Ban Namfrel

from FRONTLINE by Ninez Cacho-Olivares (The Daily Tribune)
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20100123com2.html

National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has been asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to be officially accredited as a poll watchdog for it to engage in a manual audit of the results of the automated polls.

Its former ally, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting headed by Ambassador Henrietta de Villa has officially posted its objections to Comelec on the accredition of Namfrel, on grounds that the task Namfrel seeks is a duplication of the PPCRV’s tasks.

Apparently, there is “bad blood” flowing between the two organizations.

Not too long ago, the Namfrel made De Villa its chairman but all to suddenly, she was out of Namfrel and just as suddenly, Joey Cuisia was named chairman to replace her.

Reports said that Namfrel officials asked De Villa to resign, with sources saying that they were getting uncomfortable with her as chairman, citing as reason, her close ties with the Comelec.

Yet they don’t seem to be uncomfortable with Cuisia as Namfrel chairman, despite the fact that Cuisia’s partisanship is much too evident. It became even more evident when a La Salle Alabang presidential forum, organized by Cuisia’s wife, Vicky, deliberately excluded Erap Estrada from the forum.

Figures that matter

from Editorial (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Jan 23, 2010
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20100122-248912/Figures-that-matter

MANILA, Philippines--Perhaps stung by the continuing plunge in President Macapagal-Arroyo’s public approval rating or, more likely, to give a boost to administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro’s foundering campaign for the presidency, the administration has flooded the mass media with ads touting its major accomplishments, particularly in the economic arena. The ads pointedly compare the achievements of the Arroyo administration with those of her three immediate predecessors—Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada—and unabashedly claim that Filipinos now enjoy “better lives.”

By themselves, the figures look impressive: more roads built, more jobs created, more barangays electrified, more classrooms built and textbooks distributed, even more cell phones sold to consumers. But they don’t provide a complete picture of where Filipinos are today. These ads either omit some key data or present other statistics in a way that would make the administration look better. For instance, the ads point out that average growth in the Gross Domestic Product from 2001 to 2008 averaged 4.86 percent, higher than the 3.3 percent growth under Aquino, 3.6 percent under Ramos and 4.7 percent under Estrada. But why was the dismal 0.7 percent GDP growth in 2009 left out in computing the average? Because 2009 was an abnormal year, since the world was in recession? But the Ramos years also saw the Asian financial crisis of 1997 gutting the Philippine economy, so why was that period not taken out in computing the average GDP growth during the Ramos administration? One reason for leaving out last year’s GDP growth was that its inclusion would have shrunk the yearly average to 4.3 percent, way below the 4.7 percent growth during Estrada’s two years in office.

Governors in Mindanao, Visayas unite to support Gibo

by Jefferson Antiporda (The Manila Times) Jan 23, 2010
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/10143-governors-in-mindanao-visayas-unite-to-support-gibo

GOVERNORS from the vote-rich provinces in Visayas and Mindanao have banded together in a bid to boost the candidacy of Lakas-Kampi CMD presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.

Eight governors headed by Gov. Migz Dominguez of Sarangani, also the administration coalition party president, have signed a manifesto vowing to work for the victory of Teodoro. The other governors are Gwen Garcia, Cebu; Sally Perez, Antique; Felipe Nava, Guimaras, Carlito Marquez, Aklan; Orlando Fua, Siquijor; Ben Evardone, Eastern Samar; Isidro Sayco, Negros Occidental and Eric Aumentado, Bohol.

The governors said they believe that Teodoro, with his intelligence, capability and skills, can make the country the best not only in Asia but also in world.

Thinking alike, they said their commitment is more important than any surveys results because they can transform their support into votes come election time.

They were referring to the recent survey results wherein Teodoro’s rating came out lower than that of the other presidential candidates.

Domingo said the surveys in many cases are misleading because the results favor the candidate that allegedly pay for them. He added that they have been pledging their support for Teodoro even before the latter was included in surveys.

