Juan Country » Liberal Party

Should the Liberal Party screen their membership?

Carlo Ople — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:46:47 +0000

The Liberal Party has been getting a lot of negative press from their mayoralty candidates in the past few months. First there was a candidate who was arrested for allegedly selling drugs. A few months after that, Quezon City Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista was charged with plunder for supposedly using 30% of his budget for “food and drinks”. Another questionable bet is Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim whose son was caught in a buy-bust operation for drugs but was miraculously freed and the case was dismissed even if he was already caught buying drugs. Now the bet of the Liberal Party for the mayorship of Las Pinas was nabbed for Estafa.

An article on GMANews.TV said that the candidate, Felix Sinajon, was arrested after an entrapment operation. Apparently there were more than 30 private complainants who said that the candidate sold cards bearing logos of various agencies that offered discounts for hospital bills and transport fees.

What’s interesting is that the Liberal Party is pointing again to Senator Manny Villar. LP Campaign Manager Butch Abad said in a statement that they were considering the idea that this was just harassment from the “Villar” camp.

Maybe instead of pointing fingers they should review their screening process.

It’s easy to dismiss all of this as “politicking” but these are all serious charges and they should all be investigated and given the proper attention. Let’s not be blinded with loyalty to the party or to the Presidentiable. If his men are really doing bad, instead of coddling them the Liberal Party should kick them out. After all they are saying that they stand for integrity, honesty, and transparency. It’s time to walk the talk.

2010 Presidential Polls: Villar-Aquino Showdown?

Carlo Ople — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:34:32 +0000

The highly anticipated PULSE ASIA Presidential Preference October Survey is out and the results aren’t really surprising. Leading the pack is Liberal Party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino with a dominating 44%. Following Aquino is Nacionalista Party’s Senator Manny Villar at 19%, then Senator Chiz Escudero with 13%, and former President Joseph Estrada at 11%. Administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro only managed to rate 2% in the survey. These numbers are pretty much consistent with the recent SWS Survey which also put Noynoy on top followed by Villar. The big discrepancy here though is that in the SWS Survery, Villar had a much higher rating (37%).

The 2010 polls is shaping up to be an uphill battle for all the other candidates against Senator Noynoy Aquino. At this rate, it looks like the legendary “Ninoy” magic will propel another Aquino to the Presidency. You have got to wonder what Senator Villar’s camp is cooking up at this point. I don’t think they’ll just take this sitting down so they’ll probably mount a massive campaign effort in the coming weeks. They’ve already spent so much money pre-campaign period but it was all washed away by the free news coverage that Noynoy got after Cory’s death.

Another wild card here is Senator Chiz Escudero. If finally does decide to run, he might actually chip off the numbers of Noynoy. The youth and opposition vote is split between these two young guns and I’m pretty sure that Noynoy’s numbers will slide if Escudero finally declares his bid (if he ever does run).

Expect more congressmen and local officials to jump ship from the LAKAS-KAMPI coalition. It looks like Gibo has a tough road ahead of him and only a few people want to join him in his journey.

Another interesting thing here is that despite his declaration, Erap’s numbers didn’t show any improvement. It looks like the Filipino people aren’t willing to give him another crack at the Presidency.

The major game changers here are Erap and Chiz. If one decides to step down and endorse someone, whoever that person is will get a massive boost heading into the 2010 elections.

2010 Presidentiables – Box Office Hits?

Carlo Ople — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:39:09 +0000

This album was posted on Facebook by Gerald Magno. It basically has several movie posters but instead of the Hollywood stars an artist edited in and put in the pictures of the candidates in 2010. Really interesting and funny stuff! Hopefully these pictures will put a smile on your face. We definitely need light moments now more than ever.

Here’s my personal favorite. First poster shows Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas in the Martin-Gary poster. Second is the Twilight poster but it now has Chiz and Loren.

