Probe sought on 6 party-list groups

By Sheila Crisostomo With Jose Rodel Clapano (The Philippine Star)

Link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=558457&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was asked yesterday to investigate six party-list groups for alleged links to President Arroyo.

In a letter to Comelec Chairman Jose Melo, Kontra Daya said Agbiag Timpuyag Ilocano Inc. (Agbiag), Babae Para sa Kaunalaran (Babae Ka), Youth League for Peace Advancement (Lypad) and Kalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) would “bastardize” the party-list system if allowed to run on May 10.

In a memorandum dated Oct. 16, 2006, Malacañang’s Office of External Affairs said these party-list groups must be supported, the letter added.

Kontra Daya said Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak Maharlika (ADAM) was formed by Energy Undersecretary Zamsamin Ampatuan, while the Binigkis na Interes ng mga Drayber sa Adhikain Inc. (Bida) was founded by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino.

“We urge the Comelec to immediately conduct an investigation and a public hearing on the issues raised,” Kontra Daya said.

“This can serve as an initial step in correcting the abuses of the party-list system.”

The Comelec must be watchful over the possible endorsement of Ang Galing Pinoy (AGP) and 1-Utak whose nominees are Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo and Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Kontra Daya added.

JDV III: Protect counting machines

Gibo rating up

by Jester M. Manalastas (Journal)

Link: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/national/4955-gibo-rating-up-.html 

LAKAS-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro got an impressive rating of 24 percent in an independent survey conducted by the Campaign and Images on March 7.

Teodoro was the second choice among presidential bets by the 5,000 respondents surveyed nationwide.

His spokesman Mike Toledo said they are elated over the survey results.

“He is (at) double digit (percentage levels of preference) now. He will continue to surge. We believe the local machinery will provide another 10 to 15 percent,” Toledo said.

The survey, conducted on a larger survey sample three times more than the usual 1,500 individuals, asked the respondents who among the 10 presidential candidates do they think is capable of governing the presidency.

Sen. Manny Villar topped the survey with 31 percent followed by Teodoro, 24 percent, with Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and former President Joseph Estrada placing third and fourth at 20 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

De Venecia III elated by Magdalo endorsement

by Norman Bordadora (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100227-255605/De-Venecia-III-elated-by-Magdalo-endorsement

CANDON, ILOCOS SUR, Philippines—NBN-ZTE whistle-blower Jose De Venecia III said he was energized by the support of “reform-minded” groups from the Armed Forces in his senatorial candidacy.

De Venecia, who is running under deposed President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, said the endorsement of the Magdalo Group and the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan-Young Officers’ Union (RAM-YOU) had inspired him in his advocacy against corruption.

“Magdalo’s support has strengthened my resolve to bring my fight for clean government to the Senate, along with our advocacy to genuinely uplift the lives of the poorest of the poor,” De Venecia said.

Noynoy drops to 31% in survey

By Charlie V. Manalo (The Daily Tribune) Jan 19, 2010

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20100119hed5.html

Liberal Party standard bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino still leads in the surveys, but his numbers have dropped dramatically, with respondents now giving him only a 31 percent vote, in the latest survey conducted by The Center.

This was bared by Ed Malay, executive director of The Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center), following its non-commissioned nationwide survey on Jan. 5 to 12, 2010.

In the The Center’s latest survey, Noynoy paced Villar with 31 percent rating with the latter garnering 24 percent approval from the 1,200 respondents nationwide.

Administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro appeared to have gained the votes that Aquino lost, as he registered a two digit vote, at 10 percent.

Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s ranking and figures remained unchanged, at 19 percent of the vote.

Malay said that while technically, there are only five presidential bets who can be considered to be still in the race - Aquino, Villar, Estrada, Teodoro, and Sen. Richard Gordon, the ratings had hardly changed with the changes in the rankings from among the senatorial aspirants remaining hardly noticeable.

What may be seen as signifiant is that the sons of some of the previous political leaders of this country, according to Malay, are all in the thick of the senatorial race and prominent among them are Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona, son of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona; Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, son of the late Ferdinand Marcos; Rep. Rozzano Biazon, son of Sen. Rodolfo Biazon. Another son of a former leader in Congress, businessman Joey de Venecia, the son of former Speaker Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., is tied in 13th to 14th places.

