Juan Country » Nacionalista Party

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.

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.

Joc Joc Bolante’s Coalition with Nacionalista Party?

Carlo Ople — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:57:15 +0000

As most of you know, I am a supporter of Senator Manny Villar. I have to admit that it’s hard to defend this guy, especially to my friends and colleagues who really believe that he is guilty with the recent C5 controversy. I’ll write about C5 again sometime again tomorrow or tuesday since I recently just saw Winnie Monsod’s refute to Villar’s defenders. For now, let me take a very aggressive stance against the Nacionalista Party. One that I just can’t understand and I really need an answer for because I find this issue very troubling. According to MLQ, the Nacionalista Party has made a coalition with Joc Joc Bolante, the main suspect of the Fertilizer Scam.

With all humility, conviction, and frustration, let me just scream out:

OMGWTFBBQ!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?

I mean seriously! What were the local organizers of the Nacionalista Party thinking? If this is indeed true then I am really disheartened, disappointed, and almost seething in anger. I strongly urge the Nacionalista Party to come out with an official statement on this because it would really be a sad day if the party that I believe in and support would ally themselves with someone like Joc Joc Bolante.

I’m pretty sure that Satur Ocampo and Lisa Maza are probably scratching their heads as well with this latest development.

Here’s information on Joc Joc Bolante courtesy of my favorite online news site, ABS-CBN:

2001—Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante is appointed as Department of Agriculture undersecretary for finance shortly after Arroyo assumes the presidency.

March 6, 2004- Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that Senator Panfilo Lacson accused President Arroyo of vote-buting by authorizing the release of P728 million funds supposedly for fertilizers to the local officials.

August 25, 2005—An episode of The Probe Team reports that some farmers claimed that they did not receive fertilizers from the fertilizer fund released by the DA.

September 28-29 2005—PCIJ special report says that billions of farm funds were used to fund the presidential campaign of Arroyo.

October 6, 2005—The Senate starts its inquiry on the fertilizer scam.

October-December 2005—The Senate conducts hearings on the scam but Bolante fails to appear.

December 11, 2005—Bolante is invited to the Senate hearing but he flees to the United States. He claims that his life is in danger because there are attempts to kill him.

December 13, 2005—The Senate cites Bolante in contempt for refusing to attend the hearings and orders his arrest.

February 15, 2006—US Embassy in Manila writes Bolante telling him that his tourist visa is not valid for travel.

March 1, 2006—The Senate Committee on Agriculture recommends the filing of plunder charges against Bolante, former Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo and other DA officials. The Senate probe tags Bolante as the mastermind of the scam. The Senate sends a copy of the inquiry report to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

March 20, 2006—US Embassy in Manila writes Bolante telling him that his non-immigrant visa has been revoked and is not valid for travel.

July 7, 2006—Bolante is arrested by airport authorities in Los Angeles for using a cancelled visa.

July 26, 2006—A statement by New People’s Army belies Bolante’s claim that they were plotting to kill him.

August 9, 2006—Bolante files a petition for habeas corpus. He claims that the US has no basis holding him and that his visas were improperly revoked.

September 2006—The AMLC starts an investigation after Philippine National Bank reported “12 suspicious transaction reports”. (Findings of the AMLC revealed that a firm—Livelihood Corp.—where Bolante was acting chair transferred P172.6 million to Molugan Foundation Inc and P40 million to Assembly of Gracious Samaritans Foundation, Inc. (AGS). AMLC also found out that Molugan Foundation transferred P38 million to the AGS).

February 9, 2007—A Chicago court denies Bolante’s petition for political asylum. The court says Bolante failed to establish “a well-founded fear of persecution.” (Download the court’s decision.)

June 25, 2007—The Board of Immigration Appeals sustains the decision of the Chicago court to deny Bolante’s petition. (Download the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals)

July 3, 2008—The Court of Appeals issues a 20-day freeze order for 70 bank accounts listed under Bolante’s name and other personalities linked to the fertilizer scam.

July 8, 2008—The CA orders the Anti-Money Laundering Council to submit more evidence linking Bolante to the 70 accounts.

October 22,2008—US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirms to ABS-CBN that they are preparing to deport Bolante.

