ECHOES Special Edition: The Big Vote

Editorial It is not like we have never been through one, but this year’s elections carry a significance unmatched since the Snap Election of 1986.

Today, as in a quarter century ago, the country is at a tipping point. Disregard for the law is as widespread as it is institutionalized. Corruption has been a leprosy that has deformed our bureaucracy. Poverty has seeped through our national bloodstream. Even the environment has not been immune from greed and exploitation. These societal headaches have grown into a disease that has infected every bone and tissue of the system. Asia’s sick man, it appears, is now on life-support.

While the problem is grave and our nation’s condition is critical, there are unmistakable signs of life. All over the country, moral and competent local leaders are standing up for their lowliest constituents. Everyday, more and more people are speaking out to expose anomalies, scams, and corrupt practices, despite the unjust consequences honest and courageous men are often made to face. Most encouragingly, the youth seem to have found reason and courage to involve themselves in our nation’s affairs, especially in these crucial and most-awaited polls.

When everyone expected the young to give up, the youth’s excitement over the coming elections has reminded their elders that pulling the plug on our country is not and has never been an option.

Because we are an organization that labels itself as a “steward of societal advancement” and has committed itself to be a “prime mover of youth dynamism,” it has never been an option for us to be uninvolved in this race. Furthermore, our belief that our members are “inherently responsible to the Filipino” only compels us to take an active role in shaping the future of the country, whose leadership we have inherited as early as now.

That is why we had the Senatoriables Forum last February. That is also why we are releasing this Elections Special in March, exactly two months before the May 10, 2010 ballot.

It is our hope that this issue will allow Ecosocers to know more about the coming polls: its candidates, the new voting process, and the context of these elections. It is not enough for the youth to make choices; in fact, they must make the best, most informed decisions, especially at times as crucial as this.

We hope that with this issue, Ecosocers will also come to see that the nature of our organization empowers us to take an active role in these elections. Our socio-civic identity and work cater to people who have been victims of social injustice, perpetuated by decades of incompetent leadership. It is, therefore and in fact, in the nature of our Society to be involved in the polls, as the new leadership we will elect will have the power to heal these social ills.

This issue, as with our organization, does not intend to transform the world. It is our hope, however, that this will change the minds of Ecosocers who still doubt the pertinence of these democratic exercises, or who have, as early as now, surrendered to apathy and cynicism. Our country may not be in its best shape, but it is alive and struggling. Who are we to give up on it?

Paolo Emmanuel Tamase Editor-in-Chief

Ma. Carmela Angeli Astudillo Associate Editor

Norika Ishikawa Project Head

Karen Orticio Managing Editor

Benedict Bismark Asst. Project Head AC Carlos Benedict Bismark Norika Ishikawa Paolo Tamase Anjeli Juani Jes Manipon Kenneth Reyes Jahan Kalam Contributing Writers Mia Astudillo Kenneth Reyes Paolo Tamase Layout Artists

Jessica Manipon Features Editor Irene Jo Arzadon News Editor Kristine Joy Cunanan Special Projects and Probe Editor Ma. Regina Kassandra Dimayuga Layout Editor Kenneth Luigi Reyes Art Editor Patrick Allen Santos Photo Editor Andrea Bianca Alvaro Webmaster

CONTENTS

Know Your Future President Know Your Future VP Know Your Future Senators Election 101: Voting for Dummies Auto, Auto, How Do You Work?

Push and Pull of Electoral Reform The Ecosoc Mock Polls: Results and Analysis The Next Six Years Quiz: Which Presidentiable are You?

“The Big Vote” is the 2010 Elections Special published by the Echoes of the U.P. Economics Society. This publication is for the consumption of the members, applicants, and alumni of the Society.

This publication has not requested nor received approval from any agency or candidate running in the 2010 Philippine General Election. All rights reserved.

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III Liberal Party (LP)

Aquino, born February 8, 1960, is known by many as the third child and only son of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino. Noynoy studied in the Ateneo de Manila University for his elementary, secondary and tertiary education, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

For more than a decade, he worked for companies owned by his mother’s Cojuangco family until he finally entered politics in 1998, when he ran for a seat in the lower House and served as the Representative of the 2nd District of Tarlac. He continued to represent the district for two more terms until 2007, the same year he ran for higher office. He emerged from the 2007 Elections as the sixth-highest voted senator. He is the chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government and is also the vice-chairperson of the Committee on Social Justice and Human Rights.

Aquino served as a de facto spokesperson for the Cojuangco family in the days after the Hacienda Luisita massacre in 2004.