Gov. Bong Carreon of Southern Leyte the governors and other local officials are like the ground generals in the campaign as they are the ones who will be working to help deliver the votes that will ensure Teodoro’s win in the presidential race.

Asked if their respective constituents would heed their call to pick Teodoro, Carreon said they are the incumbent local officials because the people trust them.

Dominguez averred, saying that loyalty and trust are part of Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s core values and vision. “We are willing to demonstrate [our loyalty] come hell or high water,” he said.

He stressed, “During our recently concluded executive committee meeting, we tabbed up all our controlled areas, and were pleased to find that 70 percent of the electoral positions up for grabs in the May 2010 elections are readily winnable by our party mates.”

Aumentado, for his part, said that 80 percent to 90 percent of the officials seeking a new term in office in their province are members of Lakas.

Noynoy trails Gibo in mock poll

from Sun Star Cebu, Jan 23, 2010
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/noynoy-trails-gibo-mock-poll
 

FORMER defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. won nearly half of all the votes in a mock election conducted during a presidential aspirants’ forum hosted yesterday by leaders of Cebu’s influential business community.

In marked contrast to his survey ratings so far, Teodoro of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD won 456 of 960 votes (about 47.5 percent). He led by 160 votes over Liberal Party candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who gained 296 votes.

The four other presidential aspirants present each won fewer than 90 votes, or less than 10 percent of the mock election’s participants. They are Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar (88), Sen. Richard Gordon (45), evangelist Eddie Villanueva (29) and former president Joseph Estrada (19). Two voted for Nicanor Perlas, who was not in the forum.

Apparently, a handful of voters remained undecided.

Students from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business conducted the mock election from 3:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m. They collected majority of the votes while the candidates were onstage answering questions during the “Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables” forum held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

GMA allies nagparamdam na kay Erap

by Bernard Taguinod (Abante-Tonite) Jan 23, 2010
http://abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2310/news_story7.htm

Ilang oras lamang matapos payagan ng Commission on Elections (Co­melec) na makatakbo sa presidential election si dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada, nagsimula nang magparamdam sa Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) ang mga natitirang kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ito ang kinumpirma ng isang kaalyado ni Estrada sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso na hindi na nagpabanggit ng pangalan kapalit ng impormasyong ito

“Pagkatapos payagan ng Comelec si Erap na tumakbo, nabuhayan ng loob ‘yung karamihan sa admi­nistration bloc na nagdadalawang isip na bumalik kay Erap. Nagtatawagan na sila ngayon,” pahayag ng mambabatas.

Nauna rito, ang ilang kaalyado ni Arroyo, hindi lamang sa Kamara ay lumipat na sa Nacionalista Party (NP) at Liberal Party (LP) habang ang natitira ay si Estrada umano ang gustong suportahan sa darating na halalan.

Hindi naman nagtaka si Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza kung maraming kaalyado ni Arroyo ang nais suportahan si Estrada dahil sa kanilang mga eksperyensa umano sa pag-iikot sa bansa, matindi pa rin umano ang hatak ng dating Pangulo sa taumbayan.

Binay hits Palace for canceling LRT-Cavite project

from The Daily Tribune Jan 23, 2010

http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20100123met2.html

United Opposition (UNO) vice presidential candidate and Makati Mayor Jojo Binay yesterday said Malacañang’s decision to scrap a major rail project in Cavite is President Arroyo’s way of punishing local officials who have turned opposition.

“Clearly, it is an example of vindictive politics. But in punishing local officials, it is the people of Cavite who get hurt,” Binay said in explaining the repercussion of the abrupt cancellation of the project to extend the Light Rail Transit line to the province with a population of two million.

“Malacañang’s rule has always been for progress to take a backseat to politics. All projects are reviewed through the prism of politics. Hence, projects by Arroyo favorites get fast-tracked while the projects of those who oppose her get derailed,” he said.

