told to vote on whether the answer of the candidates was “believable” or “not believable.”
Roxas registered high scores on the believability of his answers while Legarda did poorly despite her attacks on the LP bet every chance she got. Roxas laughed off some of the issues raised by Legarda.
Legarda and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, the vice presidential bet of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, gave dramatic opening and closing remarks to the viewers while former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando of Bagumbayan even wore an engineer’s hat to call attention to his training and his qualifications to be vice president.
March 23, 2010
Noynoy ibinisto ng pinsan sa 'Luisita'
from Pilipino Star Ngayon
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560152&publicationSubCategoryId=92 MANILA, Philippines - Kinuwestiyon ni Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano ang katotohanan sa mga sinabi ni Liberal Party presidential ber Sen. Noynoy Aquino na ipamamahagi niya sa 2014 sa mga magsasaka ang 6,000 hektarya ng kanilang lupain na saklaw ng agrarian reform na hinaharang ng kanilang pamilya sa Korte Suprema.
Ito’y matapos ilathala ng pahayagang New York Times sa United States ang pag-amin ng isang kamag-anak ni Noynoy na hindi nila ipamamahagi ang lupain sa mga magsasaka, taliwas sa ipinahayag ng pambato ng Liberal Party sa May 10 elections.
Sa panayam ni Carlos Conde, correspondent ng NYT sa Pilipinas, sinabi ni Fernando Cojuangco, pinsan ni Noynoy at chief operating officer ng holding company sa taniman ng tubo sa Luisita, na malabong isuko ng kanilang pamilya ang lupain na hawak nila mula pa noong 1958.
Bagaman kinontra ni Noynoy ang ulat sa NYT na posible umanong nagkamali lamang ang sumulat sa mga sinabi ng kanyang pinsan, nanindigan si Conde na tama at naka-record ang mga inihayag ni Fernando.
Sinabi ni Mariano na nagkamali si Noynoy sa ginawang pangako dahil hindi na nito malilinlang ang mga magsasaka na dapat sanang nakikinabang sa lupain.
Patuloy din umano ang paghahanap ng katarungan ng mga magsasaka na napaslang sa hacienda kabilang ang pitong nasawi sa welga noong 2004 at iba pang biktima ng asasinasyon pagkatapos nito. (Butch Quejada)
March 22, 2010
Torch of leadership passed to Bongbong
from Malaya
http://www.malaya.com.ph/03222010/metro6.html
NACIONALISTA Party senatorial candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. formally accepted the symbolic torch of leadership of the Marcos forces in Philippine politics when he was feted at the Manila Polo Club by former cabinet members and colleagues of his father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, political leaders and supporters, former ranking officers of the Armed Forces and PNP, and members of the Marcos-Romualdez family clan.
The gathering was organized by Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) president and former presidential legal counsel Manuel Lazaro and former deputy executive secretary Ramon Cardenas as a rally of support for Bongbong’s candidacy.
Among the key personages from the Marcos administration were former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, former Central Bank governor and education secretary Jaime C. Laya, former agrarian reform secretary Conrado Estrella, former economic planning secretary Vicente Valdepeñas, and former budget secretary Manuel Alba.
Estrella spoke of the passing of the torch to Bongbong, as he talked of Marcos I and Marcos II, and called on Bongbong to carry and build on the legacy of his father.
The Marcos-Romualdez family was led by Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, herself a former human settlements minister and governor of Metro Manila.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/03222010/metro6.html
NACIONALISTA Party senatorial candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. formally accepted the symbolic torch of leadership of the Marcos forces in Philippine politics when he was feted at the Manila Polo Club by former cabinet members and colleagues of his father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos, political leaders and supporters, former ranking officers of the Armed Forces and PNP, and members of the Marcos-Romualdez family clan.
The gathering was organized by Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) president and former presidential legal counsel Manuel Lazaro and former deputy executive secretary Ramon Cardenas as a rally of support for Bongbong’s candidacy.
Among the key personages from the Marcos administration were former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, former Central Bank governor and education secretary Jaime C. Laya, former agrarian reform secretary Conrado Estrella, former economic planning secretary Vicente Valdepeñas, and former budget secretary Manuel Alba.
