Mar Roxas, official LP bet as Prexy: 2016 elections and possible new alliances and breaking up of traditional political parties

" O, pag presidente ka na ah, kalimutan mong
nagkaroon ng DAP, okey? DAPat makalimutan
para di ako malagay sa kangkungan, gets mo?
Ayokong maging "like teacher, like student"

Several sources revealed what has been expected a very long time ago---the possible anointment of DILG secretary Mar Roxas as the administration's candidate. Roxas is a member of the Liberal party and obviously, the party's "sentimental" choice, according to Senate president Franklin Drilon. This was confirmed by House speaker Sonny Belmonte who says that, as of the moment, Roxas is the party's "best bet." Belmonte, however, defers to the President who remains the party's chairman emeritus.

Roxas is expected to be proclaimed as the top choice come March which obviously, is again expected since it will give him sufficient time to campaign. As I said a very long time ago, election year starts this month and ends on the last week of April 2016. Fact is, voters traditionally make their final choice of their candidates come February and there is a very small number of voters who change their choices during the formal campaign period (February-April).

What became of Grace Poe, who was said to be one of the choices of the administration? Seems like negotiations fell thru and Poe remains with her "sentimental choice" as a party, which is, the opposition.

How about this purported plan of using her as a Binay counterfoil, positioning her as a presidential bet first, to break the opposition ranks, and eventually, plan for her alliance with the Liberal party as vice presidential?

It seems that this will not happen. These insidious brains behind the LP and the administration implemented a strategy called "using one's enemy as an enemy of my main enemy."

Poe's handlers know that she is just being used by the administration to destroy the traditional mass base of Binay. Poe and Binay share the same constituency. However, what they failed to realise is that Poe's constituency is literally only on paper, not as real as that of Binay's.

Binay has the machinery--Poe does not. In the 2010 elections, Poe relied on the machinery of Escudero and of UNA. She was actually a choice of Team Pnoy, of Estrada's UNA, even of the NP.

Besides, let me refresh your memories and remind everyone that the Comelec initially pronounced her getting 20 million votes (which is more than the expected figure of votes cast) which eventually whittled down to 16 million in the final tally.

How about the view that the LP will use former president Joseph Estrada as another casa for opposition disunity?

Estrada is being urged not by well-meaning friends, but by forces close to the administration to be the cause of opposition disunity. Unknown to these people, Estrada is a very astute and very intelligent politician. He knows the character of people. He knows the game very well.

He will probably play along, yet, at the end game, will follow what his heart desires.

Estrada's SC decision is a political game changer, simply because it revives sectoral interest in support of the opposition ranks. With the declining public approbation of the administration, there is now a slowly developing force or movement, you may call it, leading towards a unified front against the administration.

Analysing this, this is all because of the un-doing of this administration. Because of the ambition of certain people who think it is their destiny of assuming power post-Aquino, their selfish interests have contributed toward the erosion of the people's positive views of this regime.

PANSININ--there is no more mention of "tuwid na daan" in some of the President's speeches, leading us to think that this early, "tuwid" is no more as adherence to the "straight path" but being interpreted now as "tumid" belly. And you know why.

The downfall of RP's Three Kings and the Effects of a Grace Poe candidacy in Mar Roxas' destiny of being King

The downfall of the Three Kings, the Possible Candidacy of Grace Poe and its effects in Mar Roxas’ destiny of being King himself
By Ricky Rivera

In the summer of 2013, three public personalities came out and announced the possible victory in the political arena of their new alliance. Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Makati mayor Jejomar Binay went out and declared themselves the “Three Kings”.

A year later, this new group of so-called political royalties was practically wiped out in the political scene. Enrile is now in jail, Binay is facing numerous accusations of graft and corruption while Erap now faces possible ouster from his post as Manila mayor. Binay has since declared himself independent of his former political party, the PDP-Laban while Enrile has since left the United Nationalist Alliance which he joined alongside his good friend, Erap Estrada.

Rumors are swirling that Erap may be ousted from his post this January the minute a Supreme Court decision comes out which disqualifies him from the post. Sources say, the decision came from the case filed by defeated mayoral candidate Alfredo Lim, a former Erap political ally. Lim argued that Erap’s “pardon” attaches a caveat of not participating in any electoral exercise.

If this happens, then its 2001 again for Erap, who was ousted in a January mutiny, 13 years ago. 13, according to close friends of Erap, is really a bad number for the former president who is also reputed to be a strong believer of numerology.

What happens to the “opposition” if Erap loses his post and the only “king” left is Vice president Jejomar Binay?

Speculations are rife that the “Powers-that-be” are likewise planning, nay already salivating, of seeing Binay behind bars prior to 2016. The anti-Binay camp is silent, probably creating and calculating their next moves. What is most certain is that this group will try and get Binay come February, shortly after the Papal visit and maneuver to cause the filing of a criminal case against the vice president come April. A criminal case will surely prevent Binay from running in 2016. Failure to do this means Binay running for the presidential post and possibly snatching the top post if he runs against Poe.

Poe, according to several sources, is being courted actively by the President himself. There is a possibility that Pnoy will repeat what his mother did in 1992---announce his support for Mar Roxas and then shifting it to Poe, if the senator throws her hat unto the political ring.

The problem with a Poe candidacy is her lack of grassroots machinery. Remember that in 2010, Poe ran using Chiz Escudero’s network. If Poe runs, surely Escudero will definitely be not far behind. Is the administration pushing for a Poe-Escudero tandem? The possibility is not impossible. With Escudero’s vaulted grassroots machinery paired with the administration’s and financed by fat bonuses from the 2015 national budget, the win is as sure as day.

