GMA, still looking for numbers, plays coy on speakership

   

PRESIDENT Arroyo will not be swayed by her party mates at the Lakas-Kampi CMD to run for Speaker as she is more interested in being the party leader in the incoming 15th session of Congress in July, a political aide said yesterday.

“It is impossible to change her mind. At the moment, she just wants to be like Sonia Gandhi, the head of the party but no position in Congress,” presidential political adviser Prospero Pichay Jr. told reporters.

Sonia, the widow of former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi, is president of the Indian National Congress party. She is chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance in the Lok Sabha and the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party.

Via Malaya

(ALSO READ: Erap would have won if not for Cory’s death-Pichay)

Escudero mulls Senate presidency

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was not completely abandoning the idea of seeking the Senate presidency although he said he was not “actively” pursuing it.

“I don’t intend and I have not actively pursued it,” Escudero said at a press conference.

But asked if he was ready to take the challenge if there would be a number to elect him for the post, the senator said he would think about it.

via INQUIRER.net.

PAREHONG nagpapaduday. Tsk tsk.

President controls pork barrel – DBM official

   

MANILA, Philippines – It is the president who controls the release of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), popularly known as pork barrel funds, and not the Speaker of the House, a budget official said.

Militant lawmakers have complained that President Arroyo has been impounding their funds since 2005 when they started filing impeachment cases against her.

Some senators, including leading presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Francis Escudero, claim they have not been receiving their annual allocations.

via Philippine Star.

ALSO READ:

Lakas House bloc consolidating

MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing President Arroyo presided last night over another meeting of newly elected congressmen belonging to the Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Malacañang in an effort to consolidate the party that faces an uncertain future in the House of Representatives.

Party stalwarts said the meeting would try to finalize the selection of its candidate for speaker of the House.

“This is another consolidation meeting with elected Lakas-Kampi-CMD congressmen. But one thing is certain, we will not forfeit the fight for the speakership,” said Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, reportedly among those being considered for the speakership.

Via Phil. Star

Can 13th senator take Aquino’s seat? Miriam says yes, Enrile no

   

MANILA, Philippines — Can the Senate seat to be left by likely president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III be filled up by the senatorial candidate ranked 13th in the vote count, once Aquino is proclaimed President?

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said the candidate ranked 13th in the counting could occupy Aquino’s seat if Congress passed a concurrent resolution, but Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile disagreed, saying special elections should be held for the vacated position.

Interviewed over dzBB radio, Santiago initially disagreed with the idea of allowing the 13th-ranked senatorial candidate to become the replacement for Aquino but changed her position when told this happened in the 2001 elections when Congress passed a concurrent resolution.

via INQUIRER.net.

ALSO READ:

Santiago warns Aquino on an ‘opposition’ Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Likely president-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III may face an opposition Congress, with defeated presidential candidate and Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, incoming Pampanga representative, working to gain the Senate presidency and the House Speakership respectively.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago raised a potentially challenging situation for the would-be Aquino government, as she stressed that Villar had the “numbers” to regain the Senate presidency. She added that Ms Arroyo, being a shrewd leader and having made preparations for her new life in Congress, could just clinch the House leadership.

But Santiago said Ms Arroyo could only be the next Speaker if her alliances would hold after Aquino’s proclamation by Congress.

Via Inquirer.net

Belmonte ready for Speakership fight

MANILA, Philippines – Congressman-elect Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte of Quezon City is ready to be the candidate of the Liberal Party (LP) for the House Speakership against outgoing President and congresswoman-elect Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“I’ve expressed interest. Dati na akong naging Speaker and I know how it works,” said Belmonte on Sunday.

Belmonte, who is on his last term as Quezon City mayor, made the statement after Rep. Amelita Villarosa of Occidental Mindoro turned over the chairmanship of the Lakas-Kampi (Lakas) party to Arroyo.

Via ABS-CBN News

AND: Power blocs gear for Senate leadership showdown

Newly proclaimed senators vow to support Aquino presidency

   

Newly proclaimed senators from different political parties on Saturday vowed to support the administration of winning presidential bet Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and called for unity among their ranks days after the country’s first nationwide automated polls.

Senator-elect Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who ran under the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said winning candidates should go beyond political lines and rally behind Aquino.

