Threats against the Aquino administration much bigger today than 4 years ago

The possibility of President Benigno S. Aquino III getting his first taste of a coup looms much bigger today than in the first four years of his administration, a source told this writer yesterday.

In a private huddle this weekend, a source says that if Aquino falls due to a coup, it is because of his own doing. He says Aquino has distanced himself from various groups which have worked hard for his election in 2010.

These groups, most of them composed of well-meaning individuals who did not seek any appointive posts from Aquino, enjoy a high reputation among middle forces.

Since the DAP issue broke out, many of the conscience block of the Aquino administration asked for the president's explanation but was repulsed, allegedly by the President himself. Another group, those close to the family especially to the Presidential sisters and some members of the partylist group Akbayan were likewise given the bum steer reportedly by the President.

According to some people, people behind Hyatt 10 and those close to LP Mar Roxas were responsible for the indignant stance of the President. One of the Hyatt 10 members, reportedly Butch Abad was the one who reportedly told the President to "stick to the group" for fears of getting a backlash reportedly from the stated enemies of the administration (read: " pro-Arroyo" group).

Now, it seems that the President has been "besieged" by LP and other people closely allied with Mar Roxas (read: LP). Presidential adviser Ronald Llamas, a member of Akbayan, and Vicente Emano, a member of the Black and White Movement are reportedly already working for the Mar Roxas group.

A source says the President is now "with blinders". She did not elaborate.

With the conscience block already neutralized, the Hyatt 10 and the Mar Roxas group are now struggling very hard to neutralize officials close to the Vice President. However, one of them, Executive secretary Paquito Ochoa continues to enjoy tremendous trust of the President inspite of his being a member of the Panay block. (Remember that there are four blocks in the palace surrounding the President: Balai of Mar Roxas composed of LP, Black and White Movement, Akbayan and Hyatt 10 members, Panay composed of close associates of the Aquino family who supported Binay as vice presidential candidate, Panfilo Lacson block and Chiz Escudero/Sergio Osmena block. Osmena has since distanced himself from the palace, leaving Escudero's group behind.

Many of those within the conscience block are close to idealistic soldiers and former officials of the AFP. It is said that some of them are moving against the administration.

Another group, composed of retired and junior officers who oppose the Bangsamoro Basic Law, is likewise a serious threat to the survival of the Aquino administration.

Liberal Party fears Losing Power

When Pnoy won the presidential elections, many thought that the Liberal Party would be the party to beat come 2016. Mar Roxas, whose presidential and even vice presidential ambitions crumbled when mayor Jejomar Binay won the people's vote, had an epiphany--he thought he had six years to work for his ambition.

Four years later, and inspite of what his team is doing, Roxas remains at the bottom rung of practically all surveys. What is most evident is that when the people decide on something or when the people reject someone, that decision stays practically the same for years.

What is going against Roxas is that his performance as Dilg secretary is far from ideal, his pre election campaign team is totally inefficient and worse, he is perceived now as part of a Losing Proposition.frankly, Roxas has no where to go but out.

Credit that to a long standing perception that Roxas remains and continues to be a losing bet. Worse, several people have floated ideas of other possible heirs to the a Palace throne, most of them political allies of the President. Seems like he continues to be the odd man out, and this perception if not corrected, will remain stuck in the public consciousness possibly even until 2016. As several LP members say, time to jump out while the ship remains afloat.

It would definitely take a miracle to get Roxas out of this lingering perception. And the LP knows it.

That's why several members of the. Aquino cabinet want an extension, an additional few years to further convince and ram into our throats the possibility of a Roxas presidency.

What these people do not know is this---Roxas would soon reveal a shocking thing to them very soon. This revelation will definitely shock the very foundations of the LP whose members are concerned about losing power come 2016.

Exodus of Liberal party members on! Major party splitting

Several members of the Liberal party, and that includes a group of veteran politicians from Luzon and the Visayas are planning to bolt from their party. Reason---they disagree with the things happening within their party which they say, threaten their own political survival.

Consider the very words of their presidential candidate Mar Roxas--their bet wants nothing more than extend the very term of President Aquino. Mar Roxas' wish is both cryptic and borders on the illegal. Cryptic because it seems that Roxas himself is throwing in the towel and is admitting before the public that he is not the guy worthy enough to replace Pnoy. And second, everyone knows that the term extension of the president is something illegal and constitutional.

Seems that the Liberal party ranks are desperate already. The chance of their bet snapping up a win in 2016 is as remote as the North pole. Mar Roxas' rating is a disappointment. For one, it is not moving even a notch despite what his handlers are doing. It is neither dropping or rising, meaning, it has reached its maximum and therefore, has plateau-ed. This is the most dangerous thing to happen for a political candidate--when your numbers have reached a dead end.

Surely, in a span of a year, and your numbers have not moved an inch, that is an obvious sign already that the candidate does not have a Chinaman's chance of winning the elections.

And if you have a losing candidate with you, it affects your political standing in your territory. Instead of benefitting from the blessing of the so-called top honcho, the act is even detrimental to your own campaign. Who will invite a losing bet to endorse a local candidate? That rubs off.

That explains why several LP members are floating another configuration--either a Kiko-Poe or a Binay-Mar. There are even suggestions of a Drilon candidacy, which, again, is an unwinnable possibility.

Are we seeing a major split in a major political organisation sometime soon? Yep, you guessed right.

When "A" man turns Bad, it is all about Public Money

Why is it so hard for the President to do what is right? Many people are asking why it takes so hard for Noynoy to fire Butch Abad. Is it because the President is personally convinced that Abad did nothing wrong?

If that is the case, then, we are dealing with a different Noynoy because when he was Senator, this Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP was the one he opposed and even filed a Senate resolution about. Noynoy the Senator opposing DAP and now, President Noynoy, convinced of its necessity?

If this is also the case, then Noynoy has just shown his dictatorial tendencies, the very character that his parents opposed and laid down their lives with. Noynoy is supposed to be a democrat. As a democrat, he is supposed to follow the very laws which allow democracy to thrive. And he is supposed to believe in this "ideology" called liberal democracy being pursued by his own party. Don't tell me that democracy stops when funds are concerned? That the President should be liberal in dealing with the people's monies--that he can do whatever he wants with it?

This is exactly what is terribly wrong with the President right now. We need someone who will not see things in just one perspective.

As President, Noynoy is supposed to dispense justice equally, not selectively. The Rule of Law must be upheld at all times. How then can we have a Rule of Law, when the very "Rule" interpreted by our very own President is a rule based on friendships and blood relations?