Binay added the scuttling of the proposed 11.7- kilometer LRT line from Baclaran to Bacoor City in Cavite “on the petty reason that Gov. Ayong Maliksi is not with the administration is the kind of political retaliation that has been the trademark of the Arroyo regime.”

Lyceum mock poll shows Gordon most capable

by David Cagahastian (Manila Bulletin)
http://mb.com.ph/articles/239817/lyceum-mock-poll-shows-gordon-most-capable

Senator Richard Gordon, standard-bearer of the Bagumbayan party, is the most capable among presidential aspirants in the 2010 elections, a poll from the Lyceum of the Philippines showed.

Gordon received the highest number of votes during a mock election that followed the Lyceum Presidential Forum last Wednesday which was attended by students from different universities, foreign diplomats and business leaders.

Gordon received 59 votes, followed by Gilbert Teodoro (23), Sen. Benigno Aquino III (20), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (17), Nicanor Perlas (10), Former President Joseph Estrada (9), Sen. Manny Villar (7), and Olongapo Councilor JC Delos Reyes (2).

MALACAÑANG says: ‘Noynoy’s no tax vow is empty promise’

By Aytch S. de la Cruz (The Daily Tribune) Jan 23, 2010
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20100123hed1.html 
 

Look at his eyes instead of reading his lips. Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino will raise taxes, if he gets to Malacañang.

The Palace yesterday scored the Liberal Party presidential candidate over his vow made before businessmen at the Makati Business Club forum on the presidential candidates that he will not be imposing new taxes nor increase tax rates.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar yesterday intimated that which Aquino had pledged about not introducing new taxes nor increasing the tax rates are empty promises, as well as insinuate that one of the first things Aquino will be doing is to raise taxes, to fill up the deficit which is expected to run to some P270 to P300 billion next year.

Olivar pointed out that Aquino had aped former President George H. Bush who said during his acceptance of the Republican nomination for the presidency: “Read my lips. No new taxes,” as a way of courting more votes.

While Bush won his election and became president, Bush raised taxes in a bid to curb the  budget deficit.

43,000 flying voters found in ARMM, Calabarzon

by Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star) Jan 23, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=543079&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines - The automated election system that will be implemented in the May 2010 presidential elections has not stopped flying voters and multiple registrants.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday reported the discovery of 43,000 multiple registrants despite having computerized the voters’ list.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the poll body found 43,000 voters from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (Calabarzon) area who have intentionally registered twice or even thrice.

“If you will look at the pictures, some just changed their hairstyles or used different clothes while some made themselves look a little older. So I think the double or triple registrations were done deliberately,” Sarmiento pointed out.

He said the poll body identified the multiple registrants through the use of data capturing machines or biometrics, which store the voters’ thumbprints, signatures and pictures.

Estrada gets laughs, Teodoro, the ladies

by Connie E. Fernandez (The Daily Inquirer - Cebu Daily News) Jan 23, 2010

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100123-248928/Estrada-gets-laughs-Teodoro-the-ladies

CEBU CITY— Deposed President Joseph Estrada elicited the most laughs. Sen. Benigno Aquino III surprised with his eloquence. Senators Manuel Villar and Richard Gordon trumpeted their track records. Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro drew the most cheers from the women. And evangelist Eddie Villanueva said he was not beholden to anyone.

This was how six presidential candidates performed at a presidential forum, “Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables,” held Friday at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City.

The candidates tried to get on the good side of the Cebuanos, praising them for their fearlessness and entrepreneurial skills.

The Cebuanos responded with applause ranging from enthusiastic to polite.

Estrada elicited the most laughter when he asked moderator Bunny Pages that his “jingle” should not be taken out of his 3 minutes.

Estrada used up 1 minute and 30 seconds greeting the organizers and the sponsors. By the time he got around to answering the question, “Why should Cebuanos vote for you,” he had only 9 seconds left.

