In his university days, Perlas was one of the key organizers of a university-wide education reform movement that resulted in changes in university policies. During this time, he founded the first ecological society in the Philippines. After graduation, he co-organized a successful large scale global campaign, the first of its kind during his time, to halt 12 nuclear plants in the Philippines. Perlas subsequently become a technical adviser to the Presidential Commission on the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant, Office of the President of the Philippines, where he was instrumental in stopping the operation of the fully constructed and operational Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, a $2.2 billion project plagued with design, construction, location, and corruption problems.

Shortly thereafter, Perlas was appointed member of the national technical panel overseeing the regulation of pesticide use in Philippine agriculture. While in this capacity, he simultaneously mobilized and headed a national effort that resulted in the banning of 32 hazardous pesticide formulations in the Philippines. The ban triggered the creation of a P750 million government program to reduce the use of pesticides in Philippine agriculture.

In parallel with these efforts, Perlas pioneered the introduction of large scale commercial organic and biodynamic agriculture in many provinces in the Philippines. All these efforts were the fruition of early advocacies in sustainable agriculture when he was still an agricultural journalist and columnist at the Modern Agriculture and Industry-Asia, where he pioneered the first monthly articles on ecological agriculture in the Asian context. Together with colleagues at the International Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture or IASA, he coined the term sustainable agriculture in 1983, a term which has received wide use and currency until today.

Perlas was the chief negotiator for a network of national networks, which involved 5000 organizations, that successfully stopped the agenda of radical and one sided liberalization in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC. He successfully introduced strong sustainable development language in the Leaders and Ministerial Declarations in APEC, and constrained the Individual Action Plan of the Philippines to abide by sustainable development principles. The successful negotiations prevented the premature exposure and economic decline of 3 million Philippine rice farmers to subsidized and artificially cheap rice coming from other countries.

Other Information

• Full name: Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III
• Nickname: Nicky
• Born: January 10, 1950
• Parents : Jesus C. Perlas, Sr. and Anunciacion M. Pineda

Links

• Pinoyvote Profile

Richard “Dick” Juico Gordon is a Filipino politician, head of the Philippine National Red Cross, and senator of the Republic of the Philippines.

Early life and career

He was born on August 5, 1945 to James Leonard Tagle Gordon and Amelia Juico Gordon, (who were both mayors of Olongapo City). On 1954, he completed his e

Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay (November 11, 1942) is the current mayor of the City of Makati in the Philippines. He is also the president of the United Opposition (UNO), National President of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) and National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Background

Jejomar Cabauatan Binay was born in Paco, Manila but grew up in Makati with his uncle, Ponciano, after Binay’s parents – Diego Medrano Binay of Bauan, Batangas and Lourdes Cabauatan of Cabagan, Isabela – passed away.

At a young age, Binay learned to rely on his resourcefulness and determination. He went around his neighborhood to gather slop for his uncle’s backyard piggery, looked after his uncle’s fighting cocks, and went to market daily.

Education and early career

As he grew up, Binay took on more odd jobs to support his studies.

Binay is a product of the Philippine public school system. He studied at the Philippine Normal College Training Department, University of the Philippines Preparatory High School and despite financial constraints, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Bachelor of Laws from UP (LIB). In 1960, he joined Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity in the University of the Philippines (Eta Chapter).

He passed the bar exams in 1968, and took masteral subjects in public administration and law in UP and the University of Sto. Tomas, respectively.

In between jobs and earning degrees, Binay gave lectures and taught law, political science and public administration at the then Philippine College of Commerce (now, Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Philippine Women’s University and St. Scholastica’s College.

While raising a family, Binay gave free legal assistance to poor clients and victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. His passion for the protection of human rights developed during his student days in UP, where he was a member of the student council and was among the acknowledged firebrands of the burgeoning student movement.

Martial Law

From the University of the Philippines campus, Binay graduated to the parliament of the streets. He joined the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), formed shortly after the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in August 1983. He also helped found the Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood, Integrity and Nationalism, Inc. (MABINI), a group of progressive lawyers that include the late Senator Lorenzo Tañada, Sen. Wigberto Tañada, former Sen. Rene Saguisag and Sen. Joker Arroyo.

For helping political prisoners, many MABINI lawyers, including Binay, were locked up in local jails and military stockades.

Political career

Post EDSA Revolution

After the EDSA Revolution, President Corazon C. Aquino appointed Binay acting mayor of Makati. Binay was Aquino’s first appointed local official.

Binay was later elected mayor of Makati in 1988, during the first free elections under the Aquino administration, and was reelected in 1992 and 1995.

He was also appointed Governor of Metro Manila in 1987 in concurrent capacity and was later elected by his peers in Metro Manila as Chairman of the Metro Manila Authority.

Also during Corazon Aquino’s presidency, Binay found himself in the thick of action, this time in defense of the newly-restored democracy, during several failed military mutinies.