With just one swipe of his pen, Noynoy has just allowed legalized a dictatorship.

Why did we oppose the dictatorship in the first place? Because many realized that the former dictator used the people's monies for his own personal use.

Malacanang has constantly maintained the position that those billions of DAP funds went to good use. How will that happen when those funds went directly to NGO's funded and invented by Janet Lim-Napoles?

Malacanan wants Senators to prove that those funds they gave those legislators were put to good use. How will that happen when Benhur Luy himself said that Napoles dipped her fingers into this program good nature-ly?

Butch Abad is a good man, but good men are just as good as their latest act. It is so easy to be "bad" and what happened to Butch is what is happening to the rest of the good natured men working in government--they turned their "a" performance into "a-bad" one when funds are concerned.

It is so easy to have and fight for visions but when someone's vision gets blurred whenever they see money and monies at a minute's point of dispensation without any hint of responsibility, that becomes a problem.

From Tuwid na Daan to Tuwad na Daan just for 2016

Dirty politics is messing up the President's administration. Since last February, no one among the President's men, even his spokespersons, are mentioning the term "tuwid na daan". Does it mean that the President already abandoned the tuwid na daan and among themselves, admit, that they are now treading a "tuwad na daan" just to satisfy the presidential ambitions of someone close to the President?

Is Noynoy ready to break ties with groups which worked together for him to get the presidency? It seems like it. Even those very close to him are now being targetted by groups whose proximity to the Power Center are their close links with the Liberals.

Take the case of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The President is set to appoint former Cavite governor Ayong Malicsi to the post. Malicsi, in previous intel reports on jueteng, was identified to be one of the friendliest local executives with jueteng lords in Southern Luzon. With Malicsi at the helm of one of the country's "cash cow",  expect a more favorable treatment with jueteng operators and expect of course, politics-related activities filling the schedules of the PCSO.

With a funds budget of 16 billion pesos, that is more than enough gravy for local executives everywhere. Funds as big as these are juicy carrots for even the most rabid oppositors of Malicsi's benefactor, which is, of course, Liberal presidential bet Mar Roxas.

Of course, analysts are thinking that Malicsi's closeness with DOTC secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya and Abaya's dogged allegiance not to the flag but to Secretary Mar Roxas, caused the appointment. Some say the reason is obvious--Malicsi is out to destroy Senator Bong Revilla's vaulted grassroots network in Cavite, the province with the most number of voters.

Curious why these Liberals need tons of money just to elect their head in 2016. Experience shows that a presidential candidate only needs around 1-2 billion pesos for a decent campaign. With the rate these Liberals are doing, expect them to raise more than this amount. Why billions? Are they preparing for something sinister, like, say, massive cheating come election time?

Malicsi's appointment is just one of many changes in the Cabinet being proposed by rabid and power-hungry Liberals among the President's circle. These men are out to outpace and outgun several allies of Vice President Jejomar Binay who are now in power too. These pro-Binay people serving government with honesty are now preparing for the most extreme outcome. 

These political maneuverings are counter-productive. With politicians at the helm of government agencies, especially those involved in revenue collection, expect all the gains of the three year old "Tuwid na Daan" administration to turn tuwad. 

We already have experiences where agencies manned or managed by politicians or political operators went back to their rent-seeking ways, the minute these men enter the scene. Incidence of graft increases and criminal syndicates again sprout and went their merry way. 

The most obvious victim of all these is, of course, us, the Filipino People. With politicians replacing at the very last minute those who worked for clean governance, what gains do we expect from them? Nothing. These politicians will just do some fund-raising activities while in power and expect corruption to increase as Pnoy prepares to leave Bahay Pangarap for another bachelor pad.

Turning Opposition

The Opposition is lambasting the Liberal Party of its policy of not allowing common bets, Grace Poe, Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero to campaign with them. UNA leader Joseph Estrada said it's unfair. It's also tyrannical.

Okey, so, I thought that UNA candidates are running ahead of everyone else, why this complaint? Nothing coming out of the camps of the aforesaid senatoriables, then, why complain?

UNA is trying to create something out of an anthill. It is laying the groundwork for an "open, oppositive war" against the administration. The best response is actually no response or nonchalance.

Worse, Malacanang walked right into the trap by giving a response, something uncanny for the palace to do. Worst, DOTC secertary Abaya was the one tasked to respond, which further worsened the situation, and even pictured the administration as "uncaring," about the political fates and campaigns of its three candidates.

It is in the best interest of Malacanang not to engage UNA publicly. When UNA declared that it is not entirely opposing Malacanang, the public viewed this political party as a creature of the administration too. Hence, it eliminated any excitement in the senatorial race. Instead of an ideologically based war, the senatorial race became a personal one, rending the importance of a political grouping as nonsensical. Meaning, it is not that important where you are affiliated right now. What's important is that the people know you and is talking about you.

This favors those who have longer or fatter political kitties. Since both the LP and the UNA have this "gentleman's agreement" not to fight each other in this elections, then, the campaign is really entirely personal. You are left to fend for yourself, something which is burdensome to those who do not have enough funds to spend for this elections.

Not turning opposition, renders UNA's existence and relevance as nothing short of a boy's club. It is an aggrupation without meaning, a grouping only of people with vested political and economic interests.

UNA is forthwith---it is not a political party of the people and by the people---only a shaky coalition of diverse interests.

With this image, UNA will not entirely clinch all of the top seats in the senatorial race. It is likewise, entirely doubtful if it will even get a sizeable fraction of Congressional and local seats.

If UNA wants to win, it must regain its fiscalizer stance or it must turn opposition. UNA leaders must not mind these surveys that show a high trust rating for the administration. This is just a myth.

There is an undercurrent of dissent against this administration. It exists. The reason why it has never been articulated or amplified properly is the fact that even those opposed to this administration is not planning to exploit this rising dissent below the line because of their ideological or association's links with the administration.

I think the UNA realizes this so it is laying the groundwork for a temporary break with the administration, sooner or later.

Ampatuans as Liberal Party Members: " They don't share the LP's brand of politics" says Lacierda. O, why are they LP members?

Seventy two members of the dreaded Ampatuan warlord clan are running for re-election in local posts in Maguindanao. Nine of them, are running under the Liberal Party, the administration party. 

Human Rights watch Carlos Conde revealed the list to several media personalities during the 3rd year commemoration of the infamous Maguindanao massacre. Until now, the culture of impunity still exists in that part of the Philippine archiepelago since most members of the Ampatuan clan are being made to run to preserve the wealth and influence of the clan throughout the province.