After the passing of his mother, the call for Aquino to join the presidential race became stronger, as attested by early surveys where he emerged as the most popular candidate for the presidency. (As of press time, he still tops all national surveys of major polling bodies.) After initial public hesitation, he decided to run for the nation’s highest office under the Liberal Party (LP), with Party President and co-Senator Mar Roxas as running mate.

Aquino, in his website, says that his presidency will be a fight against corruption in line with his vision for the Philippines as a country with re-awakened morals brought about by its top leaders. It will also be about an organized and shared expanding economy, a collective belief of translating morals into economic value, and public institutions rebuilt on strong solidarity among society and its communities.

Aquino is currently a bachelor.

Juan Carlos “JC” de los Reyes Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)

Born February 14, 1970, John Carlos de los Reyes studied in the Ateneo de Manila for his elementary education and La Salle for his high school studies. He finished his B.A. in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, one of the most orthodox Catholic Universities in America. In 1993, he taught Philosophy in what is now the University of Asia and the Pacific, under the guidance of Fr. Joseph de Torre, a Spanish priest who wrote extensively on the social teachings of the Church.

In 1995, he was elected City Councilor of Olongapo. During his term, he focused on the poor, the youth and cooperatives. He ran for the same position in the 2007 elections – among 27 local and national candidates, he was the lone winner in the Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP), placing second among ten Olongapo City councilors.

His free legal assistance program under an informal project named “Justice Crusade” has been widely popular among his constituents.

He is presently prioritizing the institutionalization of the Barangay Human Rights Action Centers, the office mandated by law for the protection and prevention of human rights violations in the barangay.

His political career has mostly centered on countering traditional politics by asserting the subsidiarity principle (i.e. central authority should only perform tasks that cannot be done at the local level) and the prophetic politics of personal and social transformation.

He is married to Dunia Valenzuela, with whom he has three children – Gabriel, Santiago and Barbara.

Know Your Future President Profiles of the 2010 Presidential Candidates

Compiled by Norika Ishikawa

Joseph “Erap” Estrada

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) Joseph Marcelo Ejercito Estrada, born in April 19, 1937, is the oldest candidate running in the 2010 Presidential Elections. Commonly known as “Erap,” he attended the Ateneo de Manila for his elementary education. He was infamously dismissed from the school in his sophomore high school year.

Estrada became a movie actor in his early twenties, earning five Best Actor and five Best Picture awards. He is a two-time FAMAS Hall of Famer.

In 1967, Estrada was elected mayor of San Juan Municipality (now San Juan City), an office he would hold for 16 uninterrupted years. In 1972, he was selected as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), for Public Administration. He also established the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND), which aims to provide industry workers with financial and professional assistance. During the Martial Law period, he was a self-confessed Marcos loyalist – he would remain so even after the first EDSA Revolution in 1986.

In 1987, he won in the Senatorial Elections and, in 1992, he became the country’s 12th vice-president. In 1998, Estrada clinched a landslide victory in the race for the highest office and served as the 13th Philippine President before being impeached two years later, in 2000, after being hounded by multi-million dollar graft and coruption allegations. (Senator Villar, who is also running for the presidency in 2010, was a former ally and the Speaker of the House that impeached him.) In early 2001, he was kicked-out of office via a popular revolt that was supported by the military.

Charged with and later convicted of Plunder, he was incarnated for around six years before he was granted a presidential pardon in 2007 by President Gloria Arroyo, his Vice-President and successor.

Estrada is best known for his pro-poor programs and anti-hunger advocacies under his project cum slogan “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” which, he said, he will continue if elected president in May 2010.

He is married to former Senator Loi Ejercito. His son, Jinggoy, is also a Philippine Senator.

Richard “Dick” Gordon

Bagumbayan - Volunteers for a New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP) Richard Gordon was born on August 5, 1945 in Olongapo City. In 1954, he completed his elementary education at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila. In 1962, he completed his secondary education in the Ateneo de Manila University where he would also earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in History and Government. In 1975, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines College of Law. In 1980, Gordon became the mayor of Olongapo, which he transformed into a model city through various community development programs. He was again elected mayor of the city in 1992 and also appointed Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). In 1998, President Estrada (a fellow 2010 presidential candidate) removed him from office, which led Gordon to infamously barricade himself in his SBMA office until he was ordered by the Supreme Court to recognize the new appointee.

Since 1987, Gordon has been a governor of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). President Arroyo appointed Gordon as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), where he established the “WOW Philippines” campaign.

He sought higher office in 2004 and became the fifth-highest voted senator. In his term, Gordon opposed Charter Change via a Constituent Assembly, and advocated the passage of the Republic Act on the Automated Elections System, which takes full effect in the May 2010 Elections.

Gordon is currently running for the presidency alongside Bayani Fernando – collectively, their supporters refer to them as the “Transformers.” They envision a society that is caring, compassionate, confident, competitive, united, secure, successful, liberal and tolerant.

Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal Independent

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal, born April 26, 1958, is the granddaughter of national hero Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos.

Madrigal got the fourth-highest number of votes in the 2004 Senatorial Elections and, as a legislator, worked for the protection of the environment and defense of human rights and the rights of women and children. She is currently the chairperson of four committees in the Senate, namely, the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Committee on Youth, Women, and Family Relations, Committee on Cultural Communities, and the Committee on Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation.

Moreover, she successfully authored and passed the Anti-Child Pornography Law. She also voted against the E-VAT Law, the JPEPA Treaty and the Anti-Terrorism Law. Madrigal was infamous for giving away bracelets with her photo during the relief operations after Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines in September 2009.

Madrigal declared her candidacy in the 2010 Presidential Elections with a vision of genuine change for Filipinos, in the form of pro-Filipino industrialization and a nationalist economy, fair and equitable trade, anti-monopoly and -cartel policies, environmental protection, empowerment of OFWs, a pro-people government, independent and humane Philippine security and peace, selfless governance and women empowerment.

Jamby is married to French physician Jean Claude Dudoignon Valade. She is a noted vegetarian.

Nicanor “Nick” Perlas

Independent

Nicanor Jesus Perlas III, born January 10, 1950 in Manila, studied in the Ateneo de Manila for his elementary and secondary education. He then pursued his undergraduate studies in Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (with highest honors), major in Agronomy and minor in Agricultural Economics.

Perlas founded the first ecological society in the Philippines and also spearheaded global campaigns against 12 nuclear power plants including the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), a $2.2 billion project of the Marcos administration. Shortly thereafter, he served as a member of the technical panel overseeing pesticide use in the country.

He is also the co-founder, president and executive director of the Center for Alternative Development Initiatives or CADI, where he guides research and policy work and develops initiatives on globalization, social threefolding (i.e. according to Wikipedia, “a sociological theory that suggests increasing the independence of society’s three primary realms – economy, polity and culture – in such a way that those three realms can mutually correct each other in an ongoing process”) and their impacts on civil society, cultural power and sustainable development.

After initially being disqualified for his “inability to conduct a national campaign,” Nick Perlas’ candidacy was reconsidered by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and he is now an official candidate in the May 2010 Presidential Elections.

He received the Right Livelihood Award (known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) in 2003, an addition to his “Most Outstanding Alumnus” award from Xavier University, for his national and global contributions in agriculture.

Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro

Lakas - Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas Kampi-CMD) Gilberto Eduardo Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr. was born June 14, 1964. Commonly referred to as “Gibo”, he completed his elementary and secondary education in Xavier School in San Juan. He then attained a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the De La Salle University in 1984. In 1989, he completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines where he was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. In the same year, he topped the Philippine Bar Exams. He went to Harvard Law School in Cambridge for his Master of Laws and completed it in 1997. He was also admitted to the State Bar of New York that same year.

Teodoro served as Representative of the 1st District of Tarlac from 1998 to 2007.

During the Estrada presidency, he was one of the “Bright Boys,” a clique of seven proEstrada congressmen loyal to the President when the impeachment complaint was in the House docket.

In 2007, after his congressional term ended, he was appointed by President Arroyo as Secretary of the Department of National Defense at the age of 43, making him the youngest man to ever hold the position. As Defense Secretary, Teodoro dealt with negotiations with militant groups, and also took charge of the rescue and relief operations organized after Typhoon Ondoy battered the country.

He was also Defense Secretary at a time when the Arroyo Administration was being internationally criticized for extra-judicial killings of leftist activisits, supposedly by the military.

Until his resignation from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Teodoro was widely regarded as the favorite nephew of tycoon and political kingmaker Danding Cojuangco. He is the second-cousin of fellow 2010 presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino.

Teodoro’s top priorities include Agriculture and the Reproductive Health Bill. He hopes to turn farmers into entrepreneurs and to restore the honor in farming. In line with the RH Bill, Teodoro pushes for the giving of incentives to couples and also to inculcate the important role of the Church in the decisions of couples.

Aside from being a licensed commercial pilot, he also holds the rank of colonel in the Philippine Air Force Reserve Force. He is married to present Tarlac 1st District Representative Monica “Nikki” Prieto-Teodoro. They have a son named Jaime Gilberto.

Eduardo “Eddie”Villanueva

Bangon Pilipinas Party (BPP)

Eduardo Villanueva, born October 6, 1946, is a popular religious leader. Known to most as “Bro. Eddie,” he is the standard bearer of the Bangon Pilipinas Party.

In 1969, Villanueva graduated with a degree in Commerce, majoring in Economics, from the now- Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He went to the University of the Philippines to study Law, but he did not take the bar examinations.