“Siya ang hinalal ng sambayanan. Siya ang pinagkatiwalaan. Mapa-oposisyon, mapa-administrasyon, dapat suportahan sya. Ang nakataya rito ang kinabukasan ng ating sambayanan (He’s the one elected by the people. He’s the one they put their trust on. Whether you’re with the opposition or administration, you should support him. Our nation’s future hinges on this),” he said.

via GMANews.TV.

Congress leaders move to advance vote canvass

   

MANILA, Philippines—Moving for an early canvassing of votes for the two highest elective posts in the land, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives started talks Thursday to change the legislative calendar.

Both chambers are scheduled to hold a joint session to canvass the votes for president and vice president starting May 31, but Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri agreed in principle Thursday to convene at the soonest time possible.

However, Enrile and Zubiri disclosed at the Kapihan sa Senado forum that what was preventing Congress from swiftly convening as the National Board of Canvassers was the Commission on Elections’ piecemeal submission of Certificates of Canvass.

via INQUIRER.net, .

AND: No quorum for early Canvass vote

Two election monitoring groups dispute Comelec’s claim of ‘success’ in May 10 polls

ALSO READ:

Winners in Luzon polls a mix of old and new

BAGUIO CITY — A mix of new and old faces will lead provinces and cities in Northern and Central Luzon in the next three years.

In the Ilocos region, proclaimed governors were Imee Marcos (NP) of Ilocos Norte, Luis “Chavit” Singson (Bileg) of Ilocos Sur and Manuel Ortega (NPC) of La Union. Reelected Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) had yet to be proclaimed on Thursday pending the completion of the provincial canvass.

Marcos, Singson and Ortega supported the candidacy of Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manuel Villar Jr.

Via Inquirer.net

Aquino-Roxas tandem overwhelms opponents in voting in US

   

WASHINGTON – Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party won more votes than all the other presidential candidates combined in the District of Colombia and 10 other states that the Philippine embassy here had jurisdiction over in the May 10 general elections.

Consul General Domingo Nolasco, chairman of the Special Board of Canvassers for the US, said of 1,723 absentee ballots cast within the embassy’s area of control, 981 went to Aquino.

In second place was Lakas-Kampi’s Gilbert Teodoro with 213 votes followed by Nacionalista Party’s Manuel Villar (181) and Bagumbayan’s Richard Gordon (141).

Similarly, Aquino’s running mate Mar Roxas received more votes than all the other vice presidential aspirants combined.

via Philippine Star.

Noynoy prepares to form government

   

MANILA, Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino III is forming a search committee to study the background of everyone applying to serve under his administration.

Aquino said Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, social welfare secretary under the Arroyo administration, has agreed to return to the same Cabinet position.

Aquino said Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who has conceded defeat, can also join his Cabinet as defense secretary, although questions of nepotism could crop up. Teodoro has said he is not interested in a government position.

via Philippine Star.

ALSO READ:

‘President-apparent’ hopes for peaceful transfer of power

MANILA, Philippines – After historic elections that saw 40 million Filipinos casting their votes in the country’s first-ever automated polls, president-apparent and Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is hoping for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power – something he says his late mother Corazon did not enjoy.

Aquino is leading the nine-cornered race with 40.19 percent of votes tabulated, with closest rival former President Joseph Estrada getting 25.46 percent of the votes. Four of Aquino’s rivals have conceded the presidency to him. Aquino, however, refused to describe how victory felt as of yesterday afternoon, saying, “I still will await the completion of the process.”

Asked what he can promise the country’s poor, who constitute the majority of Filipinos, the man poised to be the country’s 15th president said simply, “Opportunity.”

Via Phil. Star

AND: GMA wins, vows smooth transition

List of candidates for the Phil. elections (May 10, 2010)

   

PRESIDENT:

Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III – Liberal Party
John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes – Ang Kapatiran
Joseph “Erap” Estrada (Ejercito) – Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino
Richard “Dick” Gordon – Bagumbayan
Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal – Independent
Nicanor “Nicky” Perlas – Independent
Gilberto Teodoro Jr. – Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Eddie “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva – Bangon Pilipinas
Manuel “Manny” Villar – Nacionalista Party

VICE PRESIDENT:

Manuel “MAR” A. Roxas II – Liberal Party
Dominador Chipeco Jr. – Ang Kapatiran
Jejomar “Jojo” Binay – PDP-Laban (guest candidate, PMP)
Bayani “BF” Fernando – Bagumbayan
Edu Manzano – Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Perfecto “Jun” Yasay, Jr. – Bangon Pilipinas
Loren Legarda – Nationalist Peoples Coalition (guest candidate, NP)
Jay Sonza – Kilusang Bagong Lipunan