The patriarch and his sons are in jail yet their trusty lieutenants and operators ran around Maguindanao and continuing the iron-fisted policies of the old clan leader. A source who will reveal his identity if asked says in confidence that most of the wealth of the Ampatuans have been entrusted to their relatives who still work as government officials of the province. The power of the Ampatuans remains and it is quite understandable since the ruling clan, the Mangundadatus, are likewise related to them by affinity.

What is so inane is the statement of Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesperson. He confirms the recruitment of some Ampatuan clan members to the Liberal Party but insists that these people do not share the same brand of politics as that of the LP. Eh, ganun naman pala, why are they members of the LP if these people are espousing a destructive kind of politics?

Jejomar Binay's UNA also confirmed that they recruited members of the Ampatuan clan and their spokesperson, Jose Bautista even boasted that there is nothing wrong with it because their recruits are not the same Ampatuans as those convicted of the gruesome massacre.

Such convoluted logic exists today. For the sake of politics, even Malacanang had to swallow its supposed "liberalist" beliefs just to accommodate warlords who promise to deliver the votes.

This explains why a culture of impunity exists throughout the country because even the national leadership respects and recognizes the influence and power of these warlord clans. 

It seems that the onus of responsibility in eradicating these warlord clans lies not on government but on the people. Let the people use their power to finally put an end to these warlord clans who are promoting extreme feudalism in their respective territories.

UNA's political blunder

The United Nationalist Alliance or UNA probably realized its error at this very early in the game. This explains why the newly formed alliance has suddenly announced its "open-ness" on the possibility of coalescing with the Liberal Party, the main administration party. What made UNA realize its early and probably, a most erroneous mistake?


Two things: when they realized that funds are not going their way and lastly, when they found themselves isolated politically. UNA misread the situation. They thought that Pnoy's trust and popularity ratings would reach a dangerously low level that it would incapacitate the President politically, and affect the chances of whoever political party Pnoy would support. The reading bombed. 


UNA's initial plan when news of the fast decreasing popularity of the administration came, was assume a combative position. However, when this news failed to jell, or failed to affect the overall trust and perception of the population behind the administration, UNA's strategy began to fall apart. 


The last punch came when UNA spokesperson former Congressman Atty. JV Bautista clarified in a statement that the UNA "shares the vision and agenda of this present administration,", that statement neutralized the UNA altogether.


How will the UNA now react on this latest pronouncement of the Liberal Party that it is now closed to a coalition with them? 


Imagine this scenario of UNA candidates announcing their support for the President's agenda but is isolated and not among those formally coalesced with the LP? There is no more differentiation. Without differentiation, how then can voters know the difference between what UNA offers and what the LP-NP-NPC coalition stands for?


IN such a very confusing situation, the winnability of candidates of the UNA is placed under extreme doubt. 


The senatorial race will now depend much on the candidates' own brand-name awareness and puts the political party, particularly UNA, as a liability rather than a plus in the campaign.


Meaning, with UNA, it is now entirely useless to join this political aggrupation simply because it isolated itself, by its own actions, from the administration.


There is nothing left for UNA but to sheepishly and probably quietly shift to the oppositive side, to the detriment of Presidential wannabe Jejomar Binay and all the rest of the relics of the alliance.


If UNA chooses now to don the "constructive oppositionist" route, it places the flow of funds to them in danger, since, everyone knows that this administration thinks along black and white lines, meaning, if you don't support it, you're a marked enemy. 


Meaning, regardless of whatever political side the UNA finally decides to place its fate on, no huge amount of funds would ever flow to their side, since financiers would always fear of retribution coming from the administration. 

UNA, LP-NPC-NP COALITION---IS THERE NO 3RD FORCE?

Our economy is in its boom phase. The people are inspired. Most people are hopeful that the future will be brighter than expected. The online community where 30 million Filipinos go to every, single day, is a-buzz with so much activities. Foreign country-based Filipinos are making closer engagements with their kababayans online and are willing to increase their assistance to build the nation.


And then this.


We heard what these trapos did. In his unquenchable desire to clinch the presidency in 2016, Vice President Jejomar Binay partnered up with former president Joseph Estrada and formed the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). At first glance, UNA seems to be a formidable coalition of "progressive" groups. Then, we heard that they accepted Migz Zubiri, the one who denied Koko Pimentel of his rightful place at the Senate, and Mitos Magsaysay and Gwen Garcia, two very close associates of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The inclusion of these three people soured the alliance. It also bared the very nature of this alliance, that of political expendiency. 


Some people hoped that UNA would be different. It is not. It is peopled with the same old faces that promoted a very blighted view of the Philippines. UNA represented the worst grouping of people whose claim to fame is being part of the wrecking crew that continually denies a better future for this country. 


Binay is now the new face of traditional politics, the kind that will enslave the Filipino people in years to come. Binay's quest for the top post has blurred his former image, that of a reformer. He is willing to even trade places with the devil, if it is the only way to ride the presidential limousine. 


Sources say, Binay is the strongest contender come 2016. I sincerely doubt it. Besides, who is to say that Binay will still be with us come 2016? It is still four years to go, and like what former speaker Joe de Venecia Jr always say, in Philippine politics, four years is a helluva time to wait. 


Estrada and Binay have presume that they will still be alive by then. God, in His infinite mercies, knows best.


I hoped that the other side of the political spectrum will be different, given that progressive groups have aligned themselves with the dominant party.


Just as equally presumptuous, Mar Roxas and the Liberals thought that 2013 is the preparation stage for 2016. That's why, this early, they forged a coalition with the Nacionalista Party and the Nationalist People's Coalition---the two traditional political parties that accused Pnoy of being a psychological wreck and a weak leader.


Obviously, the alliance is a sham. It is not based on principles. The reason why the LP wants these two parties is for them to dominate Congress come 2013. As you know, whoever dominates the lower house with his allies, will win the elections come 2016.


What strikes me as rather odd and really revolting was the decision to include former frat boys of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the coalition. This goes to show that when it comes to politics, every single one is a friend. 


With the Duranos siding with the administration, it goes to show that any case involving them in the 2004 electoral heist will definitely not be filed. What if Arroyo implicates the Duranos in what happened last 2004? What, then, will the dominant political party say?


I really feel that there is a widespread longing for a third force, a political party that really feels what the people really want and has a vision, a concrete and formidable one, which will animate the imagination of the people.


I sincerely feel that deep-down, the Filipino People is looking for the political party that will truly represent their interests and not just be a tool for mercenaries, bureaucrat capitalists, and big time capitalists to protect their economic interests.


We, the Filipino People, should form our own political party.

