Gloria Arroyo's plan in 2010

Monday, November 30, 2009

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has confirmed that she will run for a congressional seat in the second district of her home province in Pampanga. A lot of people are wondering why would a sitting President want to slide down from the highest elective post in the land to be a Congressperson. It’s a shame!

Well, she’ll do it for her political survival. She knows that the main opposition candidate, Liberal Party’s presidential bet Noynoy Aquino, will almost certainly win in next year’s election. She knows that her supposedly anointed candidate, Gibo Teodoro, would have NO chance of winning. That’s why she allowed the disintegration of her PaLaKa party and even turned over party leadership to Gibo in a guise of reforming the party.

The truth is she’s allowing the dismantling of PaLaKa to strengthen the other political party she is secretly supporting—the NP/C (Villar’s NP and Legarda’s NPC). She’s just hoping that those who’d bolt out of PaLaKa will go to NP/C and not Noynoy’s LP.

She knows that the political battle in the national level is between the LP and NP/C, with Erap’s PMP eventually aligning with the LP after the elections and whatever left of PaLaKa forming a coalition with NP/C.

She’s now seeing the most likely scenario as:

Noynoy wins the Presidential election next year but he’ll have an unfriendly Congress. Both Senate and House of Representatives will have more NP, NPC, and PaLaKa members than LP and PMP combined. Manny Villar, who’d end up the runner-up in the presidential elections, will form a coalition with PaLaKa (and even some members of PMP) to create a formidable opposition to the LP administration.

So the Senate will be headed by opposition senator (maybe Santiago or Cayetano?) while the House of Representatives will be headed by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo!

Nice move huh!

Very clever, indeed!


Manny Villar's speech at proclamation rally

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Ipinanganak si Bonifacio dito sa Tondo, Maynila sa isang payak na pamumuhay. Bagamat hindi nagtapos ng pormal na edukasyon, si Bonifacio ay nagpursiging magbasa at mag-aral ng sarili. Ang pasisipag at pagtitiyaga ni Bonifacio ang naghubog sa kanyang kamalayan para pangunahan ang pag-aalsa ng bayan laban sa mga dayuhang mananakop.

Mga minamahal kong kababayan, mahigit ng isang daang taon ang nakakalipas mula ng simulan ang himagsikang Pilipino at nagtagumpay ng ating mga bayani na makamtan ang kalayaan ng bayang Pilipinas.

Marapat sigurong tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili:

Tayo ba ay tunay na malaya?

Tinatamasa ba natin ang kalayaan na ipinaglaban at pinagbuwisan ng buhay ng ating mga bayani?

Masasabi ba na ganap na malaya ang isang tao na nakatira sa isang sira-sirang barong-barong?

Masasabi ba na tunay na malaya ang isang tao na walang trabaho at hindi malaman kung paano mapapakain ang kanyang pamilya?

Ganap ba ang kalayaan ng isang Pilipino na hindi masiguro ang kinabukasan ng kanyang mga anak dahil wala siyang perang pampa-aral?

Ang isang taong gutom ay isang taong hindi malaya. Ang isang tao na walang disenteng pamumuhay ay walang kalayaan. Ang kalayaan at ang demokrasya ay walang saysay kung ang mamamayang Pilipino ay naghihikahos sa kahirapan.

Mga minamahal kong kababayan, humaharap ako sa inyo ngayon upang ipahayag ang sama-sama nating pagsisimula ng bagong himagsikang Pilipino! Humaharap ako sa inyo upang ipahayag ang isang bagong rebolusyon na lalaban sa kahirapan at magpapalaya sa ating mga kababayang naghihikahos

Mga kababayan, ako po si Manny Villar, ipinanganak dito sa Moriones, Tondo, Maynila. Diyan po sa ikatlong palapag ng bahay na iyan nagsisiksikan kaming siyam na magkakapatid. Kasama ang aming tatay na isang matapat na empleyado ng pamahalaan at aming ina na isang masipag na tindera ng isda at hipon sa Divisoria.

Dito kung saan tayo nagtitipon ngayong gabi, dito ako naglalaro kasama ang ibang mga bata. Sa gitna ng kahirapan, kami ng aking mga kalaro ay nagtawanan, bumuo ng pagkakaibigan at naghangad ng mas mariwasang buhay. Dito po sa Tondo nagsimulang mangahas mangarap ang isang Manny Villar.