SENATORIAL CANDIDATES:

LIBERAL PARTY
• Nereus “Neric” Acosta
• Martin Bautista
•. Ruffy Biazon
• Franklin Drilon
• Teofisto “TG” Guingona III
• Risa Hontiveros (Akbayan, LP guest candidate)
• Alexander “Alex” Lacson
• Yasmin Lao
•. Ralph Recto
•. Sonia Roco

NACIONALISTA PARTY
• Pia Cayetano
• Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
• Ramon Mitra III
• Liza Maza (Independent, NP guest candidate)
• Ariel Querubin (Independent, NP guest candidate)
• Gilbert Remulla
• Satur Ocampo (Bayan Muna, NP guest candidate)
• Susan “Toots” Ople
• Adel Tamano
• Miriam Defensor Santiago (PRP, NP guest candidate)

PWERSA NG MASANG PILIPINO
•. JV Larion Bautista
• Joey de Venecia III
• Juan “Johnny” Ponce Enrile
• Jinggoy Estrada
• Apolinario “Jun” Lozada
• Francisco “Kit” Tatad (Grand Alliance for Democracy, PMP guest candidate)

NATIONALIST PEOPLE’S COALITION
• Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza – guest candidate, PMP
• Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

LAKAS-Kampi-CMD
• Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III
• Ramon “Bong” Revilla
• Ramon Guico
• Raul Lambino
• Rey Langit
• Lito Lapid

BANGON PILIPINAS
• Zafrullah Alonto
• Kata Inocencio
• Adz Nikabulin
• Ramoncito Ocampo
• Alex Tinsay
• Israel Virgines

ANG KAPATIRAN
• Rizalito David
• Jo Aurea Imbong
• Zosimo Paredes
• Ma. Gracia Riñoza-Plazo
• Adrian Sison
• Reginald Tamayo
• Hector Tarrazona
• Manuel Valdehuesa Jr.

KILUSANG BAGONG LIPUNAN
• Shariff Ibrahim Albani
• Nanette Espinosa
•. Alma Lood
• Regalado Maambong
• Imelda Papin
• Hector Villanueva

PDP-Laban
• Gwendolyn “Gwen” Pimentel (guest candidate, NP)
• Henry Caunan

INDEPENDENT
• Danilo Lim
• Jovito Palparan Jr.
• Reynaldo Princesa
• Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III (guest candidate, Liberal Party/Partido ng Masang Pilipino)

OTHERS:

• Emilio Mario Osmeña – PROMDI

The last pitch from the candidates

   

Erap showcases mass appeal in final sortie in Tondo

In his final sortie for the upcoming May polls, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino standard-bearer former President Joseph Estrada had one message: “Akin ang Tondo.” (Tondo is mine.)

Showing that he still has the common touch, Estrada and the rest of his party held on Saturday night their miting de avance in Tondo, Manila—traditionally one of the poorest areas in the country’s capital city, with its foreshore areas home to urban informal settlers from the post-World War II period onwards.

Estrada said during the evening rally that he personally chose Tondo as the venue for his party’s final sortie since it is his birthplace and the starting point of his career as an actor.

Via GMANews.TV

Gibo: Filipinos deserve only the best

MANILA, Philippines – Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro said the Filipino deserves only the best during his miting de avance at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila Friday night.

The crowd of thousands was composed mostly of youth groups and urban poor organizations clad in green.

“The time has come for Filipinos to make a decision, to decide on their future,” Teodoro said in Filipino.

Via Phil star

Noynoy: The fight continues

MANILA, Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday vowed to continue the fight even after tomorrow’s elections have been concluded.

Aquino said he is not being complacent despite a commanding lead over his rivals in the surveys as the campaign drew to a close.

Aquino told his supporters during the LP’s miting de avance in Quezon Memorial Circle on Friday that “we have not yet won, we are not yet assured of a good future – the fight continues.”

via Philippine Star.

Villar promises to end poverty

MANILA, Philippines – Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. started his campaign for the presidency in Tondo, Manila, where he traces his roots, and ended it there with a promise to end poverty in the country.

Villar wanted to send a strong message about his platform and his roots by choosing to hold the NP’s miting de avance across the notorious symbol of poverty in the country, Smokey Mountain in Vitas, Tondo.