The presidency - can Gibo make it?

from Opinion by Butch Del Castillo /Omerta (Business Mirror)http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/21211-the-presidencycan-gibo-make-it.html

Like campfire kindling that takes time to put ablaze on a cold and damp night, the Gilbert Teodoro-for-president movement is beginning to crackle. At least that’s what I hear more and more ordinary people are saying—never mind the self-serving claims of his campaign staff and political allies.

Can it be true that “Gibo,” despite his underdog—nay, dismal—showing in early popularity surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia, is the candidate who would, in the end, consign the presidential aspiration of his first cousin, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to the ash-heap of history? With three-and-a-half months left in the current campaign until Election Day, I say this is no longer a far-fetched notion.

I’m sure I’m not dreaming, and I’m not saying Teodoro will get my vote, but a groundswell of support for Gibo—at least in Metro Manila where the so-called intelligent vote may be found—seems to have sprung lately.

People who didn’t otherwise know a thing about this “bright, tall and handsome” young man before the election season began now seem totally enamored of him and absolutely sure he’s the only man who could lead the nation to the promised land. But fanatics are like that, you might say. Villar, Erap and Dick have their own “armies” of rabid supporters that are willing to brave the extra mile for their leader, so what else is new?

Afraid of Erap

from FRONTLINE by Ninez Cacho-Olivarez (The Daily Tribune)
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20100122com2.html

It beats me why the civil socialites and their presidential candidate continue to stress that Erap Estrada’s being cleared by the poll body for his second presidential run is still not final, as this issue would still be elevated to the high court. At the same time, two political groups keep on spreading the rumor that Estrada is ready to withdraw from the race to endorse their candidates.

Fidel Ramos, commenting on Estrada being cleared by the poll body to run for the presidency, said Erap should hold the bubbly, since this is still a long process, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision can be overturned by the high court. So what is it to him?

Former Comelec chairman Christian Monsod quickly claimed that the Comelec erred in not disqualifying Estrada, as the constitutional ban against a reelection of a president is clear. Monsod is not the Comelec, nor the SC. He had his day in the Comelec, so why come up with his view?

But both are known to be anti-Estrada and supporting a different presidential candidate.

From victor to victim

from CTALK by Cito Beltran (The Philippine Star) Jan 22, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542790&publicationSubCategoryId=64

How fickle a man’s fortunes can be.

Not very long ago, Manny Villar was enjoying the momentary glory of being one of the top two contenders for the 2010 Presidential elections.

Within a week’s time however, Villar finds himself turned from Victor to Victim, thanks to what his people call “mga nag Hudas” or traitors. If last weeks’ glory had to do with surveys, this week’s torture apparently also has to do with surveys.

I am told that this week is suppose to be another “survey week” where a major survey company will be going through town to rate the Presidential candidates and would be senators.

The irony is that, the survey week has become public knowledge instead of confidential information. So all those being surveyed are now giving special performances for media consumption to improve their ratings or destroy someone else’s reputation and ratings.

I’m certain that the intensity of media hype and propaganda from all the candidates and political  parties would register on a Richter scale. Unfortunately most of the news and public affairs issues are merely acoustic fire but void of any real substance or truth.

Erap: LP, NP bets must face music

Noynoy, Manny owe it to the people to tell the truth’

from The Daily Tribune

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20100122hed1.html

 

Former President Joseph Estrada weighed in on the dual controversies hounding both Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and Nacionalista Party (NP) standard bearer Sen. Manuel Villar, advising both bets to face the charges frontally and answer the respective charges leveled against them.

Both presidential contenders have refused to answer the allegations of conflict of interest and overpricing of their properties in rights of way payments.

Villar stands accused of having committed an “unethical conduct as a senator of the Republic and has, by committing such violations, damaged the integrity of the Senate as an institution.”

