Erap tied with Villar in latest Pulse Asia poll

By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)
Link:http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=571135&publicationSubCategoryId=63


MANILA, Philippines - With elections less than two weeks away, the tandem of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard-bearer former President Joseph Estrada and running mate Jejomar Binay surged to the number two spot.

Results of Pulse Asia’s latest pre-election survey showed that Estrada and Nacionalista Party (NP) bet Sen. Manuel Villar are now tied at second place with 20 percent each.

Binay, showing strong improvement, also overtook NP bet Sen. Loren Legarda for second place (28 percent versus 20 percent).

Pulse Asia said Binay gained nine percentage points in electoral support while Legarda’s score dropped from 23 percent in March to 20 percent in a survey conducted from April 23 to 25.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III is still dominating the race with 39 percent or four in 10 Filipino voters showing preference for him. Aquino is leading by 19 points over Villar and Estrada.

Melo wants KBL prexy bet disqualified

by Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=554811&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines - If Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo would have his way, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) standard-bearer Vetellano Acosta would be disqualified for being a nuisance candidate.

“If the KBL will disown him, we will delist him. He doesn’t seem to be a serious candidate. Why waste the effort?” Melo told reporters on Tuesday at the sidelines of a poll automation hearing at the House of Representatives.

He was quick to point out, however, that he was only expressing his personal opinion on Acosta’s candidacy.

A KBL breakaway group headed by former congressman Vicente Millora nominated Acosta as its presidential candidate with broadcaster Jay Sonza as his running mate.

In a political rally, Sonza disowned Acosta, saying he is not serious in pursuing his candidacy.

Erap wins 1st case in Supreme Court

by Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) Jan 20, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542280&publicationSubCategoryId=63


MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday dismissed with finality a petition seeking the disqualification of former President Joseph Estrada from the presidential race in May.

During a full court session, the High Court denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, Inc. (VPCI) on the SC decision handed down on Dec. 8 last year.

Lawyer Eligio Mallari, who represents VPCI, filed the appeal arguing that the decision on its petition was “premature.”

SC spokesperson and deputy court administrator Jose Midas Marquez said, however, that the SC found no substantial argument or issue raised in the motion for reconsideration.

In the motion, Mallari argued that Estrada is barred by Article VII Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution from again seeking the presidency in the May 10 elections.

Digging one’s own grave

from Editorial (The Daily Tribune) Jan 18, 2010

http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20100118com1.html

A new tack taken by Liberal Party (LP) candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino to steer clear of debates is a clear proof of his lack of mettle to handle the rigors of the presidency.

What made it worse was Aquino’s quip that instead of engaging in debates, he would rather concentrate on “finding lapses in governance.”

The problem with this is the fact that the time these lapses in Gloria’s governance should have been pointed out would have been from the day she grabbed power. And there were many, but neither Noynoy nor his Liberal Party ever “concentrated” on her lapses, such as the Impsa $14 million kickback, even when documented evidence was presented. Did we hear even a pip from Noynoy or the LP when all these “lapses” were exposed?

What about her having bribed the congressmen not to have her impeached. Why then didn’t this arrogant and ignorant Noynoy not come forth to denounce her then?

Why should they? For one Noynoy wasn’t even seen by the LPs as even senatorial material, much less presidential material.

And he and the LPs were all too protective of her then, being her allies.

Show ability to lead nation, Palace tells Noynoy

by Marvin Sy (The Philippine Star) Jan 17, 2010 
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=541479&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang called on presidential aspirant Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to show his ability to lead the nation instead of waging a hate campaign against President Arroyo.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Aquino should engage in a positive campaign that highlights his own accomplishments rather than going after Mrs. Arroyo in what could be seen as a smear campaign.

“It would be better if he would just focus on his capability to lead, his track record and especially his platform of government,” Remonde said.

“In other words, people will appreciate him more if he will be more constructive rather than wage a campaign of hate against President Arroyo,” he added.

Aquino figured in a heated debate with his opponents in a recent televised debate when he declared his campaign would focus on the supposed administration lapses of Mrs. Arroyo.