Estrella spoke of the passing of the torch to Bongbong, as he talked of Marcos I and Marcos II, and called on Bongbong to carry and build on the legacy of his father.
The Marcos-Romualdez family was led by Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, herself a former human settlements minister and governor of Metro Manila.
Election 2010 News - March 22, 2010
- Lakas-Kampi coalition plans decisive 'Battle of the Bulge' (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Gibo, Edu go to NPA_infested Mindoro (The Philippine Star)
- Teodoro pushes new consumption taxes (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Teodoro gives up on surveys (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Villar vows justice for Luisita victims (The Philippine Star)
- Disclose nominees, party-list groups told (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Noynoy ibinisto ng pinsa sa 'Luisita' (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
- To save republic in case of failure of elections' Angara calls fore election of new Senate president (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Over 1/3 of towns, cities are poll hot spots--PNP (The Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Lakas-Kampi coalition plans decisive ‘Battle of the Bulge’
By Winston A. Marbella (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100322-260115/Lakas-Kampi-coalition-plans-decisive-Battle-of-the-Bulge
Like a stealthy army preparing to launch a major offensive, the ruling administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD is moving heaven and earth at the grassroots to save the lagging presidential candidacy of former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The question that perplexes many party leaders is: Considering that Teodoro is running behind, why move only now?
The ruling coalition, which enjoys a headlock on 70 percent of local government positions, is pinning its hopes on superior resources and widespread party machinery to swing the tide of battle.
Banking on these advantages, it plans to assert its superiority with carefully synchronized offensives timed at the start of the campaign for local positions on March 26.
The opening salvo of this make-or-break offensive will be new TV commercials targeting the youth on Monday.
Teodoro’s spokesperson, former Press Secretary Mike Toledo, said the commercials would be aired with frequencies rivaling those of the front-runners, Senators Benigno S. Aquino III of the Liberal Party and Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party. Between them, they have spent close to P2 billion, dominating the airwaves, according to the media firm AGB Nielsen.
Teodoro’s ads will zero in on the target segment that the coalition hopes will swing the tide of battle to his side, the youth ranging in age from 18 to 39, who constitute 52 percent of the 50 million voters registered, according to Toledo.
Like a stealthy army preparing to launch a major offensive, the ruling administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD is moving heaven and earth at the grassroots to save the lagging presidential candidacy of former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The question that perplexes many party leaders is: Considering that Teodoro is running behind, why move only now?
The ruling coalition, which enjoys a headlock on 70 percent of local government positions, is pinning its hopes on superior resources and widespread party machinery to swing the tide of battle.
Banking on these advantages, it plans to assert its superiority with carefully synchronized offensives timed at the start of the campaign for local positions on March 26.
The opening salvo of this make-or-break offensive will be new TV commercials targeting the youth on Monday.
Teodoro’s spokesperson, former Press Secretary Mike Toledo, said the commercials would be aired with frequencies rivaling those of the front-runners, Senators Benigno S. Aquino III of the Liberal Party and Manuel Villar of the Nacionalista Party. Between them, they have spent close to P2 billion, dominating the airwaves, according to the media firm AGB Nielsen.
Teodoro’s ads will zero in on the target segment that the coalition hopes will swing the tide of battle to his side, the youth ranging in age from 18 to 39, who constitute 52 percent of the 50 million voters registered, according to Toledo.
Gibo, Edu go to NPA-infested Mindoro
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560194&publicationSubCategoryId=63
SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines – Administration presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro and his team made their presence felt by campaigning in rebel-infested areas here.
Teodoro, along with vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano, led the entourage in defying threats by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in areas where just a few weeks ago 11 government troops were killed in an ambush staged by the rebel group.
The troops were waylaid when they were trying to prevent the NPA from implementing their permit to campaign on local candidates.
At the rally Teodoro said he would prioritize development programs for local government units if elected president.
He promised his leadership would determine the concerns of every community to effectively address their particular needs.
“The leader should be capable of understanding the needs of communities to effectively address their respective problems and then give the best solutions,” Teodoro said.
SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines – Administration presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro and his team made their presence felt by campaigning in rebel-infested areas here.
Teodoro, along with vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano, led the entourage in defying threats by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in areas where just a few weeks ago 11 government troops were killed in an ambush staged by the rebel group.
