In her report in GMA News’ 24 Oras Thursday, Maki Pulido said the merger of Lakas and Kampi seems impossible to attain before 2010 elections. Instead, Arroyo allies are now working to have a common presidential candidate to make pro-administration coalition parties intact.

“Ang importante lang sa mga political parties na identified sa administration is to have a common candidate for 2010 elections, that way hindi magbi-break up ‘yan,” said Nograles, president of Lakas-CDM.

For his part, political analyst Mon Casiple predicted that political issues would heat up this year, with the issue on Charter change at the center of it.

“The scenario on Cha-cha will determine whether there will be presidential elections in 2010 or something else, plebiscite probably or elections for members of parliament,” Casiple explained.

Once the Cha-cha issue is over, Casiple said then the landscape and alliances of political parties would be known, adding that serious presidential contenders would dictate new political coalitions.

Among the so-called presidentiables, former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen Mar Roxas are leader of political parties. Villar is the president of Nacionalista Party, oldest political party in the country, while Roxas leads the Liberal Party.

Sens Loren Legarda and Francis Escudero are both members of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition founded by business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco.

Meanwhile, administration ally Vice President Noli De Castro remains to be an independent. – Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV

The leaders made the commitment at a conference on corruption at the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) last July, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said.

“The participants were in concurrence that the 2010 election would be the tipping point. They intend to scan the field and scout for alternative candidates who would be better candidates than the usual ‘presidentiables’ and ’senatoriables,’” the CBCP said on its website.

Also, the participants agreed to bring together efforts at voters’ education, which they said was a natural complement of anti-corruption.

Especially targeted are young voters, who make up the majority of both the electorate and the national population, the CBCP added.

During the CFA gathering, the participants agreed that corruption thrives in the Philippine government because many of its officials ignore or even engage in it.

Even if government officials realize the social degradation resulting from corruption, they are reluctant to confront it.

Many of them are being elected due to campaign contributions from jueteng lords, drug lords and other unscrupulous patrons, the participants said.

On the other hand, they said ordinary citizens partake of this unholy partnership when they sell their votes during elections or when they fail to check if candidates have questionable connections. – GMANews.TV

Cojuangco made the announcement during the NPC Christmas party, which was also attended by heads of other political parties such as Speaker Prospero Nograles, president of Lakas-CMD, and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, president of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi.

Lakas and Kampi are both allied with the Arroyo administration.

“Kung sino man sa kanilang dalawa ang mangingibabaw sa survey pagdating siguro ng pilian, yun ang kandidato naming presidente at yung matalo yun ang aming bise (presidente),” Cojuangco told GMA reporter Sandra Aguinaldo.

Rizal Rep. Juack Duavit, NPC secretary general, said the party will play a big role in the 2010 presidential polls.

“I think we will play a big part in 2010 elections. The number one and number two senators are from our party,” Duavit referring to Legarda and Escudero, who topped the 2007 senatorial elections.

Cojuangco, the current chairman emeritus of NPC, founded the party when he ran for president in 1992. But he lost to former President Fidel Ramos, then the standard bearer of the Lakas-NUCD.

Based on latest Social Weather Station and Pulse Asia surveys among the so called “presidentiables,” Legarda’s ratings are much higher compared to Escudero.

But Legarda is only third to Vice President Noli de Castro and former Senate President Manny Villar.

GMA news 24 Oras on Tuesday reported that aside from NPC members, other personalities who attended the party were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Grace Poe, daughter of the late movie action king Fernando Poe Jr.

Cojuangco was joined in the presidential table by Enrile, Nograles, and Villarfuerte, all allies of President Gloria Arroyo and openly advocating for charter change.

But Cojuangco refused to comment about the latest move to amend the constitution, according to Aguinaldo.

But Cojuangco son – Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco – said his father is open to Cha-cha as long as the term extension of the president will not be touch.

“My father is always been supportive of Charter change because he believes that a parliamentary system is a better form of government,” the younger Cojuangco said.

Meanwhile, Grace who was being wooed by her father’s supporters to run for senator in 2010 said her priority first is to block Cha-cha and reform the electoral process.