The sprawling property that forms part of the Harbour Center of businessman Reghis Romero was the venue of the NP’s final salvo before tomorrow’s elections, far from the clutches of the elite and the middle classes but just a stone’s throw from some of the poorest of Metro Manila.

Via Phil. Star

AND: As thousands cheered, not 1 presidential bet lost

Firms join in on the elections

   

THE MAY 10 general elections is, without question, the most important since the 1986 snap election that saw the late Corazon C. Aquino “win” the presidency from the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.

It marks the first time that the Commission on Elections will implement automated elections and also signals the end of the nine-year hold of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the country’s reins.

Also, the May 10 elections present a golden opportunity for Filipinos to bring about the change that they seek through the ballot, instead of going to the streets.

It is people power of the voting kind.

via INQUIRER.net.

MEANWHILE:

Cliffhangers can still pull a surprise in senatorial race

MANILA, Philippines – It seems the re-electionists and returning senators are taking an easy ride in the senatorial race. Surveys of Pulse Asia since the beginning of the campaign period show that 6 re-electionists and 4 former senators have been consistent in the Magic 12.

“Much of that is name recall. It’s not an ideal situation but that’s the experience with the senatorial race. Most people don’t scrutinize the senatorial candidates, except maybe in the urban areas. They get swayed by the names,” said political analyst Fr. Jojo Magadia of the Ateneo de Manila University.

“Nearly all the attention is on the presidential race and, to some extent, the vice-presidential race,” added Pulse Asia chief research fellow Ana Tabunda.

Via ABS-CBN News

EARLIER:

The final push turns Metro into seas of green, yellow, orange

MANILA, Philippines—The main contenders for the Philippine presidency Friday night made their final push for votes in separate grand rallies that turned parts of the metropolis into seas of green, yellow and orange.

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar held his miting de avance in a vast field facing the once infamous symbol of poverty—Smokey Mountain—in Tondo, while survey front-runner Sen. Benigno Aquino III brought his “yellow forces” to the Quezon City Memorial Circle, where he and several city mayors danced on a stage with comedian Pokwang.

Arroyo not invited

Tens of thousands of supporters of former President Joseph Estrada and his Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino massed on the track oval of the University of Makati, while administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro Jr. staged his final show of force at the Rizal Track and Field Stadium in Manila, urging a mammoth crowd to show the world that Filipinos would not be guided by opinion surveys in choosing their president.

Via Inquirer.net

Villar confident of winning unless automated polls goes wrong

   

MANILA, Philippines – Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Senator Manuel Villar Jr. expressed confidence that his party will win in Monday’s election unless something goes wrong with the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) automated election system.

At the same time, Villar said he is now leaving his destiny to God as he capped a 90-day nationwide campaign in a miting de avance in Tondo, Manila last night.

 “Whether or not I can fulfill my dream of ending poverty, it’s up to our Lord now. I’ve already given my best shot in my firm belief that it’s what our Lord wants, this is what our people want,” he told reporters. 

via Philippine Star.

ALSO READ:

Teodoro: May 10 polls a big test to see if Filipinos can elect good leader

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Delivering the final salvo for his bid for the presidency, administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro stuck to his positive campaign, praising the Filipinos and saying they deserve the best leader in the coming May 10 elections.

At the packed Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila Friday night for his miting de avance, Teodoro said the world is watching the Filipinos not only if they can hold a credible elections, but also if it can elect a leader who can manage a country mired in woes.

“This election is a test, to find out if the Filipinos can elect a leader who can rise up to the challenges . . . The world is watching us to see not only if the elections are clean, but to see what will be the results. Have the Filipinos elected a leader who can manage the country’s many problems. . . one leader who can unite rather than cause disunity?” Teodoro said.

Via Inquirer.net

AND:

Gordon: I have done my best in my campaign

MANILA, Philippines – Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon said his three-month campaign had been an “uphill run all the way.”

“I have done my best. I make no predictions. I have run uphill all the way. I have run against surveys, I have run against money and made protestations with the Comelec. I’m at peace. I make no predictions,” he said.

Speaking to reporters just before attending a rally Thursday night in Marikina City with his running-mate Bayani Fernando, Gordon lamented that Monday’s elections could show the absence of meritocracy in the country.

Via Phil. Star

Prepare for full manual count, Comelec urged

   

SEN. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday demanded that the Commission on Elections start preparing for a full manual count “to ensure that democracy will not be held hostage.”