Next up we have former President Estrada being “dragged back to jail” by Senator Lacson:

But wait, there’s more! Here’s Vice President Noli De Castro:

And last, but not least, we have the administration slate.

O diba, panalo? Hahaha! I personally loved the Twilight poster the best. How about you guys?

How DFA Sec. Romulo changed the landscape for 2010

Carlo Ople — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:35:18 +0000

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo recently shared with some members of the press that he will be supporting Senator Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party come the 2010 Presidential Elections. This was supposed to have been private but somehow it was leaked and it ended up being the headline for broadsheets and online publications. Following his announcement, Palace officials quickly reacted by saying that everyone in their team should support their standard bearer, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

Romulo’s declaration of support for Noynoy has two major implications:

1. Shows the undying power and legacy of the Aquino’s.
2. Opening of Pandora’s Box for defections

First, I find the staying power of the Aquino family amazing. Senator Ninoy Aquino’s passion for the country propelled his wife to the Presidency, and it also is giving his son, Noynoy, a fighting chance in 2010. Not only that, but the loyalty of the family’s supporters is still there. It must have been a very difficult decision for Romulo to admit publicly that he’d be supporting Aquino in 2010. I admire his courage and conviction for that.

Next, Romulo’s declaration is a massive and symbolic gesture. He’s a senior official that’s highly respected on and out of the administration camp. I’m sure that his declaration will spur other cabinet members and administration politicians to start thinking about jumping ship.

I’m pretty sure that other parties are smelling blood in the water and have started their recruitment/pirating drive against the administration. It’s inevitable that people will move parties. The question now is how many will they have left after the feeding frenzy is over.

Senator Aquino to make a major announcement

Carlo Ople — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:48:38 +0000

Senator Noynoy Aquino is going to make a major announcement 7:30AM tomorrow at the EDSA shrine. This message is now going around Facebook, being re-posted by various people in my network. Apparently this is a public event and people are invited to go and listen to what the Senator has to say live. A lot of people are saying that this maybe his much-awaited announcement to run for the Presidency in 2010. He’s actually drawing flak from several sectors of society for not making his decision any sooner.

Here’s the status update that’s posted by the Secretary General of the Liberal Party, Chito Gascon:

Chito Gascon is making a SHOUT OUT to ALL freedom-loving filipinos eager to be part of a CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN for our country – lets take a collective FIRST STEP by joining Noynoy Aquino, his family &friends, as he makes an important announcement TOMORROW, Wednesday 09-09-09 at 7:30 am at the Serviam Hall of EDSA People Power Shrine. Be part of history in the making! let us COLLECTIVELY reclaim Philippine Democracy!

Let this be warning to everyone who’s going to pass by EDSA tomorrow morning to go to work – it will definitely be one hell of a traffic jam!

Mar’s Speech Writer and former Chief-of-Staff’s reactions

Carlo Ople — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:26:41 +0000

A day after Senator Mar Roxas announced his historic sacrifice, we now all find ourselves still in awe of his humble and selfless act. I found two very touching notes on Facebook a few hours after Senator Roxas declared his intention to back down from the race to support Senator Noynoy Aquino’s bid for President in 2010. I was really shocked when he announced that… and I’m sure most of his staff were also jolted out of their minds when he delivered that speech. Anyway, the first note that I found was written by his speech writer and one of my good friends – Kael. Another heart-warming essay was written by his former Chief-of-staff and my auntie, Susan “Toots” Ople. I took the liberty of quoting both of their articles here for your reading pleasure.

On failure, and sacrifice, and the sad task of a speechwriter
By: Kael Co

I am Mar Roxas’ speechwriter, and let me be the first to say that I failed my country.

I failed my country by not working hard enough; by not being a better speechwriter; by failing to show the people how good a person my boss was. Is.

My friends laughed at me for being too much of a believer. And I failed my country by believing that it would believe along with me.