What then happens to Mar, whom sources say, considers the 2016 as his key ticket towards his supposed “destiny”—that of the presidency?

Hard core Liberals will surely push Mar to declare his candidacy. He will run with a candidate from the Nacionalista Party, possibly either Alan Peter Cayetano or Antonio Trillianes IV. Or if Mar’s ratings continue its slide, the NP may even consider fielding their own candidate, which, most likely, would be their president, former senator Manny Villar. More on this later.

What is most certain is that a Poe candidacy is like a monkey wrench thrown at the administration party. Many Liberals are thinking of pairing Mar with Poe (Roxas-Poe tandem or RP Team), which some of Poe’s close advisers would probably agree. Running for the vice-presidential post is Poe’s safest bet. For one, Poe is a sure winner, a vice presidential run is not as costly as a presidential and this is a possible “win-win” solution.

Why is it that the administration is betting for a Poe? One, many members of the Aquino administration are banking on her support post-Aquino. Surely the president does not want to suffer the same fate as that of Gloria’s.

Aquino and his cabinet members feel safe with Poe which they feel will not fight their interests post-Noynoy. They don’t feel the same way with Binay. The on-going power struggle between the Binay faction which is composed of several groups closely allied with the Aquino family and those of the Hyatt 10 or Balai group has already turned personal and surely, the Balai group will definitely not allow themselves to be tagged or persecuted after Noynoy.

Poe is a logical choice because she appears to be not a real political threat, much the same way, political bigwigs perceived Noli de Castro, who won the vice presidential post inspite of being connected with former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Yes, Poe is popular but she does not have real power or real weight as a political player. Anytime, Poe can be demolished by her enemies through accusations of corruption. Poe knows that the formula that worked to demolish Loren Legarda applies even to her. She cannot forever hide behind the contrived belief that she is a Poe—a daughter of former presidentiable Fernando Poe Jr. There will be a time when her name will be disassociated with the good name of her surrogate father and eventually cause her downfall in the political arena.

With Poe as a potential administration candidate paired with Roxas, there is a strong chance of winning the presidency once more for the true beneficiaries of the Tuwid na daan—the political families which back this administration and have consolidated their political and economic bases to perpetuate their hold unto the economy and the political state.

Vice President Jejomar Binay still tops presidential survey inspite of billion peso building controversy

A source reveals to me a survey conducted during the height of accusations of graft against Vice President Jejomar Binay. The survey reveals that Vice President Jejomar Binay is still the top man to beat, with 42%, followed by 12% favoring Grace Poe, Estrada at 9%, with Chiz Escudero and Mar Roxas sharing the fourth spot with 8% and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr at 7%.

Looking at the surveys, even if three of the names included in this survey join forces, their respective ratings still are insufficient to even go at par level with Binay's.

Now, where are the two accusers of Binay--Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes, the very first ones who declared an intention to run for President and Vice president, respectively? Well, curiously, Cayetano got a negative rating (negative 12) and Trillanes (negative 17).

So there. Controversies surrounding Binay's own version of a Burloloy building failed to sully the reputation of the vice president, as far as the people are concerned.

Seemed like Binay has achieved a status which only Erap got--a Teflon-like personality.

Hey wait, this survey was conducted before Senator Miriam Santiago announced her intention of running for the top post. Now that she already threw her hat unto the ring, the question is--will this change the survey ratings the next time? Will Santiago's announcement affect Binay's standing? Will Santiago get the expected fall out from Binay's?

Let us see. For now, seems like the Public is believing the yarn spun by Binay's handlers that all these accusations are just plain and simple politics.

By the way, these figures are already "out in the open" in a very tight circle of this country's influencers.

Estrada's PDAF defense---" I gave it to the poor of Manila". Jinggoy--" I can do whatever I want with your monies"

He knows he'll get fried, but Senator Jinggoy Estrada did what he thinks is right---give 100 million pesos of his PDAF to the City of the Manila.

Estrada says the re-allocation is legal. In law, there is such a thing as ALGU or allocation to local government units. Manila is ailing due to lack of funds. For the senator, it is right to give 100 million pesos to the "people of Manila". He is not giving it to his father, Manila mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada, no. That fund is to be used by the "people of Manila."

What Estrada did was a "master stroke" since he gave the people's money "back to the people"only that the head of that city who'll manage and allocate the funds happened to be his father.

I'm sure I heard that line of defense years, or more than a decade ago. When the Estradas were being tried due to graft and corruption for receiving jueteng money, both father and son said, they committed no sin because they did not toy with the people's monies. Jueteng money is definitely not people's money--they are monies coming from the jueteng lords. Hence, it's okey to get some.

Jinggoy's defense echoes what the Arroyo couple told the public a long time ago--" hey, the funds which we put in this project is legal and when we got some kickbacks from it, it's legal."

I remember it was during Arroyo's time when, legalities became a top reason to do an immoral act. There was a time when these people mock this very Nation when they used public funds in a brazen way.

This issue is as simple as them telling us straight in our faces that they have the Power to do whatever they want of our taxes, those monies which the BIR collected from us, and those monies supposed to be used for our welfare, because they are the "authority".

What Jinggoy just did is display his "power" as a Senator before us, an illusory thing if you think hard about it.

What's bad is, we, the People, are willing to play this power game with someone who enjoys showing off, someone who enjoys playing a role.

Now, of course, Estrada did that like a Master Politician--he practically tied the hands of President Benigno Aquino. Aquino, of course, cannot veto Estrada's move out of sheer "delicadeza" and less the Chief Executive be accused of "politicking". Hey, 2016 is just around the corner, says Jinggoy. The senator is practically taunting Noynoy to exercise his veto powers so that the opposition will use the issue against the Aquino administration.