LP member with 3 pending graft cases to become member of Pnoy Cabinet

A Liberal party member, who is purportedly very close to Mar Roxas is expected to get a very juicy Cabinet post from Pnoy. Nothing wrong, except that this party arse licker has three pending graft cases before the Sandiganbayan.


And to think that the whole world is watching us, very closely, on how we treat graft and corruption. The Global Integrity Report has just downgraded us, telling us that the graft and corruption situation is getting worse even under the so-called "matuwid na daan" or straight road administration of Aquino.


The question is---will Pnoy allow this? Obviously yes.


If he can hire a veteran insider as Customs commissioner and other people of dubious records as his lieutenants in his government, chances are Pnoy will also allow this, in deference to his friend, Mar, who is expected to get the Finance department post from the beleaguered Cesar Purisima come the third week of May.


Heard that Customs chief Angelito Alvarez will be replaced by his boss, Bert Lina.

EXPOSE! FORMER CONGRESSMAN WANTS FULL CONTROL OF POWER PLANTS IN HIS PROVINCE

A former strong supporter of Gloria Arroyo and ex-Congressman wants owners of two power plants located in Luzon to transfer their ownership to him.Or, at least give him something in exchange.


This supporter is allegedly using his powers to influence the company who got contracts for the building and operation of power plants in his province.


And the cost of the project? Just a mere 3 BILLION PESOS. 


One hint about this ex-Congressman---he has his son as the province's BIG MAN. Fact is, it is "business as usual" for the jueteng and drug lords in the province shortly after the assumption of the son as the provincial BIG MAN. The weekly "take" or "Payola" of these jueteng lords to the BIG man reportedly fetches 5-7 million pesos. 


I will reveal the true identity of this Congressman soon. Honestly, I am somewhat undecided if I will expose his identity for fear that I will suffer the same fate as that of my friend, Dr. Gerry Ortega who lost his life when another BIG MAN ordered his execution.


Another hint--during the elections, this ex-Congressman teamed up with the head of the Liberal Party in that province to conspire and orchestrate the defeat of a fellow Liberal party member.


This Liberal party member lost his life under extremely suspicious circumstances just days after the May 10,2010 elections.


This ex-Congressman also decided not to oppose the ex-Liberal party member due to lack of funds. His Philippine National Bank (PNB) bank loan application was denied. Since he lacked the funds, he asked his son to coalesce with the LP while being a member of Lakas, just to defeat the incumbent, the ex-LP member.


The province which this ex-Congressman wants to control, has a history of political violence. Several people want to carve it for their own, but failed. 


Who is this ex-Congressman?

Drilon is next Senate President: will be creating History as 3 time Senate President

Jose Camano contests my earlier posts regarding Noynoy as "majority" president. In politics, when we say "majority", we simply means fifty percent plus one. That's "majority". Not to be entirely technical about it, when I say "majority", I simply mean nearly majority. And getting 40 plus percent for me, is "majority" simply because he got most of the votes than his rivals.

Noynoy Aquino's numbers is even better than Erap's 37% last 1998. And he was considered elected through a "majority". So there, enough of Mr. Camano. Maybe he's desirous to get a majority decision from the Supreme Court to reverse an earlier decision dismissing him from the bar.

Anyway, early indications point that the Liberal party, the party with the winning standard bearer, stands to lose in both Houses of Congress. Only four Liberals will make it in the Senate---former Senate president Frank Drilon (the comebacking big man sa senado), Ralph Recto, Teofisto Guingona and/or Risa Hontiveros and Serge Osmena. Hontiveros is in 14th place, a tad higher than Joey de Venecia's. A miracle is needed for Hontiveros to be included in the final Senate slate.

Look at the list of new Senators: based on PPCRV results as of 5:15 am, May 13, 2010:

1. Bong Revilla, Ramon Jr. - 17,303,512 (Lakas-KAMPI)---close Arroyo ally
2. Estrada, Jinggoy - 16,923,007 (PMP/UNO)---oppositionist
3. Defensor Santiago, Miriam - 15,473,883 (NP/PRP)---close Arroyo ally
4. Drilon, Franklin - 14,179,561 (LP)---Aquino block of the LP
5. Enrile, Juan Ponce - 13,992,593 (PMP/UNO)--oppositionist
6. Cayetano, Pilar Juliana - 12,245,640 (NP)--close Villar clone, err, ally
7. Marcos, Ferdinand Jr. - 11,785,333 (NP/KBL)---oppositionist
8. Recto, Ralph - 11,074,245 (LP)---former close Arroyo ally but closer still to Villar
9. Sotto, Vicente III - 10,620,224 (NPC/NP)--former close Arroyo ally
10. Osmena, Sergio - 10,409,943 (LP)---oppositionist; open-minded; independent
11. Lapid, Manuel - 9,760,497 (LAKAS-KAMPI)---votes based on orders
12. Guingona, Teofisto III - 9,212,023 (LP)--former NP and could shift to NP later
13. Hontiveros-Baraquel, Ana Theresia - 8,185,058 (LP)---oppositionist
14. Biazon, Rozzano Rufino - 7,723,857 (LP)---independent-minded

15. De Venecia, Jose III - 7,456,531(PMP-UNO)---independent-minded/oppositionist

Is it possible for the 13th, 14th and even the 15th slots to become members of the Senate? I think yes. Consider.

There are only ten (10) remaining Senators today, to wit: Angara, Arroyo, Aquino, Escudero, Honasan, Lacson, Legarda,  Pangilinan, Trillianes and Villar. One slot remained vacant.

Now, Aquino has to resign from his post if he is proclaimed as the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines. If Aquino resigns, then, there is another vacancy. So, that vacancy could be either Hontiveros or Biazon or whoever gets the 13th slot.

Now, on the one (1) vacant slot which was unfilled since 2007. Will the Senate or the Supreme Court resolve this by allowing the 14th slot to be filled up this coming elections? Possibly. If not, then, we will still have 23 senators serving in the 15th Congress.

Let's look at the new composition of the 15th Congress: is there truth to the rumour that Villar will get the Senate presidency? Consider this.