In 1978, Villanueva founded the Jesus Is Lord Church (J.I.L.), which started with just 15 members from his Bible studies. In 2007, J.I.L. claimed a membership of three million followers in 36 countries. Most members abroad are overseas Filipino workers and their families.

He ran and lost in the 2004 National Elections.

Villanueva is running again for president in the May 2010 elections, with the vision and hope of a productive, prosperous and respectable Philippines. He and his paty also assured accountable and corruption-free leadership.

He is married to Adoracion “Dory” Villanueva and they have four children. He is also the owner and chairman of ZOE Broadcasting Network, a commercial TV station currently operated by GMA Network.

Manuel “Manny”Villar Nacionalista Party (NP)

Manuel Villar, Jr. was born on December 13, 1949 in Moriones, Tondo, as the second of nine children. Villar attended the Holy Child Catholic School for his elementary studies, and the Mapua Institute of Technology for secondary education. He studied in the University of the Philippines-Diliman, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1970.

Villar went directly to work for different companies after graduation, but resigned later and ran his own business. Starting with P 10,000 for capital, Villar rose to become the 9th wealthiest person in the country and owner of the largest home-building company in the Philippines.

In 1992-2001, Villar served as the Representative of the District of Las Piñas City. In 1998, he became the Speaker of the House of Representatives – in this capacity, he presided over the impeachment of former President Estrada. In 2001, he won a seat in the Seante and got re-elected to the Upper House in 2007. He became Senate President in 2006. He is the first post-war public official who became House Speaker and Senate President.

Recently, he has been accused by Sen. Jamby Madrigal (a fellow candidate for the presidency) on the Senate Floor of graft and corruption in the C5 Scandal. A committee report authored by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile found him guilty of the said crime.

Villar’s agenda includes training Filipinos to become entrepreneurs, providing homes and basic infrastructures, empowerment of the agriculture sector, making education accessible, improving health care services, protecting women, OFWs and the elderly, disallowing monopolies and cartels, maintaining peace and order, protecting the environment, and good governance.

Villar is married to college friend and classmate Cong. Cynthia Villar, with whom he has three children.

DISCLAIMER

Sources: http://www.noynoy.ph http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/aquino_noynoy_bio.asp http://hatolngbayan.nbni.tv/Aquino.php http://www.angkapatiranparty.com/Candidates%20Profiles/jc.html http://hatolngbayan.nbni.tv/DelosReyes.php http://erap.ph/409/about-erap/ http://erap.ph/409/organizations/erap-para-sa-mahirap/ http://www.dickgordon2010.com/about.php http://www.jambymadrigal.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamby_Madrigal http://hatolngbayan.nbni.tv/Perlas.php http://www.nicanor-perlas.com/ http://gibo.ph/ http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/villar_bio.asp http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph/theman.php

All write-ups in the profiles were written by the credited contributors, with information researched from the websites cited on this page. The contributors did and do not intend to favor any particular candidate/s through their write-up/s. For more and complete information, please visit the official websites of the featured candidates.

Any errors in the profiles were uninentional and do not mean to discredit the concerned candidates and/or mislead the organization.

The photos of the candidates were taken from various websites, and were picked because they met resolution requirements.

Know Your Future VP

Profiles of the 2010 Vice-Presidential Candidates Compiled by Ben Bismark

Jejomar “Jojo” Binay

Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) Running with Joseph Estrada (PMP) Born on November 11, 1941, Jejomar Binay is most famously known as the mayor of Makati City, the country’s main financial center. Running with Joseph Estrada, Binay’s platform focuses mainly on empowering the poor. He himself came from an impoverished family in Pasay.

He studied in the University of the Philippines, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. There, he joined the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. He was also elected a councilor of the University Student Council.

After his undergraduate studies, he took up his Masters Degree in Public Administration in U.P. and Law in UST. Binay first served as the appointed mayor of Makati during President Aquino’s term. He was later elected for the same position. He served as Governor of Metro Manila and later on became the chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA.) He has also helped out in the rehabilitation efforts for the Pasig River.

Binay and his wife (also a former mayor of Makati) have faced numerous corruption cases in relation to the supposed overpricing of purchases by the Makati City Hall. He has also been criticized for using Makati City funds for television public service announcements that allegedly promoted his candidacy.

Dominador Chipeco

Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) Running with Juan Carlos de los Reyes (AKP) Dominador Chipeco, running mate of JC de los Reyes, has been the director of St. John’s Colleges since 1989.

Chipepo is active in many advocacies. He is the director of Pro-Life Philippines, the former unit-head of the Couples for Christ, and the former coordinator of Ligaya Ng Panginoon, among many others.