Everyone saw how the Estradas visited the Arroyos and the many times Jinggoy mentioned his desire to run for a higher post come 2016. If Aquino vetoes Jinggoy's move, quarters will see it as a "political move" meant to incapacitate the opposition.

Such a brave thing to do on behalf of the Estradas in defense of the very thing which motivated them to run anyway--the power to toy the hard-earned monies of the People.

Everyone knows Jinggoy is one of three senators accused of toying with the people's monies, like how Janet Napoles did and quite simply.

For this senator, there is nothing wrong. He followed the law. He violated no precept.

Yes, he did. But what Jinggoy failed to learn and I think he will never get it even in his lifetime is such a thing called "hiya" or this unwritten rule about decency in actions.

For a sum of 100 million pesos, Jinggoy mocks the very people he promised to serve. " I can do what I want with your monies. I am power."

Some people never really learn. And surely the reason why they did not learn is because we did not really and seriously thought them a lesson.

Erap leading in Manila mayoral polls

Persistent talk swaps reveal what some people knew all along---a recent survey commissioned by a mayoral candidate shows his opponent leading by a mile. An informant told this writer that Alfredo Lim, the current mayor of Manila is doomed to lose against former president Joseph Estrada. Estrada reportedly leads Lim by at least 12 percentage points, bigger than the previous month's 8 percentage points lead. When the figures were told to me, I said that the edge is not as significant, and the race, for me, is still neck-to-neck.

What Lim probably fails to see is the overwhelming support being given by residents of Tondo for Erap. Remember way back 2003, when huge hordes of Tondo residents stormed Malacanang palace demanding the return of Erap? Well, it seems that the people of Tondo will definitely express their undying support behind Erap once more at the polls.

Erap has a well-oiled grassroots machinery based in Tondo, a result of years of painstaking grassroots work by none other than former agrarian reform secretary Horacio "Boy" Morales. Tondo is the biggest voting block in Manila. Whoever gets the support of the mostly urban proletariat district gets cityhall.

Lim claims to have been born in Tondo but some records show that Lim was actually born in Bulacan, contrary to what he claims in public. Estrada meanwhile, is a bonafide Tondo-nite, born on the same hospital majority of the residents go to.

Seems like Erap will get his second wind in politics. He will be the first in history---a former president who ran in a mayoral post and won, big time.

The stupidity of the Philippine Ports Authority

A plan to transform a portion of Manila into a modern-day financial center is being opposed by no less than the Philippine Ports Authority. That plan, which will cost US$ 4 billion, and will employ 15,000 workers and thousands upon thousands of Manilenos, does not have any attached favors, at all. The consortium even offered to deposit the money to a Philippine bank as an expression of its sincerity.

Here comes officials of the PPA reportedly against the project and even saying that they have other plans for the property. By the way, the property that we are talking about is the stretch of land from Manla Hotel to South Harbor. Look at the plan and it proposes to build high rise buildings there, all modern and is expected to eclipse Makati as a financial center.

Wagging tongues say, PPA officials who have expressed opposition are really "minions" of the so-called 3 Kings who opposes any plans of rebuilding Manila because, it will just be used to embellish the administration of Manila mayor Alfredo Lim.

Really now, this PPA plan should be made a priority of the Aquino administration if it wants to leave a lasting legacy. Manila needs a boast, an embellishment and a re-modeling. This old, old city which was the very center of regional trade centuries ago, is actually, also a symbol of the country's struggle towards economic growth and development. Imagine the boost in Pinoy pride if this plan is implemented.

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.

UNA versus Liberal Party in 2013

Vice President Jejomar Binay announced the establishment of the United Nationalist Alliance or UNA--the political party which sprung from the merger of two (2) parties: Binay's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and former president Joseph Estrada's Partido ng Masang Pilipino. 


The announcement is not premature since it is only a few months prior to the 2013 Senatorial or mid-term elections and any candidate who is dead serious in running for a Senate slot should, by now, already campaigning silently in major cities and provinces. 


Sources say Binay told his allies inside the Aquino administration that the party will still welcome the inclusion of several of the LP candidates provided that the administration party finalizes its slate. However, up to presstime, no such final slate yet.


President Noynoy Aquino already intimated his desire to re-field the 2010 Senatorial slate, to be led by former Congressman Ruffy Biazon. Biazon, according to sources, is still undecided. His father, however, Senator Biazon is the one who wants to get back his old post. Several former candidates are also still undecided. There is a possibility that SLAMMATLORD will not be able to form another slate. The possibility is, it probably only be Mano Po, or Slamatpo.


Anyway, the slate of Binay is strong since it consists of former legislators, re-electionists, and new names who has the political clout already to win. 


The preliminary UNA slate consists of former Senator Migz Zubiri who already started his campaign using the Philippine National Red Cross.


The other one, Mitos Magsaysay, who seems unable to shake off her pro-Gloria tag. 


The rest are shoo-ins: JV Ejercito, Jack Enrile, Joey de Venecia, Ernesto Maceda and re-electionists: Greg Honasan, Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Jamby Madrigal. The only new name here is Nancy Binay, eldest daughter of the Vice President. 


Of course, in politics, everything is pretty fluid. This will still change based on surveys. 


Now, in the administration side, you have Riza Hontiveros, Ruffy Biazon and Danny Lim as possible candidates. With at least five re-electionists, the only available slots for new comers would be seven. 


The thing to be considered is this--is it worth it? Is it worth the effort of someone to gun for a senatorial slot when the odds are going against new comers?