Even political rivals admire Gibo"s qualities

from The Daily Tribune Jan 15, 2010

http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20100115met4.html

Even members of the political opposition are beginning to express admiration for the intelligence and leadership qualities of Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.

They did so at the birthday bash for Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay in Olongapo City over the weekend that was attended mostly by lawmakers who belonged to several rival political parties.

Magsaysay said Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozanno Rufino Biazon and Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III — both of the opposition Liberal Party — did not conceal their admiration for Teodoro when they spoke at the gathering.

“Both warmly greeted Secretary Teodoro when they met each other at my birthday party,” Magsaysay said.

“When they went up to the stage, both of them praised Gibo for his intelligence, leadership skill and integrity, the virtues he had consistently shown when he was a member of the House of Representatives,” the woman solon said in an interview.

Biazon and Guingona are on the LP senatorial slate of presidential candidate and Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino II.

Party stalwarts from the Lakas-Kampi-CMD and the other political parties as well as former Zambales Gov. Vicente Magsaysay, her father-in-law, warmly applauded the two lawmakers in an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie despite the coming May national elections
Although a gathering of rival politicians, the party was cordial with no visible political distinctions. “Secretary Teodoro was warmly received by all,” Rep. Magsaysay said.

The party guests included a number of senatorial candidates, among them Secretary Silvestre Bello III (Lakas-Kampi), reelectionist Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada (Partido ng Masang Pilipino), Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (Nacionalista Party), Jose “Joey” de Venecia III (PMP), Gwendolyn Pimentel (NP), Susan “Toots” Ople (NP), and Rep. Ompong Plaza. Also visible was former Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who is running for vice governor of Zambales.

Magsaysay observed that it is in Teodoro’s character not to engage in “mudslinging and spats with his political opponents,” the qualities that have endeared him even to his political rivals. “A stable political environment will bring much good to the country,” she added.

Teodoro, the 1989 Philippine Bar Examinations topnotcher, earlier vowed a leadership of healing and political conciliation should he win the presidential elections in May.

“My leadership will be those of the ‘paghihilom’ (healing) style as I believe friendship is more important than  politics,” he stressed.

“There will be no witchhunt against those who did not help in my campaign. Cooperation between all leaders, regardless of party-lines, will be the hallmark of my administration so that the greatest amount of reforms and benefits will be brought to our people,” Teodoro said.

He added it is important to build a broad-based unity among Filipino leaders and their followers, because a “leadership of hate will be very counterproductive.”

“Working together offers us the best chance to bring our country back on the path to development and progress,” Teodoro said.

Erap-Binay nakabuo na

ni Ray Marfil

from Abante Tonite

http://abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1210/news_story7.htm

Bagama’t namumuro ang mga guest candidate, ipinagmalaki ng tambalan nina dating Pangulong Joseph “Erap” Estrada at Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay ang pagkakumpleto ng 12-man senatorial ticket.
Sa isang press statement, inilabas ng Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) ang bumubuo ng 12 pangalan sa pagka-senador kung saan apat ang ‘inampon’ mula sa ibang kampo. Kahit nakaumang ang pagkadiskuwalipika sa presidential race, ipinagmalaki ni Estrada na magiging katuwang sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa at magpapanumbalik ng kapangyarihan sa masang Pilipino ang mga napili nitong senatoriables. Katulad ng inaasa­han, nanguna sa senatorial ticket ng PMP ang ori­ginal members ng partido, kinabibilangan nina Se­nate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate pro-tempore Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada Jr., businessman Joey De Venecia, Cong. Rodolfo ‘Ompong’ Plaza, Cong. Apolinario ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr., at ex-Cong. JV Bautista. Nasa senatorial ticket din nina Estrada at Binay si dating senador Francisco “Kit” Tatad na naunang nakasamaan ng loob ng dating Pangulo matapos kuwestyunin ang political dynasty, sa panahong magkasama ang mag-inang sina dating senadora Luisa “Dra. Loi” Ejercito at Jinggoy. Tumayong guest candidate sa PMP sina Sens. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., dating senador Sergio “Serge” Osmena III, General Danilo Lim at Atty. Gwendolyn Pimentel.