I am Mar Roxas’ speechwriter. All throughout my year and a half in the organization, I denied that title; I played it down. Not really wrote the speeches, not per se, I said. I wrote down what I was told to write down, I said. Others thought of it, and all I had to do was type it down. I drafted the speeches, but never really wrote them. I shied away from that name: Speechwriter. In the same manner that I shy away from being called a poet.

The least I could do now is to show the same courage that my boss did. I am Mar Roxas’ speechwriter. I am a poet. As speechwriter, one of my tasks is tell you how good a person my boss is. As poet, my only task is to say to you the truest thing I can.

My boss is one of the smartest people I have ever known. My boss has one of the purest hearts I have ever been in touch with. All my boss ever wanted was to serve the people in the best way he can. I failed my country by not saying these things well enough.

Yesterday evening my boss declared his support for the candidacy of Senator Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010. He said: It is within my power to preside over a potentially divisive process or to make the party a bridge for the forces of change. He said: I choose to lead unity, not division. He said: Country above self. And I typed it down.

This country I failed is the same country that my boss puts above himself. My country was smart enough to see what was wrong with the campaign. But it was also too cynical to not see through it. The same people who dismissed the ads as mere gimmicks were the same people who lauded how brilliant this opponent’s ad campaign was, or how good a rhetorician that other opponent was. I used to ask, if you’re so smart as to see through everything as posturing, as political play, then doesn’t the question boil down to who you think can best move this country forward?

I failed my country by not asking that well enough, or often enough.

When I was nine years old, my parents voted for Jovito Salonga. He became known as the best president my country never had. When I was fifteen, they voted, along with my siblings, for Raul Roco. When I was twenty-one, they voted again for Roco, and I voted with them. Roco, too, became known as the best president my country never had. Now I am twenty-six, and I tell you now, in the truest way I can: Mar Roxas is the best president this country never had.

I have failed my country, and all I hope for now is that the people realize what it has lost, and what it has gained. The country asked for sacrifice, and he gave them sacrifice. The country asked for unity. He has given them the door to unity; all that is left is for them to step through.

The country asked for someone to believe in; in Noynoy they have found someone to believe in. And Mar has offered himself as someone to believe with.

In tears, I ask this country that I have failed: Is there anything more you would like to ask of my boss?

He has given everything, and he will continue to give. And I will type everything down for him. Because I am Mar Roxas’ speechwriter. And he is my boss. He is my president. The best president this country never had.

Source

Kael, it’s rare that I find articles that really connect with my heart. You’re truly a gifted writer bro and I hope that you continue doing what you do best.

Mar was wrong.
By: Susan “Toots” Ople

I knew it was coming but was stunned just the same when I heard it.

Claiming my space in the crowded Gabaldon room of Club Filipino, I saw him enter the room, my former boss, Mar Roxas in blue, smiling and with a sparkle in his eyes. If he was in pain, he didn’t show it.

Butch Abad, campaign manager of Noynoy Aquino in 2007 and of Mar for 2010, opened the press conference. Liberal Party chairman emeritus Sen. Jovito Salonga was seated with Mar at the presidential table. The heat was rising as warm bodies jostled to get the best shot, or have the main speakers directly in their line of vision. Suspense was palpable.

Mar stood up and read a prepared statement. Short and sweet. Country above self, he said. Noynoy wanted to carry the torch. Even before his speech was over, the new LP presidential bet came in and joined the main figures at the presidential table. No Q & A. In a matter of minutes, the torch was passed, and Mar of those silly padyak ads became Mar the selfless leader who saved his party.

Sometimes I think our political system is so broken, that we only strive to listen when a politico publicly and uncharacteristically slices his beating heart open for all to see. Now that he has done so, perhaps more people will be more open to getting to know the real Mar, the one that even he tries to downplay with his immediate staff.