The troops were waylaid when they were trying to prevent the NPA from implementing their permit to campaign on local candidates.
At the rally Teodoro said he would prioritize development programs for local government units if elected president.
He promised his leadership would determine the concerns of every community to effectively address their particular needs.
“The leader should be capable of understanding the needs of communities to effectively address their respective problems and then give the best solutions,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro pushes new consumption taxes
By Abigail L. Ho (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100320-259866/Teodoro-pushes-new-consumption-taxes
MANILA, Philippines—To curb the country's burgeoning budget deficit, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro says there is a need to rethink the existing tax structure and tax administration efforts.
“For the fiscal situation, we need to rethink tax administration and efficiency. Past efforts have been unsustainable. Through tax administration reforms, I think these problems can be addressed,'' he said.
He said new consumption taxes should be introduced and sin taxes increased. Personal and corporate income taxes, however, should no longer be hiked as these were already “competitive.''
In an earlier speech before members of the Makati Business Club, he noted that he “agreed in principle'' with the need to hike consumption taxes. Whatever new taxes would be slapped, however, would depend on the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and the upcoming elections on the country's economy.
Other presidential aspirants had different strategies to address the fiscal deficit.
Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy'' Aquino III said he would not impose any new taxes, while Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar said it would be “irresponsible of me'' not to introduce new taxes.
MANILA, Philippines—To curb the country's burgeoning budget deficit, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro says there is a need to rethink the existing tax structure and tax administration efforts.
“For the fiscal situation, we need to rethink tax administration and efficiency. Past efforts have been unsustainable. Through tax administration reforms, I think these problems can be addressed,'' he said.
He said new consumption taxes should be introduced and sin taxes increased. Personal and corporate income taxes, however, should no longer be hiked as these were already “competitive.''
In an earlier speech before members of the Makati Business Club, he noted that he “agreed in principle'' with the need to hike consumption taxes. Whatever new taxes would be slapped, however, would depend on the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and the upcoming elections on the country's economy.
Other presidential aspirants had different strategies to address the fiscal deficit.
Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy'' Aquino III said he would not impose any new taxes, while Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar said it would be “irresponsible of me'' not to introduce new taxes.
Teodoro gives up on surveys
By TJ Burgonio (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100320-259865/Teodoro-gives-up-on-surveys
MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines—Administration standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro said Saturday he has stopped following his ratings in the surveys and is looking forward to the start of the local campaign on March 26.
"I don't pay attention to surveys anymore. Whether I've gone up or gone down, it's nothing to me. Our campaign is based on our party network and party strengths," said Teodoro, a consistent fourth-placer in the surveys.
Lakas Kampi CMD secretary general Francis Manglapus said they would focus on the party message, and "work with the local candidates to deliver the votes."
"Our feeling is that they can do it," he said by phone, pointing out that over 60 percent of local candidates are allied with the administration party.
Teodoro, his running mate Edu Manzano, and senatorial candidates Silvestre Bello III, Raul Lambino and Rey Langit barnstormed Mindoro on Saturday, less than a week before the March 26 kick-off of the local campaign period.
Vans full of supporters and Manila-based reporters waited for Teodoro at the Mamburao airport for a motorcade around the dusty town off Mindoro Strait Saturday morning, but he did not arrive on time.
Due to a delay in the flight to Mamburao, Teodoro and Bello flew first to Isabela in northern Luzon. He and Bello later flew to San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro.
MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines—Administration standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro said Saturday he has stopped following his ratings in the surveys and is looking forward to the start of the local campaign on March 26.
"I don't pay attention to surveys anymore. Whether I've gone up or gone down, it's nothing to me. Our campaign is based on our party network and party strengths," said Teodoro, a consistent fourth-placer in the surveys.
Lakas Kampi CMD secretary general Francis Manglapus said they would focus on the party message, and "work with the local candidates to deliver the votes."
"Our feeling is that they can do it," he said by phone, pointing out that over 60 percent of local candidates are allied with the administration party.
Teodoro, his running mate Edu Manzano, and senatorial candidates Silvestre Bello III, Raul Lambino and Rey Langit barnstormed Mindoro on Saturday, less than a week before the March 26 kick-off of the local campaign period.
