Its Official---BINAY-POE no more and possible scenarios

So its official---the possibility of a BINAY-POE tandem is no more. Senator Grace Poe has said that she and the vice president have different styles in managing affairs. Poe believes in transparency while it's not the case with Binay, according to Poe.

I have very reliable information that Poe spent close to three full hours with Pnoy discussing 2016 than what Mar Roxas spent with the president about his plans a year from now. Pinoy and Poe reportedly talked about specifics, one example is commitments and the other, campaign funds.

Here are the possible scenarios:

1. Medium to high probability of a Grace Poe-Chiz Escudero tandem. This is being pushed by several well-meaning members of the President's official family who do not want Binay to replace Pnoy. This sector belongs members of civil society who helped propel Pnoy to the presidency.

If this happens, the Grace Poe-Chiz Escudero tandem will be adopted by several political parties, NGOs and POs under a broad coalition which name is still being finalised as of this moment. This coalition is a merger of traditional and non-traditional political parties and groups and its battlecry seems to toy with the idea of infusing "new blood" into the country's political bloodline.

The thing is, behind this tandem is a big group of Big Businessmen some of which claim Iberian ancestry and others, American and Chinese. There are several PMA classes who likewise support or seemed to be hot with the idea.

Seems that Pnoy will replicate what his mother did---endorse Mar Roxas at the onset and then slowly shift support to the Grace Poe-Chiz Escudero tandem as the election day nears. This is what Cory did to Ramon Mitra whom she initially endorsed only to shift invariably to FVR when the election day nears.

2. Several political personalities seemed to be avoiding Mar like a plague. Mar will probably find an LP member as his running mate if talks on the Poe-Mar or Mar-Poe tandem bogs down. There are speculations of a Roxas-Trillanes IV tandem which is quite acceptable to several members of the Aquino administration.

3. How about Binay? Who'll be his running mate? Manny Pangilinan is out. Cynthia Villar had said her husband is not thinking or considering going back to the presidential mode. Villar however hinted that three Nationalist Party members are considering the possibility of 2016 elections..

Will it be a Binay-Duterte tandem? Sounds feasible and a very nice counterforce against Poe-Chiz.

4. NP will try and get some senatorial slots from the political party which they intend to coalesce with. Will they support a Cayetano-Trillianes tandem which the party knows does not have a Chinaman's chance of winning? I believe the first one who will abandon his presidential plans will be Cayetano, followed closely by Trillianes. However, an Escudero versus Trillianes fight is very interesting to see. Who'll win between them---a drunkard married to a beautiful lady or a narcissistic with a messianic complex? Do we have any other choice? How limited the field is!

This is a very serious problem. We are now experiencing a serious succession problem.

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.

Escudero-Poe tandem in 2016?

Escudero-Poe in 2016?

Car plates bearing the words CEP 2016 are all around town. Many says this is in preparation for the launching of the tandem of Chiz Escudero and Grace Poe, President and Vice President, respectively.

This explains the strategic date of Escudero's wedding--February of 2015. The only problem is, again, this "wedding of the century" got an early gift--a controversy. Chezka Litton accused Heart and Chiz Escudero as the ones responsible why her wedding in Balesin got bumped off. Every single time, this relationship always encounter snags and controversies.

Anyway, Escudero has not announced his intention to run for president but many are speculating that he will. Escudero is being backed by several businessmen involved in the extraction industries.

Grace Poe, meanwhile, denied any intention of running for higher office. Now, if she does, I will definitely account her for this.

Businessmen, which includes Washington Sycip is prodding Poe to take the jump. I think Poe is not that foolish. Sycip was the one who encouraged her father the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. to take the plunge. When FPJ accepted, Sycip reportedly abandoned the actor during the campaigns. So there.

Jejomar Binay leads prexy bets--the question is--is he the one, really?

Photo politics in the works?

The fifth choice shaking the hands of the first choice. The photo taken by Senator Loren Legarda of Mar Roxas shaking the hand of Vice president Jejomar Binay is going the rounds. Of course, pro-Binay supporters would say, that's an early concession made by Mar. Is Mar Roxas giving up the ghost this early? Others who know their politics say that photo, though it was of no malice on the part of the "photographer" Loren, tries to picture Mar as the "dominant" of the two. Take a look at how Mar shook the hand of Binay. Mar's big hands covered those of Binay's. Likewise, notice how tall Mar is in relation to Binay. What that picture tries to convey is that Mar looks more presidential than the 5'5 tall Binay.

And notice how Mar patted the vice president in the back as if to say that he will be safe in the event that he, Mar, takes the top plum. This photo expresses too many glaring differences.

If you ask me, this photo shows how 2016 will eventually turn out. Observers should take 2010 as a lesson in electoral politics---big political machines are no match to the underdog.

Binay won on the strength of his own grassroots machinery plus those of Erap's. Villar tried to pull the rug under Erap and transpose it in his own Nacionalista party. He failed.

Binay meanwhile, is a safe bet, safer than Loren and of Mar's who are perceived publicly as bets of the ilustrados. Being the underdog, it is expected that voters will go with Binay.

However, take note that Binay won via the slimmest of margins. Yes, he appears and is considered strong now. Yet, lessons in History should be taken into consideration by people who want Binay to win--that Binay's positive gains in the polls should not be allowed to slid down the drain. This happened to many people already---De Venecia and Villar. They were very strong in pre-election surveys yet lost in a very bad way come election time. Philippine Agenda has a very good take on this see link.

Good if Binay sustains his lead. Good if Binay maintains his advance against his present political rivals. Binay as president is the best choice, since he is expected to maintain the present policies of the Aquino administration with some modifications.

The bad thing now, politically, is no one among those who are being bruited about as Binay's rivals deserve the people's trust.

Grace Poe who is a far second, is not keen on taking this role this early. Her feat in 2010 is no fluke. Yet, let's admit it that those votes were meant to really be impressive since voters felt that they should give her their support to vindicate their idol, former actor and presidentiable, Fernando Poe Jr. Poe as president is something which will take a different outcome since Pinoy voters are traditionalists. It is easy to defeat Poe in propaganda.