For three years, I worked for him as communications adviser/consultant and chief of staff. It was sometimes exasperating though many times edifying working for someone who insisted on his own favorite font, Sylfaen, and the institutionalization of “headers and footers.” We would sometimes go back and forth, working on a particular speech, with me ending up exhausted trying to take all of his ideas and historical perspectives in. Sometimes, I felt like I was drowning. But then there was that other side of Mar. The kind who would buy an entire batch of ice cream from a sorbetero just so the man could go home early rather than stand for hours under a scorching sun; or who would stop a presentation of a government functionary to inquire about the department’s budget for toner – the logic being if the presentor had used a plain background for his slides then the printed copies would require less toner, but since he didn’t then maybe the department had too much money for toner. He was funny and unpredictable, in that way.

I remember during my early days on the job, he told me – perhaps to warn me — that he was not the nurturing type. He doesn’t have the patience to “mentor” people, he said.

Yet for the three years that I worked for him, I learned how business principles can actually be applied to politics and governance to make the system work. I learned how attention to detail is key to a successful preparation towards memorable and meaningful events. I learned how education matters whether it be for the rich or poor, because the rich also requires an education that can only be derived from having the humility to bow down and listen.

Last night, when I was claiming my space at the crowded Gabaldon room at Club Filipino, I turned to my left and saw Thea, Mar’s close-in aid since Congress, trying her best to hold back the tears. She failed, miserably. In front of me were Mar’s cousins, nieces and nephews, watching him from across the room, sad yet as always, united in their love and respect for Mar. I heard Melchor, one of Mar’s political officers, shout from the back, “Oras na! Roxas Na!” and saw Chito Gascon of the Liberal Party and Mar’s political campaign director, doing the same.

After the press conference, I was told by my friend, Rose Romero, that Mar’s staff and supporters will proceed to the Cubao campaign HQ otherwise known as Balay ni Mar. Famished, Fort, Danton Remoto, John Laylo and myself opted to grab a quick bite at nearby Gloria Maris before proceeding to Cubao. Throughout the meal, we kept going over the events that could have led to the announcement. I shook my head, knowing how excruciating this decision was for such a competitive person like Mar.

At the Balay, Mar was his usual gracious and outgoing self. He gave comforting hugs to those who were there, quite a few who have several questions to ask but opted to hold back and wait for more decisions to be made. Photos were taken, a banner was pulled out by the members of the communications team, Tita Judy Roxas, Ria and Gus were there together with Korina, entertaining the guests and just talking about what transpired that fateful night. It felt more like a family gathering than a political get-together of allies and friends.

I left the campaign HQ thinking to myself how wrong Mar was. The tears of his staff proved that he nurtured and taught them well. The inexplicable sadness – a certain mourning for what could have been — the collective inability to articulate with more gravitas what has transpired, is a manifestation of shock, that such selflessness could come so early in this political run-up from a man who could have easily stood his ground as party president and chief fundraiser.

Mar was wrong. He is the nurturing type. He had a dream but chose to nurture a party, and with it the vision, ambition and dream of another man. History alone will say if Mar’s sacrifice would yield the best dividends for the country. At the very least, the public got to see a different side of Mar, the giving side that one equates with principles rather than price tags. Now is a good time to cultivate, nurture and explore that other dimension of a Mar Roxas leadership, and not because he needs anyone’s vote, but simply because he is what he is.

For now, I wish my former boss and good friend, Mar Roxas, the best that life has to offer — a Sudoku session in the quiet of his living room, perhaps a new dog like his old friend Barney, more time for golf, and of course, a lifetime of happiness with Korina.

Politics? In the afterglow, perhaps. But if he doesn’t? Life goes on, leaving us with even lesser choices.

I’ll write something like this maybe in the coming days since I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Senator Mar, albeit shortly and not as closely as Kael and my auntie.

I think Kael said it best though when he wrote – Mar Roxas is the best President we never had.

Salonga for Mar-Noynoy in 2010

Carlo Ople — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:51:14 +0000

Liberal Party chairman emeritus and former Senate President Jovito Salonga is pushing for a Mar Roxas – Noynoy Aquino tandem in 2010. Mar Roxas would be the Presidential candidate while Noynoy Aquino would be his running mate as Vice-President. That’s a strong endorsement since he’s one of the father figures of the Liberal Party. This makes you wonder where this endorsement leaves Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan who already declared his intentions to run for VP.