The Senate committee of the whole (ScoW) resolution, signed by 12 senators which now enables the resolution to be deliberatedon and voted upon in plenary, also said that in the interest of fairness, public accountability and furtherance of the principle that public office is a public trust, the committee also recommended that the Senate “demand the return and restitution by Villar to the public coffers such amount of money or pecuniary advantage he has or his companies have illegally gained or obtained as a result of unlawful acts and improper and unethical conduct.”

The quoted figure was P6.22 billion as the amount to be returned by Villar and his companies.

Binay says nothing to celebrate about EDSA II

from Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542832&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MANILA, Philippines - There is nothing to celebrate about the so-called EDSA II that ousted former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay asserted yesterday.

Binay, Estrada’s vice presidential candidate under the United Opposition (UNO), lamented the country ended up worse when President Arroyo took over the presidency in the aftermath of EDSA II.

He said Mrs. Arroyo’s leadership following EDSA II only led to nine long years of plunder, wanton violations of human rights and widespread hunger and poverty.

“The country is far worse off today than it was when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo grabbed power nine years ago. Any government claim of economic growth since January 20, 2001 could be dismissed with a simple question: Are you better off today than you were nine years ago?” Binay said.

Binay maintained Estrada was illegally removed from office.

He said he has no regrets, even if he was vilified by EDSA II supporters in the early years of the Arroyo administration.

“I do not regret sticking to my principles and my belief that the Constitution needs to be upheld at all times, even if at that time it was an unpopular position to take. Love for the Constitution means never having to say you’re sorry,” Binay said.

He said that disregard for the Constitution was the reason why Mrs. Arroyo, when she came to power, “treated democratic institutions badly.”

He said it would be appropriate to call EDSA People Power 2 as “Plunder Power of the 2.”

“Under their rule, scams have become so frequent that one begins to get the impression that pulling them off is part of the job description of the President. What we have here are 33 consecutive quarters of economic growth, a claim that is doubtful, accompanied by 33 consecutive quarters of stealing, which, without doubt, happened,” Binay said. – Jose Rodel Clapano

Presidential debates matter

from Filipino World View by Roberto P. Romulo (The Philippine Star) Jan 22, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542667&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Public and media reaction to the Presidential Policy Forum organized by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation at AIM last Jan. 14 has run the gamut from enthusiastic (how exciting to see the presidential candidates facing-off with one another), to supportive (how good of the Romulo Foundation and ANC to stage the event), to interesting (how revealing that Villar will visit Saudi Arabia first if elected), to disappointed (what a pity that Noynoy Aquino and Erap Estrada did not show up). Others criticized the question panel for not asking substantive questions.

I should also mention that there were some who said the forum was irrelevant and useless because the masses of voters (classes CDE) do not care about seeing the candidates debate.

If this were true, it would mean that the Filipino electorate does not care about the current campaign. Yet key indicators – survey responses, TV viewership and public comments – are telling us otherwise. Our people are keenly discussing the progress of the campaign and what the leading candidates are doing. Without a doubt voter turnout will be high in May.

I think this idea of voter indifference to debates is coming mainly from the camps of Noynoy and Erap who got roasted in the media and coffee shops for their non-appearance in the policy forum. Some said they were scared by the prospect of being questioned by experts on policy issues. Others commented that both can only function with prepared scripts. And most thought Noynoy is trying to sit on his lead in the surveys, afraid to take any risks in a face-off against presidential rivals.

Teodoro 'Best Bet' -- La Salle brother

BY JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA Reporter 

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/10059-teodoro-best-bet-la-salle-brother

An eminent Lasallian educator advised Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. to focus his campaign on winning over young voters as he endorsed him as the best candidate for president.

In a letter addressed to Teodoro, Brother Rolando Dizon, said, “As I see and hear your name, I am increasingly convinced that you really are the best candidate for president.” Dizon is the former president of the De La Salle University system who retired late last year after being diagnosed with cancer.