Vans full of supporters and Manila-based reporters waited for Teodoro at the Mamburao airport for a motorcade around the dusty town off Mindoro Strait Saturday morning, but he did not arrive on time.
Due to a delay in the flight to Mamburao, Teodoro and Bello flew first to Isabela in northern Luzon. He and Bello later flew to San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro.
Villar vows justice for Luisita victims
By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star)
Villar and Legarda, along with NP senatorial bets Adel Tamano, Toots Ople, Gilbert Remulla and Ilocos Norte Rep. Bongbong Marcos campaigned last Saturday in the home province of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer, Sen. Noynoy Aquino.
Villar said he would allow the wheels of justice to run their course if he becomes president and would look into the issue of land distribution after the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) under the administration of Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino, failed in their family-owned Hacienda Luisita.
Legarda, on the other hand, said that those who have committed crimes and human rights violations in connection with the massacre should be brought to court.
She also took potshots at Aquino, saying that a candidate who has no respect for the rule of law and tolerated the killing of the aggrieved Luisita farmers should not be elected to the presidency.
Tamano expressed concern that the issues surrounding the non-compliance of the Aquino-Cojuangco clans to subject the 7,000-hectare Hacienda Luisita to land reform will not be resolved under an Aquino presidency.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560191&publicationSubCategoryId=63
TARLAC City, Philippines – Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. and running mate Sen. Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition) vowed to pursue justice for the victims of the so-called Hacienda Luisita massacre five years ago.
TARLAC City, Philippines – Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. and running mate Sen. Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition) vowed to pursue justice for the victims of the so-called Hacienda Luisita massacre five years ago.
Villar and Legarda, along with NP senatorial bets Adel Tamano, Toots Ople, Gilbert Remulla and Ilocos Norte Rep. Bongbong Marcos campaigned last Saturday in the home province of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer, Sen. Noynoy Aquino.
Villar said he would allow the wheels of justice to run their course if he becomes president and would look into the issue of land distribution after the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) under the administration of Aquino’s mother, former President Corazon Aquino, failed in their family-owned Hacienda Luisita.
Legarda, on the other hand, said that those who have committed crimes and human rights violations in connection with the massacre should be brought to court.
She also took potshots at Aquino, saying that a candidate who has no respect for the rule of law and tolerated the killing of the aggrieved Luisita farmers should not be elected to the presidency.
Tamano expressed concern that the issues surrounding the non-compliance of the Aquino-Cojuangco clans to subject the 7,000-hectare Hacienda Luisita to land reform will not be resolved under an Aquino presidency.
Disclose nominees, party-list groups told
By Leila Salaverria (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100322-260108/Disclose-nominees-party-list-groups-told
MANILA, Philippines—Nominees of party-list organizations, no matter how controversial they may be, should not hide behind their group’s name.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will promptly release the names of the nominees of all 187 party-list groups, according to its legal department director, Ferdinand Rafanan.
Each party-list group is required to submit to the Comelec the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Rafanan said he would disclose the list of all nominees of the party-list groups the day after the deadline.
The immediate release of the names is expected to give those opposed to the nominees enough time to file disqualification cases against them.
But it’s not only the poll body which should be publicizing the names of the nominees, according to Rafanan.
The groups themselves are required to disclose their choices for representatives in Congress on their own campaign posters, banners and other paraphernalia.
Comelec resolution
“Once they’ve submitted the names, they should include these in their paraphernalia,” Rafanan reminded the party-list groups.
Comelec Resolution No. 8695, issued in November 2009, states: “The party-list parties, organizations or coalitions shall include the names of their nominees in all of their campaign materials.”
MANILA, Philippines—Nominees of party-list organizations, no matter how controversial they may be, should not hide behind their group’s name.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will promptly release the names of the nominees of all 187 party-list groups, according to its legal department director, Ferdinand Rafanan.
Each party-list group is required to submit to the Comelec the names of at least five nominees by March 26.
Rafanan said he would disclose the list of all nominees of the party-list groups the day after the deadline.
The immediate release of the names is expected to give those opposed to the nominees enough time to file disqualification cases against them.
But it’s not only the poll body which should be publicizing the names of the nominees, according to Rafanan.