Manila Kingpin: Asiong Salonga Story A Review

Watching the Manila Kingpin: Asiong Salonga story is the one thing that I enjoyed while on holiday. The film is really different. As a student of communications, however, let me give my reactions to the film.

The life of an ordinary King starts with his birth, and his claim to the royal bloodline. Then it goes on his training for the Kingship. And it proceeds to his struggle against pretenders to the throne, annihilating any opposition to claim ultimate monarch-ship. Then,his coronation.

Asiong Salonga was considered as the "King of Tondo". All of the stages of being a King was portrayed in the film.

His claim to the royal bloodline was his leadership skills in managing a young yet closely knit gangster group that takes care of the community rather than suck them dry. He tried to annihilate some of his enemies, but failed to really conquer the entire Tondo because several survived him and even went on the extent of betraying him and killing him eventually.

Died when he was just 27 years old.

The first half failed to tell us when did the people vested him his kingship. Was it during his jail fight with Ventura when he was proclaimed king? Or was it in the early aspects of the film when he shot and nearly killed Waway? Yes, his own people proclaimed him as King, but,honestly, he was still a pretender to the throne because most of Tondo were still being ruled by Totoy Golem’s group who was larger and more lethal than his.

If the first half lacks context, the second half redeemed our frustrations. It is quite evident that two strands of thought was applied to the film, and the producer tried his darn best to give us a tightly spunned story.

In my estimation, he failed. He should have allowed just one strand of thought to prevail in the movie. Likewise, let me say to all Filipino filmmakers—the essence of a good film is in the storytelling. All others are just supports used by the filmmaker in trying to make his story understood by his viewers.

The film starts with a man, fortish looking, being beaten to a pulp by another man, in a darkened room somewhere in the world. While the scene is being shown, it is juxtapose by several scenes showing some people sharpening their balisungs (knives of the Filipino) and pana (arrowheads, used in local slingshots). Nothing wrong with the opening scene, except that, if I'm not familiar with the story of Asiong Salonga, I probably would have difficulties situating myself in there.

He looked like Asiong had he outlived his untimely death at 27

The first scene is a creative rendition of how this man, was introduced into the world which he chose--the world of the gangster. That scene which shows him being beaten and threatened not to take part in this world because he's still "nursing from his mother's milk" and those scenes showing others sharpening their knives were allegoricals.

It is an allegory because it shows that this man is trying to enter a world where there are numerous other gangsters like him in the territory. Those scenes show that this man, Asiong, has already penetrated some of those areas being ruled by others

But, is this historically accurate?

How young did Asiong really rule Tondo or a greater part of it? A Manila Chronicle article says that Asiong died on October 5, 1951, a few days before his birthday on October 11th. He was just 27 years old. Meaning, he was born 1924. Obviously, he probably did not rule Tondo as a legitimate gangster during his teens because he probably spent it during wartime. So, the only time he could have probably ruled tondo was during the period 1946 up to the time he died. Or probably even less, because he was arrested and jailed. Asiong must have ruled as the ultimate king for two years or even a year before he died.

Again, Asiong Salonga died at a very tender age of 27 years old.

So, there. If you don't know anything about Asiong, you would accept that he looks "fortish" and probably that era was well in the 1950's, which is historically incorrect.

Why the confusion? Because the first half of the film failed to give the story some context. Audiences have probably asked themselves during the screening, where in time did all these things happen? Where is Tondo? Why was Tondo poor at that time? Nothing of that sort was provided.

The first half dismally confused the audiences in terms of the true character and identity of Asiong and the environment that he was in.

There is some confusion also if Asiong was indeed, a gangster par excellence or just a young thug who portrayed himself as a neighborhood Robin Hood.

There was no explanation as to how Asiong get his money. Did he get it from stealing? Did he get protection money from numerous businesses which sprang from Tondo post-war?

The two scenes which suggest that he did neither was when he intercepted a smuggling operations of one his enemies, Ventura. Ventura, as the story goes, was one of the members of the Totoy Golem group.

Ventura was eventually killed by Asiong in a jail fight. His other enemies, while he was in jail, tried to kill themselves for the honor of being the ultimate siga in Asiong's territories.

"Our local version of the fight in Faceoff is better--
cinematographically that is

Highlights of this film were those artistic shots of street and gangsta fights involving Asiong. I was moved in the scene where Asiong was fighting Hapon played by Joko Diaz in a gunbattle. That scene alone deserves an award, although it is quite similar with that scene in the movie of Nicholas Cage in Face/Off.

Equally great was the scene when Asiong was killed. It was another allegory on how a king was betrayed by his own friend during a feast. There was some aspect of biblical allegory as prior to this dinner killing, Asiong already said that Ernesto "Toothpick" Reyes would be used by his enemies in killing him, and Toothpick indeed killed him. (Likened to the Last Supper of Christ).

There was a scene, quite disturbing, about the death of Erning" Toothpick" Reyes. In a news article, Toothpick surrendered to the police. He surrendered the 38 caliber pistol revolver he used in killing Asiong Salonga. Yet, never mentioned what happened to him afterwards. The movie said, he was killed in a ritual killing by his own friends in a cemetery. How true? 

(Totoy Golem in the fictional movie played by Anthony Alonzo in "Totoy ng Bangkusay" claimed that Golem was Asiong's gunman. That is farther from the truth. Totoy Golem was the real gangsta boss in those times, even eclipsing Asiong in notoriety. Fact is, Golem ruled Tondo before Asiong and when Asiong was killed, Totoy Golem continued wrecking havoc in Tondo before, as the legend says, he was killed by Asiong's brother in a street fight)

" Okey film. But, I think they should show
the director's cut. Maybe it's better. Dunno.

