My Philippines 2010 Election Experience

I went home to Cuenca Batangas yesterday for two reasons. First, I treated my mom to dinner and bought her new phone. My Mother's Day Gift to her.

Second, I'm a registered voter there and today is the election day. After three and a half hours waiting, I was able to successfully cast my vote. Philippines 2010 Election is historic because it's the first time that an Automated Election System is used. I just hope that my vote will be counted properly. :-)


My precinct is located at Cuenca Central School where I finished elementary school.



I arrived in the school around 7.30am and I already saw a long line of voters waiting for their turn to cast their votes. A PCOS machines was reported to have malfunctioned but was fixed right away.



It took me about three and a half hours before I finally got hold of my ballot and voted for the following:

Manny Villar for President
Jejomar Binay for Vice President

For Senators, I voted only 4. My theory is that if I want these people win, I shouldn't add votes to other candidates by completing the 12 slots. I told my mom and Sister to the same. They are:

Satur Ocampo
Liza Maza
Adel Tamano
Pia Cayetano

For Partylist, my vote went to Kabataan. My sister voted for Gabriela while my mom voted for Bayan Muna. We are Natdems like that. :-)

With an Automated Election System, Philippines 2010 Election Results should be finalized within 48 hours.

Why I will not vote Noynoy for President

Here's the reason why I will not vote Noynoy for President.



Hacienda Luisita massacre: An outstanding issue of the people on Benigno Noynoy Aquino III

Official campaign period begins | My Ballot

Today is the start of the 2nd phase of campaign period for the Philippines 2010 Elections. The COMELEC calls it official campaign period but who are they kidding? In the Philippines, campaign period starts right after politicians are elected. Well, at least most of them.

So far, here's my list of who to vote for from President to Partylist Representative

President:
Villar or Perlas (No to Noynoy and Gibo!)

Vice President:
Loren or Mar

Senators:
1. Satur Ocampo
2. Liza Maza
3. Adel Tamano
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. ?
8. ?
9. ?
10.?
11.?
12.?

Partylist:
Kabataan Partylist

I still have nine slots for senator. What if I sell that space? Like 'Get your name listed here for US$100'. hehe! May pumatol kaya? LOL That's making money online from Philippines 2010 Elections! haha!

Look who's talking

Manny Villar questioned Noynoy Aquino's capacity to implement reforms in the country if he is elected as President.

Noynoy fired back and asked Villar, “Where were you when push came to shove?”.

I can't help but react to Noynoy's questions for Villar.

“When push came to shove, where were you? What have you done? He says hindi siya mapang-away na tao (he’s not a person, who easily takes up fights) but when you see the abuses in the system, does it not make you want to stand up and say enough is enough?”

The real question should be where was Nonoy during those times that the people are pushing for GMA's impeachment? Was he in the forefront? I know his mother was. But not Noynoy.

“How can we be sure that when you’re the one already in the leadership position, you’ll also do what your colleagues did?”

Noynoy, how can we be so sure that you will be like Cory and Ninoy? Even in your Christmas message you are banking on the legacy of your mother. When will you ever speak for yourself?

At least Manny Villar has Sipag at Tyaga. What about you, Nanay at Tatay ko?

“When you see that there is oppression and you do nothing, you are in effect also supporting that oppressive system,”

Exactly. Hello Hacienda Luisita massacre!

Where is Eddie Gil?

According to Commission on Philippine Elections (Comelec), there were 99 candidates who filed their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) to run as Presedent of the Philippines.



Where is Eddie Gil? Did he file his COC, too? If he did, I will have a hard time making a decision who to vote for the Philippines 2010 Election. Will it be Eddie Gil or the Emperor of the World?

Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza to run as Independents!

With or without NP and KBL alliance, I think it is better for Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza to run as independents. Yes, it will be more difficult logistics wise. But in the end, people would still vote for them because of their principles.

Here's the official announcement from Bayan Muna.

This morning, we, Representatives Satur C. Ocampo and Liza L. Maza, formally announce our decision to run as independent candidates in the 2010 elections.

Last week, we were in the final phase of talks with Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar on the possibility of being guest candidates in the NP sentorial ticket.

However, the formal alliance between the NP and the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan and the declaration of Congressman Bongbong Marcos’ senatorial candidacy under this alliance became a stumbling bloc to this possibility.

In a meeting of the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan this morning, we formalized our decision not to pursue our guest candidacy under the NP. At this point, doing otherwise would compromise our stand on the issue of recovering the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth and compensating the human rights victims of the Marcos dictatorship. These are issues that are very important to us and require closure. It would be a grave injustice to the Filipino people to ignore or gloss over them for the sake of political expediency.