Binay joined pro-democracy forces in thwarting the mutinies. His active role in the defense of the Constitution earned him the nickname “Rambotito” (or little Rambo, after the screen hero), the Outstanding Achievement Medal and a special commendation from President Aquino herself.

His strengths as a mayor include his determination to provide quality education for all Makati residents. Makati public schools are among the best public schools in the Philippines, comparable to most private schools in terms of facilities and instruction. The local government of Makati, under Binay’s leadership has built pre schools, elementary/high schools and special education schools throughout Makati. The public school students’ books, school materials and school uniform are also subsidized by the local government. Binay also issued the first local government health card, called the “yellow card” to Makati residents which cover a certain amount of hospitalization costs. He was also the first to introduce free movie tickets to senior citizens subsidizing the costs wherein senior citizens could watch movies at Makati malls.

As MMDA Chairman

In 1998, Binay was appointed Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with cabinet rank. He was also appointed as Vice-chairman of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and Traffic Czar for Metro Manila.

Reelection as Mayor of Makati

Binay was reelected as mayor of Makati in 2001, winning over actor-TV host and then Vice Mayor Edu Manzano via landslide. In 2004, Binay ran for another term and won again by a landslide against Councilor Oscar Ibay.

He ran for his third and last term as mayor in 2007, beating incumbent Senator and actor Lito Lapid. His margin over Lapid has been considered as the largest margin in a local election in Makati City.

The Presidency

Binay (“Binay Na!”), the Philippines’ “Jo-bama” and the president of the United Opposition, is a Presidential candidate in the Philippine general election, 2010, who announced his bid at Makati City Hall in his 66th birthday on November 11, 2008. Amid 2,000 Makati and Zamboanga City supporters carrying streamers “Obama of the Philippines” and “Jojo Binay for President,” Binay released yellow and blue balloons with the print “Makati ngayon, Pilipinas bukas [Today Makati, tomorrow, the Philippines].” He will run under the banner of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban). 40 Zamboanga City civic and private organizations signed a manifesto to urge Binay to run for president. Meanwhile, Joseph Estrada stated: “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).”

Suspension

In October 2006, the Office of the President through the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a suspension order against Binay, his vice mayor and all members of the City Council following an accusation of ‘ghost employees’ allegedly on the city payroll by former city councilor Roberto Brillante, a political rival.  The order suspending Binay and all elected city officials was signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita upon instruction of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It was claimed this action was part of a government-sponsored drive to root out corruption ahead of the following year’s local elections but critics claimed it was designed to distract attention from the government’s own scandals around vote-rigging in the 2004 presidential election and to neuter opposition-held localities. Binay was the campaign manager of the opposition presidential candidate, actor Fernando Poe Jr. and had led protest actions in Makati following revelations of widespread poll cheating.

Makati residents, the political opposition and civil society groups stood by Binay, who barricaded himself inside the Makati City Hall. Among those who expressed their support were former President Aquino, actress Susan Roces – who is the widow of Arroyo’s rival in the 2004 presidential elections, Fernando Poe Jr. – and several Catholic bishops. After a three-day stand-off, the Court of Appeals stopped the Palace from unseating Binay. The appellate court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO). Before it lapsed, the court issued an injunction order, thereby preventing the Office of the President from enforcing its suspension order until the case is resolved.

After his legal victory over Malacanang, Binay was again upheld by the courts in a graft case filed by the Ombudsman over allegations of overpricing in the purchase of office furniture. The case was also filed by Brillante, who at that time was leading in Makati a Palace-supported signature campaign to amend the Constitution.

In a five page resolution, the Sandiganbayan Third Division dismissed the graft case filed against Binay and his six co-accused for lack of factual basis.

The court ruled that there was no probable cause to prosecute Binay, and that the criminal information “was devoid of any particulars as to how the figure was arrived at” and thus fatally defective. The resolution was written by Associate Justice Godofredo Legaspi and concurred in by Associate Justices Efren de la cruz and Norberto Geraldez.

BIR Garnishment

On May 2, 2007 the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) froze all the bank accounts of the city government of Makati and the personal accounts of Binay and his Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

The BIR issued the order after it said the city still owed the BIR P 1.1 billion in withholding taxes of city employees from 1999 to 2002. BIR revenue officer Roberto Baquiran signed and issued the warrant of garnishment against the bank accounts that belonged to Binay, his vice mayor, the city government and the city’s treasurer and accountant.

The city government protested the garnishment order, saying the city had already paid P200 million to the BIR as part of a settlement agreement agreed to by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and former BIR chief Jose Bunag. The city also said the order was flawed, since Baquiran has no authority to issue writs of garnishment. Freezing the personal accounts of Binay and Mercado were also unlawful, they said. The city government also maintained that the freeze order would cripple city government services.

The garnishment orders were eventually lifted by Malacañang, but not after Binay slammed the move as politically motivated and patently illegal. Business leaders also voiced concern over the adverse effects of the unprecedented BIR action on public services in the country’s financial center.