As an attorney, he has worked closely on taxes. He was the tax attorney of SGV & Co. and Esso Philippines, Inc.

Bayani “BF” Fernando

Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP) Running with Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan-VNP) Born in 1946, Bayani Fernando was the former Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Being the running mate of Richard Gordon, he believes in transformation that comes with action.

A professional mechanical engineer, he helped construct some of the countries biggest projects. These include subdivisions, highways, industrial areas among others.

His three consecutive terms as mayor of Marikina were arguably a golden age in the municipality. He transformed Marikina into one of the most well managed cities in the Philippines.

In his three terms there, the city was awarded 55 distinctions and citations.

Originally intent on running for the presidency, Fernando has been criticized for supposedly using the MMDA for an early promotion of his candidacy. He has also received flak for the removal of trees from Metro Manila’s roads, and the heavy flooding after Typhoon Ondoy, as the MMDA is in-charge of flood control in Metro Manila.

Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Running with Manuel Villar (NP)

Loren Legarda was born in 1960. The running mate of Manny Villar was the valedictorian of Assumption College, who earned her degree in Broadcast Communication (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines. Legarda is an accomplished journalist and newscaster.

She worked for RPN 9 and ABS-CBN during the Marcos regime. This allowed her to see, first hand, Martial Law and its effects on people from all walks of life.

She has served as a senator for two terms. Some of the prominent legislation she sponsored or supported were the Climate-Change Law, the Anti-Domestic Violence Act, and the Anti-Child Labor Law, among many others.

She also founded the Luntiang Pilipinas Foundation, which strives to make the Philippines a greener country. The organization has planted more than one million trees.

Legarda has been criticized for frequently changing political colors. In her first run for the Senate (1998) and throughout the Estrada Impeachment Trial, she was with the opposition; in 2004, she ran for vice-president with Fernando Poe, Jr., the Estrada camp’s candidate; she was supposed to run for the vice-presidency alongside Sen. Chiz Escudero, but after he withdrew from the presidential race, she is now running with Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party, the party from which NPC broke-off two decades ago.

Eduardo “Edu” Manzano

Lakas Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas Kampi CMD) Running with Gilbert Teodoro (Lakas Kampi CMD) Born in 1955, Eduardo Manzano is an actor turned politician and the running partner of Gilbert Teodoro. Manzano spent a majority of his life as an actor before entering politics in 1998.

He was the first Chairman of the Optical Media Board. Here, he fought video piracy with an iron fist. He also fought against pornographic material, which was sold in the back alleys and available to all.

Being the former president of the Kapisanan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Manzano promises to revive the Filipino entertainment industry.

His candidacy for vice-president is not Manzano’s first shot at politics. He served one threeyear term as Vice-Mayor of Makati. In 2001, he ran for mayor of Makati City, losing to Jejomar Binay, his fellow vice-presidential aspirant.

Manuel “Mar” Araneta-Roxas II Liberal Party (LP) Running with Benigno Aquino III (LP)

Manuel Roxas was born in 1957. Earning national fame as “Mr. Palenke,” the running mate of Noynoy Aquino was once the congressman of Capiz and the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. He is the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas, and the son of the late Sen. Gerry Roxas.

A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he worked as an investment banker. He believed in mobilizing funds to encourage small and medium scale enterprises for the masses to be able to earn their keep.

He was appointed Secretary for DTI during the term of Joseph Estrada. He resigned in 2000 with a number of cabinet officials after Estrada was impeached for corruption allegations, and was quickly reappointed by President Arroyo.

In the DTI, he focused on developing the local markets as the basic economic cell from which the economy can bloom. He forwarded mechanisms that gave livelihood to many people. Being able to improve the lives of many people, he was able to gain 20 million votes in his bid to become senator in 2004, the highest number of votes gained by any candidate.

Roxas has received sharp rebuke from critics of his early campaign for the presidency, which he has since rescinded to Aquino. One of the first politicians who indicated interest in the presidency, Roxas has spent much on political advertisements as early as 2009.

Jay Sonza

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) Jose Sonza, born 1955, is currently the station manager of UNTV 37.

His work as a newscaster ranges from print media to television. He was the editor of the Phillipine Daily Forum, a columnist in Manila Bulletin, the news director of DZMM and the supervising producer of the GMA network, Inc. He has also worked for several public offices. He was the Information Officer of Region XI and the Youth Development Officer of the Bureau of Youth Welfare.

He was also a candidate of the BATAS party list.

He ran for Senator in 2004, but lost.

Jay Sonza believes in government transparency.

Perfecto “Jun”Yasay

Bangon Pilipinas Party (BPP) Running with Eduardo Villanueva (BPP) Born in 1947, Perfecto Yasay, Eddie Villanueva’s running mate, received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines and is a celebrated lawyer.