Katulad po ng karamihan sa atin na nagsusumikap upang magkaroon ng disenteng pamumuhay, tumulong ako sa aking ina sa pagtitinda ng hipon upang mapa-aral ang sarili. Natutunan ko sa aking mahal na ina ang isang mahalagang aral ng buhay: ang pangarap ay kayang abutin sa pamamagitan ng sipag at tiyaga.

Sa awa po ng Diyos at sa ating pagsusumikap, ako ay nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Ang pagpupursigi kong iyan ang nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataon na maging matagumpay sa larangan ng pagtatayo ng murang pabahay para sa mga mahihirap at middle class na pamilya.

Ang maikling kasaysayang aking ibinahagi sa inyo ay hindi lamang kasaysayan ng aking buhay. Yan ang istorya ng mga masang Pilipino na nagpupunyagi araw-araw upang mabigyan ng maayos na pamumuhay ang kanilang mga Pamilya.

Ang kwento ng sipag at tiyaga ay hindi lamang kwento ni Manny Villar. Ito ay kwento ng mga Pilipinong lumalaban sa kahirapan. Ito po ang dahilan kung bakit minarapat kong bumalik dito sa Tondo upang simulan nating tuparin ang iisa nating pangarap na makaahon sa kahirapan.

Dahil po sa talamak na kahirapan sa bansa, at dahil sa papalapit na ang halalan, madalas nating maririnig ang katagang “pagbabago”. Mayroon pang mga nagpapahiwatig na sila ang magsasalba sa ating bayan mula sa kasamaan.

Tandaan po ninyo mga kababayan, ang halalang ito ay hindi tungkol sa mga kakandidato. Ang halalang ito ay hindi tungkol sa isang tagapagligtas na mag-aahon sa atin sa pagkakalugmok. Ang halalang ito ay tungkol sa inyo. Ang halalang ito ay tungkol sa mga Pilipinong walang boses sa lipunan.

Sa susunod po na may magsabi sa inyo na ipaglalaban nila ang pagbabago, ang dapat ninyong itanong ay ito: anong klaseng pagbabago ba ang gagawin ninyo? Nauunawaan nyo ba ang lagay at hinaing ng mga mahihirap?

O ang pagbabago bang inyong tinutukoy ay pagbabago lamang ng kung sino ang nakaupo? Ang tunay na pagbabago ay hindi lamang ang pagpapalit ng pangulo. Ang tunay na pagbabago ay yaong pag-angat ng pamumuhay ng mga mahihirap na Pilipino.

Ang atin pag-hihimagsik laban sa kahirapan ay dapat masimulan sa pamamagitan ng maayos pamamalakad ng ating pamahalaan.

Ang unang-una nating dapat gawin ay sugpuin ang katiwalian at pagnanakaw sa gobyerno na nakaka-apekto sa pagbibigay ng maayos na serbisyo publiko sa ating mga kababayan.

Kailangan nating masiguro na may transparency at accountability sa lahat ng transaksyon ng pamahalaan. Lahat ng mga Pilipino ay may karapatan na malaman kung saan ginagastos ng gobyerno ang perang kanilang pinaghirapan!

Mahalaga ding ayusin ang ating ekonomiya upang mabigyan ng trabaho ang ating mga kababayan. Trabahong magbibigay sa kanila ng pagkakataong mapabuti ang buhay ng kanilang pamilya.

Subali’t higit sa pagbibigay ng trabaho, kailangan din nating palakasin ang entrepreneurial spirit sa ating bansa. Ang pamahalaan ang dapat tumugon sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng pinakamahirap sa ating mga mamamayan. Pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, simpleng gamot sa lagnat at pagkakataong tumuntong man lang sa unang baitang.

Kailangan nating siguruhin na lahat ng Pilipino ay magkakaroon ng libre at mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon. Ito ang aral ng buhay ni Jose Rizal at ng iba pang magigiting na Pilipino: ang isang mabuting edukasyon ay susi sa ating paglaya hindi lamang mula sa kamangmangan kundi sa kahirapan ng buhay.