Teodoro, an alumnus of De La Salle University, is the presidential candidate of the Lakas-Kampi CMD. After finishing pre-law at DLSU-Manila, he went on to law school at the University of the Philippines and later to Harvard University.

The letter to Teodoro was effusive with praise, said a statement from Lakas-Kampi on Wednesday. It added, “Dizon commended the 1989 Bar topnotcher’s moral uprightness and competence to lead the Philippines out of the present dire straits the nation is in.”

Dizon’s letter was read Friday night by Teodoro’s high school classmate, Ernest Maceda, at the Manila Polo Club during a gathering of former De La Salle and Xavier School classmates, businessmen and supporters. Teodoro is also a member of Xavier Class of 1981.

Amusing political jingles

from Opinion by Nestor Mata (Malaya) Jan 21, 2010
http://www.malaya.com.ph/01212010/edmata.html

I HAVE been listening with fascination to the political campaign jingles of such leading would-be presidents like Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar.

Compared to that of Aquino’s jingle, I find that of Villar’s with such light-hearted tones that’s, oh, so musically pleasant one can easily sing along with those young boys and girls singing the song of Villar.

Indeed, if one with a musical ear were to listen to the song of Villar, one gets the impression that there’s a lot going on between the lyrical lines. Read on for a closer look.

" Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura? /

Nag-Pasko ka na ba sa gitna ng kalsada?/

Yan ang tanong naming,/ Tunay ka bang isa sa amin?

These lines tell you of Manny Villar’s roots in the slums of Tondo, where the poor and the destitute and the impoverished live. He spent most of his early life on the streets of Tondo. He’s the only presidential candidate that truly came from the ranks of the poor. The others can only claim to be pro-poor, but they’ve never lived it.

Senator Aquino’s dilemma

from Counterpoint by Alvin Capino (Manila Standard Today)
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideOpinion.htm?f=2010/january/20/alvincapino.isx&d=2010/january/20

Contract splitting is illegal because it is so prone to corruption, not to mention poor quality of work. It is thus puzzling that some Eastern Samar politicians have tried to do one for the province’s P500-million road project.

Estehanons have long clamored for a new road that will replace the dilapidated 20-km highway that traverses the Wright-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan part of the Pan Philippine national highway.

They were happy when no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself made a commitment to the people of Eastern Samar to provide the funds for the new concrete highway.

However, it seems that some Eastern Samar politicians have seen a lucrative opportunity in the implementation of the project. In what appears as a classic case of contract splitting, the contract for the P500-million highway which covers the national road from Wright to Guiuan, which should be just one road project, has been chopped into 12 packages or subcontracts.

What started as one P500-million road project in the proposed DPWH budget plan submitted to Congress last years ended up—reportedly because of some arm-twisting by a legislator—into a dozen components even if these covered interconnected sections of the national highway.

Gibo Teodoro

from Virtual Reality by Tony Lopez (The Manila Times)
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/10029-gibo-teodoro

On Tuesday night, I was invited to a fund-raising dinner for Lakas-Kampi CMD presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro at the Manila Polo Club, the Makati dining hall and playground of the rich and famous. I was impressed. I couldn’t find a parking slot. Every available parking space was occupied by a late model limo or SUV. The affair was set at 6 p.m. I arrived at 7 p.m. Gibo showed up at 8 p.m. to the thunderous applause of the SRO crowd of more than 1,000 people.

Gibo came with his beauteous wife Nikki, 10-year-old son Jaime and mother Mercedes Cojuangco Teodoro. If Gibo trails behind three presidential candidates—Noynoy Aquino with 45 percent of the vote (per surveys), Manny Villar with 35 percent, and Joseph Estrada with 15 percent, you wouldn’t have noticed it.

Sporting a light green shirt, denim pants and brown loafers, Gibo had the look and confidence of a winner. He went to every table pumping hands and posing for photographs.

Then he delivered a brief but meaningful speech. “We have already won,” he declared to the wild applause of the audience.