1. ANGARA, EDGARDO (2013)=Laban/close Villar ally
2. ARROYO, JOKER (2013)=independent but votes in admin block/Villar ally
3. CAYETANO, ALAN PETER (2013)=NP, Villar ally
4. CAYETANO, PIA (2016)=NP, Villar ally
5. ESCUDERO, FRANCIS (2013)=NPC, independent
6. ESTRADA, JINGGOY (2016)=PMP-UNO, anti-Villar: formerly Villar
7. ENRILE, JUAN PONCE (2016)=PMP-UNO, anti-Villar
8. HONASAN, GREGORIO (2013)=PMP-UNOanti-Villar
9. LACSON, PANFILO (2013)=independent/ anti-Villar
10. LAPID, LITO (2016)=LAKAS/KAMPImight vote in favor of Villar
11. LEGARDA, LOREN (2013)=NP/NPC might vote in favor of Villar
12. PANGILINAN, FRANCIS (2013)=LP anti-Villar
13. REVILLA, BONG (2016)= LAKAS/KAMPI might vote in favor of Villar
14. TRILLIANES IV, ANTONIO (2013)=independent but might vote against Villar
15. VILLAR, MANUEL (2013)--NP
16. MARCOS, BONGBONG (new)=NP/KBL pro-Villar
17. RECTO, RALPH (new)=LP formerly Wednesday club member with Villar but might vote against
18. DRILON, FRANKLIN=LP anti-Villar
19. OSMENA, SERGE=LP anti-Villar/independent
20. DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO, MIRIAM=PRP/NP/anti-Villar (or might change mind)
21. SOTTO, VICENTE= PRP/NP pro-Villar
22. GUINGONA, TEOFISTO=LP anti-Villar
23. ? HONTIVEROS OR BIAZON=LP anti-Villar

24. VACANT

There will be six (6) Liberal party members in the new Senate, and seven (7) NP members, and two (2) Lakas-KAMPI members. PMP-UNO members will actually be three (3) Senators and the rest are "independents' or belong to "minority parties".

It seems that Villar will not get it because he only has ten (10) confirmed pro-Villar colleagues and the rest are simply anti-Villar. It will not be in the best interest of Villar if either Hontiveros or Biazon comes in since these candidates are obviously against him, especially Hontiveros who filed a graft case against him.

Now, who will be the next Senate president? If all indications are right, the next Senate president should be FRANKLIN DRILON, a very close ally of the soon to be elected President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

If Drilon successfully gets elected as Senate president, that will surely be very interesting because it will split the Congress into two (2) very powerful blocks: a Lower House dominated by Lakas-KAMPI/NP coalition members and a Upper House (Senate) dominated by Aquino allies.

A Drilon Senate presidency will prevent the sudden shift of the political/governing system from presidential to parliamentary. Drilon will be Aquino's strongest defender in the Senate. This will prevent the possible plan to dilute or make a diminution of the Office of the Presdient with the shift to parliamentary system.

Or, if a compromise is struck between and among contending elite groups, we will have a parliamentary federal system with a strong President and a ceremonial (?) Prime Minister like in Russia.

With the election of Aquino, and the possible election to the Senate presidency of Drilon, charter change, as envisioned by pro-Arroyo mafia allies will actually be frustrated.

Political stability in the Philippines: Post 2010 elections

Political stability is one of the things investors are looking for in the Philippines. With the impending victory of Liberal party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino, this is almost certain. However, this is the thing--Noynoy is surely facing rough waters because Mrs. Arroyo is now very certain to clinch the congressional post in Pampanga.

Aquino's campaign promise is simple--create an independent commission to prosecute Mrs. Arroyo. Will Aquino still do this? Will he be able to dismantle the huge mafia that Mrs. Arroyo created and has now become the biggest syndicate in the country?

Most of Arroyo's minions are still occupying sensitive posts in the bureaucracy with constitutionally mandated tenures. Net--Aquino will be hard pressed doing this.

Those who want change should focus now on determining how many Lakas and Kampi members won in their Congressional districts. A Congress dominated by Arroyo's henchmen will surely neutralize whatever gains Mr. Aquino will accomplish in the Executive front.

Mr. Aquino should have a very solid and strong support from the Lower and Upper Houses, to deter Arroyo from becoming Speaker and eventually Prime Minister, if cha-cha succeeds.

Likewise, the specter of Charter change looms in the horizon. Remember that there is now a law which mandates the election of concon members by October of this year. October, by the way, is the barangay elections.

Aquino can still effectively neutralize Arroyo by filling the Constitutional Convention with his allies and try to dominate the barangay system with his grassroots allies.

Likewise, if Roxas fails to get the vice presidential post, then, Binay will be Aquino's "thorn" since Binay is expected to gun for a higher post after six years.

What should be the major focus now is how the Liberals performed in the Congressional race. The Liberal Party should be the dominant political party. Otherwise, the next six years will again be a destabilized one.

Oplan C.U.R.E.

Mrs. Arroyo has called for an emergency security meeting with her cabinet to discuss the elections. Executive secretary Leandro Mendoza said, the administration is fully committed to ensuring the highest preparations for a clean elections. However, some quarters are not convinced. 

A source, who refused to be named, confirmed that Defense secretary Norberto Gonzales is currently going the rounds, meeting with battalion commanders of the AFP shortly after PMA Class 1977 meeting with Liberal party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino. The meeting, says a source, was nothing official nor even suspicious. It was not even a "gripe session." (Curiously, PMA Class 1977 was purportedly the class behind Nacionalista party standard bearer Manny Villar. Did they move out of NP and into the loving arms of the LP?)

Meanwhile, another source says that the administration is planning the establishment of a junta before May 30, the day when Congress supposedly opens its session. This junta, says the source is to be a countermeasure against a possible "people power" to be instigated by certain quarters close to Liberal party bet Noynoy Aquino. 

The question is---will PMA class 1978 participate in this junta even after one of them assured me that they are all constitutionalists and will just abide with the duly-constituted civilian authority whoever that may be?

Will PMA Class 1978 stay in the sidelines and just let these things " move as naturally and as normally as possible" or will they be the actors in this political drama?

That's probably why former president Fidel Valdes Ramos and his gang are slowly appearing again before the media, propping themselves up again and just recently, held a dinner to get international support for their plan.

For one, if a group OTHER THAN the group of Norberto Gonzales hatch and execute a coup, that will surely be welcome development for the people. 

A junta by this administration will be strongly opposed by the People. All sectors will unite and will fight this junta, including this writer. 

Atty. Alex `Pinoy' Lacson

I have a confession to make--if not for this guy, I would have probably died already. Yes. I owe my life to him---Atty. Alex `Pinoy' Lacson.


I don't agree with the latest infomercial of Manny Villar with Loren Legarda. The commercial discourages us to vote for new faces, new blood. 


I truly believe that if we want change, then, we must change our set of leaders. It is time for us to do this. This elections is our chance. Let us not elect traditional politicians please. These politicians had their chance, and for decades, nothing had happened to us.