Nicknamed “Kidlat,” Yasay is well versed not only in the laws of the Philippines but also in international laws, having practiced it in both here and the United States.

Known best as the former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Yasay was one of the first officials who brought forward graft and corruption allegations against thenPresident Estrada.

Know Your Future Senators The 2010 Senatorial Candidates Compiled by Ben Bismark and Paolo Tamase

LAKAS KAMPI CHRISTIAN MUSLIM DEMOCRATS Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats was once two separate parties – Lakas and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi). The first one was founded in 1991 and the latter in 1997. They merged in 2009 after grueling negotiations between the leadership of the two parties (President Arroyo is an officer of both). Notable members include President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, Edu Manzano and Cong. Pablo Garcia.

Former President Fidel Ramos and former Speaker Jose de Venecia, prominent members of Lakas, have notably objected to and refused to join the merged party.

The party has done much for the Visayas, where most of its supporters come from. The party has pushed primarily for economic reforms to forward its principles and ideology.

The party’s core principles work around the idea of populism. The elites are compared side-by-side the common man, and the government’s role is to bridge the gap. The party’s stance on issues is generally balanced between the left and right.

It currently holds 147 seats in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.

Lakas Kampi CMD

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES Silvestre Bello III

Cabinet secretary, married with four children.

Member of the panel for talks with the CPP-NPANDF

Ramon “Bong” Revilla

Started his career in 1995 as the youngest ViceGovernor of Cavite. Awarded for his anti-drug campaign in 1997.

Ramon Guico

Appointed by former President Aquino as the OIC of Binaloan, Pangasinan, which he developed from a 5th class into a 1st class municipality. continued next page

“Lakas” continued

Rey Langit

Multi-awarded journalist from DWIZ.

Raul Lambino

Appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the head of the Commission on Charter Change.

Liberal Party

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES Nereus Acosta Jr.

Former Bukidnon House represenative, worked for President Arroyo’s unsuccessful impeachment. Strongly supports the environment.

Ana “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel

Activist, journalist, and Akbayan Partylist Representative (since 2004). Worked for the NDF Peace Talks in 1998.

Martin Bautista

Physician and U.P. graduate. Went to work in the United States and returned to the Philippines for volunteer work.

Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon

Served for three years as congressman. 75 bills and 18 resolutions are credited to him.

Franklin Drilon

Former Senate President, served as a senator since 1995.

Teofisto Guingona III

Bukidnon House represenative, son of former Vice-President Guingona. Strongly opposed Charter Change.

Alexander Lacson

Lawyer. Wrote “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country.”

Yasmin Lao

Strong advocate of women empowerment, especially for Muslim women.

Danilo “Danny” Lim

Brigadier General. Detained for leading the withdrawal of support for President Arroyo in 2006, and for the Peninsula Manila standoff. Promises to prosecute Arroyo if elected.

Ralph Recto

Former senator, House representative, and NEDA Director-General.

Forwarded economic reforms during his three terms in the House, and authored the E-VAT Law.

Sonia Roco

Spouse of the late Sen. Raul Roco. Advocates education as a main issue in society.

Sergio Osmeña III (Independent, Guest Candidate)

Former senator and anti-Martial Law activist. Coordinated a total of 3251 infrastructure projects.

Lito Lapid

Action star and former Governor of Pampanga. Headed reconstruction efforts in Pampanga after lahar flows.

LIBERAL PARTY The Liberal Party is the second oldest political party in the Philippines, breaking away from the Nacionalista Party in 1945.

Its notable members included Presidents Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Diosdado Macapagal, and Ferdinand Marcos (who later quit to join Nacionalista), and Senators Ninoy Aquino, Gerry Roxas, Jovito Salonga, and Franklin Drilon. Its standard bearers, Sen. Noynoy Aquino and Sen. Mar Roxas, are scions of two of the most prominent party members mentioned.

During the Martial Law years, its members actively opposed the regime, leading to the incarceration of its top officials. The party was instrumental in forwarding the movement to minimize the U.S. military presence in the Philippines. It pushed for the impeachment of Estrada and his subsequent removal in EDSA II. The group split in 2006 over differences between proArroyo members (led by Sec. Lito Atienza) and the members allied with the opposition (led by Sen. Franklin Drilon) after the eruption of the Hello Garci Scandal in 2005. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the Drilon Wing, which is also the Liberal Party recognized worldwide.

The party’s core principles center on the idea of liberalism, where the focus is on equal rights in the legislation.

The party’s stance on issues is generally center-left to center.

It currently holds 17 seats in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.