The groups themselves are required to disclose their choices for representatives in Congress on their own campaign posters, banners and other paraphernalia.
Comelec resolution
“Once they’ve submitted the names, they should include these in their paraphernalia,” Rafanan reminded the party-list groups.
Comelec Resolution No. 8695, issued in November 2009, states: “The party-list parties, organizations or coalitions shall include the names of their nominees in all of their campaign materials.”
Noynoy ibinisto ng pinsan sa 'Luisita'
mula sa Pilipino Star Ngayon
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560152&publicationSubCategoryId=92
MANILA, Philippines - Kinuwestiyon ni Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano ang katotohanan sa mga sinabi ni Liberal Party presidential ber Sen. Noynoy Aquino na ipamamahagi niya sa 2014 sa mga magsasaka ang 6,000 hektarya ng kanilang lupain na saklaw ng agrarian reform na hinaharang ng kanilang pamilya sa Korte Suprema.
Ito’y matapos ilathala ng pahayagang New York Times sa United States ang pag-amin ng isang kamag-anak ni Noynoy na hindi nila ipamamahagi ang lupain sa mga magsasaka, taliwas sa ipinahayag ng pambato ng Liberal Party sa May 10 elections.
Sa panayam ni Carlos Conde, correspondent ng NYT sa Pilipinas, sinabi ni Fernando Cojuangco, pinsan ni Noynoy at chief operating officer ng holding company sa taniman ng tubo sa Luisita, na malabong isuko ng kanilang pamilya ang lupain na hawak nila mula pa noong 1958.
Bagaman kinontra ni Noynoy ang ulat sa NYT na posible umanong nagkamali lamang ang sumulat sa mga sinabi ng kanyang pinsan, nanindigan si Conde na tama at naka-record ang mga inihayag ni Fernando.
Sinabi ni Mariano na nagkamali si Noynoy sa ginawang pangako dahil hindi na nito malilinlang ang mga magsasaka na dapat sanang nakikinabang sa lupain.
Patuloy din umano ang paghahanap ng katarungan ng mga magsasaka na napaslang sa hacienda kabilang ang pitong nasawi sa welga noong 2004 at iba pang biktima ng asasinasyon pagkatapos nito. (Butch Quejada)
MANILA, Philippines - Kinuwestiyon ni Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano ang katotohanan sa mga sinabi ni Liberal Party presidential ber Sen. Noynoy Aquino na ipamamahagi niya sa 2014 sa mga magsasaka ang 6,000 hektarya ng kanilang lupain na saklaw ng agrarian reform na hinaharang ng kanilang pamilya sa Korte Suprema.
Ito’y matapos ilathala ng pahayagang New York Times sa United States ang pag-amin ng isang kamag-anak ni Noynoy na hindi nila ipamamahagi ang lupain sa mga magsasaka, taliwas sa ipinahayag ng pambato ng Liberal Party sa May 10 elections.
Sa panayam ni Carlos Conde, correspondent ng NYT sa Pilipinas, sinabi ni Fernando Cojuangco, pinsan ni Noynoy at chief operating officer ng holding company sa taniman ng tubo sa Luisita, na malabong isuko ng kanilang pamilya ang lupain na hawak nila mula pa noong 1958.
Bagaman kinontra ni Noynoy ang ulat sa NYT na posible umanong nagkamali lamang ang sumulat sa mga sinabi ng kanyang pinsan, nanindigan si Conde na tama at naka-record ang mga inihayag ni Fernando.
Sinabi ni Mariano na nagkamali si Noynoy sa ginawang pangako dahil hindi na nito malilinlang ang mga magsasaka na dapat sanang nakikinabang sa lupain.
Patuloy din umano ang paghahanap ng katarungan ng mga magsasaka na napaslang sa hacienda kabilang ang pitong nasawi sa welga noong 2004 at iba pang biktima ng asasinasyon pagkatapos nito. (Butch Quejada)
To save republic in case of failure of elections’ Angara calls fore election of new Senate president
By Christine Avendaño (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100321-260029/To-save-republic-in-case-of-failure-of-elections
a
MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that ``civilian authority'' should move early to save the duly constituted government from a possible failure of the May 10 polls, Senator Edgardo Angara called for the election of a new Senate president among the senators serving until 2013.
