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
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Villar’s slate is definitely a mix-mash of Left and Right of trapos and showbiz. Very telling and revealing of Villar — a quitessential trapo himself who unabashedly welcomes an a_____e like Willie Revillame and an unrepentant Bong Marcos to his slate just to assure he’d get their supposed constituents.
I’d give my votes to the fresh faces and definitely Cong Satur Ocampo who had proven that he really is pro-people.
But with Villar inviting Willie Revillame to become a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista party…Manny you just lost my votes and that of my relatives and friends.
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