Escudero's chances at the presidency is slim since his rivals already discovered a clink in his political armor. Yes, his relationship with Heart is something being talked about yet it will not be enough to propel him to victory. Fact is, it might even be a factor in his defeat.

That 13 million votes of Bongbong Marcos inspite of the existence of the Yellow Army and the strength and power of the anti-Marcos forces did not stop him from getting into the winning circle. Yes, those votes were far less than Poe's but it shows how strong the Marcos political brand still is. This also reflects a yearning need among members of the underbelly of Philippine society of the concept of "order" which represented the Marcos brand name.

There are talks about a "dark horse" emerging from the sidelines. Among the present crop of political personalities in our midst, who will be that "dark horse"? Some say, its Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. There are talks that Lacson will gun for the Liberal party presidential nomination, something which I believe is more of a suicide for the party rather than an assurance of victory.

It would take a gargantuan leap for anyone to erase those unsavory things which stuck to Lacson's political brand name. Yes, like Pnoy, Lacson was a senator. Yes, there is still a tight loyal base to support him should he jump into the bandwagon. However, Lacson has a klink in his armor, something which is very easy to expose and for the public to believe in.

Another dark horse is Miriam Defensor-Santiago who continues to do the campus rounds to entertain the young college students with her witticisms. But, for serious voters, that is about it. They are entertained by Santiago's speeches and antics, but will it be enough to consider her as a serious presidential bet? Some people say yes. Most would probably disagree. Santiago suffers from a Pichay disease---highly popular yet greatly detested, even, untrusted. As what veteran political analysts know, popularity is just secondary, even a tertiary consideration. Voters might remember your name but it does not necessarily follow that they will vote for you. I don't know how high or low Santiago's voter conversion is, but if Santiago is thinking of reprising her 1998 bid, that is far off. Would you vote for someone whom people think as some sort of a moon lover?

I agree with UP professor Clarita Carlos---the possibility of a dark horse getting the top plum is there. The obvious question is---who, then, is this dark horse?

A dark horse is someone who is popular yes, and is now involved in the political game. A dark horse who will just appear out of nowhere and declare himself as a strong bet for the presidency will surely learn a bitter lesson from the very start.

These people are the only ones left to be considered "dark horses"---Robredo widow, a young Congressman like Miro Quimbo, or religious leaders, sans Eddie Villanueva who already suffered humiliating defeats already only a thick skinned schizo would ever think of telling him to again jump into the fires of politics, or a Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao for president? Possible but highly unlikely. The Filipino People are still not as desperate as others think they are.

2014--a political year for the Philippines

2014 is also a political year for the Philippines--that is, for those who aspire the top Executive post in 2016. This means that we will all see these political personalities becoming more active and more engaged next year than this year's.

Those who aspire the presidency, one expert advise---less exposure is better. The more people talk about you, the more they will remember your weaknesses and inefficiencies, the more chance of you losing the competition.

A confidential study shows that most Filipinos want just to work hard and see less politics in the papers. Those who work hard will reap the benefits. Those who just use media outlets to prop themselves up to stellar status stands to lose rather than gain in the political department.

In Philippine politics, it is not popularity than urges people to vote for you come election time. A decade ago, this is the case. This explains why Gloria Arroyo became Nora Aunor come election time.

There is a thirst for new and fresh faces in politics. There is a silent hatred for traditional politicos or people who are young yet exhibit or show signs of being a trapo. Think of the young Maceda.

Consumer issues will top the headlines next year. Those who will champion lower prices of goods, of power and other utilities will surely win the hearts of many.

Epalism is one thing that most people hate.

One bold prediction for 2016---a new face will emerge as President. This person will emerge like how Obama did when he ran the first time.

Cast out the frontliners right now for the presidency.

Binay is a goner. This early, he along with his son and daughters are showing signs of snobbery, and of royalty, things which Filipinos hate. As they say---hindi pa man presidente, arogante na. That Makati incident and the slowly deteriorating state of Makati City are just two things why people will not vote for him come election time.

Same goes with Mar. Politically, the big horse that is the Liberal, is slowly decreasing its galloping speed and may not have the power nor the wherewithal to finish the race by 2016.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is casting his lot as a vice presidential wannabe, yet, his big mouth will surely lead him to destruction, since he is promising many people many things but delivering nothing or less than expected.

People are talking about Grace Poe as a "dark horse" yet, her initial performance as a Senator is a disappointment. This will affect her chances by 2016. It does not mean that your number one placement at the senatorial race in 2010 assures you of a higher post come 2016.

Senator Chiz Escudero is making his moves, using his strong connections with Pnoy, to gain more political points. The problem is, his wrangling with Heart's parents. That scene will haunt him in 2016. Escudero was'nt able to fully erase this scene from the minds of people, especially parents who comprise the bulk of the electorate.

How about Miriam Santiago's antics before young and future voters? Her school tours have impacted greatly on the minds of the young voters. Is she a presidentiable? Not if rational minds unite against her. I don't want to see Manila burning like Rome, with Miriam singing and playing the violin.

Many are talking about Ping Lacson, and how he is able to capture the public's imagination once more. Some say, Lacson is the best bet of the Americans, and when the Americans speak, Filipinos follow. As construction czar, Lacson is in the best position to capture the presidency come 2016. Some rumor mongers say the Americans will pour billions to help him in his job.

Well, Lacson's fate is brighter than others but it does not assure him of the job come 2016. It cuts both ways. If Lacson is not able to do his job as what he promised, then he's a goner. He is actually politically weak. His success depends on one thing---money. This early, Ping does not want to sign anything close to financial papers. How then will he be able to accomplish anything without using public funds?

Lacson faces a dilemma--re-construction means using public funds. He loses if corruption eats just one of his projects. One example--a road project. The Visayas needs more roads. One project tainted with charges of corruption will taint Lacson.

How about Senator Bongbong Marcos then? He is being pump primed for the presidency, with his mother as his endorser.

Well, 2016 stands a good chance of becoming like the sixties when his father, the late president Ferdinand Marcos assumed power. The conditions of the sixties are slowly re-appearing with elite families dominating both political and economic spheres of life.

The Marcos trademark remains spotless if you ask older voters. Young voters do not know what happened during Marcos dictatorial years. Those in the middle age range knows, yet this segment is fragmented.