Dapat din nating bigyan ng maayos na pangangalaga sa kalusugan ang ating mga kababayan. Hindi dahilan ang kahirapan upang hindi matugunan ang pangangailangang pang-kalusugan. Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay sa sakit dahil walang perang pambili ng gamot o pang-ospital.

Kailangan din nating bigyang pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng murang pabahay lalo na para sa ating mga OFWs na bumalik na sa bansa.

Wala dapat squatter sa sariling bansa. ang mga Muslim, Kristyano at Lumad na patuloy na nakikibaka para sa kapayapaan sa kanilang pamayanan.

Kailangan natin ng isang usaping pangkapayapaan na nakatuon upang mabigyang solusyon ang mga ugat na suliranin ng mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao. Ang isang tunay na kapayapaan ay marapat na pandayin at hubugin ng mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao.

Sa aking paniniwala ang pinaka-epektibong paraan upang makamtan ang kapayapaan ay ang pagunlad ng Mindanao. Ang kapayapaan ay hindi lamang kawalan ng giyera, ang kapayapaan ay isang kondisyon kung saan ang mga tao ay may disenteng pamumuhay kung saan nila maaring i-habi ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay.

Mga kababayan, napakadami at napakalaki ng ating mga suliraning hinaharap. Napakahirap ng mga suliraning haharapin ng susunod na Pangulo. Ngunit walang pag-aalinlangan kong ipinapahayag sa inyong lahat, na ako, si Manny Villar, ay tatakbo para sa Pagka-Pangulo ng Pilipinas upang magsama-sama tayo sa bagong rebolusyong Pilipino. Isang himagsikan laban sa kahirapan!

Ang kwentong Manny Villar ay kwento ng lahat na hinangad umahon sa hirap. Ang halalang ito ay para sa lahat ng naghahangad magbago ang lagay ng mahihirap na Pilipino. Samahan nyo akong ipaglaban ang pangarap na umahon ang Pilipinas.

Noynoy Wins Presidential Survey

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Here is the result of the Presidential survey with the question, "Who will you vote for in the 2010 Presidential Elections?" conducted in October 2009 in this blog:

Total number of voters: 263

1. Noynoy Aquino: 192 (73%)
2. Manny Villar: 21 (7%)
3. Chiz Escudero: 17 (6%)
4. Erap Estrada: 14 (5%)
5. Gibo Teodoro: 12 (4%)
6. Loren Legarda: 5 (1%)
7. Other: 2 (0%)

This writer also conducted an informal survey with the question, "Would you like Jim Paredes to run for Senate in May 2010 elections?"

Total number of votes: 95
1. Yes: 72 (75%)
2. No: 23 (24%)

Hindi ka nag iisa music video

Friday, October 30, 2009

A love offering to Senator Noynoy Aquino from entertainment and advertising professionals



Agency: MAD888
Director: Onat Diaz
LP: Red Romero
ECD: Nonon del Carmen
CD: Connie Lazaro
DOP: Shayne Sarte
PD: Ben Padero
AD: Juno Gallardo, Tonipet Gaba
Category: News & Politics

Celebrities (in order of appearance):
Regine Velasquez, James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller, KG Canaleta, Cyrus Baguio, Sharon Cuneta, Boy Abunda, Anne Curtis, Bianca Gonzales, Mariel Rodriguez, Erik Santos, Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ogie Alcasid, Marian Rivera, Kris Aquino, Enrico Villanueva, LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier and Paulo Bugia

A message from Col Ariel Querubin III

Sunday, October 25, 2009


May the Peace of Christ be with you!

I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord has all the while been preparing me for public service. I was left for dead in 1989, and He allowed me to spring back to life. I have been imprisoned as a soldier, but I fully regained the honor and right to wear a soldier’s uniform after having been awarded the Medal of Valor in 2001. As my military career was very much back on track, I was again challenged to choose between right and wrong, between honor and injustice, between good and evil.

Even as we all work for a vibrant and prosperous Philippines, my dream is for every Filipino to enjoy the essence of freedom from poverty, fear, and injustice, to feel the tangible benefits of good governance, and to live comfortably in a society that fosters the unity of the family, protects human rights, and upholds the dignity of all.

