Juan Country » Manny Villar

Stop judging people for their choice of President!

Carlo Ople — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:40:49 +0000

Ever since I posted the article “Why I am Voting for Manny Villar“, I’ve been getting a lot of comments. Mostly a mix of positive and negative. It’s good to see that the entry was able to rally the online supporters of Senator Manny Villar. I honestly don’t mind the negative comments because I’m used to it. However I find it really disappointing and a bit frustrating that friends, colleagues, and acquaintances would judge your character because of your choice of President. Supporting a particular candidate does not make you more or less than anyone else. Judging your friends because they pick a certain candidate is just… nevermind.

I mean seriously guys think about the consequences of judging a friend or a colleague because of politics? At the end of the day the value of life is found in the relationships that we make and the lives that we touch. When you are in your death bed you won’t be looking for the person that you voted for. You’ll be looking for your friends and family. Politics is just temporary – it only happens every 3 years. Would you judge a person and end a potential relationship just because of his choice of candidate? Would you sacrifice whatever moments and experiences that you can share together just because of something as simple as that?

What’s more shameful? Voting for a candidate that you believe in or ending a friendship because of a difference in political opinon?

Don’t let politics take priority over friendships, relationships, and love. Electing our leaders is definitely a big responsibility but respecting our friends and colleagues is more important. Let’s keep our eyes on the things that matter the most please.

Why am I voting Manny Villar for President

Carlo Ople — Mon, 03 May 2010 09:14:21 +0000

This has definitely been one of the more difficult political and personal decisions I’ve made in the past few months. Deciding on who to vote for in the upcoming 2010 elections for President is a tough endeavor. This is something that I’ve worked on through research, personal interviews, and a lot of prayer. I know that this post will get a lot of heat from supporters from various candidates but the important thing is that I’ve made my decision and I am acting on my belief. It’s time to finally get off the fence and stop being part of the “undecided” group. I’m voting for Nacionalista Party’s standard bearer, Senator Manny Villar, for President.

There is no Perfect Candidate
First let me just say that there is no perfect candidate. All of them have problems and risks. My personal belief is that the worst possible scenario is electing a candidate who is not ready for the job. The Presidency is the most difficult, challenging, and stressful position a person can take. We cannot just put someone there who doesn’t have the necessary experience, track record, and skills because it will just result to either that person becoming a puppet president or he screws up the entire country.

Let me just stress that again: the biggest risk for us is electing a President who doesn’t know what he will do once he gets into position.

Among all the candidates running, Manny Villar is the most qualified to run the country.

1. He’s shown that he has the guts to go after corrupt officials. He impeached Joseph “Erap” Estrada. His party has been at the forefront of investigating anomalous scandals and issues like the NBN ZTE, Fertilizer Fund Scam, and the Hello Garci case.

2. He has successfully managed his businesses and has built one of the most profitable financial empires in the asia. This is not an easy task to do. The experience of dealing with managers, department heads, and executives is valuable. Getting them to follow your vision is very hard and anyone who can do that is a gifted person.

3. He is loved and adored by his children and wife.

4. Villar has the most political experience: Congressman, Speaker of the House, Senator, and Senate President. Well, next to Erap Estrada (lol).

Villar has a solid track record that is built on the foundations of service, skill, and excellence.

But PGMA was competent! Look at what happened to us. We shouldn’t vote for competent people anymore.
Let me set the record straight here. PGMA was never competent. People package her as an economist but she really doesn’t have any good corporate or business experience. Her claim to fame was her last name and that she was “well educated”. That’s it. Manny Villar is light years ahead of PGMA in terms of qualifications.

The issues raised against Manny
Senator Villar has been accused of so many things in the past few months. However no one can really say for sure if these are all true. One big question that I have is why are all of these things just coming out now? I mean Senator Villar has been in government service since forever. Why only now when he’s running for the Presidency are his competitors pointing fingers at him for doing this and that?

Yes, some cases have merit. A lot of them don’t. But then again there’s NO candidate in the running who is spotless. What I find so ridiculous is that the people blatantly accusing Villar of corruption are the ones who should be looking at themselves and at the people surrounding them.

About the money he’s spending on his campaign
Manny Villar is not the only candidate spending millions upon millions for his campaign. If you check all the press releases Senator Noynoy Aquino and the other candidates are spending almost the same. The main difference here is that Manny Villar is spending his own money. He is not beholden to anyone should he win. Other candidates will be pressured to pay off their debts in the form of contracts or appointments. This is much more dangerous if you give it some thought because this is what has been happening in the previous administrations. Manny Villar, if elected, will be a President that will have no political debts to anyone. He can go after the Lopezes. He can go after MVP. He can go after San Miguel. He can go after Meralco.

