Noynoy Aquino's supporters talk with Danding Cojuangco---WHY?

When Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino went up the stage and accepted the nomination of the Liberal Party for him to become its standard bearer, he categorically stated that he'll run like a non-trapo. Meaning, he will not wheel deal, the same way trapos do come election time. He will not compromise the People's Agenda for change. He campaigns for principles and a non-trapo never goes to bed with former Marcos cronies or former grafters.

Yet, it's surprising why Noynoy right now is being seen confering with former president Joseph Estrada or allowing his supporters to talk with Danding Cojuangco. In fact, in that very same Inquirer article, Noynoy is quoted of having said that he expects talks with the Cojuangco camp to continue. Same expectation with that of Estrada's camps.

That I sincerely do not understand. If Noynoy is indeed strong, why compromise? If Noynoy and his Liberals have the numbers, then, why talk with cronies and businessmen with political ambitions? Is'nt enough for Noynoy to have a Mar Roxas y Araneta beside him? Why go to Danding and explore talks? Is Noynoy afraid of Chiz Escudero?

This is very dangerous. If Noynoy and his supporters behave this way, and at this early juncture, what kind of compromises did they enter themselves into? We simply don't know. What other compromises did they agree with Cojuangco or other political kingmakers whom they already met? And why do they need to talk to these people?

Are the people not enough for Noynoy to make him win?

Villar-de Castro, Erap-Binay, Chiz-Loren, Noynoy-Mar, Gibo-Puno

As what we wrote a couple of weeks (or months?) ago, Vice President Noli de Castro really intends to run for re-election under the Nacionalista Party of Senator Manny Villar. Choosing Pia Cayetano or Loren are just bogeys meant to confuse the enemy.

Choosing the right running mate is most critical for Villar because this might pull his ratings down OR help him improve it. Villar is running second to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino in the ratings game and I believe that, like Mar, his ratings have already plateau-ed. If Villar does not do anything to arrest the possible slide of his ratings, he will lose the game.

With De Castro, Villar could improve his ratings in the D class---but that is still uncertain because Erap's grassroots organizers are busy re-consolidating their forces. Erap is really busy campaigning and certainly, he'll run with Binay as his running mate.

Some sources however, say that Binay could actually end up not running AT ALL and just serve as Noynoy Aquino's campaign manager. Binay can still run for mayor of Makati or possibly given a Cabinet post should Noynoy win. It is most certain that Mar Roxas would run as Noynoy's running mate and this will be announced shortly after the Korina-Mar wedding.

(Speaking of Korina, this controversy involving her and RG cruz is not doing Mar any good. She and RG should just sit down and together resolve the problem. Don't involve management anymore since they're both guilty anyway. RG is wrong in not moderating his Facebook comments while Korina is wrong in using her influence to demand management to take a serious look on RG's after-office activities. Enuf said.)

If Binay does not run under UNO, that leaves Erap with no one. He certainly cannot get Loren off from the NPC since the Chiz Escudero-Loren Legarda tandem has already been arranged. However, this tandem is still OPEN to the possibility of merging with other "oppositionist" parties.

Akalamo farming, yun pala phishing: Villar gives Nokia phones to site recruits

There are limits to what you can do as a consultant for a political client. In my case, I don't have a problem with that simply because I don't accept political accounts. One common thread that governs both corporate and political accounts is one word---decency.

Yep, decency.

For example, do you know that the Akalamo.com site which is being handled by a group named Havoc, has just violated the law on decency? Yep. They're giving away Nokia phones for those who will register in their site and give their "akalamos".

Worst, it is basically a promotional contest meant to increase site traffic yet, there are NO DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) certification. Meaning, it is a contest which violates the law.
Technically, it is still not the formal political campaign period and Villar's lawyers would just shrug it off and say, we violated no provision of the Omnibus Election Code. Villar has not filed his certificate of candidacy and technically, giving Nokia phones is simply NOT pre-election campaigning.

Akalamo is giving Nokia 7100 supernova model for those who will (1) register as members in the site (2) giving away their personal details and avatars and (3) recruiting two more members (read this link). Is that phishing? Yep, modified lang.

What's disturbing is the fact that everybody knows this is the period of grassroots organizing and though this promotions at the AKALAMO site is technically NOT pre-election campaigning and hence, does not fall under the category of VOTE BUYING, still it is also a phishing campaign meant to bolster the ranks of young voters for Villar.

Ano ba naman po, Mr. Senator. We are corrupting our young people. Of course, you'll say its simply not vote buying, pero sir, ganon na din po lumalabas yun. I suggest you re-think your strategy and try to come up with different ways on how to attract supporters the clean way.

Otherwise, nakakatakot isipin na at this point in the game, hindi na kayo malinis maglaro. Pano pa kung maging pangulo na po kayo?



Akalamo me fair game, yun pala hindi. Promoters of the site have lots of explaining to do.

Chiz Escudero as NPC Standard Bearer

A source says that the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the front political party of businessman Danding Cojuangco is preparing for the official pronouncement of Senator Chiz Escudero as their official standard bearer for the 2010 Presidential polls. Senator Loren Legarda, as the source says, has agreed to be Chiz' running mate. The official pronouncement will be held either on or after the October 10 birthday bash of Chiz.

If this is true, then, Chiz will be the youngest presidential candidate at 40 years old. The second youngest is Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, followed by either Loren or Mar Roxas.

There are also ongoing talks between the NPC and the camp of former president Joseph Estrada. A possible merger of both parties is in the works, yet, most supporters of the former president, says the source, are against the formal coalition. Erap is expected to announce his candidacy for the presidency in late September, ahead of the possible party convention in October. Erap's possible running mate is either Jejomar Binay or a "kicker" candidate whom the source refused to identify.

The source says Chiz' consistent showings at the Top 5 choice for the presidential position is the reason why many of NPC's stalwarts prefer him as their standard bearer. Another reason was the full backing and support given by traditional politico Luis Villafuerte, the kababayan of Chiz Escudero. Villafuerte, the source says, is eyeing the DILG post under an Escudero presidency.

Villafuerte is a powerhouse political player in Bicol, a vote rich region. He was an original Lakas CMD member before he crossed the fence and joined Danding. Villafuerte, the source says, is Danding's political operator. Talks are rife that Lakas-KAMPI is fast losing ground support due to Villafuerte's efforts.

Legarda failed to get the backing of Villafuerte, who is a close friend of Chiz's father, a former Congressman and Marcos crony.

Why groups are talking about 2010 this early

ABS-CBN anchor Korina Sanchez and a Catholic cardinal commented that it's too early to talk about the 2010 Presidential elections. Unknown to Korina, 2008 is the best time to talk about this. Why? Three things.

First, talks about 2010 is an indirect attempt at dissuading Arroyo and her underlings in their cha-cha campaign. These are subtle campaigns to condition the minds of Arroyo and her lapdogs that they should discontinue their dastardly plan of changing the charter now. Otherwise, they would court widespread public protests.

Second, these are attempts at persuading perennial destabilizers not to lose hope for a civilian-backed government. Surveys upon surveys have noted a sharp rise of the number of Filipinos supporting a coup against Arroyo. Elites disdain revolutions. A coup cum revolution which would disrupt and change the present power structure would run against elite interests.

Lastly, 2008 is a preparatory year for serious contenders. Political operators know that 2009 is already late for those who seriously want to win in 2010. This year, political parties know that this is the year for them to establish their mass bases so to speak and know the areas where they have weaknesses or strengths.