I have not had an easy life. My life story has been replete with vivid encounters with injustice poverty, corruption, and war. These painful experiences have shaped this dream. I never succumbed to the lure of material wealth. The physical, mental, and emotional hardships have been painful, but I never sold my soul.

I am fully aware that some people would insist that men in uniform should stay away from politics; that we would serve best our nation if we were fighting wars in Mindanao; that we have no business in meddling with the affairs of the state as we have been formed and trained in the rudiments of war, and not in the civil service, much less in politics. I agree but that assumes that the people who have been entrusted with the public trust have been sincere, honest, and have been true to their pledges.

As a young soldier, armed with idealism and the fire of youth, I have offered my life to defend this country from ALL its enemies. I have suffered long and hard for the principles that I hold dearly. Many of my loved ones have suffered with me – maybe not physically, but certainly have shared in the misery and hardships that I have endured. The fire of idealism still burns in me, but I have been wiser not to engage fire with fire.

With a lot of circumspection, I have decided to run for the senate in 2010. I have no political pedigree. I have no political machinery. I have no financial resources. But I do have honor. I do have principles. I do have courage.

I believe I am ready to take on this new role, with your prayers and support this dream is not too far- fetched. It takes the collective effort of every member of this society to make things improve for a country in disarray... a country that has been plundered... a country whose hope is running dry...

All I can do, on my end, is to make the best effort possible to make society better, stand by my principles, and fight for what is right. There is hope for this country and our people, all we have to do is believe.

This I will do, if not for myself and our generation, then at least for our young children and their children. My warmest personal regards and God bless us all.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!


Sincerely yours,


ARIEL O QUERUBIN
querubinariel@yahoo.com
+639175414289

Kindly send this to all your relatives and friends if you believe in my cause. Thanks

A Politics of the Personal

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Let me share with you a nice article on Noynoy Aquino by Dr. Melba Maggay, President of the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, a 31-year old research and training organization engaged in development, missiology and cross-cultural studies aimed at social transformation.

She discusses the resurgence of hope among Filipinos resulting from the announcement of Noynoy's candidacy in next year's election.

...what we are witnessing is not the politics of personalism but the power of the personal. People are not drawn to Noynoy because of personal charisma, as with the case of Joseph Estrada. Like Cory... he is not... considered experienced nor competent enough. He is not even visually appealing.

 

But Noynoy has something that is of utmost importance: a legacy that people can trust. As a vendor puts it, Kahit paano, 'yang mga Aquino, 'di yan magnanakaw...

 

Social trust, like social capital, is one of those intangibles that oil the machinery of governance... A major task of leadership is the capacity to inspire faith in the integrity and efficacy of its institutions. Societies fail when the trust level is so low that people can not even take the word of their leaders seriously, much less begin to cooperate and build things together...

 

There is nothing wrong with our culture nor with the expectations of our people. What is wrong is that our leaders continually betray them and their hopes.

 

Here's Dr. Maggay's full article...

 

Noynoy, Mar swear in Cesar Montano as LP-Bohol chief

Monday, October 19, 2009

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines -- Actor Cesar Montano was sworn in as chairman of the revived Liberal Party-Bohol, on Saturday, in the presence of Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

Presidential aspirant Aquino and his vice presidential bet, Roxas, were welcomed by supporters here Saturday afternoon, during the mass oath-taking of new members of the LP-Bohol at the JJ's Seafood Village, this city.

Montano has declared his bid for Bohol governor in the 2010 elections.

Read more...

The Hakot Evacuees in The Mansion

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Hakot Evacuees in The Mansion, Baguio City

The evacuees, almost all Maranao traders and their families, arrived in PMA buses before President Gloria Arroyo at the mansion. After her visit, they also left in the same PMA buses. The gates are closed. The stories are written. Ayos!


From the Facebook page of Frank Simatu

Photos by Mau Victa

Jim Paredes for Senator

Saturday, October 3, 2009

We all know Jim Paredes to be an idealistic person. You'd see him joining political rallies, street protests, and worthy causes. In the 80's, after Ninoy Aquino's death, he's among the first of the few courageous artists to join the Cory movement to restore democracy in the country.