Marcos has a strong constituency. Marcos has a very strong grassroots based electoral machine that if activated, would possibly give him the presidency. The problem really of Bongbong is the elite families whose interests will be affected once he assumes the presidency. To win, he will have to either cause the deaths of these families or enter into a compromise with them.

His father did these two things---enter into a compromise with some families and left others to die a rather slow economic death. He did not chose one above the other. The thing is, these families have long memories.

(expect a second part of this analysis..)

INC officially endorses 7 candidates from Team Pnoy, 5 from UNA

These are the names of the candidates officially endorsed by the Iglesia ni Kristo.

1. Angara (TEAM PNOY)
2. Bam Aquino (TEAM PNOY)
3. Grace Poe (TEAM PNOY)
4. Loren Legarda (TEAM PNOY)
5. Antonio Trillianes IV (TEAM PNOY)
6.Cynthia Villar (TEAM PNOY)
7. Alan Peter Cayetano (TEAM PNOY)
8. JV Ejercito(UNA)
9. Richard Gordon (UNA)
10. Grace Binay (UNA)
11. Greg Honasan (UNA)
12. Jack Enrile (UNA)

There is the possibility that this is the final configuration in this elections. A 7-5 configuration is believable.

Curiously, INK has dumped Chiz Escudero.

Escudero's ratings continue its descent

Chiz Escudero's ratings continue to slip, despite persistent image restoration strategies being employed by his PR handlers. What is alarming, surveys reflect only a miniscule fraction of the voting populace. Escudero's camp may never know the real extent of the reputational injury the revelation of the Ongpaucos wrought against his political career. Perception is key towards electoral victory. Rumors clink away the teflon even of seasoned politicians and in the case of Escudero, it is now eating away whatever goodwill the good senator had with his publics.

Surely, Escudero's strong stance for RH has also segmented his once formidable voting base. Church organisations are actively campaigning against him and other pro-RH legislators specifically Risa Hontiveros. With a lingering "bad boy" perception, Escudero is slowly alienating young, middle aged and old voters. Young because most of our young voters exhibit Republican-like voting behavior. Pinoy voters are mostly traditionalists, when they vote. They express preference to Filipino values, most especially respect of elders. Escudero's failure to apologize and his continued and persistent avowals of innocence place him in an enviable position.

What is wrong with apologizing to the Ongpauco couple? Nothing. Fact is, this will surely invigorate Escudero's ratings and probably propel him to the leaderboard once more.

I had a high regard for Escudero and see him in a different light. However, his non-apologetic stance reflect his true nature---an arrogant individual.

I miss the days when Escudero was just a humble and idealistic politician. I guess, sometimes, undeserved popularity goes to one's head.

Chiz Escudero says he is caught in a family feud

Yesterday, Chiz Escudero defended himself against the latest tirade of the Ongpauco family against him. The 42 year old Senator said he is in the middle of a "family feud" between Heart Evangelista and her parents.

When the Ongpaucos heard what Escudero said, they immediately responded, and denied that there is a family feud between them and their 28 year old daughter.

The Ongpaucos are planning to file charges against Escudero, one of them libel for claiming that there is something going on between them and the actress.

Escudero is running for re-election. Surely, people will talk about this. The question really is---will this scandal affect Escudero's political career?

The scandal is really about Escudero's character and what the family claims, his "persona" hidden from public view. One columnist even claims, this is about his so-called "Jeckle and Hyde" thing.

Escudero says this latest scandal will not affect his performance as a public official and as a legislator. Many people dispute this.

I don't know about you, but are you willing to wager the fate and future of this country for someone who has an alcohol problem, like what the Ongpaucos claim, Chiz Escudero now suffers from?

Are we sure, very sure, that we want someone who does not respect elders and parents to become our President come 2016?

It is time to elect people who are not just intellectuals and performers but people with integrity, with a strong morality and strong values. Hey, we are not choosing mere officials here. We are electing people in positions of power.

We need people who have the right moral compass to steer everyone to the right direction.

Chiz Escudero and his handlers want t nothing more than keep this under wraps. We, the electorate, are not amused.

Chiz Escudero-Heart Evangelista relationship: When a highly publicized stunt goes awry and backfires

For many election observers, having a celebrity as a love interest is a major plus factor in the awareness part of the political game. Such a kind of relationship affords the candidate free publicity and increased talk value, something which is very much desired by any candidate.

When things however, goes South rather than North, such a relationship is a career-ender. This is what Senator Chiz Escudero is experiencing right now when parents of Heart Evangelista went public and publicly chastised the Senator, even revealed unsavory things about him personally.

Chiz Escudero's public image is, according to his friends, unsullied. Yet, I have heard many unsavory things about this political personality since his days as the spokesperson of Fernando Poe Jr. He is a sweet talker, no doubt about it. Behind the veneer of political sophistication lies a "damaged personal life", according to close associates and right now, even the parents of Heart Evangelista.

What the Ongpauco couple told ABS-CBN 2 are things which, to the minds of many, reveal the true persona behind this "Chiz" character which, to some, is just a media creation.

The Ongpaucos want Chiz to leave Heart Evangelista alone. I have felt for the Ongpaucos since I, myself, am a parent of three girls, and one of my girls is entering the puberty stage in the next few years.

Any parent would want nothing more than a good person for his daughter or son. And the Ongpaucos feel the same.

The Ongpaucos accused Chiz of being "bastos", of "disrespectful towards elders" and of being an "alcoholic".The Family of Heart Evangelista belongs to the "old rich" and obviously, they want someone who at least, exemplifies the Victorian model they have in their minds.

I don't know how Chiz would actually defend himself against this latest tirade of the Ongpaucos against him. This is a publicity disaster, a major image crisis, which is very hard to extricate oneself.

Chiz has to repair the damage the Ongpaucos wrought against his persona. Personally, I don't see nothing wrong with drinking once in a while; but being accused of being an "alcoholic", is something different. That smells trouble.