October 27,2008—Senate President Manny Villar orders the arrest of Bolante.

October 28, 2008—Bolante arrives from the US. He is whisked to St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he remains confined and placed under hospital arrest. He is guarded by the staff from the Senate sergeant-at-arms.

October 30, 2008—A medical bulletin from the St. Luke’s Medical Center said that Bolante is in “stable” and “normal” condition.

November 3, 2008—Bolante’s son, Owen files before the Court of Appeals a petition for habeas corpus to declare his father’s arrest as unlawful.

November 4, 2008—Bolante withdraws the petition for an injunction and temporary restraining order at the Supreme Court. The withdrawal allows the Senate to proceed with the re-opening of the investigation of the fertilizer scam.

November 7, 2008—A hospital spokesperson says Bolante was diagnosed with sleep problem.

November 10, 2008—Senate allows Bolante to stay at St. Luke’s Medical Center for “humanitarian reasons.

November 12, 2008—Bolante does not appear in the hearing of the House Committee on Food and Agriculture. DA Secretary Arthur Yap, DA undersecretary Belinda Gonzales, former budget secretary Emilia Boncodin are also not present. At the hearing, officials from the Commission on Audit affirm that there are irregularities in the release of the fund. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, grants Bolante’s request to withdraw habeas corpus petition.

November 13, 2008—Bolante appears on the Senate for the first time. He clears President Gloria Arroyo, the congressmen and the local officials implicated in the fertilizer fund scam. Bolante also testified that:

* He did not know who nominated or recommended him to be agriculture undersecretary

* Former DA secretary Luis Lorenzo was the one who requested the release of the funds.

* The fertilizer fund is a valid and legal funding approved by the DA and transferred to the regional field units (RFUs).

* He resigned from the DA on August 1, 2004.

* He was not able to attend to the Senate hearings because of his prior commitments abroad.

* Staff from the office of DA Undersecretary Belinda Gonzales told him that 91 percent of the fertilizer funds has been liquidated.

I already sent a message to my friend who works for NP. Hopefully I can get a formal response so this will get cleared up.

Manny, Manny, & Money

Carlo Ople — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:04:54 +0000

I was able to attend the endorsement of the Nacionalista party this afternoon by boxing icon and national hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much and my original game plan in going was just to get some pictures, haha. However, I was really surprised because I think Manny Pacquiao delivered one of the most sincerest speeches I’ve ever heard coming from a celebrity politician. This afternoon, Manny Pacquiao had his moment and I’m a bit disappointed that the media didn’t really mention his speech in their post event coverage (I watched the news programs on 2 and 7 the same night).

Just some unsolicited advice for Manny P. and V.’s handlers. Have Pacquiao speak up more. It’s not a negative thing as a lot of analysts claim. His sincerity really comes out and he’s surprisingly articulate and comes across as very genuine. I personally loved the bit when he gave an analogy on a mechanic still knowing how to fix cars even after years of not being a mechanic compared to politicians who really came from poor backgrounds therefore they actually know how it is being poor and they know what needs to be done about it.

Congressman Manny Pacqiuao?

Should Pacman enter politics?
I know talking about this is kinda moot since he’s already filed his COC. However, I think it is selfish for the Filipino people if we want Pacman to be a boxer forever. Being a pugilist has a lot of side effects. We don’t really know how much damage his body and his brain has sustained over his illustrious and hard-fought career. If Pacman wants to retire into public service, then let him do so. He doesn’t really need the money (haha) so I don’t think he’ll be the corrupt sort. Also I feel that this guy has a true heart for service and that he means well. My only concern is that he’s running for Congress – a legislative position. I think he would have been a better executive since I honestly don’t see him as a strong debater in the halls of the Batasan.

Villar’s Communication Strategy: Pro-Poor
At this point I think it’s clear that the Villar com strategy is focused on a pro-poor agenda. His advertisements and endorsements are all consistent. The good thing is that they are hitting where it matters the most. Based on the recent PULSE ASIA survey, the top two factors for deciding on who Juan dela Cruz will vote for is if the candidate cares for the poor and if they have integrity. Right on the money. Let’s talk about Villar’s endorsers some more. Most of them have the same story. Efren Bata Reyes, Dolphy, Manny Pacquiao, and Manny Villar all have the “Cinderella” syndrome. They came from a very poor background and they rose up to become legends and icons in their respective fields (albeit some being controversial).