Manny Villar truly represents the poor and the masses because he will not owe a dime to the rich families of the Philippines should he get elected. 10% of the population here in the country owns 90% of the wealth. By electing people who have ties to those 10%, we will just preserve status quo.

But your Tita is running under the NP! You’re biased Carlo!
You’re free to think whatever you want to think. Note though that I am not voting for a lot of the Nacionalista candidates. I’m voting for Mar Roxas for the Vice Presidency and I have a lot of Liberals on my senate slate (I’m a huge fan of Ruffy Biazon and TG Guingona). This decision was brought about by long hours of contemplation and debate with friends, colleagues, and loved ones.

But you’re a Christian! Shouldn’t you be voting for Bro. Eddie?
As a Christian I’ve prayed about this decision for months. I don’t think it’s automatic for a Christian to vote for a fellow Christian during the campaign. We have to scrutinize the competence and background of each candidate and I standby the idea that Manny Villar is the most competent and capable of leading our country to progress. Yes, Cindy Jacobs made a prophecy that Bro. Eddie will become President of the Philippines. But I don’t think she mentioned a date.

Are you crazy? You should be voting for Noynoy!
I am not voting for Senator Noynoy Aquino because I believe he does not have the skills, experience, and competence to run this country. His background only shows being a mediocre Senator and no real business or corporate experience. I honestly think that if he wins he will just be manipulated and bullied by those who pushed him to run in the first place. Some people say that he’s competent because “nanindigan siya” or that he was active in debates. Seriously do those traits make you qualified to be a President? Does that make you competent enough to lead 90 million people?

Villar’s Sacrifice
I think this is the most important factor which made me decide to vote for Manny Villar instead of Senator Dick Gordon (among other reasons). When the IPO of Vista Land allowed Villar to rake in billions, it would have been easier for Senator Villar to just sit out on the 2010 elections and coast along life as a filthy rich individual who’s loved by his family. That’s what I would have done. He could have spent the rest of his life traveling and tasting the pleasures this world has to offer. He could have just sat back and watched his children take over his business and all he has to do is to enjoy his remaining years.

By running, he knew that black propaganda would be hurled against him. By running he knew that he would be spending his own hard earned money that he can use for other more “fun” things on campaign materials and media buys. By running he knew that it would cause him an insane amount of stress that would tax him and his family.

But he did. He ran. Despite everything that makes running so stupid, he did it.

I’ve talked with Senator Villar on several occasions during blogger events. I’ve met his two sons and his daughter and I personally can’t imagine how hard it must have been for a politician to get his children to be that loyal and loving (speaking from experience here, haha). My gut feel tells me that here we have a sincere and genuine person who honestly wants to change the country for the better. He has the experience and he’s done it for himself and those around him. I’m voting for him because I believe in his vision, character, and his sacrifice. I am voting for him because after all my prayers and reflection, I believe God wants us to have a competent leader. No one really knows for sure what God wants and what His plans are but I will stand by this decision to support someone who I believe can lead our country forward.

I will no longer be held hostage by the idea that this election is a vote for either “good” or “evil”. That is just propaganda which was intentionally made to deviate the discussions from track record, experience, and competence to non-tangible, irrelevant, and immeasurable points. It’s like make-up trying to cover up for zits.

I am voting for Manny Villar for President and I am proud of it.

If you are a supporter of Manny Villar I encourage you to do the same. Post it on Facebook or on Twitter. Let people know where you stand. Don’t be afraid of judgement from your friends or peers because that’s just nonsense. There are two things you need to do this May: campaign for your candidate and vote for him come election day.

As a parting note – if ever Villar does win, rest assured that from his number one supporter, I will become his number one critic to make sure that he does do what he promised to do. Also, I will fully support whoever wins in the elections, regardless if it is Villar or not.

Villar and Gibo Flash Mobs meet in Greenbelt

Carlo Ople — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:21:48 +0000

I was on my way to a Tweet Up event in Greenbelt when I saw hundreds of people wearing orange shirts in the Cafe Havana area. I saw a couple of friends from Havoc Digital and some bloggers so I dropped by and said hello. Apparently this was a Manny Villar flash mob! However, that’s not the big news that I want to share. A few minutes later, a sea of people wearing green also came by. I was expecting a clash between the Gibo and Villar supporters but what I saw almost brought me to tears.

I believe I should say this in Tagalog because it has more meaning if I do so.

Walang gulo nangyari. Yung iba nagakapan, nag-bigayan ng mga campaign materials, at nag-kamayan. Sa panahon na ito na puro siraan na lang at batuhan ng dumi, nakakatuwa na makakita ng mga tao na gusto lang talaga gumanda ang bansa natin.