“Right now my focus is on electoral reform and anti Cha-cha. So it is nice to converse with some of them and hopefully know their views are and share mine,” she said.

Escudero said it is too early to talk about 2010 elections, while Legarda refused to comment on Cojuangco’s statement. – Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV

GMANews.TV

Edward Perdido, Ilocos Norte:  Yes, I’m very convinced that he’ll be a good president since he is doing his appointed job with results. I think it’s enough basis and training for him to be the president.

Not your traditional politician

Nika Santos, Makati City: Yes, I would vote Noli de Castro as the next President of the Republic. He is a capable, honest and hardworking person at hindi mahilig sa pamumulitika.

Danny de Leon, Al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia: I don’t see any reason why I would not vote for Noli de Castro as the next president. Compared to other traditional politicians, I think Noli would make a good president. He is pro-poor and honest. He helps OFWs, and he is not corrupt. After him, I’d go for MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Sen. Manny Villar.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: As of the moment, I am decided about voting for Noli de Castro as our next president. He may not be as scholarly as the other presidential aspirants, but he is the least infected with political germs. He could be the Pres. Ramon Magsaysay of this generation. However, I may change my decision if either Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. or Gov. Grace Padaca or Gov. Ed Panlilio also run for the post.

G. Calupitan, Quezon City: Noli de Castro may be a man of few words, but his few words are rare gifts unlike the words of Loren, Erap, Ping, Villar, Chiz, Jinggoy, JV, Alan Peter, Jamby, etc., which are worthless junk.

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: Maybe. Kabayan is at least known for his public service. He’s not tainted with scandal as other politicos are and he isn’t egotistical, vain or power-hungry.

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Noli, at least, showed respect for and loyalty to the Constitution when he rejected joining the Hyatt 10. He doesn’t engage in useless political bickering.

There are more qualified people

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: I wouldn’t vote for Noli de Castro for president. Let’s just say there are more qualified people for the position and one of them is Sen. Mar Roxas who is competent, honest and upright.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: A Kabayan Noli presidency would be an amalgamation of comedy and tragedy. The thinking citizenry considers him a simpleton catapulted into high public office by his Magandang Gabi, Bayan popularity. As a journalist, behind the veneer of respectability with which he projects himself, he has a Ph.D. in AC/DC.

Lorenzo Fernandez Jr., Nueva Ecija: I would not vote for him because I have abstained from voting since 1992, the year dagdag-bawas was blatantly done to Miriam Defensor Santiago. Another reason is that he cannot even come close to her in terms of intelligence and guts. He is all form and has no balls.

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: Mr. De Castro might be well-meaning in his popular public service activities but someone out there has more impressive credentials.

His name is clean

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Yes, I would prefer Kabayan. During his reign as VP, his name was never dragged in any major scandal, even in scandals involving PGMA. If we compare him to other likely presidentiables, Noli will stand out because of his almost untainted reputation. Even if he is often silent in the background, I believe he is doing his best in his job.

He has to earn my vote

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: He seems to be too good as housing and anti-squatting czar. He seems to be quite effective in clearing, relocating squatters. I need to see him perform further before I vote for him.

June Deoferio, Cavite City: As of now, no. But if he shows his integrity, honesty and leadership, then he can get my vote.

Lydia Reyes, Bataa:  I’ve been a fan of Kabayan since his broadcasting days but to be the next president, he has to convince me he’s worthy of my vote.

I’d keep him in mind

Jose Sevilla Jr., Quezon City :I’d vote for Noli, by reason of his position, training and experience. He’s service-oriented; his statesmanship needs only some polishing.

Rey Onate, Palayan City: As of the moment, Noli is not included in my list of choices. I have yet to see his programs or plans.

Esperanza Totanes, Parañaque City: If the choices would be narrowed down to Noli and a couple of other bets, I’d rather stick to Noli. Why? Why not?