With Senators Susan “Toots” Ople and Bong Bong Marcos

I’ve had the chance to talk to Senator Villar on several occasions already and I can honestly say that he’s been consistent since day 1. He’s always taken a pro-poor stand and I think that his campaign team is doing an excellent job in highlighting that fact in his marketing efforts. The real question now is if this will be enough for him to cut down the massive lead of Senator Noynoy Aquino. Actually, Villar’s main problem (I think) is that he’s sharing the pro-poor vote with former President Erap Estrada. With Erap out of the picture, Villar would definitely command a stronger vote with the masses and he can easily match if not surpass the numbers of Noynoy.

I honestly would love to see a Manny-Manny tri-media campaign and then see the results of the next survey. Definitely interesting material for a case study!

Loren Legarda’s previous statement against Manny Villar

Carlo Ople — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:28:51 +0000

I recently posted an article questioning the recent announced tandem of Senator Manny Villar and Senator Loren Legarda. It looks like there’s still more to be said. A few months back, Senator Villar released a statement saying that if you don’t have P1 billion, then don’t bother running for President. Senator Legarda fired back by saying “Pera-pera na lang ba ang Eleksyon?” These two make for really strange bedfellows indeed. I’ve been trying to get a copy of her previous statements on Villar but I’ve only been able to find a few excerpts here and there. Here are other excerpts from Senator Legarda’s press release as reported by Lito Banayo from Abante Online:

Nakakalungkot ung nabasa ko sa dyaryo noong Martes. Sabi ni Sen. Manny Villar na kung wala ka raw P1 billion, huwag mo ng ituloy ang balak mo bilang Pangulo.”

“Ibig ba n’yang sabihin, kung wala kang pera ay huwag ka ng mangarap na makapaglingkod bilang Pangulo sa ating bansa? Nakalulungkot pong isipin na paliliitin natin ang usapin ng paglilingkod sa bayan sa isyu ng pera.

Pera-pera na lang ba ang eleksyon? Talaga bang ang tingin nya sa taong bayan ay mukhang pera? Pwera na ba ang pagmamahal sa bayan? Pwera na ba yung uri ng leadership na ibibigay mo? Pwera na ba yung vision para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa? Basta may pera, pwera na ba ang lahat?” dagdag ni Loren.

This is really disappointing since I was a big supporter of Loren before this happened. She’s a brilliant and hard-working senator and it’s frustrating to see her go on this path. I hope that there will be an occasion that she will be able to explain everything clearly to her supporters (existing and former).

Senator Loren Legarda needs to explain

Carlo Ople — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:07:09 +0000

Senator Loren Legarda recently agreed to become Senator Manny Villar’s running mate in the upcoming 2010 elections. A lot of people have actually seen this coming for a while now and it was only a matter of time before she announced this publicly. In fact, Manny Villar has been giving a lot of teasers leading up to the announcement, calling his running mate a “green advocate”. Anyway, there’s nothing really wrong with political alliances but I do have one question that I hope Senator Legarda can shed light on.

When Senator Jamby Madrigal filed the case against Villar, he was later ousted from the Senate Presidency. What’s interesting is that Senator Loren Legarda was actually one of the Senators who signed the resolution ousting Villar. According to reports on Inquirer, she was also a supporter of the investigation. But now that she’s the running mate, she was one of the 12 senators who voted to dismiss the case.

Here are some excerpts of the article on Legarda accepting Villar’s invitation.

“He told me, ‘I believe in your platform on environment, agriculture and climate change,’ and I said, ‘I believe in your platform on helping migrant workers and pushing for their rights.’ In that respect, we clicked right away,” Legarda told this reporter.

She said she made it clear to Villar that the next administration should focus on the environment as the cornerstone of the overarching goal to defeat poverty in the land.

“I want the country to be great again, green again, and what I bring to the vice presidency is a green economy, investments and jobs, and green sustainable development,” said Legarda, who has championed environmental causes for over two decades.

Here’s a puzzling answer of hers on why she picked Villar:

Asked why she chose Villar over other presidential aspirants, Legarda said: “I woke up one day realizing that our platform and aspirations for this country, especially uplifting the poor’s lot in life, converged.”