Is Kiko Independent or LP?
I’m currently coordinating with one of the staff members of Senator Pangilinan to see if we can have a blogger coffee session. One of the questions I want to ask him is if he’s still a card-bearing member of the Liberal Party. Based from my observations and his press statements, he’s always saying that he’s an independent. However, my sources tell me that he has yet to resign from the Liberal Party.

A Hesitant but Humble Noynoy
It’s good to see that Senator Noynoy Aquino isn’t taking advantage of all the media blitz. In fact, he’s keeping quite silent and humble amidst all the talk going on that he should run not just for VP, but for President. It’s that trait that makes him admirable. I remember Senator Chiz Escudero saying that for him, he would love to have Noynoy Aquino as the President because his heart is in the right place.

By the way, I used to be neighbors with one of Senator Noynoy’s ex-girlfriends. I remember bumping into him on several occasions in our building elevator. He rarely had bodyguards and he would always bring a bouquet of roses.

Here’s the article from GMANEWS.TV:

For Jovito Salonga, chairman-emeritus of the Liberal Party, it should be Mar-Noynoy for 2010.

The LP stalwart and former Senate president favors the tandem for next year’s elections, with Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III becoming the vice presidential running mate of Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

“It would be good for Mar Roxas to run for the presidency, and Noynoy Aquino to run as his teammate for the position of vice president,” said the 89-year-old Salonga on Thursday during a forum at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City wherein LP members commemorated the 1971 bombing at Plaza Miranda.

Noynoy’s father, Filipino martyr Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr and Mar’s father, former senator Gerardo “Gerry Roxas both belonged to LP.

Will it be Mar-Noynoy or Noynoy-Mar for 2010? Noynoy is still discerning.
Calls for Aquino to run for president surfaced following the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, last August 1. But Salonga says the senator is better off seeking the vice-presidency for now as he does not appear set on pursuing the country’s top post.

“I don’t know whether he’s (Noynoy) determined to run for the presidency of the land,” said Salonga, adding that aside from determination, a presidential candidate must also have a “specific plan” for the country.

Earlier, Aquino expressed reluctance to run for a higher position. But lately, the senator said he was “trying to discern because there are legitimate calls” for him to seek the post.

LP secretary-general and Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya said during Thursday’s forum that the party wants to give Aquino “enough time” to think about his options for the upcoming elections.

“We’re slowly discussing it but we’re not shoving it down his throat,” Abaya said, adding that while the senator appears “non-committal” for now, he demonstrates a “teamwork attitude toward the party.”

Abaya acknowledged that another senator from the LP, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, has expressed his intention to seek the vice-presidency. “Hopefully by the end of the day we can all sing to the same tune and march to the same rhythm,” the congressman said. – GMANews.TV

Here’s a video of Senator Noynoy Aquino that you might be interested in watching:

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Rep. Ruffy Biazon and Frank Drilon to Run for Senate in 2010

Carlo Ople — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:56:37 +0000

It looks like political parties are finally showing their cards. The Liberal Party recently announced that they’re also fielding former Senate President Frank Drilon and Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon as candidates for the Senate in 2010. They both join AKBAYAN Representative Risa Hontiveros who’s also running for Senate under the Liberal Party ticket. Don’t be surprised if more people throw in their names to the Senatorial derby. There are around 3-4 political parties who have the ability to run with a full slate of 12. That’s roughly 36 – 48 candidates. Pretty long list.

Here’s a video that was released recently on GMA talking about how a lot of people are now declaring their intentions to run for Senate.

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By the way, I haven’t endorsed a candidate yet so far but let me start today. I’m publicly declaring my support for Rep. Ruffy Biazon. You have my vote. If you want to read more about him, please do visit his website.