He also sought for the Church and business community to use their ``prestige and moral influence'' in averting an ``unprecedented'' power vacuum after the elections.
Interviewed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer after he spoke on dzBB radio about the need for a ``civilian solution'' to the possible failure of the first ever automated polls in the country, Angara said that all 23 senators could meet and elect a new Senate president before the polls even if Congress was in recess for the election campaign.
``We can convene under our internal rules,'' Angara said in a phone interview.
On radio, Angara said there have been jitters on the possible takeover of the military should a failure of election occur because the country could be facing an ``unprecedented'' and ``unusual'' political situation brought about by a vacuum in the political leadership after June 30.
He said the president, vice president, Senate president and Speaker of the House have been set to step down from power midnight of June 30 and thus, there would be no ``interim'' president that can preside should the May 10 polls end up a failure.
a
MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that ``civilian authority'' should move early to save the duly constituted government from a possible failure of the May 10 polls, Senator Edgardo Angara called for the election of a new Senate president among the senators serving until 2013.
He also sought for the Church and business community to use their ``prestige and moral influence'' in averting an ``unprecedented'' power vacuum after the elections.
Interviewed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer after he spoke on dzBB radio about the need for a ``civilian solution'' to the possible failure of the first ever automated polls in the country, Angara said that all 23 senators could meet and elect a new Senate president before the polls even if Congress was in recess for the election campaign.
``We can convene under our internal rules,'' Angara said in a phone interview.
On radio, Angara said there have been jitters on the possible takeover of the military should a failure of election occur because the country could be facing an ``unprecedented'' and ``unusual'' political situation brought about by a vacuum in the political leadership after June 30.
He said the president, vice president, Senate president and Speaker of the House have been set to step down from power midnight of June 30 and thus, there would be no ``interim'' president that can preside should the May 10 polls end up a failure.
Over 1/3 of towns, cities are poll hot spots–PNP
from The Philippine Daily Inquirer
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100322-260129/Over-13-of-towns-cities-are-poll-hot-spotsPNP
MANILA, Philippines—Over a third of the country’s towns and cities are election hot spots, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a report to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
As of February, 571 of the 1,634 towns and cities had seen some form of election-related violence, the PNP said in the report obtained by the Inquirer.
That early—three months before the May 10 elections—the figure had beaten the previous record set during the 2007 midterm elections when there were 307 election hot spots.
The report likewise noted the proliferation of private armies, now numbering 112, despite government efforts to neutralize them.
“For the latest, there are now a total of 571 cities and municipalities listed as EWAs [election watch-list areas] representing 34.94 percent of the total nationwide,” the police report said.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recorded the most number of violent incidents—all its 118 towns and cities reported election-related violence, the PNP said.
“It is not surprising the ARMM has a number of violent incidents already at this point of the election period. To note, the region has routinely registered high rates of election violence in past elections,” the report said.
Unlike in the past, the PNP this time included communist guerillas in its equation.
In the report, the PNP set two categories: Category 1 referring to areas that had seen election violence, and Category 2 for towns with communist insurgents.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100322-260129/Over-13-of-towns-cities-are-poll-hot-spotsPNP
MANILA, Philippines—Over a third of the country’s towns and cities are election hot spots, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a report to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
As of February, 571 of the 1,634 towns and cities had seen some form of election-related violence, the PNP said in the report obtained by the Inquirer.
That early—three months before the May 10 elections—the figure had beaten the previous record set during the 2007 midterm elections when there were 307 election hot spots.
The report likewise noted the proliferation of private armies, now numbering 112, despite government efforts to neutralize them.
“For the latest, there are now a total of 571 cities and municipalities listed as EWAs [election watch-list areas] representing 34.94 percent of the total nationwide,” the police report said.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recorded the most number of violent incidents—all its 118 towns and cities reported election-related violence, the PNP said.
“It is not surprising the ARMM has a number of violent incidents already at this point of the election period. To note, the region has routinely registered high rates of election violence in past elections,” the report said.
Unlike in the past, the PNP this time included communist guerillas in its equation.
In the report, the PNP set two categories: Category 1 referring to areas that had seen election violence, and Category 2 for towns with communist insurgents.
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