NACIONALISTA PARTY The Nacionalista Party is the oldest party in the Philippines, founded in 1907. Notable members include Presidents Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, José Laurel, Elpidio Quirino, Manuel Roxas (who left NP after founding the LP), Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, and Ferdinand Marcos (who left LP to join NP), and statesman Claro M. Recto.

The party has forwarded reforms regarding the number of immigrants that the country accepts. It has been firm in forwarding nationalism. After Pres. Marcos formed the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) in 1978 and required all political parties to join the coalition, the party went into hibernation instead of supporting its member.

The party’s principles center on conservatism and nationalism. It believes in protectionist laws that forward the countries interests above those of other nations. Their stance is center-right and they support less government intervention, capitalism and the free market.

Formerly the country’s most powerful political party (producing the most Philippine presidents), it currently holds 10 seats in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate. Two major political parties, the LP and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC, which is not fielding a presidential candidate this year), were groups that broke away from the NP.

Nacionalista Party

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES Pia Cayetano

Re-electionist senator. Focused on health and the environment.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Son of President Ferdinand Marcos. Four-time governor of Ilocos Norte.

Ramon Mitra III

Son of the late House Speaker Ramon Mitra. An awarded captain in the Philippine Marines.

Susan Ople

PWERSA NG MASANG PILIPINO The Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino was founded in 1991 by Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Its notable members include Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Greg Taruc, Rene Socorro and Louisa Ejercito Estrada.

PMP has strengthened the economy by providing smallscale enterprises for the common Filipino. It has involved the lower economic classes in its campaigns, and forwarded agricultural reforms.

Similar to Lakas-Kampt-CMD, the party’s principles work around populism. Its stance is center-left, however. It believes that to be able to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, direct government intervention is necessary.

The party, which ruled during the Estrada Administration, currently holds three seats in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.

Daughter of late statesman Blas Ople. Served in both the DFA and the International Labor Organization.

Ariel Querubin

Jailed for the Marines Stand-off in 2006. Awarded colonel who fought against the MILF.

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino SENATORIAL CANDIDATES

Gilbert Remulla

Juan Ponce Enrile

Adel Tamano

Jinggoy Estrada

Liza Maza (Gabriela Women’s Party, Guest Candidate)

Jose “Joey” De Venecia III

Satur Ocampo (Bayan Muna Partylist, Guest Candidate)

JV Larion Bautista

Gwendolyn Pimentel (PDP-Laban, Guest Candidate)

Apolinario “Jun” Lozada

Ramon “Bong” Revilla (Guest Candidate)

Miriam Defensor Santiago (Guest Candidate)

Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Francisco “Kit” Tatad

House representative and former newscaster. Scion of the Cavitebased Remulla clan.

President of the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila. Spokesperson for the United Opposition.

Gabriela Partylist representative. Awarded in 2007 for her work in human rights.

Prominent anti-Martial Law and anti-Arroyo activist. Celebrated writer and journalist.

Daughter of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel. Dropped by PMP from its senatorial slate. Platform focuses on children and education.

(People’s Reform Party, Guest Candidate) Senator and former U.P. professor, Immigration Commissioner, and presidential candidate. Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service.

Marcos-era Secretary of National Defense, played crucial role in EDSA Revolt. Involved in the Philippine government since 1966.

Action star and son of former President Joseph Estrada. Acquitted of Plunder charges filed after his father’s presidency.

Son of former Speaker Jose de Venecia, most known for exposing the ZTE-NBN Scam. Started the Philippine’s first call center.

Has strong ties to President Estrada and served in Estrada’s administration.

Representative of Negros Occidental. Not to be confused with ZTE-NBN whisteblower Jun Lozada.

(Grand Alliance for Democracy, Guest Candidate) Two-term senator and celebrated writer. Information Minister during the Marcos Administration; famously read P.D. 1081 (Martial Law decree) to the public.

ANG KAPATIRAN PARTY Ang Kapatiran is one of the younger parties, founded in 2004. Its members include Juan Carlos de los Reyes, Dominador Chipeco, Jr., Manuel Valdehuesa, Hector Tarrazona, Jo Aurea Imbong and Grace Riñoza-Plazo.

Still young, the party has already forwarded a campaign for voters to exercise their rights. A church-based party, it forwarded campaigns to empower lay people to become more active in the Church’s advocacies.

Its principles center on Christian democracy. It believes in the application of the Church doctrines on the legislature. Its stance is generally center. It believes that the government must work equally with the people to forward their values.

Ang Kapatiran Party

Bangon Pilipinas Party

Reginald Tamayo

Kata Inocencio

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES Worked as Dean in several universities. One of the top ten most outstanding councilors.

Hector Tarrazona

Philippine Air Force colonel. Wrote the book, “Alter EDSA”.