Popularity is not enough

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: There is no doubt that Noli de Castro has good potential for the presidency if we consider only one aspect: His being a master radio and TV newscaster with a perfect and convincing voice. But, if we audit his balance sheet as a man, I’m sure he is like Lehman Brothers and Fannie Mae of the US: Bankrupt. De Castro’s only asset is his experience as an employee of a major broadcasting company that earned him his popularity. Popularity should not be the main consideration in winning the presidency. One must have money, so De Castro will need sponsors; thus, he will be traveling with a lot of baggage to be paid for later. I have not heard whether he owns or manages a successful business. How, then, will he manage the Philippine economy? This is only one of his several liabilities. Shall we vote for him?

He’s my second choice

Winnie de Castro, Metro Manila: Noli may be my relative but he’s only my second choice, after the apolitical Bayani Fernando.

Action man

Leonard Villa, Batac City :Yes, because while he’s not an intellectual heavyweight, he’s an action man and one with the dignity to govern among all the presidentiables. Noli is the man.

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: I would vote for Noli de Castro as the next President of the Republic because he was my officemate more than two decades ago at the DWWW office of RPN on Bohol Avenue. He was an announcer then and I know him to be a hardworking and honest person. His wife, Arlene, who was then part of the personnel of RPN, is also my friend. I hope they still remember me.

Can he handle the job?

Rizalina Reyes, Las Piñas City: From what I’ve heard and seen on television, Noli de Castro is a devout Catholic, a TV newsreader par excellence, and a knowledgeable radio commentator. Yes, he’s popular, no doubt about that, but his chances for the presidency are nil. What we need now is a strong-willed and intelligent president. Moreover, he will not have the heart to hurt his previous mentor, so all impeachment cases and corruption issues would surely meet their fate in the trash bin. Noli de Castro is a good man, but he will be an ineffectual president. I think he will only be exploited by unfavorable elements. As leader of the nation, the president is confronted with a multiplicity of problems and tasks. Can Noli de Castro tackle all that? Of course, he can resort to a battery of advisers, but the last say is his.

Delfin Todcor, Mt. Province: Does he manage his family well with fidelity? Is he honest? Patriotic? Does he have the political will to enforce laws?

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: I don’t think VP de Castro can speak English, that is why I won’t vote for him. How will he deal with the US?

Ric Vergara, Calamba City: I’m sorry. Maraming mapagpipiliang mas kwalipikado. Pwede rin kung si Erap ang kalaban niya, one on one!

Depends who the other contenders are

Leandro Tolenino, Batangas City: Yes, I might, but it will all depend on who the other contenders would be. I would want to have the option to choose from the many aspirants.

Mario Tejada, Ilocos Norte: Depends who his opponents will be. If it’s Sen. Lacson or MMDA Chairman Fernando, I wouldn’t vote for him. Otherwise, I might consider him. I want somebody who has balls and lots of integrity.

I.Q. Calata, Parañaque City: It’s too early to answer this question as I have yet to see who the other candidates are. As Vice President, however, he seems to be clean, which could be a point in his favor, but I don’t see in him the other ingredient that I’m looking for in a presidentiable: Strength in character of and strong governance tendency a la Lee Kuan Yew.

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Too early to say. It’s 18 months away before the presidential elections. I might consider De Castro if nobody better runs for president.

Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan: Without Bayani Fernando or Mayor Belmonte running for president, pwede na sa akin si Noli de Castro. Masipag siyang tao at seryoso sa trabaho.

He’s sincere

Imee Aglibot, Riza:  Yes, the truth is, Kabayan is a standout among the aspirants. He may be the least qualified in many aspects, but he tops them all in one way: Sincerity. This is how Kabayan was known even when he was a media personality. He has proven this virtue many times in the middle of many crises. He has proven his mettle, too. We are in the direst state and taking a gamble with Kabayan is one proud act I’d make.

Wenceslao Calma, Bataan: Yes, I prefer Noli de Castro as the next president because I find in him the sincerity to help the people, especially the poor ones, without fanfare.

He’s not the man our country needs

Joana Rizza Bagano, Benguet: We’re an impoverished country with a population of 90 million, almost a quarter unemployed; a declining quality of education; a government characterized by rampant graft and corruption; and struggling with the growing complexities in foreign policies brought about by globalization. Noli de Castro may not be the man our country needs.