Time for a change. Time for new Pinoys with new ideas for us to improve our lives.



http://www.youtube.com/v/Kht759r0SEE&hl=en_US&fs=1&

Who is the real opposition?

Albay governor Joey Salceda is the latest Arroyo ally to "defect" from Lakas to another political party. Salceda, a classmate of Liberal party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino made the announcement yesterday. Previous to Salceda, Cong. Nepthali Gonzales Jr of Mandaluyong also defected to the LP. Gonzales, mind you, was the one who nominated Gilbert Gibo Teodoro as Lakas standard bearer. 


The shocker will be former president Fidel V. Ramos. Ramos, as some say, is set to announce his support behind Noynoy Aquino. 


This confuses not just this writer but millions of Filipino voters, actually 53% of the Filipino people. 


The Liberal Party has been criticizing the economic policies of the Arroyo administration since they began their campaign. They blame the Arroyo administration for the prevalent poverty being experienced by majority of the people. Now, here they are, welcoming with open arms, Salceda, the economic adviser of Mrs. Arroyo, even acted as Arroyo's posterboy of neo-liberal economics. 


Does this mean that the Liberal party openly supports and expouses Salceda's economic philosophy? What now? Will the Liberal party eat its own vomit? 


Will they now refrain from criticizing Arroyo's economic policies since the president's closest economic adviser is now with them? 


How about Gonzales, a very close ally of the Abaloses, the same family whose patriarch, Benjamin Senior, is involved in the nefarious ZTE-NBN scandal? Gonzales is a very close Arroyo and First Gentleman ally. 


I remember Aquino saying that they will chose their members. And I always remember that the party always encourages people to vote for new and young blood to government service. What now? The Liberal party, in its own quest for glory, is welcoming every tom, dick and harry of the present discredited administration, probably even those who enriched themselves through multi-million commissions and kickbacks. 


Who will be next? Joc-Joc Bolante? The First Gentleman? 


I'm beginning to wonder who is really the real opposition.


As one of my friends always say, let's try and vote for new people in government, let's try these new blood. How would we expect change under a Noynoy administration when the very same people who caused this untold misery for nine years are now set to manage the bureaucracy if he wins this election?


This is the same problem with the Nacionalista party. Nograles, who was the main proponent of charter change and the main man who blocked the impeachment of Mrs. Arroyo, is slated to join the Nacionalista. More than thirty Congressmen and a number of governors are also moving to the Nacionalista. These very same people were part of Mrs. Arroyo's big network of conspirators. They supported the president, blocked every attempt to oust her and even marshalled their forces to neutralize the efforts of numerous groups to change this administration. Now, they are supporting the Nacionalista and the Liberal party. 


Please stand up, those who really oppose this administration. 

Blogger Behind Noynoy Psychiatric Record?

Ariel Radovan, an attorney by profession and a legal consultant/provincial legal counsel of former Quezon governor Willy Mark Enverga and now Quezon 1st district Congressman, is allegedly the one behind the uploading of a fake psychiatric record of Liberal party standard-bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. That's according to the Liberal Party. He is seen here with Nacionalista-NPC vice presidential candidate Loren Legarda.

Ariel Diosdado Radovan was born on July 24, 1963, finished secondary grades at Maryhill Academy class 1979 in Lucena City and law at San Sebastian in 1987. He got a masters degree in international law at San Beda College of Law in 2009. He is married and has three children.

He once served as a member of the FPJ legal team, and prides himself as an "expert" in foreign and diplomatic relations. Sources say he is working for the Nacionalista, since his boss, Cong. Enverga is Manny Villar's Congressional candidate for the 1st district.

Cong. Enverga is one of those who favor Con-Ass.

He is now being accused of spreading the fake report. I urge Ariel Radovan to come forward and illuminate us on this issue.  

Some pieces of who Radovan's boss is:

It was near the end of his term in 1998 when then Congressman Bobby Tanada introduced the bill proposing the division of Quezon. That came in the heels of his parting of ways with his congressional seatmate and gubernatorial candidate in 1998, Willie Enverga. Bobby Tanada was heard saying he would support Enverga in the latter’s quest for the governorship, not only because they were apparently distant cousins on the Ebarle side in Lucena, but also because the latter was mahinhin and mahiyain. Bobby thought he found his soul mate in the person of the ex-governor. It was the beginning of what everybody thought was a robust political alliance. In fact, a grandson of Bobby Tanada was the ring bearer when the now congressman of the 1st district, Mark Enverga, was married at St. James the Great in Alabang.

The elder Tanada came all out in support of Enverga in 1998 against the onslaught of the well-oiled machines of David Emralino of the LDP and Lakas standard bearer Agnes Devanadera. Enverga was buried by Devanadera in the avalanche of votes in the 1st district while in his hometown Mauban by at least 9,000 votes. Emralino prevailed in the 2nd district, while the late Benny Marquez ruled in his own 3rd district. The 4th, where Bobby Tanada reigned supreme, rallied Enverga to the provincial capitol with a measly margin off Devanadera. Conceding defeat, the latter declared that at least “moral victory” was hers. Upon hearing the declaration, Enverga instructed his operators to cease manipulating the votes in Pagbilao.

THE FALLING OUT

It was a surprise therefore when Tanada and the ex-governor had a falling out somewhere in September, 2000. Apparently the Tanadas were imposing on Enverga on how to conduct the campaign in 2001 when Bobby was running as senator while his son, Erin, as congressman. Both sorely lost in those elections. The Tanadas were still engaged in idea that Enverga was neck-deep in debt with them. Zeny tanada could not believe what she saw from a lackey’s footage showing the presence of Manny Portes, a known aide of Enverga orchestrating the political rally of Lu Yumul in Atimonan. She tried to call Grace Enverga in her cell phone that just kept on ringing.

Right after the elections in In the elections of 2001, Enverga openly rooted and financed the fledgling congressional candidacy of Lu Yumul. The Tanadas were riding on the crest of their perceived popularity when Bobby Tanada was a member of the panel of prosecutors from the House of Villar in the impeachment case against President Erap Estrada, the then Speaker Manny Villar cleverly bound over to the Senate right after his invocation. Bobby, and his handlers, the chief of whom was the much lamented Chit Asis, thought that the efforts of the Tanadas in kicking out Erap would be rewarded handsomely by Quezon electorate by crowning the father and son the coveted positions. Enverga was already nursing hard feelings against the father and son whose swagger as the monarchs of Quezon offended the royal blood of Mauban.