In his blog, he wrote:


The death of Ninoy had a profound effect on me... From small tentative steps APO have taken after Ninoy’s death, we became emboldened artists who took up the cause of ending the dictatorship and promoting democracy in the way we knew best--through songs and humor.

You'd also see him form or join movements with worthy missions. He lead other like-minded artists in forming Artists Revolution with the belief that Filipino artists can do a lot to change the despairing socio-political conditions of the country. He said, Pinoy artists have always displayed courage and made significant contributions to advancing the noble ideals of freedom, justice, and pursuit of truth. Time and again, the Pinoy artists have staked their lives and used their talents to recover our national pride in the seemingly endless periods of darkness and adversity.

Jim even joined EDSA 2, which I didn't support because of my belief that it would weaken the democratic institutions that was put up by Cory Aquino's administration and strengthened by her successors. And when it became apparent that EDSA 2 was a failure, he is again active in advancing the spirit of expressing outrage against evil and corruption as well as inspiring the spirit of vigilance for truth and justice, reform and good governance.

Cory's death has reawakened Jim's idealism. He now vows tohelp get this country back on the road to fulfilling its manifest destiny of greatness.

In his article on Ways to Commemorate Ninoy’s Death Anniversary, he wrote:

I thank God that I have not been called to die for our country since EDSA 1, although there have been moments I think I probably would, should the need arise... It would be the greatest tragedy to let this second shot at national redemption go to waste by not doing what needs to be done. Let us all be part of an awakened citizenry that will transform this nation in the peaceful but determined way that Ninoy and Cory showed us.
It is this writer's ardent hope that Mr. Jim Paredes takes the next step towards his destiny of becoming one of our country's inspiring leaders by running for an elective position in the government. Reading from his tweets and articles he has written, I think he is not keen on taking this step. But maybe he'll be convinced if there are enough people who'd urge him.

Let us put Jim in the Senatorial slate of Noynoy Aquino in the May 2010 elections. We need leaders who are morally upright, intelligent, creative, and fearless to help us in our pursuit of a better society.

Jim Paredes for Senator! What's your take on this?

(Disclaimer: Mr. Jim Paredes doesn't know me personally so he has no knowledge about this effort. I just hope that I could help convince him to run for an elective position as I've been following his political activities since the early 80's)


Aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Day My Country Stood Still (Aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy) from Glenn Omanio on Vimeo.


Two days after typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) tore through the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces, the death toll now stands at 140. Almost 500,000 more people need immediate help in evacuation centers -- food, clothing, potable water, medicine, and the gargantuan task to rebuild their lives again. Feel free to share this video to drum up more aid here and abroad, and keep the spirit of "bayanihan" alive.

Credits: Photos by AP, AFP and Reuters | Music by Filipino band Asin, "Masdan Mo (Ang Kapaligiran)" or "Look (Around You)" from its first album released in 1978.

Ondoy's Trail of Fury

by Glenn Omanio

On Sept. 26, the Philippine capital Manila and its neighboring provinces suffered one of nature's worst beating. Typhoon Ondoy, international code name Ketsana, poured more than a month's worth of rain in six hours, submerging most parts of the bustling metropolis, drowning at least a hundred people as of press time. My prayers to the victims, and may we emerge victorious and live by the lessons of this tragedy.

(Photos by Reuters. Music by Ennio Morricone, "Love Theme" from "Cinema Paradiso").

Anti-graft executive resigns to support Noynoy and Mar

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

By Juan Escandor Jr.
Inquirer Southern Luzon

NAGA CITY, Philippines—With the formal launch of the tandem of Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as standard-bearers of the Liberal Party, an executive officer of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) has resigned to support the two’s campaign for the 2010 elections.

Commissioner Jaime Jacob revealed Monday that he resigned from the PAGC so that he could freely support the campaign of the LP candidates for the top positions.

Source: Inquirer.net


The Lord of the Ring

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Jim Paredes recently tweets about the analogy of our current political situation with the novel and movie Lord of the Ring:


If we were in LOTR and Noynoy is Frodo, and Mar is Sam, who is Gibo? and who are Aragorn, Smeegol, Sauron? YOur thoughts.