C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City: We badly need someone who is competent, honest, upright and God-fearing or Filipinos will be doomed after being under lackadaisical leaders for the last four decades. Noli de Castro lacks some of these qualities.

Moral fortitude is a must

Don Hernandez, Las Piñas City: No, Noli de Castro does not have the backbone nor the balls to assume alpha male status in the arena of Philippine politics. Despite all the corruption and controversies that hounded the GMA administration, he hardly raised a stir and meekly towed the line like a true team player. What we need is a president with an acute sense of moral outrage that will act decisively in ridding our government of corrupt officials and scalawags.

Mandy Rillon, Cabnatuan City: Noli de Castro would be the same old type of president tainted with corruption. I will try Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who has moral fortitude and economic vision.

­ Fortunato Aguirre, Bulaca:  No, his character is weak. He sees, hears or speaks of no evil about anomalies besetting GMA’s administration. Dedma lang; wala siyang kibo. Sayang.

He’ll win anyway

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: No, but he’s going to win anyway for various reasons. Most of us from Oriental Mindoro would remain indifferent to him again as in the last elections. No offense, Ka Noli.

He doesn’t have the intellectual capacity

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: No, De Castro doesn’t have the intellectual depth that makes an ideal president. He’d be too adviser-dependent; thus, he will be indecisive like Cory and Erap.

Dennis de Jesus, Manila: No, why? Because in my personal vision and observation, he’s not the most qualified for that position. Ano ba ang nagawa niya as chairman of HUDCC? Wala po.

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: Noli, no doubt is excellent as a news reader and he has a good modulated voice. But running the affairs of a country? You must be kidding.

Richard Decena, Quezon City: No to Noli, kasi di pwedeng patakbuhin ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng nakahandang script. Bumalik na lang po siya sa  TV.

Mojie Ismael, Lanao del Sur: I wouldn’t vote for Noli de Castro because I believe he is incapable of handling the crisis currently facing the country.

He’s not even the legal VP

Jeff Otseta, Nueva Vizcaya: I will never vote for Noli de Castro. In the first place, he is not the true elected Vice President.

He ought to run as VP again

Juan Deveraturda, Zambales: VP Noli de Castro may be the most popular and most winnable candidate for president but he’s not the most competent and most qualified to occupy the highest position of the government. He should run as vice-president again.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: Sorry, Kabayan, you’re not my bet. Don’t be fooled by surveys, that’s a trap to lure you. Just remain at second fiddle, and I’d vote for you.

We need somebody with political will

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Maybe Noli is honest and sincere, but in the Philippine political jungle, what we need is the likes of Bayani Fernando. He is an implementor and has political will.

C. Gaspar, Laoag City: Noli’s popularity rating is not my barometer. The country needs a strong president equipped with a discerning mind and the political will to face challenging issues.

Tony Gomez, Parañaque City: I will give my vote to the most qualified and most deserving, Bayani Fernando.

He hasn’t made a stand

Digoy Coro, Batangas City: Not for now. A good leader makes a stand on important issues. He should not maintain his neutrality in times of crisis.

Cris Rivera, Rizal: I have yet to see him as the leader who can stir this land out of the ICU of Asia’s pool of corrupt nations. He is soft and meek as lamb.

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: I will not, for I have somebody in mind already. Noli de Castro is too soft to implement drastic changes needed to build a strong republic.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: No, Noli is a hesitant fighter. He was almost there but he dropped out. Perhaps, he is unsure of his purpose in life. He doesn’t want to be president. I believe he and Villar are GMA’s henpecked, oops, I mean hand-picked possible candidates to support. Whoever wins, she’s assured of a graceful exit and retirement.

It would give the Lopezes more power

Felma Roel Singsco, Northern Samar: Of course not! He worked for the Lopezes for years during his stint at ABS-CBN, and for him to be president of this country would be tantamount to giving the Lopezes political control of this country aside from their already unjust control of electricity and media.