Jo Aurea Imbong

Consultant of the CBCP. AdMU faculty member.

Rizalito David

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES

Broadcast journalist who believes strongly in children’s rights.

Ramoncito Ocampo

Platform focuses on poverty alleviation.

Reynaldo Princesa

Lawyer. Legal counsel of ZTE-NBN whistleblower Jun Lozada.

Adz Nikabulin

Head executive assistant of the Office of Senatror Robert Jaworski.

Tausug. Minister in the Sultanates of Sulu and North Borneo/Sabah.

Current Commanding General in the MNLF.

Zosimo Paredes

Alexander Tinsay

Broadcaster. Served in the Court of Appeals.

Ma. Gracia Riñoza-Plazo

Broadcast journalist for GMA 7. Believes in government transparency.

Active member of the Couples for Christ and a strong advocate of family values.

Israel Virgines

Adrian Sison

Zafrullah Alonto

Professor. Senior associate in the Misa Law firm.

From Mindanao. Believes in the advocacy of peace.

Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr.

Imelda Papin

Worked in NAMFREL. Active member of the BishopsBusinessmen’s Conference.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan SENATORIAL CANDIDATES

The Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) was the umbrella coalition founded by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978, reorganized as a political party in 1986. During the Marcos Administration, it was labeled as the late President’s main vehicle, occupying most Batasang Pambansa seats.

Sharuff Ibrahim Albani

Hailing from Mindanao, “firm believer” in “peace and the judicial system.”

Nanette Espinosa

(No information available.)

Ma. Judea Millora

Doctor. Believes in the restoration of the environment.

Regalado Maambong

Worked for the COMELEC, pushed for automated elections.

Alma Lood

Veteran businesswoman. Aims to improve the economic status of the country.

Hector Villanueva

(No information available.)

Professor. Active member of the Adventist church.

Former KBL 2010 senatorial candidate, moved to BPP. Celebrated musician who wrote several famous nationalistic Filipino songs.

BANGON PILIPINAS PARTY Bangon Pilipinas was founded in 2004. Notable members include Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Perfecto Yasay, Katherine Inocencio, Adz Nikabulin and Ramoncito Ocampo.

Before the members joined the electoral race, they were active in the pursuit of justice and the fight against corruption.

The party has been active in the advocacy of peace and stability within the country.

Its principles are centered on Christian democracy, much like Ang Kapatiran. Its stance is focused on conservatism, however. It believes that firm protectionist laws that uphold church values are needed.

DISCLAIMER All write-ups in the profiles were written by the credited contributors, with information researched from political and party websites. The contributors did and do not intend to favor any particular candidate/s through their write-up/s. For more and complete information, please visit the official websites of the featured candidates.

Any errors in the profiles were uninentional and do not mean to discredit the concerned candidates and/or mislead the organization.

Nationalist People’s Coalition

PDP-Laban

Once one of the largest parties in the House of Representatives, the Nationalist People’s Coalition – founded

by Marcos ally and businessman Danding Cojuangco after he split from the Nacionalista Party – is only fielding in two senatorial candidates this year. Sen. Chiz Escudero was supposed to be its standard-bearer for the presidency. Its vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Loren Legarda, has since been taken in by the NP as its guest candidate and Sen. Manny Villar’s running mate.

The Partido ng Demokratikog Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is most famous for having fielded in thenhousewife and widow Corazon Aquino as its presidential candidate during the 1986 Snap Elections. The party was split in 1988 – the Pimentel Wing continues to operate, albeit on a much smaller scale, until today.

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES

Rodolfo Plaza

Three-term House Representative. Active in logging and supports proper use of resources.

Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

Former senator, actor, composer, musician, and host. Passed 126 senate bills and 2 senate resolutions.

Others

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES Jovito Palparan, Jr. (Independent)

Bantay Partylist representative. Retired army general, infamously labeled “Berdugo” by activists who claim he is the mastermind behind the killings of leftist activists in Luzon.

SENATORIAL CANDIDATE

Henry Caunan

Businessman and consultant.

BAGUMBAYANVOLUNTEERS FOR A NEW PHILIPPINES Founded just last year, Bagumbayan’s members include Richard Gordon, Bayani Fernando, Donn Carlo, Anne Marie Gordon Catherine Violago and Ibno Tubarin.

It has forwarded campaigns that involve the common Filipino in government projects. It has formed volunteer groups that serve the government.

Its principles center on liberalism and new politics.

It believes that the current system of liberalism in the Philippines is not going anywhere. It believes that for the country to prosper, the common Filipino must be involved in government.

Emilio “Lito” Osmeña (PROMDI)

Former Governor of Cebu. Lost in Vice-Presidential Race (1992) and Presidential Race (1998), both to President Estrada.

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