And to think that Chiz is seriously considering running for President in 2016. An alcoholic for a president? See the entire interview at this link: "Leave Heart alone"

2013 Mid-Term Elections in Philippines: Who gets the six remaining senatorial slots and why?

Analysing the senatorial configurations now, and many observers see only six remaining slots for newbies, or those wanting to become senators. Candidates are vying for 12 seats, but many seemed to have relegated the first six seats to incumbent senators, namely: Chiz Escudero, Greg Honasan, Loren Legarda, Koko Pimentel, Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillianes IV.

Three things why these re-electionists are shoo-ins: one, they have an enormous kitty to use in their re-election (2) they have a deep grassroots organisation and (3) they are in power and will definitely use this as leverage in political arrangements particularly at the LGU level.

Escudero, for example, has a wide network of supporters nationwide. His grassroots organisers are dedicated ones, and he has several arrangements with people's organisations and NGOs. Aside from monies coming from his business backers, Escudero has his own funds as Senator.

This is similar with Loren Legarda's case. Legarda has her vaulted LGU network to rely on. She, like Escudero, has many business backers, including Danding Cojuangco. She has a vast network of military men backing her up, most of them occupying sensitive positions in the military establishment.

It's a toss-up for the number one slot between Escudero and Legarda. However, many political observers see some groups campaigning against an Escudero rather than a Legarda.

It is common knowledge among political circles that Escudero is gunning for the 2016 presidency. If he gets elected overwhelmingly and gets the no. 1 spot, Escudero may well see himself being nominated for the presidency come 2016. A Legarda win, however, is safe for all parties, since many believe that Legarda has abandoned her presidential ambitions already. Legarda will likewise, benefit from a no. 1 ranking since the vice presidential post is still seen as vacant now.

Sources say, Escudero is toying with the idea of running either as President or Vice President come 2016. If he plays his cards right, Escudero may yet clinch what he hope for. Escudero is perceived as a safe bet in 2016, between a comebacking Marcosian force and an ageing political operator.


As the years go by, voters are becoming less and less informed about the "historical legacies" of a Marcos or a Binay. Binay's strength lies in his vaulted LGU support. If his political supporters lose their posts in 2013, Binay's chances will be extremely compromised.


Escudero's chances of winning 2016 is not as far-fetched as what some believe. He may yet be positioned as a winnable alternative between Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos and Vice President Jejomar Binay. Three years from now, the electoral landscape will be extremely different. There would be more younger voters, and getting their support will be crucial in a presidential contest. The political baggages linked with the brandnames of a Marcos and a Binay will bear heavy, and voters will surely gun for a perceived younger candidate.

This phenomenon has been observed in the election of Noynoy Aquino in 2010, when, ranged against political heavyweights such as Villar and Estrada, Aquino won riding on the crest of a change movement composed of very young voters.

Will we see another Escudero-Legarda tandem in 2016? The future is bright.

For another Marcos to clinch the presidency, Bongbong has to overcome three (3) challenges: first, titans in the business community who will still be in power come 2016, and still harboring ill feelings against the former Marcos dictatorship (2) government officials who previously fought the Marcos regime and, like several others, still carry an oppositive stance against the Marcoses and (3) a political bureaucracy uncertain of a Bongbong Marcos administration.

What Bongbong is going for him is the younger voters fascination about him, personally. Like Escudero, Bongbong's image and reputation among young and old voters is pretty impressive. In the last 2010 elections, we saw Bongbong Marcos' supporters almost everywhere, even in far-flung barangays.

If you ask me if Bongbong Marcos is ripe for the presidency, I will tell you straight that his chances, ranged against a Binay will be slim. He needs more time romancing the LGU heavyweights in every province and city. If Bongbong does his homework and participate actively this year in electing his supporters to critical voter-rich areas, we may yet see a Marcos in Malacanang come three years time.

However, ranged against an Escudero, Bongbong will probably provide a good fight, since voters perceive these two as fresh and young, and the only factor which will provide a political advantage would have to be LGU support, which, if this time is the reckoning, would probably be equal.

If Escudero gets top billing this year and continues to avoid being embroiled in any major controversy, it would be a shoo-in for him to the presidency, and even see administration backing come 2016.

And what about a Mar Roxas presidential campaign? If it's for the Vice-Presidency, Roxas is a sure winner.

Greg Honasan and Antonio Trillianes IV share the same constituency. They have the funds to fund their respective campaigns. However, their victories now depend on how organized their respective support groups are. They have the reformist groups on their side, but several information I got from sources reveal that their organisation is not as solid as it was several years ago.

The Magdalo organisation, for one, is fragmented at the grassroots, so Trillianes IV needs additional support from the Liberal Party to be able to win. What makes it difficult for Trillianes is, he has a Senate President as a political nemesis, someone so deeply entrenched not just in the LGU level but moreso, in the business community, that I am sure, Trillianes IV will find it extremely hard to shore funds from the business community.

The Trillianes IV brandname however, remains high in the Pulse Asia survey compared with other candidates. That was last June 2012, months prior to Trillianes IV highly public fiasco on China and his controversial tiff with Enrile. I fear that his ranking would be far lower in February than previous surveys. Trillianes will have a hard climb to victory this mid-term elections.

Honasan, meanwhile, has solidified his status in Philippine societal circles, but previous electoral contests show that Honasan's political brandname is not as formidable as it seems. He nearly lost two previous elections. He got his post

AMPATUAN LAWYER AS COMELEC CHAIR

Election specialist Sixto Brillantes Jr. is now the head of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Wow. Yet, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano says there's no "wow" factor in his appointment.


I say "wow" because appointing Brillantes Jr. shows the true nature of this administration--it is still playing politics instead of minding the change business. Malacanang chose a pragmatist instead of an idealist, a wrong way to start the change business.


Brillantes is a veteran of COMELEC wars, among them, the manipulation of poll results in Maguindanao, the province of the Ampatuans. Numerous ballot boxes were found there. And the Ampatuans are no expert in election law, they are only experts in killing their enemies, and stuffing their mouths with earth. Who then advised them to hide those ballot boxes?


Justice secretary Leila de Lima says Brillantes' appointment will improve the image and reputation of the COMELEC. Come on, dear Mam! How will that happen when everyone knows that Brillantes orchestrated several issues that actually put the COMELEC's reputation at stake.