The lesser evil

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: It’s easier for me to say no today; nevertheless, I would vote for him if, to me, he would be the lesser evil among the presidentiables.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: If I were to vote now, I would pick Noli de Castro, the lesser evil among the presidential aspirants.

Loyalty to GMA is his only flaw

Rose Leobrera, Manila: Yes, why not? He could also be a good leader. His only flaw is his loyalty to Ma’am. So far, he is one of the few who do their jobs silently. He is supposed to be accommodating and maka-masa. I haven’t heard talk of any misuse of funds, especially in the agency he handles, Pag-IBIG. His only slight weakness, compared to his contemporaries, is that he didn’t graduate from Harvard. Others belittle him, but for me, he’s real. I saw him at my daughter’s graduation at PICC and when it was his turn to speak,  nawala antok ko. He’s a brilliant speaker and talked with sense, too. Even though he’s the Vice President, he did not make a big deal of it. The masa in him is still reflected, anyway you look at it.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: No, I would not vote for him. As McCain is to Bush, so is Noli to PGMA. He’s a clone of the administration. Why not Mayor Duterte?

Lacson is my man

June Wenceslao, New York City: No, because I intend to vote for Sen. Ping Lacson. For me, I think he is the one who can drastically change the political scene for the country’s favor and not for oneself.

Villar is more qualified

Alberto Arugay, Manila: No, I am for Sen. Manny Villar. Sen. Villar is more qualified.

THE WAY I SEE IT

Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City: The treasure trove that Russian authorities discovered in the person of De la Paz must be PNP’s money and can well serve for CSI lab equipment, other logistics.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: People nowadays don’t care about false surveys. What they want is food on the table.

With the country’s economic predicament, another PGMA trip abroad with 40 congressmen (wives and family included) was announced. Pinoy, magdusa ka. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

Source : Philippine Star:  Readers Section >> Inbox World

“Si Mayor Binay din naman ay may kapasidad, may abilidad. Napakita ni Mayor Binay yung kanyang kakayahan bilang chief executive ng premier city ng Pilipinas (Mayor Binay has the capacity and the ability. He has shown this as the chief executive of the country’s premier city),” Estrada said in an interview over QTV’s Balitanghali.

Earlier in the day, Binay declared his presidential bid for the 2010 elections during the celebrations of his 66th birthday at the Makati City Hall.

Binay is included in UNO’s (United Opposition) bench of “presidentiables.” The Makati City mayor said he will accept it if UNO will not field him as their standard bearer. Binay is UNO president.

Estrada, however, said UNO has yet determine its standard bearer for the 2010 polls.

“Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong napipili. Kung sino ang nakikita nating pinakamalakas, yun ang pipiliin natin. Siguro mga one year before o less than a year before the elections malalaman na natin kung sinong nangunguna sa survey,’ Estrada said.

(As of now, we haven’t picked a standardbearer. We would probably pick the one we deem to be the strongest contender. I think that a year before or less than a year before the elections, the surveys will show who the top presidential picks are.)

Estrada added he hopes the opposition will unite to boost their chances in winning in the 2010 elections. He said the UNO can learn from the recently concluded United States elections where Democrat Senator Barack Obama emerged victorious.

“Sana magkaisa ang opposisyon para masiguro ang panalo ng opposisyon. Sa nakaraang eleksyon ay apat-apat ang kumandidato, kaya madaling nadaya. Mukhang nangyari nung 2004 eleksyon, pinaghiwahiwalay ang mga boto ni FPJ [Fernando Poe Jr] at nagdagdag-bawas pa,” Estrada said.

(I hope the opposition unites to ensure our win. We had four candidates in the last elections that’s why we were easily cheated. FPJ’s votes were reduced and I believe there was vote-padding and vote-slashing.)

Last week, UNO spokesperson Lawyer Adel Tamano said the opposition will try to field a single candidate for next elections in an effort to “emulate” the US election system where during the primaries, Democrats and Republicans vote for a single standard-bearer for the general elections.

Tamano added that President-elect Obama serves as their inspiration as his victory proves that it is possible to stand up against “the machinery and the money of the powerful.” – GMANews.TV

GMANews.TV