The last scene was probably inspired with the carnage shown in the film, “ The Gangs of New York” of Martin Scorsese. By the way, most of the artistic shots done by the director were not originals. Some were either inspired by Scorsese and others by Michael Bay.

Manila Kingpin won ten awards during the Metro Manila Film Festival. It bagged Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Recording, Best Original Theme Song, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director and Best Festival Picture.

I don't know about the editing of the first half, but, overall, I agree with the jurors in giving the awards to this film. I encouraged other film outfits to do some historical research first and try to outdo this film in terms of tight storytelling. But, I’ll watch this and even buy the DVD of this film instead of the others.

Gloria Arroyo to serve time at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Flashback several years ago, and we see an ousted president with his son being transported to the Veteran's Memorial Hospital by land, with a full phalanx of police men and several thousands of poor people running, and trying to catch even the glimpse of the Champion of the Masses.


Fast forward and we now will see the head of the biggest syndicated mafia in the history of this country being led and transported by land with several cops and no one minding if something happens to her while going to the Veterans Memorial Hospital to serve her time.


Former president Joseph Estrada, the one falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, prays for her recovery while Susan Roces, the widow who was also the victim of the electoral sabotage allegedly committed by Arroyo also prays for her safety. 


That is justice, isn't?


Someone suggested that she be transferred by helicopter which the ex-President rejected. She said that her heli might crash, giving you a sense of how she is mentally right now. Her spokesperson says that there's a plot to kill her. Probably, since she became part of government mafia, and those whom she knew and those she hob-nobbed during her term, and enriched themselves while she enjoyed what she believed since her teens, the privilege denied her father have every reason to plot for her death.


Gloria Arroyo had every reason to will to live. She is a repository of knowledge of how to make worse an already corrupt system.


Gloria Arroyo is the key to solving the problem of corruption; she knows how the system works and she knows how to circumvent the very processes that makes this system run.


I am willing to interview her and write her memoirs if she desires.

Ricky Razon and the May 10, 2010 Presidential elections

Mr. Ricky Razon
with a pro golfer

What was the role played by Enrique "Ricky" Razon in the last May 10 presidential elections? Ricky Razon, if you remember, became a national celebrity when he figured prominently in the ZTE-NBN deal expose led by his friend, Joey de Venecia III. 


However, even prior to the ZTE-NBN scandal, Ricky Razon's name came up as the "business genius" behind the world-wide expansion of the only Filipino international port operator. Razon, who belonged to the old Spanish rich families, is one of the country's richest men. He got his wealth through sheer hard work. Some friends who know him, tells of a man who is very intelligent and is PR savvy. He is the quintessential business genius, who quietly carved his empire without encountering any major problems with government, unlike other businessmen who used their clout just to get economic concessions.


For Razon, his role in Philippine society is of a kingmaker. Yes, Mr. Enrique "Ricky" Razon is a political player, a Machivelli of sorts, who knows how to play the game and play it like a pro.


A Forbes article described him as a tough cookie, a "tough sonavagun." And he is. 


Everyone knows that Razon is a very close associate of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He is a strong supporter of the former president's administration because his business, which is port operations, rise and fall, depending on who's in power. The Arroyos are not just Razon's business or political ally, the Razons are close family friends. 


As a family friend, Razon treated the Arroyos to extravagant and lavish dinners, one of them, the infamous Le Cirque dinner.


Some tongues wag that Razon's role in the Arroyo administration was not just the one who gets a wad of money from his own pocket to finance a last supper, oh, no. 


Razon was, according to sources, a close confidante, whose counsel in terms of investments was clearly valued by the former official family. 


Fact is, according to deep sources, Razon was the one who orchestrated the ZTE-NBN deal. He chose the players there, and his New York connections were used in solidifying the deal which would have given the Philippines a very stable communications network.


Some say that Razon knows the Arroyos investments abroad. And some of the money from these investments, wagging tongues say, were used to finance not Gloria Arroyo's candidate, oh no. 


Razon's money, according to malicious insiders, were used to fund Aquino's presidential campaign.


Here is what happened, according to deep business sources.


Sometime in November of 2009, Razon through certain friends from the Aquino camp, offered to finance his campaign. Aquino, according to sources, reportedly rejected the offer. 


Razon, by this time, according to sources, hold certain aces in the operation of the elections, including source codes and all. Razon, says these unimpeachable sources, is not just full of money, he also knows how to reportedly manipulate the results of the elections.


So, it was not just money that Razon was reportedly offering. It was the very prospect of winning the elections.


Despite Aquino's rebuff, two very close Aquino supporters led by Tonyboy Cojuangco and Rapa Lopa, continued liaising with the Razon camp. 


Tonyboy, says sources, opened the backdoor for Razon's "investments" and his "election operators" to take part in the yellow campaign. He was, based on stories shared by very close operators during the elections, very active as a silent representative of the previous administration and that of the FVR group.


Razon's role became extremely important during the most crucial moment of counting the votes. Some very deep Comelec sources say that the real winner of the May 10, 2010 presidential elections was former president Joseph Estrada. The real score, says these sources, was of Erap leading Noynoy Aquino by roughly 800,000 votes. 


During those crucial midnight hours, it was decided that the win should be given to Noynoy since an Erap win would cause instability. 


Certain quarters say that the real winning score was that of Binay's. The rest of the winners, including those who won the Senatorial race, were reportedly manipulated to favor the May pre-election survey results. This, says certain sources, was done to divert attention away from what was happening in the presidential results, which were being manipulated. The quieter sectors are, the best it was for the operators of the presidential results.