Here's Jim's and followers of his twitter account's take on this:
  • Noynoy Aquino is Frodo Baggins, who is set to destroy The Ring to give power back to the people
  • Mar Roxas is Sam Gamgee, the ever loyal friend of Frodo (hindi kami maghihiwalay ni Noynoy!)
  • The Ring represents Power that corrupts people
  • The main antagonist, the Dark Lord Sauron represents greed and corruption
  • The current administration is Nazgul. Slaves to the promise of the Ring (power) and Servants of Sauron (corruption)
  • The Filipino people represents Aragorn, the reluctant yet real "King" to whom Frodo and Sam will be ultimately loyal
  • The Shire is represented by the Aquino sisters, which Noynoy leaves against his will to rid the world of The Ring
  • Erap is Gollum (Smeagol), the one who had the ring, was corrupted by it, wants it again OR the one who had the ring and wont let go! Hint: Maliit din siya!
  • Elrond is the memory of Ninoy and other Marcos era heroes. Linking us to the past struggles against Sauron
  • Someone suggested Jim or APO to be Legolas. Naks! Chavit is Shelob. Elves are the celebrities who support Noynoy
How about you, what's your take on this?

Why I won't vote Noynoy

An interesting blog by Blogger Edge:

I won’t vote for Noynoy just because he’s the son of Cory and Ninoy Aquino... I won’t vote for him just because of his track record as a congressman and senator...

I would vote Noynoy, because... (he) has the capacity to reunite, the divided and subdivided, Filipinos.

What the country needs now is not an economist, not a journalist, not a soldier, not even a housewife, nor a dancing politician, certainly not an actor, and most certainly not a dictator, but a president...who can effortlessly rally Filipinos towards a united goal.

Read more...

The possibility of a majority president

Friday, September 18, 2009

By Manuel L. Quezon III Philippine Daily Inquirer

One defect of the present Constitution is that by abolishing the two-party system, it inadvertently deprived the country of something it has taken for granted about the presidency: that whoever wins it begins the term with a true majority vote. The best that we’ve been able to manage (in 1998 with Joseph Estrada) was a presidency that began with over 60 percent of the electorate having voted for somebody other than the winner.

Charles de Gaulle in his time, seeing a virtually ungovernable France, imposed a Constitution that established a strong presidency, which the French were inclined to favor and which fostered a multi-party system up to a point; but he also armed the presidency with the means to exercise its authority with an unquestionable majority mandate. He did this by putting in place run-off elections.

Read more...

El Shaddai in Brussels Supports Noynoy

Thursday, September 17, 2009

El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde may have openly bared his plans to run for public post in 2010, but his followers in Brussels think otherwise.

Members of the El Shaddai St. Remi chapter have vocally opposed the idea of Velarde taking part of what they consider a “chaotic world of politics” in the country.

Pina Payucong, former Coordinator of El Shaddai confirmed that they have supported Velarde in so many ways but hopes he would change his mind.

Read more...

50% prefer Noynoy in vote-rich Luzon areas: SWS survey

Sunday, September 13, 2009

By Ricky Carandang, ANC and Isagani de Castro Jr., abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak

MANILA - One out of every two voters in vote-rich areas of Luzon would have chosen Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III if presidential elections were held in early September 2009, according to a Special Survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) obtained by ANC and abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.

Aquino was preferred by 50% of 1,200 respondents from a pre-selected list of five names that also included erstwhile survey leaders Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, and Vice-President Noli de Castro.

Villar, Estrada, and Escudero were statistically tied with 14%, 13%, and 12%, respectively. De Castro was preferred by 7% of respondents.

Read more...

Noynoy strong in survey

By Aurea Calica and Elisa Osorio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has rated strongly in a survey of presidential contenders conducted shortly before the announcement of his intention to run in the 2010 elections under the Liberal Party.

Makati Business Club president Ramon del Rosario Jr. said the unreleased survey, conducted by a prominent polling group, showed “hopeful results” for Aquino’s presidential bid.

But another source who declined to be named said Aquino rated significantly higher than consistent survey topnotcher Sen. Manuel Villar, former president Joseph Estrada, Sen. Francis Escudero, and Vice President Noli de Castro in a Social Weather Stations survey in Metro Manila and in some vote-rich regions in Luzon. The details of the survey are yet to be released.

Read more...

