Ed Malay, the lead of this survey group called " The Center" issued another PR-laden article---six re-electionist Senators are sure winners in next year's elections. And the lucky six are: Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla Jr.
Okey, so expect two brilliant lawyers, an environmentalist, a former presidential son, and two moviestars again at the Senate. And you know what? I think Ed Malay, even without basing it from a survey, is correct in this one.
I read a confidential report, a study on how Filipinos vote. Two of the top four values Filipinos want their candidates to have are: First, a clean record of public service and second, someone who "delivers", meaning, a candidate who actually extends a helping hand to the poor. This may mean even the most self-serving "medical mission" or a "bike rally cum donations rally" but these schemes work---all the time.
This shows that despite hours and hours of voter education, and hours and hours of trying to raise the level of "nationalism" and the necessity for electing "new faces, new names" in the next elections, the results would still be depressing---two aged lawyers, an environmentalist aligned with the biggest real estate magnate and three moviestars---would still be occupying the six top Senatorial slots.
So, now, all "new faces" would have to contest the remaining six slots. And their chances are pretty, pretty slim since familiar names want their political comebacks come 2010: Frank Drilon (former Senate president and now running under the Liberal party), Serge Osmena III (even as an independent, his name still rings a bell), Ralph Recto (even if you hate him because of the VAT issue, his name still registers strong in surveys), Tito Sotto III (voters already forgot the drugs issue and how he stabbed Erap in the back and made the big jump to the Arroyo camp).
So, these four familiar names enjoy a stable political stock. And in an automated elections, where complicity favors the old, traditional political brand names, newer names in politics stand a losing chance in this forth-coming elections.
There are only at least five new names that seemed very strong not just in surveys but also, basing on my inquiries with grass-roots organizers, are:
1. Teofisto Guingona III or "TG"---the political scion of the Guingona clan.
2. Bongbong Marcos--despite the "Marcos" tag, Bongbong's name resonates very, very well with older and intelligent voters.
3. Susan "Toots" Ople---getting lots and lots of support from the ground due to organizing work and online campaigns.
4. General Danny Lim---every one seemed convinced of his drawing and electoral power.
5. Apolinario "Jun" Lozada---very strong in both the Luzon and the Visayas.
These five names, I believe, with fight it out in the end game. Whoever has the longer strand of hair (:-) will survive the hair-pulling event in the stretch.
Yet, there's a catch---since we don't have a very credible electoral body in the name of the Comolect, err, Comelec, we may yet see at least two more administration names there in the final winning Comolect senatorial list. That would mean violence.
I am very happy that fresh faces in politics, like Susan Ople, are already gaining strength in the grassroots level. I especially appreciate that aside from being new to the political arena, she already has helped a lot of OFWs with her NGO. I just hope more people would realize this and include her in the ballot.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, if we keep on complaining about the government we currently have, we must be doing something wrong. Let's not elect the same old people. Let's inject new blood into an institution that really needs it.
The OFW's and their families need the representation of a Senator at the 15th Congress.
ReplyDeleteOne who says something and do it, in or out of the plenary hall and in public and not use your parliamentary immunity when there is a strong public clamor to press for the TRUTH.
We need a "DOER" not a "TALKER" who stands on issues affecting us,our country and our people, unmindful of the public and international community perception, as long as it represents our rights, interest and welfare as Filipinos. Yes, your Honor, we need a PATRIOT.
So many Committees in the past and present Congress have been formed, some special ones, to address pressing issues of the "economic saviours" that you have for the last 30 years-
ALL, if not one, just failed our expectations, except for RA 8042 of 1995, which was haphazardly enacted to appease the growing restlessness of your citizens in self-exile status during the Malaga-Contemplacion case in Singapore.
Susan "Toots" Ople, like her father, is an icon to the Overseas Filipinos, there is no doubt about that.
We can do away with actors and actresses in the Senate, those whose words are valued like the "dinar" that we can't even hear at the distance and those nearing the twilight period> time to push "new blood" for the Senate and inject a new economic direction of this country which have been lagging behind its Asean neighbors.
We challenge all elected Senators of the 15th Congress to do away with your pork barrel fund to the tune of estimated P200M per annum>, a perfect attendance,less travel overseas and more of doable and implementable laws that will address the socio-economic conditions of our people.
We need servant leaders in the Senate able to practice transparency, accountability and ethical leadership at all times- and this is not too much to ask all of you.
Your constitutional mandate is to serve the country above all other interest.
Redeem this august body worthy of its name> meanwhile, will go for Toots Ople, the only thing we got now to represent our interest.
Well, lets just see the real winner at the end of the election. I'm just hope for a clean and safe election this 2010. And who ever wins as the race for presidency, I wish he/she can change our country from its current state.
ReplyDelete-pia-
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