Sa mga sumali dun, kahit supporter ka ni Villar o Gibo, isang malaking saludo para sa inyo.

Power of Mass Media in the Philippines

Carlo Ople — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:51:21 +0000

A few days ago the Inquirer broke a story about why Gilbert Teodoro resigned as party chairman from LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD. The story said that first gentleman Mike Arroyo reportedly called up Gwen Garcia in Cebu so that her family and group would support Nacionalista standard bearer Senator Manny Villar. This news story can drastically affect the outcome of the upcoming 2010 elections. We all know that the Arroyo’s endorsement is a “Kiss of Death”. What bothers me though is that the politicians and the voting populace is at the mercy of media. There is no way for LAKAS, Nacionalista, or even the people can verify the veracity of this story. We just have to believe that there were sources from inside LAKAS itself. The published article said that the writer had undisclosed sources from LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD.

If I wanted to destroy Villar’s ratings, all I have to do is to keep on bombarding him with the Villarroyo allegations. What’s stopping someone from posing as a LAKAS member or paying someone within LAKAS to say the lines above to create this story? Note that I am not defending Villar in this article. I’m just alarmed at how we can be held hostage and beholden by “undisclosed sources”. Isn’t that the practice of show biz columns? Blind items?

Some Traditional Media pundits score bloggers for not being professional and ethical in their work. However this recent article is a prime example of how irresponsible journalism can adversely shape the future of the country.

I am all for press freedom but I am totally against irresponsible reportage.

New Villar TVC very similar to Argentinian campaign TVC

Carlo Ople — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:07:28 +0000

The new Manny Villar TVC came out and I couldn’t help but think that it was very similar to a video which circulated on Facebook a few months ago. It wasn’t until Gangbadoy tweeted it that I realized that my initial hunch was correct. The new TVC’s idea is completely based on a campaign that was run in Argentina by Lopez Murphy. I’ve embedded both TVC’s here so you can all see how exactly the same both ads are.

NEW MANNY VILLAR TVC

LOPEZ MURPHY TVC

I’m not really a fan of doing things like this. If the Villar camp didn’t know that this was completely based on the Argentina TVC, then they should consider letting go of that agency. However if they were informed of the basis then I guess it’s all good.

Nice effort and I liked MV appearing at the end but I would have preferred something more original, hehe. ^^;

What is Off Limits in a Campaign?

Carlo Ople — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:44:39 +0000

A few weeks ago, Kris Aquino publicly cried on national television when her personal marital problems would be used to drag down the name of his brother, Senator Noynoy Aquino. A lot of people called that off limits since it was “personal”. Even before that though, the daughter of Senator Manny Villar was also publicly chastised as she gave away scholarships and prizes during a Villar-sponsored concert. Off limits? But wait, there’s more. I just saw a tweet linking to an article on the Philippine Star wherein the author of the piece actually researched the statements made on Villar’s ad with his brother Danny dying due to lack of funds. According to the article, this wasn’t true.

In a political campaign, what’s off limits and what’s fair game?

There’s really no sure answer but ultimately politicians fail to realize that they are the ones who are drawing first blood when it comes to engagements like this. You use your daughter, sister, and even your dead brother on a political campaign then they become fair game. The moment you have them prance around the stage, you are exposing them to a world of hurt, humiliation, and scrutiny.

It’s basic competitive marketing 101. You have a claim, then make sure that it will stand against criticism. The problem here is that instead of hyping on product benefits, politicians prefer to shove their loved ones in the line of fire. Since their competitors can’t hit on product benefits, they will tear down at the people in front of them. This is the sad and brutal truth of politics.

Don’t just think twice, think a million times before you ask your children or your loved ones if they want to participate in your campaign, especially if it’s a heated contest. And before you start pointing at your competitor for going to “off-limits” areas, look at yourself first and ask yourself why those people are in the ring anyway.

Latest SWS and Manila Standard Surveys say Villar is tied with Aquino; Pulse says otherwise

Carlo Ople — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:42:19 +0000

Pulse Asia released a survey last week which showed that Noynoy Aquino is pulling away from Manny Villar. However the following week two other surveys showed that the two candidates were still locked in a statistical tie. In the latest survey commissioned by BusinessWorld, both of them are still pretty much in the running on almost equal footing. The other candidates though registered gains. Not that big but still it’s a sign that the voting public is slowly realizing that it’s not just a Aquino-Villar election.

Source

Brother Eddie is steadily moving up; albeit at a snail’s pace. Same can be said for LAKAS-KAMPI’s Gilbert Teodoro. Former President Estrada is also climbing back up mostly because of his latest media ad campaigns. What I find weird is that KBL’s Acosta has higher ratings than Nick Perlas and JC Delos Reyes. x.x

Interesting developments!