What this administration is concerned about is the possibility of lording it over the mid-term elections of 2013.  This election is crucial because it will determine the fate of those who want to be president in 2016.


If a particular party dominates the politics "from below", it will surely grab the politics "from above". Meaning, grassroots support is very crucial in any election. If a political party strengthens its hold over the grassroots machinery, then, whoever does that, will win the 2016 elections.


The Liberals want nothing more than this. Mar Roxas is again putting his lot come 2013. He is running as a Senator, in preparation for 2016. Chiz Escudero is doing the same thing. Only Jejomar Binay and Bongbong Marcos, potential presidentiables, are staying away from the mid-term elections.

The Aquino Administration's Labor Policy

Past the initial 100 days and we see that things are more "manageable" now for the administration. No big scandal except that stupidity caused by a rambling idiot-writer who tried to portray herself as a wine connoisseur. No big news against any government official. It's all business as usual for a government which still grapples with centuries-old problems of graft and corruption. 


There were, however, insinuations that Aquino would try to re-shuffle his cabinet. I heard from the grapevine that DILG secretary Jesse Robredo is on his way out. And who, do you think would replace him? 


Sources say its either Felicito Payumo or former Cavite governor Ayong Malicsi who is being eyed to replace Robredo. Malicsi, it seems, has many friend backers in the Aquino administration. Allegedly, Malicsi has been bruiting his strong ties with the Aquinos and his possible assumption of the office anytime soon. 


I don't know about you, but Malicsi is no change agent. He is part of the traditional elite groups with links with jueteng, as alleged by many in Cavite. Curiously though, investigation into jueteng seemed to have died a natural death. Again, no one faced the gauntlet. No one was even jailed. It seemed that its again business as usual.


This is the big problem of this administration. It won when it manipulated the feelings and emotions of the masses about change. There was a dominant call for real, meaningful change and it reflected in how the masses voted last elections. This administration won when it deftly positioned itself as a leader in the change movement. It won when it promised that it would eradicate poverty by combatting graft and corruption. 


When it assumed power, the Aquino administration presented a weird combination of personalities in its cabinet. If you looked closely though, there is a big proportion of appointees who serve as stooges of Big Business. 


Big Business reared its ugly head when it appointed the likes of Singson, Henares, Purisima and Alvarez to positions of power. There are several more appointments done quietly and silently but reflects what really is the very nature of this administration---a government which is backed strongly by Corporate Interests. 


I will describe this government as pursuing not change, but CORPORATISM. Corporatism is a strange creature, which essentially means a policy of pursuing capitalist interests over and above the interests of the masses.


This romance with Corporate Interests has been shown with how the Aquino administration treated the current labor row between a thousand employees of the Philippine Airlines and the Tan management.


Imagine the stupidity of even the President announcing that the Department of Labor and Employment, the very agency tasked to protect the interests of Labor, is allowing the Management of PAL to effectively fire a thousand protesting employees and replace them with robots, err, new applicants willing to lick the asses of PAL's capitalist bosses.


Look at how stupid the Labor secretary Baldoz looked when she announced that government is siding with PAL management. 


Is it because Lucio Tan is a strong backer of Chiz Escudero, a self-proclaimed Kingmaker in this administration? Is it because Tan has strong links with personalities running the show inside Malacanang? Why protect Tan, who has shown his unpatriotism as a big-time tax evader and one of the biggest unfair labor buster and inhumane employer in this country?


Instead of siding with the toiling masses, this administration decided to side with Big Business, with Big Money. Is this the way to treat Labor?


We, as a People, must resist this government. 


We, the People, must show this government who really is the "boss".


IN his inaugural address, Aquino told us that, we, the Filipino Masses, are his "boss". Now, we know better.


Aquino is no different from Arroyo. He is an ass-licker of Big Business. 


I call on all labor unions and labor leaders to resist the Aquino administration's attempt to legalize the illegal labor practice of the Philippine airlines. 


I call on all labor organizers to unify behind the popular movement against the Aquino administration. 


Let us, for once, set aside our ideological differences, and unite against the growing anti-labor front now being represented by the Aquino administration. We are fighting for the rights and welfare of our ranks. We are fighting against this manipulation being undertaken by this corporatism practised by the Aquino administration.


Resist corporatism. Unify for the Upliftment of Philippine labor. 

Chiz becomes president if elections fail, says pending bill

reposted over at http://pinoyobserver.com. For other more interesting news and views, visit The Pinoy Observer.

Does Chiz know that he stands to benefit from a failure of the 2010 elections? Is this the reason why Chiz is dilly-dally or fidgeting in deciding to run for president?

A bill pending in Congress seeks a solution to possible power vacuum in the event of a failure of the 2010 elections. The bill, authored by Nueva Ecija Congressman Edno Joson, proposes a transition president in case of a declaration of an election failure. Joson proposes that the no. 1 Senator elected in 2007 and whose term ends in 2013, be designated as transition president. If the senator refuses the role, the responsibility goes to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.


The bill is enjoying tremendous support in the Lower Chamber, and great is the possibility that legislators will pass it. Now, if the elections fail, according to the bill, it would be Loren Legarda who will assume the post.


Since Legarda will be running as vice presidential bet of Nacionalista party Manny Villar, and definitely public sentiments will go against her assuming the presidency, the onus transfers to Chiz Escudero.


Escudero got the second highest number of votes last 2007 elections. Hi term ends in 2013. If he elects not to run for any elective post in 2010, Escudero would just have to wait for the elections to fail and he would assume the presidency.


Now, if Escudero do decides to run, then, it would have to be Senator Edgardo Angara who will act as transition president. Angara’s term ends in 2013.


One major stumbling block—Norberto Gonzales, the defense secretary cum ideologue cum GMA stooge.


Gonzales is there to protect the interests of the Arroyo mafia. He’s there to provide ideological muscle. In the future, Gonzales role will be very important, first as Gloria’s Rasputin in case this administration declares an emergency and converts itself into a dictatorial regime or as a catalyst for the military to shift allegiance.