And again, barely a week before Election Day, the Ombudsman suspended Binay based on allegations made by a local candidate allied with Malacanang. It would be revealed that the charges were supported by falsified statements. As president of the United Opposition (UNO), Binay had been very active in campaigning for the opposition bets for the Senate, and had been issuing critical statements against the Arroyo government. In a repeat of the October 2006 incident, heavily-armed policemen barged into the City Hall after office hours, forcibly opening the offices and occupying the building. Binay confronted police officials and representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government, while hundreds of supporters once again swarmed the city hall quadrangle to show their support.

The suspension order generated national media attention, and prompted even administration senatorial candidates to protest publicly, saying the action further undermined their chances in the elections. In the election that followed, Binay and his entire slate in the polls won by a landslide. The opposition slate for the Senate eventually won by a landslide.

Personal life

Binay is married to Elenita Sombillo, a doctor of medicine. Dr. Elenita S. Binay was elected Mayor of Makati in the 1998 elections, and served until 2001. Their union bore them five children: Maria Lourdes Nancy, Mar-Len Abigail (currently serving as representative of 2nd District of Makati City), Jejomar Erwin (Makati City Councilor), Marita Angeline and Joanna Marie Blanca.

Civic Work

Binay is also active in civic work. Besides being a member of the Rotary Club of Makati, R.I. District 3830, he is currently on his third term as the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and has been elected Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee Chairman on February 8, 2008. He also holds electoral positions in international organizations, namely: Vice President for Membership (2006- 2008), United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific Chapter; Life Honorary Member (since February 2001) and Member, World Executive Committee – International Union of Local Authorities-Asia Pacific; Member, Executive Committee (2006-2009), Network for Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlement (CITYNET); and Chairman, Finance Sub-Committee, World Scout Organization. He also holds the rank of colonel in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.

Higher Studies

Binay took up graduate studies at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), the Center for Research and Communication (now known as the University of Asia and the Pacific), the Joint Services Command Staff College (JSCSC), and the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning. He was senior executive fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

World Mayor

In 2006 Binay was chosen among the Top 10 Mayors of the World. In an on-line poll organized by CityMayors.com, Binay placed 4th overall behind John So of Melbourne, Australia, Job Cohen of Amsterdam, Netherlands and Stephen R. Reed, Harrisburg, USA.

Links

• Official Website
• Jejomar Binay Biography on makati.gov.ph
• Jejomar Binay in citymayors.com

Estrada said he could tell whether he can still unite the opposition by that time. If his efforts fail, he said would run for president.

“I’m still uniting the opposition… Part of my New Year’s resolution is to double my time to unite the opposition into supporting only one candidate in 2010,” Estrada said.

Estrada said a fragmented opposition would be easily cheated in 2010 like what had happened to his friend, the late movie actor Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), who ran but lost to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo due to alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.

He said he was elated with the statement made by ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. that he could still run in 2010 because “the Constitutional prohibition against any re-election for the president does not apply to former presidents.”

“I’m thankful. I thanked House Speaker De Venecia,” Estrada said.

Estrada had said that he would run in 2010 if the opposition fails to unite and support a single presidential candidate.

De Venecia said the constitutional prohibition against any re-election for the president only applies to an “incumbent president.”

He said the intention of the Constitutional Commission in including the prohibition in the 1987 Constitution is to prevent an incumbent from using the powers and resources of his office for his re-election. – GMANews.TV

GMANews.TV

Chairman Jose Melo told Standard Today that the Comelec was banking on the assurance made by Senator Richard Gordon that the P13.5-billion budget for the automation of the May 2010 election would be made available to the poll body.

The senator’s assurance was a prime requirement for the Comelec to begin the bidding process by formally inviting prospective suppliers of voting machines, said Melo, former Supreme Court justice.

Without an approved budget, Melo said the poll body will not be able to conduct a public bidding as a certification on the availability of funds as required under the government accounting and auditing rules before such bidding could be held.

The Comelec submitted a P21-billion budget for the full automation of the 2010 polls but it decided to settle for P13.5 billion, taking into account the senators comment that the P21-billion budget was too big for a small country like the Philippines.

With a reduced budget, Melo said the Comelec decided to use Optical Mark Reader technology, which is cheaper than the Direct Recording Electronic System.

Both technologies were tested successfully in the Aug. 11, 2008 election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Arlie Calalo

Manila Standard Today

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

Enrile, the national defense secretary during the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, replaces Senator Manuel Villar, who resigned.

Senator Aquilino Pimentel told ANC television station that Villar had obviously lost the support of the majority.

Villar, a leading contender for the 2010 presidential elections, has been mired in an alleged double funding of a road project that passes through a property development of a company owned by his family.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said it is too early to tell whether the leadership change will mean a revamp in the committee chairmanships in the Senate.

Cayetano and several other senators allied with Villar, however, have tendered their courtesy resignations to allow Enrile a free hand in revamping the committee leaderships.

Enrile is a close ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
-By Cris Larano, Dow Jones Newswires; 632-848-5051; cris.larano@dowjones.com

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