And here’s what I think she needs to explain further:

Told that she once criticized Villar’s decision not to participate in the Senate probe of accusations that his real estate empire had benefited from the C-5 Road project, Legarda said: “I don’t even call that criticism. In a democracy, you allow all views to come out. I wanted it to come out so that we can listen to all views.”

She said she would not prejudge the results of the investigation.

“A committee report is coming out. All I can say is let the people decide in next year’s elections. I will not prejudge him and the issue,” Legarda said.

In a separate talk with Senate reporters Monday, Legarda said she would attend on Tuesday the announcement by Villar of his choice for running mate.

Asked about the prospects of an NP-NPC coalition, she said the colors orange (NP) and green (her campaign color) were a good combination.

I don’t know if her office will answer this post but I hope that she really does explain more, especially on her flip-flopping stance on the investigation against her new running mate.

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?

Nacionalista Party Partial Senate Slate

Carlo Ople — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:08:18 +0000

Other than ABS-CBN noontime show host Willie Revillame, the Nacionalista Party, headed by Senator Manny Villar, released a partial list of other candidates that are included in their senate slate for 2010. This list is not yet 100% final but it does offer a lot of insight into Senator Villar’s political campaign strategy in the upcoming elections. The people in your senate slate are like direct endorsements of your candidacy so it’s important that you come up with a diverse line-up that can get you votes across various sectors of society. Looking at the NP list, you can’t get as diverse as this. In fact, some of the names here used to be bitter political rivals. I’m not sure if it’s reconciliation as much as politicking behind all of this.

Bongbong Marcos
Despite what happened in the past, the Marcos family still has a solid following across the nation. The ire on the family has also died down a bit, making them more part of history as opposed to villains. By having the son of the late President Marcos on his slate, Villar is courting the votes of the Marcos loyalists.

Cong. Satur Ocampo
Now this is a bit weird. We all know that Cong. Satur Ocampo was one of the most vocal and rabid critics of the Marcos administration. It’s surreal seeing him in the same ticket as Bongbong Marcos. Also, I wasn’t expecting this humble, simple, and fiery congressman to join Villar’s camp since I’ve heard he was also against early campaigning. By having Satur on his camp, Villar is also able to count on the vote of the leftist groups that follow Cong. Ocampo.

Butch Aquino
The “Cory Magic” is definitely still in the air. Having an Aquino last name will definitely boost your political stock. Former Congressman Butch Aquino is taking advantage of this by running for a Senate slot. By having him on his team, Senator Villar is making an attempt at grabbing a share of the “Cory” vote in 2010. Definitely not as strong as Noynoy’s and Kris’ influence, but still an Aquino.

Adel Tamano, Ariel Querubin, and Cong. Guingona
These two young gentlemen are readily identified with the opposition. Adel Tamano used to be the spokesperson for the United Opposition, while Guingona, other than being a son of the former Vice-President, is also a vocal critic of the current administration. Lt. Col. Ariel Querubin is another opposition stalwart, and has the ability to draw some form of support from the military and their families. Has the makings of another Senator Antonio Trillanes. Some food for thought – if Querubin and Lim win, will that mean that 3 of the 24 senators won’t be able to actively participate in the session? Hopefully Senator Lacson’s video streaming technology can resolve that.

Remulla and Cayetano
The last two candidates are both NP stalwarts and it wasn’t surprising to see them on the list. Both have good public image and can definitely add more firepower to the NP slate.

Add Willie Revillame to the mix and you have a politically strong slate. I’m not saying it will guarantee Villar’s win, but his Senate slate make-up is definitely backed up with strategy. The question now is if the people will buy it and if this will translate to votes for Senator Villar come 2010.

Author’s Note: The image is courtesy of DJB and ABS-CBN

Wille Revillame for Senator in 2010?

Carlo Ople — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:33:27 +0000

Senator Manny Villar, who currently is the President of the Nacionalista Party (NP), has publicly extended an invitation for ABS-CBN noontime show host Willie Revillame a slot for the Senate in the party slate for 2010. He announced this in no less than a press conference. According to Villar, he visited Willie in Tagaytay after the host decided to go on indefinite leave after the recent scandal he was involved with in the President Aquino memorial service. While people might find this baffling at first, there is sound political strategy behind this move.

