Jinggoy tops senatorial bets

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Senator Jinggoy Estrada got 50.2 placing him first preference of the people followed by Liberal Party president Mar Roxas. Pia Cayetano placed third while Senator Bong Revilla Jr. is fourth and Senator Franklin Drilon in fifth place with 48.3%.

If you look at the PulseAsia survey, you'll find very familiar names in the top 12 slots: Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (2-6), Sen. Jamby Madrigal (7-11), Sen. Ralph Recto (7-11), Sen. Jojo Binay (7-11), and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel's son, Koko (7-13) and Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile (10-14). The only "new" name there is Sen. Edu Manzano (7-14).

BY the way, Edu is not a neophyte in the political world having served as Makati Vice Mayor for one term. He lost when he ran in the mayoral post, the exclusive turf of the Binays (of course).

One surprising name, Atty. Alex Lacson, figured prominently in the list, placing between 19 to 24 places, even better than veteran politicos Ruffy Biazon (19-24), Robert Ace Barbers (25-29), Mike Defensor and even Jun Lozada.

Who's Alex Lacson? Well, he's a nice guy who happened to be my room mate for many years at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He's a practising lawyer and never hold a government office. He's a principled guy and I would love to see him at the Senate soon.

Danny Lim is at the 30th to 44th place, a tad higher than Roilo Golez (31-49). But of course, these would change as the polls near.

Interestingly, however, these names are either scions of political dynasties or those occupying former sensitive posts in the government, who, one way or another, was involved in serious allegations of graft and corruption.

My 12 Senators (if the elections pushes thru)

Honestly my friends, I only voted once in my life---and it was for Jovito Salonga as president. Salonga lost but at least I stood up and counted myself in those millions who believed in him.

Now, should the elections push thru as planned, though I still believe that elections are being used as social tranquilizers to lull the great masses to sleep, if asked, I'll vote for these people. I remember my colonel friend asking me if I have a list of people in my mind who deserves the support of the masses. His request was about two or three months ago. I decided now is the time for me to reveal my list.

Brigadier General Danilo "Danny" Lim deserves to be elected either as a Senator or a Vice President. He fits into what our group, the Maginoo Movement, describes as the New Patriot. He has Integrity. He has a very good track record of government service. He has a good platform of government and his chances of winning is high. Should Gen. Lim really participates in the 2010 elections, I'll vote for him. We deserve someone who has the fortitude of Spirit and the Vision to lead this nation to glory.

However, Danny Lim and his group should not allow join Villar's Nacionalista Party. No. If they decide to do so, then, I'm sorry sir, I just have to set my sights somewhere else.

I would also vote for Cong. Darlene Antonino-Custodio should she decides to run for the Senate. Custodio has the brains, not just the beauty. What more, Darlene has the right political attitude. However, I hope she does not go the Chiz Escudero route. She must always be consistent on pursuing the Cause.

Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga is one such guy who deserves our support in case he runs for the Senate. Meloto's work is world-class. He could provide valuable knowledge in solving our housing problems. His insights into poverty alleviation are gems that deserve national attention.

Teddy Casino says he wants to run for the Senate. I will support him because he has the right frame of mind and he has the fortitude of Spirit, just like General Danny Lim.

Susan "Toots" Ople deserves a Senate slot due to her relentless passion for the plight of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Its high time that a pro-labor Senator be elected in the Senate.

For all his faults as a pro-Gloria, Gilbert Gibo Teodoro actually deserves a Senate slot. If he abandons his ambitions for the presidency, Teodoro is a fine addition to the roster of senatorial luminaries.

Ka Satur Ocampo is also a revolutionary all his life and deserves to leave a lasting legacy as a Senator. He has passed so many laws that improves the lives of his people and voting for him is both a responsibility and bears urgency.

Atty. Harry Roque is a fine example of a principled barrister. He fights for the weak. He has so many ideas on how to reform this country. He deserves to complete his service in the Senate.

I heard so many good things about Cong. Roilo Golez and analyzed all his statements and concluded that he deserves a chance for the senate.

Another person who deserves a Senate slot is Amina Rasul. She ran for the senate once and lost because she does'nt have enough funds. Nonetheless, we deserve someone like her who fights for the Bangsamoro. She's very intelligent and has the right nationalist frame of mind. She deserves support.

Of course, re-electionists Jamby Madrigal and Juan Ponce-Enrile, should they decide to run for re-election, deserves our support. Madrigal is a fighter of lost causes. Madrigal deserves another term.

Enrile has been doing the right things lately and he deserves another term.