This is the second article of my “Why am I voting for” series. I’ll be alternating the articles here and Blog Watch but I’ll definitely post snippets of the articles that will appear over there here. The next candidate that I’m supporting is from the Liberal Party – TG Guingona. We had the opportunity to sit down with him for a few hours over dinner and he explained to us the ins and outs of the Philippine budget and how the Arroyo administration exploited the system to turn the national budget into a giant personal piggy bank. For a more detailed article on his explanation, please do check out Rochelle Chua’s post on the topic.
His Track Record
One of the things that I like about TG is that he has a solid track record. The misconception that he’s just running because he’s the son of former Vice-President Guingona is completely off the mark. He’s been in congress representing the Second District of Bukidnon for several terms. He’s filed numerous bills (that make sense) and TG has been at the forefront of fighting anomalies in the Philippine budget. His exposes have led the government to abandon really insanely expensive (and useless) projects.
For his professional background, TG has managed a real estate business. Personally I like people who’ve proven their worth in business management because it shows that they have the capability to deliver and to manage people. TG graduated with an Economics degree from the Ateneo and he even joined the student government. He was actually one of the student activists that marched in protest during the 1978 elections and he got arrested for it. He was jailed together with Nene Pimentel, Lorenzo Tanada, and Joker Arroyo.
This guy has a good track record for his political, professional, and educational careers. He’s clearly competent and will be a great addition to the Philippine Senate.
His Platform
This is a bit general but it shows a clear perspective of what he stands for. This is taken from his official website:
TG Guingona strongly believes in the principles of transparency in governance and accountability of government officials. He has played a major role in the move to impeach President Arroyo and has had a significant role in opposing Charter Change. He involved himself in issues such as military corruption, human rights and extra-judicial killings. His plans and programs are directed towards building a healthy and educated citizenry with improved access to food, technology and energy. He is presently very focused on budget reform policies.
TG has lived his life in accordance with the maxim: “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
During the blogger event with TG, I took home one thing. This guy will fight corruption. This guy would make a phenomenal Chief Financial Officer and that’s what the country needs. TG will be our guardian when it comes to the budget and where all that money goes. If Toots Ople is a vote for the OFW and local labor workers, a vote for TG is a vote against corruption because we get a guy who will really protect the country’s interests with eagle eyes.
If I’ve convinced you with this article to vote for TG Guingona, please do re-post this in your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Guingona sa Senado!! 
The next candidate that I will feature here will be posted in full in Blog Watch. Please do watch out for that one.
PS: I clarified the “blogger incident” which was reported earlier. The blogger has withdrew his accusation that TG ignored him intentionally. Apparently it was a big event and TG probably didn’t see the blogger since there were a lot of people during that time.
JUAN COUNTRY BALLOT (As of March 19, 2010)
Senatorial:
1. Susan Toots Ople
2. TG Guingona
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salamat Carlo! mabuhay ka.
Hi Carlo,
I volunteer for TG. I appreciate your fairness. Thank you.
we will always vote for sir tg..we will campaign for him..mabuhay TG GUINGONA