Willie Revillame has very good rapport with the Filipino masses. As proven with the previous elections, the politician who gets the vote of the C and D sectors of society will most likely win the elections. That’s why a lot of the Presidentiables these days are shifting their communication strategy to target the masses. One just has to look at the current Padyak ads of Senator Mar Roxas to get my point. If Willie Revillame were to join the NP, that would be tantamount to a direct endorsement of Villar and his team. The question now is if Revillame still has the same level of popularity after his recent debacle with the Aquino memorial.

One of my friends brought this point on Facebook – if Willie were to declare his candidacy, other parties would probably be scrambling to get him on their slate (sad ain’t it?).

In terms of competence, I personally don’t agree that he’s a good fit for the Senate. Willie Revillame is an entertainer. He’s definitely not a legislator. Besides, I think we already have too much show biz in the Senate – and most of them are non-performing assets. What we need in the Senate are more people who can really come up with laws that can benefit the Filipino people. I highly doubt if Willie has that in him.

If this issue popped up before our coffee session with Senator Villar, I would have definitely discussed this issue with him.

Here’s the complete article which was posted on ABS-CBN Interactive:

MANILA – The Nacionalista Party (NP) will reserve a slot in its senatorial ticket for Wowowee host Willie Revillame if he decides to run for the Senate.

In a press conference on Friday, Senator Manuel Villar, president of the NP, said that if Revillame is willing to run for the Senate, he will reserve a slot for him.

“Oo, naman, very qualified naman si Willie, wala naman akong nakikitang problema kay Willie,” Villar said. “Yun ay isang bagay na dapat niyang pagisipan.”

Villar visited Revillame in Tagaytay after he found out about the controversy involving Revillame’s move to cut the live streaming of the late President Corazon Aquino’s August 3 procession which was being shown simultaneously on Wowowee through an inset video.

Revillame’s move irked many viewers and prompted him to go on indefinite leave from his popular entertainment show. Nearly 50,000 have expressed support for an online petition seeking Revillame’s ouster from Wowowee.

Villar said that although he didn’t get to watch that controversial Wowowee episode, he nonetheless wants to express his support for the popular host.

He said Revillame can play a big role in strengthening the NP, the country’s oldest political party which Villar is rebuilding following years of poor party politics under its former leaders.

ABS-CBN News tried to reach Revillame for comment, but he declined to answer his phone, as of posting.

Tamano, Guingona sure bets

Villar also disclosed that Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and lawyer Adel Tamano will run for Senate under the NP ticket.

Villar likewise opened his party’s doors to administration ally, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who is eligible to run for another term.

Villar, a businessman who built a fortune from mass housing projects, led a June 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on who is best leader to succeed President Arroyo in 2010.

Villar said former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla hasn’t decided if he is gunning for the Senate. However, Villar said he will also reserve a slot for him if he’s interested.

On Senator Santiago’s criticisms on Friday against the political advertisements of her colleagues, Villar said he should not be included in these attacks since he uses his own money for his ads.

Villar told ABS-CBN News editors last Monday that the ads are a means to level the playing field against the more well-known presidential aspirants such as former movie actors like Joseph Estrada or broadcast journalists like Noli de Castro.

Villar said Santiago’s hearing on Friday was about the use of government funds for infomercials of possible administration bets in 2010, which does not affect him since he uses private money.

He also said that he cannot be compelled to attend the Senate economic affairs committee hearings on premature campaigning due to parliamentary courtesy.

The NP also launched its spokesmen’s pool, namely, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, TG Guingona, Adel Tamano, Gilbert Remulla, Rimpy Bondoc, Laguna Rep. Justin ‘Timmy’ Chipeco. — report from Jing Castañeda, ABS-CBN News

Regardless of what happens, I think he still has a very good chance on winning in 2010 (Revillame), especially if the people will vote based on personality and popularity – which is usually and sadly the case.

On the brighter side of things, I’m happy to see that Senator Villar has decided to include Congressman Guingona and Adel Tamano in his slot. These two young guns definitely have the makings of good Senators.