We are particularly concerned that through the NP-KBL alliance, which was formalized last week through a signed document titled “Covenant of Alliance,” the moribund party that was founded by the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos and which supported and benefited from his 20-year fascist rule has been resurrected and put on equal footing with the NP – a party whose existence, in fact, was virtually obliterated by Marcos’ one-man, one-party dictatorship.

We know that an independent run under the Makabayan coalition will pose great challenges for us. But we are ready to meet that challenge.

We shall continue to engage Sen. Villar and other presidentiables in the opposition in a dialogue on his platforms and programs. We remain resolute in pushing forward the politics of change and the overarching interest of the Filipino people.

Thank you.

The way I see it, Nacionalista Party and Liberal Party are just the same - a den of trapos, if not showbiz personalities. This decision to run as independents is indeed a wise decision! I'll definitely vote for Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza!

Nicanor Perlas - The Practical Visionary

I'm impressed with this video about Nicanor Perlas. At least there's a Presidential wannabe who has got a clear program of action.

Now compare this video to Noynoys's Hindi Ka Nag-iisa MTV.

Nicanor Perlas' video shows his achievements and what he thinks the Philippines needs. But with Noynoy's video, all you can see are big stars supporting his candidacy. And Noynoy is supposedly the bearer of change? Wow.

For the Philippines 2010 Election, I am likely to vote for Nicanor Perlas.

Hindi Ka Nag-iisa Lyrics and Video (Noynoy's MTV)

For me, the message of this video is quite clear - Philippines 2010 Election is nothing but the same old personality politics.

Hindi ka nag-iisa lyrics

Sasamahan ka namin
Kahit paligid ay madilim
Iilawan ang daan
Tungo sa magandang kinabukasan

Ika'y mamuno, kami ay susunod
Pagkakaisa'y ating itaguyod
Ang Pilipinas ay naghihintay
Handa kaming kumilos, handang umalalay

Hindi ka nag-iisa
Sa paggising ng bayan
Kami ay kasama
Hindi ka nag-iisa
Isasapuso ang dangal ng ating bayan
Sa tulong at biyaya ng maykapal

Magkakapit-bisig tayo
Ituloy natin ang laban
Ni Ninoy at Cory, ng bawat mamamayan
Pagmamahal natin sa bayan
Huwag na natin itago
Di tayo susuko

Hindi ka nag-iisa
Sa paggising ng bayan
Kami ay kasama
Hindi ka nag-iisa
Isasapuso ang dangal ng ating bayan
Sa tulong at biyaya ng maykapal

Magkakapit-bisig tayo
Sama-sama bawat Pilipino
Mula noon, ngayon at kailan pa man
Di ka nag-iisa

Noynoy have the time to shoot this star-studded video but is still silent about his platform. How's that for a messiah President wannabe?

Chiz resigns from NPC

Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero's resignation from Nationalist People's Coalition to become independent is viewed as a kiss of death to his presidential bid. Some others, on the other hand, welcome this development like Kabataan Party List and Senatorial aspirant, Ka Satur.

Nice move, Chiz!

Now, if only Noynoy did the same thing and finally helped resolve the issue in Hacienda Luisita in favor of the farmers, I might be actively campaigning for him.

Not an early campaign?

Noynoy and Mar who is being projected by those around them as the bearer of change is currently in Mindanao for a 3-day trip. Nereus Acosta, LP vice-president for Mindanao, is quick to clarify that they are not embarking on early campaign.

He said the tandem went to Mindanao on invitation of local government officials and members of different citizen movements, led by former Davao del Norte vice governor Anthony Rafael del Rosario.

“Hindi ito (This is not) campaigning in the strictest sense. Ito ay mga paglulunsad iba’t ibang movements. (This trip is for the launching of various movements.) This is really a people-powered initiative," he said.[Source]

Yeah, right. But how do you explain this:

In a phone interview on Friday, LP secretary-general and campaign manager Florencio “Butch" Abad said this was the first time Aquino and Roxas visited an area together since they formally declared their intent to run in 2010. "The party is doing it from the south," Abad said.

“Matagal na kami sa Luzon and Metro Manila. Maganda naman siguro na pakinggan naman ang mga kababayan natin dito sa Mindanao (We have long been in Luzon and Metro Manila. Maybe it would be good if we listen to our fellow Filipinos here in Mindanao)," he added. [Source]

If that is not an early campaign, I don't know what is.