“If full manual counting is a practical solution, then let us do it no matter how long it takes to finish. Let us set aside partisan politics and work together to find ways to resolve this issue,” Aquino said in a press conference at the LP headquarters in Quezon City.

Aquino said despite the Comelec’s assurance that elections will push through, “we fear there are no guarantees of improved results despite these replacements (of compact flash cards).”

via Business Insight Malaya.

ALSO READ:

Lakas-Kampi insists on automated polls on May 10

MANILA, Philippines—The ruling party declared Wednesday that it won’t settle for anything less than automated elections on May 10, and steered clear of any speculation regarding a postponement of the elections or reverting to manual counting and tabulation of votes.

“We joined this campaign because we know the elections are going to be held on May 10, and they’re going to be computerized,” Lakas Kampi CMD president Francis Manglapus said by phone.

Manglapus dared the Commission on Elections to live up to its commitment of holding the vote on May 10, and mounting an electronic counting of ballots, lest it face tough public grilling.

Via Inquirer.net

Checking of PCOS could last up to eve of E-Day

AT the 11th hour.

A day after rescheduling the testing and sealing of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, the Commission on Elections yesterday said the final checking of the machines could run up to the last few hours before the elections on Monday.

“Morning of May 10, it (testing and sealing) still can be done. What is important is before elections, the machines will be tested,” Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said.

Via Malaya

AND: Manila prelate ‘supports Comelec’ amid automation problems

How the new Iglesia leader chose who to endorse

   

MANILA, Philippines—The new executive minister of the bloc-voting Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Eduardo Manalo, may have his late father’s conservative views, but with a twist.

Manalo—Ka Eduardo to his flock—pulled a surprise on Wednesday when he endorsed the candidacy of Liberal Party standard bearers Benigno Noynoy Aquino III and Manuel Roxas II.

The announcement came amid expectations by some INC elders and insiders that the sect would pick Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Manuel Villar Jr. Between Aquino and Villar, the latter courted the INC endorsement more avidly.

via ABS-CBN News Online Beta.

ALSO READ: Erap ‘saddened’ by INC decision to endorse Noynoy

Lakas disappointed by INC support for Aquino

MEANWHILE:

Religious endorsements: Half-truths, bloated figures, with strings attached

MANILA, Philippines—With the new Iglesia ni Cristo head endorsing an unexpected choice for president, Benigno Aquino III, and with the El Shaddai leader’s bet being closely watched by political players and ordinary voters alike, the real capability of their organizations to deliver supposed bloc votes is the subject of debates again.

Nine years ago, just after the senatorial and local elections, Newsbreak magazine asked questions related to bloc voting sects: How much of these religious groups’ supposed strength and influence is myth? Are they any close to holding Philippine politics hostage? Or are they peddling half-truths?

The answer is, yes, they peddle half-truths, the estimates of the votes they can supposedly deliver is bloated, and their endorsements always come with strings attached. Even the candidates they supported in the past are downplaying the weight of the Iglesia ni Cristo support, for instance.

Via ABS-CBN News

AND: Noynoy on INC’s nod: Nothing asked, nothing promised

Gibo: Still an uphill climb ahead, even after Quiboloy’s endorsement

   

DAVAO CITY , Philippines – Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro yesterday said the presidential race is still a tough fight for him despite the endorsement given by evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name congregation.

“It is still an uphill climb ahead. That is why I need your prayers, I need the prayer of every Filipino. The climb uphill is not an easy one. But truly, I am humbled, let us all pray together as we all go together in this endeavor. I ask of you to be with me,” Teodoro said.

On Sunday night, Quiboloy endorsed Teodoro in a global worship service attended by 50,000 of his followers. The endorsement was also broadcast by congregation-owned Sunshine Media.

Via Phil. Star

Aquino admits asking Binay to be DILG chief

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Liberty Party (LP) standard-bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has admitted offering a Cabinet position to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay in case he wins in the presidential elections.

Interviewed in a campaign rally in Albay on Monday, Aquino said he asked Binay, who has been a local official since 1986, to be his secretary of interior and local government.

But Aquino pointed out that he had made the offer before Binay decided to run for vice president and running mate of his rival, former President Joseph Estrada of the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).

via ABS-CBN News.

Erap to Noynoy: ‘Here I come’

FORMER President Joseph Estrada yesterday told Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino not to be so confident about winning the May 10 elections despite leading in surveys since last year.