Gonzales, obviously, would do what his principal orders him to do. Escudero’s alignment with the Magdalo does not sit well for Gonzales, who, as a clerico-fascist, positions himself at the extreme of the political spectrum. Gonzales is there to preserve the gains of the Arroyo mafia insofar as the military is concerned.


Now, will Gonzales' gang snatch power from Escudero's group? That is likely since under the bill, the incumbent president is not the one who serves as the transition head. Only a coup from within would extend Mrs. Arroyo's term.



Clearly, what is to be expected come 2010 is the clash between Gonzales and Escudero’s group. Their clash will obviously create a push and pull effect which will eventually split the country’s military in half. If this happens, a power vacuum is likely to happen.

Loren Legarda's Money Demands irked Chiz Escudero

Ding Gagelonia's explosive revelation behind Chiz Escudero's resignation merits public attention. Check his story out at http://www.filipinonewsnetwork.com. Based on the story, Loren Legarda's 500 million peso demand and her dilatory tactics left Chiz Escudero without a choice but to leave NPC. Legarda, as what one source of Gagelonia says, demanded 500 million pesos from the NPC, then agreed to lower it down to 300 million pesos. Numerous instances where both Escudero and Legarda could have talked things out were squelched.

Seems like the inside story behind Escudero's resignation was neither nationalist nor personal. Escudero resigned from the party because talks between him and Legarda were getting nowhere. The push-and-pull of Escudero's and Legarda's forces ripped the possibility of a tandem apart, leading, as we now see, a presidential-less NPC.

Now, Gagelonia's expose does not discount the possibility that certain forces within the party itself wanted this to happen, simply, isolate Escudero, make things hard for him, and force him to take the road less travelled by politicians, that is, take refuge with minority power brokers.

I still maintain the stance that what Escudero did was a maverick move. Since he felt that the only true thing about the Nationalist People's Coalition is it's a coalition of people sans nationalism, then, it is but logical for him to salvage his reputation as an oppositionist and abandon a lost cause.

Okey, Escudero is faced with a monumental decision---pursue a losing proposition or just stay where he is right now, and hope for better times in the future. Escudero is in a bind. If he pursues his presidential bid and lose, Escudero's chances of getting it the second time are very slim. If he withdraws from the game at this point, Escudero still loses because what that means is weakness, a trait not entirely seen as admirable by the electorate.

Escudero, as what my sources say, is being egged to just support Noynoy Aquino. Aquino's camp admitted talks with Escudero. There is, however, no clear indication if those talks are even going anywhere, but this too is not entirely beneficial for Escudero.

Net---Escudero has to be the People's David and fight these traditional monsters that created this society we live right now.

Leaders who want to lead

Two old faces but positioning themselves as alternatives. Let's analyze these fine gentlemen, shall we?

Chiz Escudero bolted from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) and found refuge with the progressives and reformists. Hermogenes Ebdane resigned from the Arroyo administration and proclaimed himself head of the Philippine Labor and Peasant Party, a duly accredited political party. Escudero is still trying to form his, while Ebdane found solidarity with so-called laborers and peasants headed by no less than Villegas who belonged to the propertied class and him, as formerly the voice of the Gunless society. Talk about heading the laborers and peasants which he, Ebdane, does not belong. Ebdane is neither a laborer nor a peasant.

Escudero is positioning himself as the voice of the Youth and of those who aspire for change, while Ebdane represents himself and possibly, the Ramos' group. Escudero is young. Ebdane has served for 40 years. What's the difference? And who is the true alternative candidate?

Neither one befits the title of the leader of the progressive groups. For neither one really struggled for real change.

Escudero is no Voltaire Garcia of Alpha Phi Beta (APB), nor even a David Celdran. He is a gifted speaker, but shows a lack of vision. His stands are proletarian, but for truth or convenience, we simply cannot judge for he speaks in layers of layers of innocuousness.

Ebdane is no Ramos nor even a Magsaysay. Ebdane is Ebdane. He represents the interests of a highly-entrenched organization whose mission is protect the existing way of life. There is no ideology in his every bone, Ebdane simply wants to run because he knows the system without saying that he also knows how to overthrow it. Ebdane, is, the epitome of a person whose existence counts nothing except when used for pseudo-revolutionary work.

Ebdane is an expert in networking; Escudero counts as his expertise in rah-rah sis boomba. Escudero marshalls no one, Ebdane networks no one except a few. Two faces wanting to lead but they simply don't have the masses with them.

Who deserves to lead? Is it Noynoy Aquino, the necropolitician, or the self-proclaimed champion of the masses, Erap Estrada? Is it Gibo who refuses to see the bad and always mouth the self-perceived good? Or maybe, Manny Villar, whose philosophy is simply pay off anybody who wants to hinder his way to the presidency?

It is this prospect that puts the entire Philippine democracy in jeopardy, the stark prospect of our country heading towards uncharted waters. Blame those who wants to lead but without the proper vision. And blame those who are leaders but simply refuse to take the cudgels of leadership.

Jamby Madrigal out to save Chiz Escudero?

Don't count Chiz Escudero out----he still has ONE option left and that is, convince Senator Jamby Madrigal to support his candidacy.

Everyone knows that Madrigal is a billionaire, just like Villar. Possible that Chiz Escudero already courted and convinced Madrigal to support him? Is this the reason why the young presidentiable resigned?

Curiously, Chiz chose Lito Banayo, a close Lacson associate, as his campaign manager. Signs that Madrigal and Lacson are already bank-rolling ChizNation, with the Tans and Cojuangcos serving as "shadows"? We will know by next week. I just got info on who really spent for the Chiz ads now being played over the radio.

For now, let's all have a nice weekend.

The Chiz Escudero Gambit

A friend and colleague in this political analysis ek-ek, Pedestrian Observer has a pretty good analysis about Chiz Escudero. Read it, as well as Leslie Bocobo's piece.



Yep. Chiz is neither a haciendero nor a bilyonaryo, but he's surely a beneficiary of the Marcos regime. His father, Salvador, was a staunch pro-Marcos. And by Chiz association with Danding, yep, he probably benefited from the coconut levy fund which Danding is still using to prop his hold over as SMC.