FAIR-WHEATHER FRIEND

To those who know Enverga, it did not come as a surprise when he turned his back from his benefactor. He has the uncanny talent of using people at the right time and at the right place. He is obsessed with the idea of being the political kingpin of Quezon. Or the last man standing. He brags about his 100% batting average. No loss in six elections since 1988.

His first foray into dynasty building was in 1992. Unfortunately his sister Jasmin was resoundingly trounced by the late Jun Punzalan. He was heard boasting to his subjects in the University Site that his magic remains when his son, Mark, was overwhelmingly elected as congressman of the 1st district in the last elections, waylaying veterans Ely Pasamba and his inaanak, Mauban Mayor Dingdong Llamas. What few know was the fact that the entire resources of the province in the last year of the wily governor were poured in his son’s district. Two weeks after the elections in May, 2007, Enverga thru his point man Vice-Governor-elect Kelly Portes approved a quick supplemental budget without committee insight worth P145M. The former Vice Governor Jayjay Suarez wanted to know the details of the allotment. He was not dignified an answer. What the ex-governor does not know is that there is now an ongoing documentation that 90% of the appropriations were not delivered.

P410M FROM ERAP IN 1999

It looked like Enverga had already paid his political debts to the Tanadas when he parlayed a fourth of the P410M presidential pork to Chit Asis, its fate was never known.

In February, 1999, Erap released to the provincial governor of Quezon P410M in discretionary fund. The wheel-chair bound governor filleted the funds into three, one-fourth went to the third district, and another fourth was favored to the 4th district. Half of the funds or P205M was used exclusively by Enverga to unreported projects. That money could have concreted at least 41 kilometers of roads. That could have cemented the Tayabas-Mauban road and assuaged his kababayans of their generational distress as early as the 1900s. Reports show that the money was diverted to regravelling of unknown municipal roads and alleged deliveries of selected barrows to far-flung barangays. Then congressmen Raffy Nantes and the late Marcial Jun Punzalan of the 1st and 2nd districts were famished of the funds by the ex-governor.

Erap knew that Tanada was a beneficiary of the money. It was simply beyond the grasp of the ex-president why Tanada was at the forefront of his impeachment. Reports reached Erap that there was no proper accounting of the funds handled by Chit Asis. It was Enverga who was feeding Erap of information. Walang utang na loob, ika. Danny Suarez on the other hand was coy and ambivalent. For that Erap and Suarez remain in good stead.

ERAP SCORNED

With the falling out, Erap unleashed his fury against the Tanadas in 2001. He coursed millions of cold cash thru Enverga’s minions for Yumul’s war chest other than the short term assist of the ex-governor thru his confidante, Manny Portes. A gofer of Ronnie Puno now based in Alabat was heard saying that after her victory, Yumul was not heard since. The Iglesia Ni Cristo went all out with Yumul who was eventually sworn in as the second legislator who hailed from the town of Lopez, the first being the late General Gaudencio V. Vera in 1949-53. The Tanadas nursed their own first defeat and went home to Makati to hibernate until 2004.

To them Enverga was a marked man.

GMA STUMPED

Despite the substantial support let loose by GMA to the young Tanada, it was no assurance that he bought his loyalty. After warming his seat, Erin went all out calling for the impeachment of the President, not only once but twice. For GMA, it was the height of treason. The Tanadas could not be appeased. They have attitude problem. On the other hand, the Tanadas believe that they are only true to themselves or their family brand known as mavericks or patriots or nationalists. Yet their track records speak otherwise. A former lady supporter from Sabang Dos in Calauag, itemized the sins of the Tanadas. According to her the elder Tanada is a corporate officer of Pet Plans that caused untold misery to thousands of parents who invested in pre-need educational plans for their children. She adds that he serves as counsel to Meralco who positioned itself as nothing but pure business in imposing unexplained rates increases to millions of consumers. Lastly she adds that Bobby Tanada ignored the pleas of the labor union for additional compensation and other reasonable working conditions in Universal Motors where the former senator is an officer-director. One contractor could not believe that the old man allowed the demands of his chief of staff when he was a 2-term congressman. To most therefore there is much hypocrisy somewhere.

GETTING EVEN WITH ENVERGA

Before the House adjournment in 2001, Tanada and Enverga were thick in bad blood, the former authored the bill dividing Quezon. Tanada’s timetable however lapsed. He was confident that then Congresmen Nantes and Suarez would pick up the bill and shepherd it to approval. It was archived however because the two were already eying the governorship come 2007.

In the presidential elections in 2004, Erin Tanada ran alongside GMA. His campaign was fully fueled by Malacanang. With enough campaign logistics from their benefactress, the Tanadas were spared of disposing their recuerdos. The young Tanada won hands down against the bet fielded by Danding.

But Erin has a long memory. Enverga is still the governor in 2004 until 2007. By slicing Quezon into two, the young Tanada believes that goes with the funds which is Enverga’s principal obsession. By legislating two Quezons, Erin slashes half of the SOP of his nemesis.

This situation illustrates the exercise of naked power for its sake. Nothing salutary is achieved. This is nothing but an ego trip of a city bred legislator out in glorifying an alleged ancestral significance. In the same manner when the Bondoc Peninsula circumferential road was named after an obscure resident after an enabling law was sprung on us. Indeed Congress in its willy-nilly existence has gone berserk.

ERIN REINTRODUCES THE BILL

In July, 2004, with his seat still unused, Erin lost no time in reintroducing the bill and sought the help of his co-sponsors. The bill was not accompanied by intelligent or incisive research and factual basis supportive of its approval.

There were no recorded public hearings in the congressional committee tasked in collating data or in the province itself nor were there any intelligent discussions or consensus or position papers filed from concerned sectors or organizations from the affected local government unit. While the three congressmen, Nantes , Alcala and Suarez inked the bill, it was nothing but a sorry expression of solidarity. Ironically, now a fait accompli stares us in the face.

IT WAS A PERSONAL THING

It was after all a personal thing. The Quezon division is nothing but a trivial power play. The young Tanada was quoted as asking, “anong feedback sa bill, nagkakagulo sila ano?” He said the law is good as approved. Few will turn out in the plebiscite, and the uninformed will just say yes.

I remember one old lady in Kinatakutan in Tagkawayan who remarked, “kapag ang mga kalabaw ay nagsu-agan, ang mga bul-o’y maa-apakan.”

That seems to be our fate. We are left to our own devices and it is up to us to rearrange our lives.

Posted by sonny pulgar at 1:44 PM

Alex Lacson--New Pinoy that will do good as a Senator

Atty. Alex Lacson is not your ordinary guy, contrary to what he always tell people. I know him personally. I've seen him in action and I read his speeches. Academically, he's not just fit to become Senator--he's the ideal one. Apart from his law degree which he got from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and post-graduate studies from Harvard, Alex Lacson did it through sheer hard work.