“The race is not yet over, we believe we can still catch up. The surveys showed that we are catching up very fast,” Estrada said in a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

“The undecided voters have increased. As you know my supporters are the silent majority,” he added.

Via Malaya

Villar, Loren confident of victory on May 10

VIGAN CITY , Philippines — Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar Jr. and his running mate Loren Legarda are confident of victory on May 10.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Villar said he is not bothered that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name congregation had endorsed Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

“It’s fine,” he said. “As I said, there are groups who will support and others who will not. If they do, thanks. If they don’t, it’s not a problem.”

Via Phil. Star

Teachers ready for polls, says DepEd

INFO-TECH capable.

This is how the Department of Education (DepEd) described teachers who will sit in the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) in next Monday’s automated local and national elections.

Secretary Mona Valisno said at least one of the three members of the BEIs in every precinct has the capability to perform the task professionally.

Valisno made the assurance as 137,200 teachers have been certified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as information technology capable after they got an average passing rate of 91% in the DOST Certification Program.

Via Malaya

Briefly…

   

‘Poll watchers getting advance pay in GMA district’

LUBAO, Pampanga , Philippines – Liberal Party (LP) re-electionist Gov. Eddie Panlilio urged yesterday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate reports that his gubernatorial rival has been paying advance salaries ranging from P1,500 to P4,000 monthly to people who will act as poll watchers in the second district of Pampanga, where President Arroyo is the official congressional candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“I urge the Comelec in Pampanga and Central Luzon to check out reports that my fellow gubernatorial candidate, Mrs. Lilia Pineda, and her campaigners at the Lakas-Kampi-CMD are doing a massive recruitment of poll watchers beyond what is allowed by election laws,” the Pampanga governor said in a statement yesterday.

Panlilio said that a “first batch of poll watchers have been designated as barangay coordinators” and have been required by the Pineda camp to recruit 10 poll watchers each.

via Phil. Star

Rival seeks Ate Vi’s disqualification over oversized posters

The political rival of reelectionist Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto on Monday sought her disqualification over her supposedly oversized public service announcements placed all over the province.

In a five-page petition, former governor Armando Sanchez’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify Santos-Recto because her oversized posters clearly promote her candidacy.

“Ito po ay higanteng billboard na kasing lalaki po ng mga bahay, kasing lalaki ng mga gusali at pinapalusot po nila na public service ngunit obvious na obvious po na ito ay para sa kandidatura ni Gov. Santos-Recto (These are gigantic billboards the size of houses, the size of buildings, and they say that it is for public service when it’s so obvious that it is for the candidacy of Gov. Santos-Recto),” Topacio told reporters after filing the petition.

via GMANews.TV.

16-M votes from Bangon Pilipinas supporters—Yasay

MANILA, Philippines – “We will win,” Yasay confidently told ANC’s Headstart on Monday.

Yasay is the runningmate of Bro. Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva who founded the religious group Jesus Is Lord Movement.

Yasay said somebody who wants change must win this election. “Change must happen, and it will only happen if you love God.”

via ABS-CBN news

Suspected NPAs harass LP bets in Capiz over unpaid campaign permits

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Fifteen armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) disrupted a political caucus of the Liberal Party (LP) in Mambusao, Capiz, last Thursday, belated reports reaching the Capiz Police Provincial Office showed.

The reports disclosed that an armed man went up the stage in the hall of Barangay (village) Cala-agus, and grabbed the microphone from the master of ceremony.

The unidentified man announced that they were not allowing the holding of a caucus in the village due to the LP’s lack of permit to campaign (PTC), a safe conduct pass for a candidate to campaign in rebel-infested areas.

via Inquirer.net

Kontra Daya accuses Palparan of threatening leftist bets in Makati

The Kontra Daya Movement on Monday accused senatorial candidate and retired Major General Jovito Palparan of having a hand in the death threats mailed to some militant candidates in Makati city.

Kontra Daya convenor Mike Lopez Sr. told GMANews.TV that based on Palparan’s track record, the retired colonel is “capable” of “intimidating” leftist candidates to discourage them from running, and supporting senatorial candidates Liza Maza and Satur Ocampo — party-list representatives who are linked to the New People’s Army.

“[Palparan is] the only one who has the motives,” Lopez said, adding that Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales could have possibly given the Palparan the blessing to execute such actions.

Via GMA News.TV