Now, the question really is--what was the compromise given to Erap to "shut his mouth" and not "contest the results of the May 10, 2010 presidential elections"?


I know, I know. This sounds as something out of a "conspiracy" movie. But, if you only know who shared these stories to this writer, you'll probably believe them since these people are quite prominent. 


The only question is, what were the concessions made by Razon with the Aquino camp? Does this include the non-prosecution of Gloria Arroyo and her mafia gang? Does this include the stay of many of Arroyo's trusted lieutenants in the government bureaucracy?


2011 will be a very crucial year for the new Aquino administration for two (2) things: one, the expected Cabinet revamp. Will Aquino replace his current Cabinet with those nominated by business groups surrounding him?

Davide in cahoots with former leader Arroyo, Estrada charges

Mikey Arroyo expects former Chief Justice Hilario Davide to clear his parents, the disgraced leader Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, former First Golfer, err, Gentleman, Mike Arroyo. Davide, who was appointed by President Noynoy Aquino to head the commission that will investigate the numerous controversies that hounded the Arroyo administration, is a former lapdog of the previous dispensation. 


Shortly after his retirement from the bench, Davide was appointed Ambassador to the United Nations by Arroyo. He was kept away from Philippine politics until 2010, when he reportedly broke away and supported Noynoy during the elections. 


His strongest backer this time is Liberal party chairman emeritus former Senate president Jovito Salonga, who previously asked Noynoy to appoint the controversial Chief Justice to the Foreign Affairs portfolio. Davide was instead appointed to the commission.


Seems like this administration is really not serious in its promise to prosecute Arroyo and her Mafia men from the numerous crimes they committed against the Filipino People. And former president Joseph Estrada believes so. 


In his interview last night over at DZMM, Estrada said he believes Davide will just be used to clear the name of the Arroyos. Estrada accuses Davide of being partial to the hands that fed him for nine years. The ousted leader is still bitter over the treachery of Davide in 2001. 


Estrada admits that he appointed Davide for two (2) reasons: he was most senior among the Associate justices at that time and that tobacco magnate Lucio Tan convinced him to sign Davide's appointment as Chief Justice.


The former leader recounted how he was invited to Lucio Tan's suite where Davide and a host of others were there. Tan reportedly asked Estrada to appoint Davide as Chief Justice. Unknown to the president, Tan allegedly had a deal already with Davide to clear him of the 26 billion tax evasion case which the government filed against him.


Estrada recounted that he ordered the BIR to pursue the case before the Supreme Court. The Davide Supreme Court remanded the case to a lower court where Tan managed to secure a not guilty verdict. 


It appears that Davide was instrumental in clearing Tan from that big TAX EVASION CASE.


Estrada also accused Davide of spending close to 800 million pesos just for the renovation of the Supreme Court building and the rest houses of the justices in Baguio. Instead of using the money to benefit poor employees of the lower courts, Davide reportedly favored the remodeling plan. 


By the way, the Department of Justice secretary Leila de Lima is waiting for the Truth Commission to release its guidelines on the handling of cases filed against the Arroyos. Seems like this early, the present dispensation is arranging the "predicate" so to speak, for the eventual clearing of the name of Macapal-Arroyo.

Yellow fever wearing off

It would not be entirely surprising if, in the next couple of days and at least two weeks from now, the yellow fever will start to wear off. Fact is, I am now feeling something like that. And I have asked other people and they feel the same.

The fascination that caught the nation's hearts is starting to fade. And fade it will, yes, since a thing over-promised and an event full of hyperboles usually follow the law of the gravity. What I am worried about is a sudden, albeit, unexpected drop. Yep, we readily accepted and easily made the decision to catch the yellow train only to disembark with just scorn in our faces. 

New governments do start with a bang and usually end with a whimper. We start with enthused fascination only to end with a pitiful frustration. 

Example--do you know where this administration put General Bangit? He's now a Commissioner of the Napolcom. Why? Bangit is reportedly "malakas" with Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin. 

Most of those now appointed by this "new administration" to sensitive directorial posts and undersecretaries are "has-beens" and "recycled failures". Most already served previous administrations and were found to be quite wanting, both in knowledge and vision. Why tap them again? Some of these appointees even have graft cases against them. How can we expect these people to fight corruption when they were grafters par excellence in previous administrations?

Atong Ang, the former Estrada gambling expert turned Noynoy "supporter" is now bragging that he'll just run around newly appointed PAGCOR Chairman Naguiat. Naguiat is a long-time PAGCOR employee, some say, he has served the government for more than 15 years. Question is, during his long stay, did he even lift a finger when his former bosses enter into shady deals or get hefty commissions from disadvantageous contracts? Naguiat was as silent as a lamb. And then, here we see him, appointed to the highest post.

These series of "neophyte" bloopers from Noynoy's cabinet members, are starting to get on the nerves of many people. We are in the most critical juncture in our history and we expect professionals to help us solve our problems. We need people who bungle their jobs the least. We don't need those who pretend to be the best--we need action men and women. We really cannot afford blunders as monumental as issuing Memorandum circulars. Or spokespersons who did not know what effects "immediately" is over "thirty days thereafter". Lawyers are supposed to know their legal construction.

How will we ever hope for substantive change when a doctor, specifically one who champions kidney donations to foreigners, while knowing full well that it violates United Nations' regulations, becomes the head of our health department. Imagine how ridiculous it is for us to revert to the usual practice of illegal kidney trafficking just by one stroke of an Ona's pen? We already conformed with international regulations for the prevention of kidney trafficking only to swallow our spit and say that we are now allowing this immoral and illegal practice yet again.