It does not necessarily conclude that Chiz would be all-out Marcosian. I mean, the sins of the Father should not be blamed on the son. If Salvador Escudero erred on the side of dogged allegiance to a false prophet, he was simply, and probably did it out of fear or trepidation. And we don't expect the son to follow suit right?


Chiz's gambit, as what Senator Aquilino Pimentel described his "bold move" was, for me, a test of how far and how strong the progressives are in pursuing their cause. Chiz just lost a sizeable base of support coming from the traditionals, but the prospect of carving something out of the progressives or the middle class is higher than when he was with the NPC.


The question really is---are the progressives, or some term, reformist groups really ready to flex its muscles come May 2010? People are hoping that Chiz replicates the "miracle win" of Trillianes. Trillianes was losing in the survey game months prior to the 2004 elections when his stock suddenly climbed to the magic 12.


Political analysts were caught with their feet in their mouths. Many predicted defeat; but the contrary happened. Trillianes won, as some believe, without machinery.


That observation is surely not correct. Trillianes had his electoral machine which came from reformist groups within traditional political parties. Trapos also assisted Trillianes to win and some say, his victory also got the go-ahead from inside the palace. But, that's another story.


Now, let me go back to this gambit which Chiz took.


If Chiz pushes through, he needs the backing of the reformists and the progressives. Let me just clump them in one political creature---the middle forces. Right now, majority of the middle forces are aligned with Noynoy Aquino under the mistaken notion that Ninoy's son deserves to lead them. These middle forces constitute the bulk of Noynoy's mass base support. They are educated, idealists and really want changes in Philippine society.


Based on a very confidential poll survey research which I have, they comprise 78% of the total electorate. They are a cross-section of the economic classes. They are well informed and politically aware. They classify politicians in simple trapo and non-trapo terms. Obviously, they disdain trapos and want non-trapos to ascend to power.


What is going on right now (and which the Liberals surely know) is that even they cannot seem to get the full backing of the middle forces. Yes, majority are behind them but there is a sizeable chunk, which I call the "ideologically astute" and "political organizers" who command respect in the urban poor and middle class constituencies that reserve their support. These organizers are spread among different political parties, ready to be tapped when an ideal non-trapo enters the political fray.


This is what Chiz and his handlers want to tap. Doing so means weakening Noynoy's base, damaging the grassroots base of Erap's and slowing down organizing efforts of the Manny Villar camp. When this happens, the possibility of garnering at least 23-25% of the electorate votes is high. A candidate who gets 25% of the votes come May 2010 is a sure winner, particularly in a four or five corner fight.


Chiz has just positioned himself as a non-trapo candidate and poised to assume leadership of this category. All he needs to do is convince those belonging to Noynoy's camp, those ideologically astute and political organizers to shift and form an independent movement.


This is possible since Chiz now has the FPJM, the Samahang Magdalo, Ping Lacson's group and his own ChizNation organizations. If he gets the support of the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), Sanlakas, BayanMuna (now aligned with Villar's), unions, people's organizations such as the PRRM, Code NGO and the People's Primaries, he stands on firmer ground. Now, should Eddie Villanueva's group align with him and Grace Padaca's group suddenly bolts out of the Liberal Party, then Chiz has his independent third force movement.


Likewise, what is the possibility of Senator Jamby Madrigal throwing her billions out for Chiz? High, if you ask me.


Now, what is the possibility of forming a broad coalition of progressives and reformist groups under one candidacy? Grace Padaca would surely stick with Mar. JIL is one open window. BayanMuna has their own political aggrupation, but probably open to talks, same goes to PLM-Sanlakas. Code NGO has been fractured already but many of them are aligned with the Liberals.


What would happen really is that Chiz will split this group in half, further diluting the chances of progressives ascending the top of the power structure post-May 2010. Chiz is doing what Ping Lacson did in 2004---splitting the progressives by positioning as the best alternative candidate. Chiz is like a monkey wrench thrown in the political pond to confuse and befuddle the political forces.

And the target seems to be Noynoy Aquino. Wittingly or unwittingly, Chiz just played sweetly in the hands of the administration.

Trouble in Noynoy fever?

Yesterday, Senator Noynoy Aquino said that he and his party are talking with the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). Aquino was quoted to have said that since Chiz Escudero is now out of the picture, the Liberal party can now proceed with talks with Danding Cojuangco, Aquino's uncle ,on the possibility of a coalition.

WTF????

Mr. Senator, I thought we are pursuing New Politics here, why talk with traditional political parties? I thought that you have faith in the Power of the People to propel you to victory?

Are you now saying Mr. Aquino that you are ready to compromise the People's Agenda in exchange for 200 million pesos or 5 billion pesos worth of campaign funds which obviously, your uncle would give you without blinking his eye?

Mr. Aquino, I thought you have full faith in us, the Filipino People, that without money, you will win? You even told us during that pompous affair at the Club Filipino that you will engage in a non-traditional campaign?

Now, why do you need Danding Cojuangco? Are you saying that you now believe in what Manny Villar said that "money (Manny) politics win every single time in this country"?

Are you ready to use the coconut farmers' monies just to win the presidency? If that is the case, then, are you Mr. Noynoy Aquino, saying that you'll give your uncle the entire 130 billion pesos coconut levy fund in exchange for electoral support?

You are talking with different political parties Mr. Aquino and behaving like a true-blue TRAPO---totally different from what your father, Ninoy, used to be.

Noynoy, your slip is showing. It just shows that your organization is crumbling and teethering to the blink of financial woes, just like what Chiz Escudero encountered. For if not, you would not even entertain the thought of talking with Danding and his NPC.

I thank God that this early, the Almighty is opening the People's eyes to the reality that no one among the current crop of leaders deserve to lead this 90 million souls towards true change.

Chiz Esvudero resignation: A masterful retreat

Now it can be told.



Days before the expected October 12 announcement of Chiz, Danding Cojuangco told the Escudero camp of the impossibility of raising 2 billion pesos and the only amount that the SMC chairman and former Marcos crony can commit is 200 million. That floored everyone who committed to help ChizNation. And that, as sources say, was the real reason why Chiz delayed his pronouncement.


One financier after another reportedly stayed away from the Escudero camp, and one big fish by the name of Lucio Tan decided not to really push for Escudero's bid. Left without any big funding source, Escudero, as coffee habitues say, decided to bolt.