And you guys say you will bring change? Wow.

When asked why I am not inclined to vote Noynoy for president, my quick answer is that, aside from the Hacienda Luisita issue, I haven't seen any platform yet. Too early to conclude.

There are many like me who hates GMA and anything that has something to do with her, but is not really convinced that Noynoy will be better. If you want to win our votes, please try to show that you are indeed different.

But it looks like the Philippines 2010 Election will not be any different from past elections. It will be just be business as usual for the trapos.

I guess I just have to continue looking for Eddie Gil. It's time to Gil the nation!

Mikey Arroyo for Senator!

Here's Mikey Arroyo trying to make a fool of himself. The way he answered Winnie Monsod and Igan's basic questions about his assets convinced me that he shouldn't really be in the lower house.




Bitin ka ba? Here's Part Two.


As far as I'm concerned and my lawyers are concerned (pahiram lang Mikey ha?), this guy shouldn't be in the House of Representatives. No way!

He should be in the senate together with Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid! LOL

Is he running for senator this coming Philippines 2010 Elections? Good luck naman sa atin!

Noynoy for President?

It looks like the Noynoy for President campaign is getting more and more support. Sen. Mar Roxas gave way to Noynoy as Liberal Party standard bearer!

Saying that somebody "has to make a sacrifice," Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II indicated Tuesday that he is giving way to his party-mate Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party in the 2010 presidential elections.[Source]

I hate the way Sen. Mar Roxas run his publicity campaign in preparation for Philippines 2010 Election, but if his decision is not just one of his political stunts, that is admirable. I'll salute him for that.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to vote Noynoy for President. As far as I am concerned, I want to hear his program of actions first. I'm also interested to hear what he intends to do with Hacienda Luisita. So let's see how it goes.

Bro Mike Velarde for President?

The 2010 Philippines Election may not just be a banana eating contest after all. With Bro Mike Velarde's declaration that he also wants to be the President of the Philippines, the 2010 Presidential Election could also be about religion. Palakasan na lang kay Lord.

El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde on Wednesday revealed that he wants to run for president in 2010 and is "consulting" with the core members of the worldwide charismatic movement on his plan.

Velarde said he wants to get the approval of the religious group's supposed seven million followers in the country because without their support, his dream may not materialize.

“My entering politics lie in their hands because we believe that the voice of the people is the voice of the Lord. That dictum is not just for any people. It should be for the voice of the people of God," he said.[Source]

Among Ed also declared that he is running for president. So who else is running? Bro. Eddie, are you in?

I think I'll go for Among Ed. :-)

Willie Revillame for Senator?

With the news of Willie Revillame being offered to run for Senator, it looks like the Philippines 2010 Election will just be another circus in the making.

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.[Source]

While there is a great chance that Willie Revillame is indeed qualify for Senator under Section 3, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, what makes him very qualified?

"No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election."

Apparently, Senator Manny Villar thinks that being popular makes one very qualified. Why not? We have Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid now in the senate. That makes Willie super qualified.

If you think we need more clowns in the Senate, go ahead and vote Willie Revillame for Senator.

Ralph Recto for Senator?

Ralph Recto for Senator? Not again...

Sec. Ralph Recto resigned as NEDA Chief in preparation for the Philippines 2010 Election. It is not yet certain if he will run for senator or will seek a seat in congress as district representative.



But in fairness to Mr. E-VAT, he's not like those pigs government officials who use their offices and public funds for their infomercial early election campaign. But just the same, because of his E-VAT, I am not inclined to vote for him.

Philippines 2010 Election Campaign Has Begun

You know that the Philippines 2010 Election campaign has started when you see an elected senator do unusual things.

I was on my way to SONA rally when I chanced upon Sen Mar Roxas, wet in the rain, helping the traffic enforcers do their job.



What was he thinking? Does he want to prove that he is better than those trained traffic enforcers. Or maybe it's a sequel to that tasteless padyak political ad? I don't know.

But one thing is certain, it looks like he got what he wanted - publicity. In fact, I overheard a bystander while I'm taking these pictures said , "Yan ang presidente ko!" (That's my president!).

I wonder why our politicians resort to these kind of gimmicks just to get the vote. Is it because it's what the common tao wants? Or is it because it's the only thing that our politicians can think of?

I hope that for the Philippines 2010 Election, we will see a meaningful debate on the candidates' platforms rather than see a banana eating contest among them politicians. Malacanang, Senate and the House of Representatives were not built for the monkeys. Or was it?