And how about a friar as head of our education department? The last time I saw my calendar, its already 2010 AD, not 1810, nor 1890. How do you expect a friar to be totally transparent and totally remain unbiased in implementing state policies in education? Surely, a Friar will expect us to believe in God and will damn those who don't. Obviously, we will yet again see "God" as the maker of humankind and Darwin as a perfect babboon. Education is supposed to be a tool for disseminating information. What kind of information do you expect to get from a priest? Thankfully, he's not a Jesuit.

And what's this we hear? Alleged communication experts miscommunicating with each other, fighting for turf and in effect, putting everything in total limbo? Communication should be clear, yet, it seems that things are still unclear over there at the "communications group".

These 'neophytes", really, are giving "change agents" a bad name.

Government, really, has no place for neophytes or slow starters. We expect our government officials to be quick on their toes. We expect them to be better than us.

It seems though, that these people who formerly went out in the streets, chanted, ranted and even cursed others, are as incompetent as those they rallied against. Such is our unfortunate destiny that we are now stuck in a rut with these verbose pseudo-change catalysts.

So much for change, as envisioned by conos, or Ateneeyans (or "atin ne yan" or in English, " "all these things are ours")

The Undecided is growing while Voters suffer from "Villar fatigue"

Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propagandist, once said that if you repeat a lie long enough, it becomes truth.

IN the case of Nacionalista party standard bearer Manny Villar, the more he hammers his pro-poor message, the more people disbelieve him. Advertising, in this case, is really not doing him any good.

As what this blog wrote a few weeks ago, Nacionalista party bet Manny Villar's survey ratings continue to plummet, but surprisingly, the previous observation that his fall would benefit Estrada seemed erroneous.

Yet, it is not about Villar's steady fall in the ratings game that is so alarming---it is the growing number of voters who are shifting, from having a choice to "undecided".

Villar feel four percentage points more, from 29% to just 25% in the latest March Pulse Asia survey. Analysts (and that includes this writer) presumed that the decrease in the ratings of Villar will benefit Estrada, but this survey did not reflect such. Instead of Estrada, the voters actually went to other candidates and most, if not, all voters who dropped Villar as their candidate went to Gordon and went from having a choice to "undecided".

From a mere 6%, the undecided now stands at 9%--similar to the figure which SWS published a few weeks back. This "Undecided" is a crucial one for the three leading presidential candidates because if one of them gets a big chunk of this "sector" of the electorate, then, he levels the playing field.

Presidential frontrunner Liberal party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino gained one percentage point higher, this time at 37%. Estrada's numbers did not change---it remained at 18%, which probably shows that the Estrada "magic" has already waned or "plateau-ed". This means that, even if Estrada's numbers suddenly gain, it will not be enough to challenge Aquino's whose numbers are slowly improving.

This survey is very important for three (3) things:

1. This contradicts earlier presumptions that the more a candidate exposes himself on media, especially television, the more he gains supporters. Villar's ads are everywhere, even in cyberspace, yet the ads were not able to arrest his slide. This is expected since advertising just tells people what's the product is but does not have the ability to further explain other features of the product, something curable by Public Relations.

I think that the public is suffering from "Villar fatigue"--people are being overwhelmed by messages about him that instead of him getting positive feedback, he is now getting negative ones. Villar probably forgot that overdoing things is simply bad. Swamping us with ads appeals to kids--not to voters. Repetition of the same message tires the mind and a mind swamped with information will definitely reject the message.

2. Aquino should not rejoice in this latest survey findings because he is not benefitting from Villar's steady slide--his opponents are. Yes, he got one percentage point higher but this does not translate into a very comfortable position for him, no. People who reject Villar are shifting not to Aquino but to other candidates and worst, going to undecided. If the "undecided" grows bigger, this will be the number which election fraudsters will use to justify a fraudulent elections.

For example, if the undecided balloons to say 12 to 15%, this figure can be used by the camps of, say Estrada to justify a win (15% plus 18% is 33%--near Aquino's 37%; Teodoro's number is at 7% plus, say 12% becomes 19%--a figure which may force a 3-way fight) or even that of the administration. Or, even Villar himself.

Remember that the biggest gainer so far in any presidential race was Estrada whose 35% vote in 1998 remains formidable. Statistically, the best that Aquino will be able to get is around 30 to 32% which is still not quite a majority vote if you ask me.

In a 3-way fight, if all bets are off, then you have Aquino getting near 30%, Villar getting near 30% and Estrada getting probably also near 30%--meaning a statistical tie. Or, the scenario may also be Aquino just squeezing a few percentage points higher than Villar and Teodoro getting the undecided votes to himself, which will propel him eventually to an even status with both Villar and Aquino.

Meaning, Pulse Asia's analyst Ana Marie Tacorda is correct afterall--the presidential race is still "anybody's game". Aquino is still not yet in the safe zone.

3. If the undecided is growing, this indicates that people are still looking for candidates to vote as president. This is bad news for both Aquino and Villar because it allows their other political opponents to gain more of the territories they are losing. This is clearly good news for Teodoro, since if this news about Teodoro losing the Arroyos' support gain traction and leads to a "perception" that Teodoro is slowly turning himself loose from the administration, then it may improve his ratings for the next survey (in the latest Pulse Asia, this alleged news about Teodoro losing Arroyo support has not been published yet).

The best thing is for Aquino to continue campaigning in the provinces, continue strengthening his support from the ABC class, continue getting more support from the E-class and fortify his political alliances in the Luzon and Mindanao regions. Aquino needs to reach out to the undecided to deter his political opponents from catching up.