Was it tactical retreat? Yes, it was.


Political funding, as everyone knows, depends on ratings. Financiers will only support those perceived to be strong or has the potential of victory. Victory depends on a well-oiled political grassroots machinery. Perceptions that a candidate is losing considerable ground are enough to completely seal off support from potential big-ticket funders.


Chiz lost a considerable chunk of his constituency when Noynoy Aquino entered the political fray. Prior to Noynoy's entry, Chiz was fighting tooth and nail for territory. He shares the same constituency as that of Erap's and Mar's in the D-E while having a slight edge over Villar's in the A-B-C.


When Noynoy positioned himself as an alternative candidate, many sectors supporting Chiz shifted and gravitated towards the Liberal Party bet. That started Chiz ratings to plateau and in recent surveys, started to nose-dive. Reason is both candidates share the same political slogan and being supported by the same progressive-minded middle class.

Naturally, as Noynoy’s political stock increased, Chiz’s political stock and funding began to dry up. Defections started. ChizNation began to suffer an organizational “hemorrhage”, losing the Osmenas over to Noynoy and other progressives who were turned off with talks that NPC top honchos are exploring a merger with the administration party.


Talks between NPC and Lakas shifted to a higher gear particularly when the Supreme Court decided in favour of the government’s plan to convert the government’s SMC shares into preferred shares. That gave the administration enough leverage to enter into more serious talks with the NPC. What the NPC leaders and the administration failed to realize is the possibility of Chiz Escudero not agreeing with these talks in the first place.


Chiz knows that he will lose the presidency should he accede with the NPC plan to merge with the administration. One, a merger would eventually dilute progressive support for Chiz and two, would eventually allow administration party stalwarts to dominate NPC. What the public does not know is that Chiz looks at the political situation very seriously and he wants nothing more than to position himself as the opposition leader.


When all indications point to Chiz not supporting a merger, the NPC issued public statements practically dictating what should be the outcome of Chiz decision. That was a tactical maneuver, meant actually to isolate Chiz and force him to toe the party line or risk losing support. I do not believe that trash saying that NPC was caught unaware, or that Chiz just resigned the night before he announced his resignation. Chiz, as some sources say, was vehemently opposing the NPC-LAKAS-KAMPI merger and the NPC knows it. That’s why reports began to float of Loren Legarda moving towards Villar or those of Legarda opening herself up for talks with Gibo. Those were meant as signs for Chiz to toe the line or resign.


Chiz decided to resign. Left without a party, naturally, Chiz needs the full backing of minority political players such as Samahang Magdalo, volunteer groups who decided to stay with him and political forces formerly aligned with Erap. If you notice, one of those groups who stayed behind were remnants of FPJPM, the group supportive of former actor Fernando Poe Jr. This is still a very shaky ChizNation because for one, FPJPM will never support the possibility of Chiz teaming up with Panfilo Lacson, since this group blames the senator for the 2004 debacle which led to the defeat of FPJ.


Admittedly, Chiz is weakened by defections and lack of funds. That explains why Chiz refuses to formally declare his presidential bid because he is still waiting for progressive groups to gravitate towards him. He wants to regain the support of the progressive block, a big chunk of which can provide him with an army of volunteers. By distancing himself from NPC, Chiz wants to re-position himself as the true non-trapo candidate. Chiz hopes that by doing so; he can weaken Noynoy Aquino’s base of support and pull the Liberals out of the game.


The Liberals realized this early on that’s why they are proposing a coalition with Chiz. The Liberal Party validated earlier reports of talks between them and the Chiz camp. What the Liberals propose is for Chiz to submit himself in a selection process whereby both camps will try to strike a deal and support a common slate, to be positioned as the true “non-trapo” candidate. Some quarters think that this benefits both, since this will resolve the thorny issue of who among them really deserve the title.


This proposal aims to present a unified front, both to strike at the traditional oppositionist parties, led by former president Joseph Estrada and Manny Villar. Both camps recognize that without merging their forces, they stand to lose out on Villar, who has consistently showed consistency of mass base support.

Chiz Escudero is now a free man: A Third Force is in the works

Like what I told my friend and comrade Carlos, any one who wants to take on the presidency needs what I call a dramatis causa---a shocking event that would take everyone by surprise. Delicious surprise, I must say.

Chiz Escudero has now freed himself from the shackles of Danding Cojuangco--and for better reason. He has just announced his resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the traditional political party that has cuddled him for eleven years. Why?

Escudero has his reasons, and legitimate ones, I must say.

First, how would one fight graft and corruption if financiers with spotty political records are behind your campaign? He was referring to Mr. Cojuangco, who is bedeviled by numerous unresolved graft cases. Second, how would you fight those who cause the further poverty of this nation if they are the ones who dictate your every political move?

Definitely, Escudero did the right thing---he is offering himself to the Filipino People. He is now, a free man. He can now decide whether to run or not for the highest post. Should he decide though, he will definitely either run as vice president or gun for the highest post.

What would now prevent him from running as president and Senator Antonio Trillianes as his running mate? No problem. Reformist groups are very strong at this point. In fact, every organizer can be tapped to help Escudero clinch the highest post of the land.

What I can now say, as Secretary General of the Young Organizers' Union (YOU), the successor of the YOU (Young Officers' Union), we respect and salute the decision of Senator Francis Escudero. Should he decide to run as president, we, and the Filipino People, will be behind him.

He can be adopted by the Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP), a national political party. Or, we can now unite behind Escudero and form a THIRD FORCE. That THIRD FORCE will definitely defeat all these traditional political parties, like the Liberal Party, UNO, and Nacionalista.

A Third Force would surely be a welcome development in the shifting political environment.

Let me articulate what millions want---a People's Progressive Party (3P), an organization composed of all organizers in every political party uniting behind Escudero. Or a Democratic Party of the Philippines.

To Senator Escudero----don't worry about your logistics. The Spirit of Bayanihan will provide you with what you need. If we can muster billions for disaster relief, we, the Filipino People, will be behind you and give you billions more just to rehabilitate our damaged institutions.

Truly, may Bagong Umagang Parating!