Cojuangcos may give up Luisita—Noynoy

Saturday, September 12, 2009

By Philip Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — After more than half a century of ownership, the influential Cojuangco family might eventually have to leave Hacienda Luisita, their vast sugar estate in Central Luzon, due to the labor disputes that continue to plague it, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said Saturday.

Aquino, the expected standard-bearer of the Liberal Party in the 2010 elections, said that his family has incurred a large debt due to the labor disputes and that he expects these troubles to continue if the family does not relinquish control of the 6,400-hectare property.

Read more...

Challenges face Aquino son in bid for presidency

Friday, September 11, 2009

MANILA (AFP) - – The son of Philippines democracy icon Corazon Aquino has made a blistering start to his presidential campaign, with even his rivals admitting that voters are euphoric over his candidacy.

But both supporters and adversaries believe Benigno Aquino faces a huge task in uniting a fractured opposition ahead of next year's poll, with a billionaire property tycoon and a battle-hardened former president his biggest hurdles.

Read more...

The Philippines: an Aquino makeover on the road to the Presidency

Thursday, September 10, 2009

by Virginia M. Moncrieff
The Huffington Post

The Philippines has not yet recovered from its official mourning period for former President Corazon Aquino, the "mother of democracy," who died last month. Monsoonal waves of love are still washing over her family. There has been near hysteric pressure on her only son, Senator Benigno 'Noy Noy' Aquino III to make a tilt for the presidency in next year's elections. "Yes Yes! Noy Noy!" screamed one local newspaper headline.

Read more...

Binay gives way to Noynoy

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay announced on Wednesday that he would no longer vie for the presidency and would instead run for vice-president in 2010.

In an official statement issued by the United Opposition (UNO), of which he is the president, Binay said he hoped that his "move would help unify the political opposition."

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

Noynoy declares 2010 presidential bid

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, son of democracy icon Corazon Aquino and national hero Ninoy Aquino, on Wednesday finally declared that he is running for president of the Philippines in 2010.

Source: abs-cbnNews.com

Noynoy Aquino announces bid for presidency in 2010 polls

It's a go for Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. On Wednesday, he announced that he will run for president in 2010 as standard bearer of the Liberal Party (LP).

Source: GMANews.TV

Noynoy Aquino to run for president in 2010

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III officially announced that he will run for president in 2010 on Wednesday, exactly 40 days after the death of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Source: Inquirer.net

Roxas: Aquino will run for president in 2010

Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday said he is convinced that Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will run for president in 2010.

Roxas, who was in Bacolod Tuesday, said he did not want to preempt Aquino's formal announcement but said he was convinced the latter would make a go for the presidency.

Kris Aquino apologizes to Noynoy

For blabbering about his lovelife, Noynoy Aquino had to admonish his sister Kris, who subsequently aired a public apology on showbiz news program, “Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN),” last Sept. 3.

Korina Sanchez on her past with Noynoy Aquino

Nowadays, prized broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez openly talks about her beau Sen. Mar Roxas’ announcement that he will give way to Sen. Noynoy Aquino as standard bearer of the Liberal Party for the 2010 presidential election.

However, there’s a sidebar to the story that Korina refuses to make a big deal of: Her past romance with Sen. Aquino.

“(That) was a lifetime ago,” said Korina in a recent press conference at the Club Filipino.

Noynoy needs to win OFWs support

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III must bare his agenda for the millions of overseas Filipino workers and their families to win their support following the clamor for him to run in the presidential race in next year’s election.

Lacson to Kris: Let Noynoy decide if he wants a first lady

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday told television show host Kris Aquino-Yap to let her brother Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III, the Liberal Party"s presidential prospect, decide whether to get married or not.

Loren won't give way to Noynoy

Amid calls for sacrifice in favor of Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, presidential wannabe Senator Loren Legarda said on Saturday she would not give way to the son of the late President Cory Aquino.

Noynoy's ability to unite opposition questioned

Some presidential aspirants have dropped their bids to support the candidacy of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and pave the way for the opposition to unite in time for the 2010 elections. However, some political parties doubt if the senator can achieve this goal.

Noynoy delays announcement of 2010 poll plans

The public, particularly his supporters, would have to wait a little longer: Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said Tuesday he would announce his plans concerning the 2010 elections next week yet.