For Villar, all I can say is simply desist from the public eye, decrease your ads and try to allow your senatoriables to gain more traction. Fortify your hold of the E-class and regain what you lost from the ABC class. You have three more weeks to do it.

For Teodoro--continue what you are doing because you might probably be surprised of the result. You are gaining support from the ABC class, but you are not connecting with the D-E.

IN the case of Estrada, the former president should improve his relationship with the ABC class and regain those territories he lost to Villar in the D class. If he improves his communication strategy and connects more to the ABC class, that will surely affect Villar and help him level the field in a 2-way fight with Aquino.

Villar loses ground battle to Erap

The latest SWS survey just came out. Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party is still ahead of Nacionalista standard bearer Manny Villar despite being outclassed in the ads and air war. Aquino's lead is widening, while Villar's numbers are on the downside, probably affected by the latest campaigns by former president Joseph Estrada who continues to garner percentage points. Estrada is now third, narrowing the gap between him and Villar's. Villar's ranking fell by six points while Estrada gained four percentage points, an indication that Villar is the one losing territories with the renewed Estrada campaign.

Like what I wrote here previously, Estrada's campaign is hurting and will hurt Villar's in the coming weeks. Estrada is regaining his lost territories which were "hijacked" by the Nacionalista. Now, will it help that Villar is gaining allies from the administration party? Will this improve his standing notwithstanding? Let's just see in the next survey because these April surveys will show if really local executive support impacts on the way people perceive national candidates.

And it seems that the trend is following a very distinct pattern:

While Estrada regains his old territories hijacked by the Nacionalista, Villar loses considerable areas of support. However, while some areas covered by Estrada went back to him, most areas shift to Noynoy. Hence, the more Estrada campaigns, the more Noynoy benefits and Villar suffers. If this trend continues, Villar will be at the losing end of the game. In the end game however, it will be a very close fight among Noynoy Aquino, Villar and Estrada. The likelihood of a candidate gaining just 5-7% lead over his closest rival exists.

The ABC class is a revelation---Villar lost 16 percentage points which Aquino actually benefitted by gaining 15%. This means that the ABC class has now shifted their loyalties. It is in this class where support for Villar is weakening.

And what is highly significant is the fact that Estrada is gaining NEW territories, a fact which must not escape notice from the Liberal party. Aquino's base of support seemed to be at a standstill--between 35% to 40%--good, but not entirely. It just shows that Aquino's support base is not eating up those of Villar's and even of Estrada's.

There is about 5-6 million people who remains undecided. Critical for Aquino, Villar and Estrada to gain a slice of this huge number. Whoever exploits this will gain a slight advantage in the end. Villar lost considerable support in the "D" Class, about six percentage points, which benefitted Estrada who gained four and Richard Gordon who got two percentage points. In the "E" class, Villar lost four percentage points, while Aquino and Eddie Villanueva got two percentage points each, an indication that the masses are shifting their loyalties.

Erap is Enemy of Islam, says Ulama Council

The highly influential Bangsamoro Supreme Council of the Ulamas, chaired by no less than Imam Yahyah has issued a fatwah enjoining fellow Muslims throughout the Philippines not to vote for former president Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon as senator.

The fatwa was issued at the time when Estrada and the entire PMP-UNO entourage visited Mindanao, especially North Cotabato.

The Council scored Estrada for his disastrous war policy which left hundreds dead and thousands of families displaced in what was described as a "war of attrition" in 2000. A year after, Estrada was ousted in a popular revolt.

Meanwhile, the Council commented against Roxas for his incendiary statements related to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain. The Council remembered how Roxas and Drilon blocked the implementation of the MOA which could have ended the decades-old war in the region.

The Muslim population in the Philippines stands at 5 million, a very crucial one in a tightly contested presidential race. Balik Islam, or reverts, stand at 1.8 million. Together, the entire Muslim vote account for about 7 million votes.

And mind you, the Muslims in the Philippines are not solely based in Mindanao. Many are living in Central Visayas and Northern Philippines.

The only thing which I personally commend the present administration is its respect for Muslims. Muslims enjoy a more peaceful existence now than before. Muslim communities jot the Philippine landscape. And Muslim traders have easier and freer access to commercial establishments than before. 

This was not the situation during Estrada's time.

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.

Where is Truth in Advertising in political ads?

Some of the things people are talking about in slums which I visited on TV ads and slogans by politicians

On Noynoy Aquino's " Hindi Ako Magnanakaw" promise:

" Hindi nga siya magnanakaw pero pano ang mga Kamaganak Incorporated? Hindi rin ba sila magnanakaw?"

On Manny Villar's "Naging Mahirap" ad:

" Hindi na siya mahirap pero sa bilyong bilyong pisong ginagasta niya sa kampanya, siguradong pag presidente na siya, TAYO na ang maghihirap."

On Gibo Teodoro's Galing at Talino ad especially that one where he is a pilot:

" Ngayon pa lang, gusto na nyang mag-travel kung saan-saan. At san yung galing? Yung galing na lumikha ng isang warlord sa Maguindanao? At yung talinong hayaang magnakaw ang mga kapanalig niya sa gobyerno?"

On Dick Gordon's Transformer ad:

" Buladas lang. Galing magsalita para itago ang nakaw sa bayan."

On Joseph Erap Estrada's ad:

" Sabi nya tahimik daw sa Mindanao nung panahon nya. Anong tahimik? Dalawang giyera ang inilunsad niya nung panahon nya. Saan ang tahimik dun? Gusto ni Erap, gerahin ang mga Bangsamoro at alagaan lang ang mga tradisyunal na Muslim leaders sa Mindanao."

:-). Truth in advertising should apply to political ads.