Magdalo Party endorses Villar-Roxas Tandem

Carlo Ople — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:47:11 +0000

Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes’ Magdalo party was all set to endorse Senator Chiz Escudero as their President of choice a few months ago. Wednesday morning the Magdalo group revealed their new Presidential candidate: Senator Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party. For Vice-President though they didn’t opt to push for Senator Loren Legarda, instead they went for Liberal Party’s Senator Mar Roxas. This made me think about a possible Villar-Roxas scenario in 2010. Those two guys hate each other’s guts. I wonder what will happen if they end up as partners in steering this country forward should both of them win? That would definitely make things interesting.

Magdalo also endorsed the following Senatorial candidates:

Colonel Ariel Querubin (NP), Senators Pilar Juliana Cayetano (NP), Rep. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (NP), Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada (Pwersa ng Masa), Susan Ople (NP), Gilbert Remulla (NP), Adel Tamano (NP), Brigadier General Danilo Lim (Liberal Party), Rep Ruffino Rozzano Biazon (LP), former Sen Vicente Sotto III (NPC), lawyer JV Bautista (PMP) and Jose de Venecia III (PMP).

I’m very happy to note that my auntie, Susan “Toots” Ople, is one of the senatorial candidates who was endorsed by Magdalo. In behalf of my family, let me just say thank you to Magdalo for their support. It was also cool to see another Senatorial candidate that I am actively campaigning for in their list – Liberal Party’s Ruffy Biazon.

Anyway, the Magdalo party has a nationwide membership of around 55,000. If you count their influence over their respective families and if ever they do decide to block vote, then you’re looking at voting base of 150,000-200,000. Let’s see which personalities in their list won’t make the cut come election day.

Judy Ann Santos says she was offended by Jamby Madrigal’s comments

Carlo Ople — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:21:44 +0000

ABS-CBN talent Judy Ann Santos shared that she was deeply hurt by Senator Jamby Madrigal‘s comments during a recent forum where she said that she made a mistake when she got a celebrity endorser to back her senatorial campaign in 2004. According to Juday, she went out of her way to really campaign for Jamby and that she seriously believed in the capabilities of Madrigal during the campaign. She goes on to say that she won’t say anything else about the matter since it will just blow things out of proportion again.

Here’s a short quote from the article on ABS-CBN:

During the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 1st presidential debate last week, Madrigal blasted fellow presidential contender, Sen. Manny Villar, for tapping children and actors in his political advertisements.

But when a panelist pointed out that she too employed the services of a celebrity to endorse her candidacy in 2004, Madrigal replied: “I have seen the folly of my ways. I will not repeat it because I do not believe you (must) repeat a mistake.”

Here’s Jamby’s official statement:

Ako’y nalulungkot na nasaktan si Juday dahil sa sagot ko sa Inquirer debate na sa aking paniniwala ay muli na namang sinakyan at nilihis ng mga kalaban kong pulitiko. Ginawa na namang personal na atake ang isang isyu para lamang sirain ako kay Juday. Kahit kailan ay hindi ko nalimutang pasalamatan si Juday. Noong magdeklara ako ng kandidatura sa pagka- presidente, isa si Juday sa iilang tao na personal kong pinasalamatan at muli akong nagpapasalamat kay Juday sa tulong niya noong 2004 Senatorial campaign. Ngunit para sa akin ang pagtakbo sa pagka-presidente ng isang Senador ay dapat maging base sa plataporma at hindi lamang sa pagpapasikat sa tulong ng mga artista para pagtakpan ang kanilang kahinaan at kakulangan ng kakayahan.

Villar-Aquino 1 on 1 Debate

Carlo Ople — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:37:50 +0000

Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Noynoy Aquino challenged Nacionalista’s Senator Manny Villar to a one-on-one debate. Villar already responded by saying that if the debate would focus on issues and not mudslinging, he would gladly accept. I am all for this debate! This is something that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Let’s listen to both of them and see who really has a better platform of government. It’s time to focus on what they can do for us if they get elected to the Presidency. I applaud Senator Aquino for raising the bar and I hope that Senator Villar will meet him head on. I hope this debate won’t get cancelled for any reason whatsoever because I am definitely looking forward to it.

Here’s the news clip from ABS-CBN’s news site:

The debate shouldn’t be for sound bites anymore. It should really be meaty and substance based versus the usual personality driven discussions that we’ve seen in the past few televised forums. You might want to read Ding’s take on what should be the discussion points.

In the words of the referees of Ultimate Fighting Championships: LET’S GET IT ON!