Coalition formed to back Noynoy"s presidential bid

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Several groups from both the public and private sectors on Tuesday formed a "reform coalition" supporting the possible presidential bid of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in next year"s elections.

Palace acknowledges Aquino ‘bandwagon’

While he has drawn two "reformist'' presidential aspirants to his side, Senator Benigno "Noynoy'' Aquino III will have to prove he's one of them, Malacañang said Friday.

Cebu group launches Aquino campaign

The call for Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to run for president is gaining ground in Cebu.

Pangasinan mayors vow support for Aquino

At least 15 Pangasinan mayors have committed to support the tandem of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, if he decides to run for President, with Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate, a local official said.

Boholanos join campaign to draft Aquino

The effort to put up Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as a presidential contender in 2010 continued to gain ground here with Boholanos now joining the signature campaign to convince him to do so.

FPJ supporter backs Noynoy’s 2010 bid

The man claiming to have initiated the signature campaign for the late Fernando Poe Jr.’s run for the presidency in 2004 is throwing his support to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III for his widely anticipated run for the country’s highest office in 2010.

Noynoy thanks Panlilio for support

Nagpasalamat si Sen. Noynoy Aquino na bukod kay Sen. Mar Roxas ay may mga pagpaparaya para suportahan ang pagkakandidato niya. Sabi ng senador, mas naliwanagan siya matapos ang retreat kasama ang mga madre ng Carmelite Monastery sa Zamboanga.

Kiko willing to give up VP bid for Noynoy

Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan on Friday said he was willing to give up his vice-presidential bid to support the impending tandem of his Liberal Party (LP) partymates, Senators Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino and Manuel 'Mar' Roxas II.

Light candles to help Noynoy decide, group tells Pinoys

A multi-sectoral group on Friday asked the Filipino people to light a candle every 6 p.m. starting today [Friday] until September 9 to help Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III decide on his political plans for 2010.

Kris to Noynoy: I'll lay off your love life

Celebrity host Kris Aquino-Yap has promised to stop meddling in the love life of her brother, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Panlilio, Padaca drop presidential ambitions for Noynoy

Throwing their support behind Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca on Friday announced that they will no longer join the 2010 presidential race.

Panlilio, reformists back Noynoy's 2010 presidential bid

A group of local government officials, led by Governors Ed Panlilio and Grace Padaca, on Friday declared their support for the possible presidential bid of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Palace backtracks on branding Noynoy retreat a "gimmick"

Even as it blamed the media for playing up the word, Malacañang on Friday backtracked from its statement that Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III's spiritual retreat could be a political gimmick.

Lacson to Erap: Give way to Noynoy

Pinaatras na rin si dating pangulong Joseph Estrada sa pagkandidato bilang pangulo para magkaisa ang oposisyon sa likod ni Senador Noynoy Aquino. Ito ang panawagan ni Senador Panfilo Lacson. Ang sagot ng kampo ni Erap sa pagba-Bandila ni Maricar Bautista. Bandila, Huwebes, Setyembre 3, 2009.

Palace claims Noynoy retreat could be a 'gimmick'

The decision of Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III to go on a spiritual retreat could be a political gimmick, a Malacañang official claimed on Thursday.

Noynoy's discernment starts with Mindanao briefing

Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino's period of discernment was off to a productive start on Thursday, starting with a briefing on the situation in Mindanao.

Aquinos still not keen on Noynoy’s Palace bid

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has remained mum on plans to run in the 2010 presidential race, saying his sisters were still not “enthusiastic” with the idea.

Noynoy's goals for the Philippines

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Noynoy's sisters talk about his presidential bid in Startalk

Change Politics Movement support Noynoy's presidential bid

Noynoy sees no problem in reconciling with Marcos family

Ninoy Aquino's letter to Noynoy

Here's the full text transcription of Ninoy Aquino's letter to his only son Noynoy written in his prison cell in 1973.





August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio
11:30 p.m.

My dearest Son:

One of these days, when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man—the matador—is pitted against an angry bull. The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with scarlet :muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial andvital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours, and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversive Act” and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: Why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence. Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I wouldrather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen Serviliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate. Your grandfather, my father, was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and naccept the tyrant’s revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid you will now have to go it without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

Dad