After his graduation, Lacson excelled in his legal profession by defending the poor and the oppressed. He's also active in socio-civic activities, such as World Vision and Gawad Kalinga.

Why do we need another Lacson in the Senate? Three things: First, Lacson bears a surname with a strong and solid legacy in public service. Second, if you compare his credentials with other candidates, Alex Lacson's is better than theirs. And third, we need fresh, new blood that will infuse new ideas and new concepts in governance.

Manny Villar is no Teflon guy: Villar mass balloon has burst open

The latest Pulse Asia survey this month is very, very significant for two (2) reasons: one the survey employed or mimicked the conditions which are expected in an automated elections and two, the survey was conducted barely two and a half months away from the May 10, 2010 polls. And we all know in the politics business that surveys conducted during the periods of February AND March reflect a truer pulse of the public preference than those of April.

36% favors Noynoy as President

Thirty six percent (36%) of those surveyed said they prefer Liberal party presidential candidate Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino over all others, a one percentage point drop from his previous 37% rating.

What is very significant is the monumental drop in the ratings of Nacionalista party bet Manny Villar. From a statistical tie last month, Villar dropped to 29% after being in the spotlight for his role in the highly controversial and corrupt C-5 road project. As expected, a drop in Villar's ratings benefitted former president Joseph Estrada who improved to 18%. This belies earlier statements from the Nacionalista Party that their bet will further increase in rankings following the statistical tie standing last January.

That 6% drop in Villar's ratings went to Estrada. This shows two (2) things: first Villar does not have a support base which he can confidently call his own and second, his mass base will be diluted by the improving numbers of former president Joseph Estrada.

The Liberal party therefore, must change tack and re-direct their efforts at party strengthening and continuous party building instead of worrying on attacks made by the Nacionalista party. Attacks by the Nacionalista will definitely fall by the wayside.

Meaning, Noynoy and his gang should sit comfortably in their chairs and let former president Joseph Estrada improve his media image more. Estrada has to regain his old bailiwicks, which will actually benefit the Liberals more than the Nacionalistas.

Meaning, to seal a Noynoy victory, Estrada should stay in the race. If he balks or decides to withdraw, his entire constituency will shift to Villar.

A re-invigorated Estrada campaign machinery will further dilute Villar's numbers, and expose the weakness of the Nacionalista campaign machinery. Some analysts whom I talked with in some email exchanges say the next few weeks will reflect the true base support of Villar which lies in the vicinity of 17% to about 23%. That 29% mass base support still has some segments of the Estrada constituency and if Estrada continues his media campaign and increases his media awareness and his Jeep ni Erap and Tricycle in Erap campaign machinery kicks in this March 26, this is really bad news for Villar.

A drop in Noynoy's numbers improves Gilbert Teodoro's chances

Liberal Party has to be extremely vigilant though with the 2% surge of Gilbert Gibo Teodoro.

Teodoro's numbers are improving because he is eating up a very miniscule part of Noynoy's constituency and consolidating support bases of other minor or weaker candidates such as Madrigal's, Perlas' and JC delos Reyes'. The 1% drop of Noynoy and all other weaker candidates went to Gilbert Teodoro.

To avert such situation, these candidates should probably withdraw and throw support behind Noynoy Aquino. That way, Noynoy's constituency will not be diluted nor affected by the on-going campaigns being launched by Teodoro.

Apart from this though is the fact that the highly vaulted Lakas-Kampi machinery has not kicked in and this is a comfortable 15% which is not reflected at all in the surveys. By all estimation, Teodoro has about 22-23% preference ratings in the final stretch, and surely, this will not be enough to defeat Noynoy.

The C-5 road controversy and other accusations which point to previous graft practices by Villar will continue to affect his chances. The C-5 road, "Villarroyo" and his overspending are issues which the masses understand and has in fact, caused very serious concerns and doubts about Villar. No amount of PR-related actions will avert this and I seriously think that Villar should re-study his strategies and tactics and maybe come out with activities on how to stop these issues from spilling over the urban and rural communities.

Noynoy's TVC ad insults the intelligence of the Filipino Masses

What is so interesting about Senator Noynoy Aquino's latest television ad? Nothing. And, really, it insults the intelligence of the masses. It presumes that, we, the ordinary folks, do not know anything about what's happening around us.

I belonged to the masses. I was born poor. I lived in the slums of Sta Ana Manila and grew up alone. And I know why am I poor and how politicians raked in the billions out of my treasury.

I know why roads are mis-shapened or of bridges constructed rather poorly. When Noynoy tried to explain things like a teacher, he insults the intelligence of the masses. This TVC is discriminating. It presumes that the masses are blind, dumb and stupid not to know why everything remains in a dysfunctional mode.

Like what I wrote before, we, the masses, are thirsty to know what Noynoy intends to do when he becomes president. We want to know and be assured that his platform is better than Villar's. 

We crave for heroes. We are sick and tired of professors, or pseudo-lecturers of our fate. We are asking for icons.

Noynoy, please do not blame us for your decreasing numbers in the ratings game. You blame us for reportedly not really understanding what you are fighting for. We know that you are fighting against graft and corruption. We know that this lies at the crux of your campaign. 

If you are not connecting with the masses, this is not the problem of the people. If the poor folks do not share the enthusiasm nor the magic of "People Power" that you and all others in your middle class team share, then, it is not the problem of the masses. It is YOUR PROBLEM.

We know what happened in "People power". That post-revolution stage was harrowing to say the least. If you read your history, those four years were simply years of struggle between the old and the new elites. We, the people, were never part of that government installed after the EDSA uno revolt. No. Like all the rest of these so-called revolutions, we were just called there to provide the numbers, nothing more. Our voices were in fact, stifled. 

Please, Senator, tell us, if you will, how you intend to help us. Fighting graft and corruption is as surreal to us as Picasso's paintings. How would you intend to fight graft, Mr. Senator? BY using brute force or by availing of the powers under the charter?

What will be the fate of grafters in government? Will they suffer the fate of those jailed for their crimes or they'll be like Joc-Joc Bolante who enjoys spending our monies in frivolous pursuits?

No where do we find that in your 60 seconders. TG Guingona's TVC is more real than yours. Guingona's TVC shows you how he intends to do with grafters--stump them out of existence or smashing them to smithereens. 

That short 30 seconder means a lot than a useless 60 seconder glossy commercial of Noynoy. Time to go to the drawing board again.