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Manny Villar's platform is a no-nonsense one

Satur Ocampo, former Nationalist Democratic Front (NDF) head and Lisa Masa, the recognized women’s rights activist, are running under the Nacionalista Party as guest senatorial candidates.  In an interview, Satur said that the reason why they aligned themselves with the Nacionalista, a traditional political party headed by no less than billionaire Manny Villar were for two reasons: first, other parties are not interested in adopting the Makabayan platform of government and only Villar says the party is ready to accept these points as part of the Nacionalista platform.

I secured for myself, a copy of the Nacionalista Party platform and read it. I also have a copy of the platform of the Liberal Party, the main political rival of the Nacionalista in the forthcoming elections. Armed with these two documents, I am trying to put them into a matrix, comparing their points and seeing if these are responsive to the current social needs.

Based on data culled from the National Statistics Coordinating Board (NSCB), the Bangko Sentral’s Consumer Confidence Index and the current AC Nielsen reports, Filipinos’ top five (5) concerns are:

1. Stability of the local economy

2. Job security

3. Increases in bills (electricity, power, water)

4. Increases in gasoline prices

5. Good governance issues (re: graft and corruption)

The Nacionalista Party platform focuses on two main points: the issue of poverty and social injustice. Reading the document, the platform provides concrete solutions to the issue of poverty—develop the rural sector and enhance or strengthen local industries. Their anti-poverty program is the most concrete and the most responsive since it addresses the root causes, and presents not just cosmetic solutions.

For one, the Nacionalista Party wants to create a self-reliant and independent local economy. In order to do just that, the Nacionalista Party intends to improve the conditions in the countrysides by implementing agrarian reform, increase rural productivity and develop and strengthen local industries.

The Nacionalista Party believes in the concept of land-to-the tiller, the main essence of true agrarian reform. The Party also seeks to provide CARP beneficiaries of funds support thru rural finance and also provide technical supports. It seeks to compensate small and medium-sized land owners who were previously not given any by the government.

For the Nacionalista party, development of both the rural and the urban sectors of the economy should go hand-in-hand and results to job generation. While developing the economy, the Nacionalista Party hopes to involve the stakeholders in preserving the national patrimony, by introducing the National Land Use policy and infusing ecologically-sound practices on farm production. Fisherfolks will be involved in conserving marine resources.

Micro-financing, strengthening rural finance infrastructures, safety nets against the onerous effects of trade liberalization, promotion of subsidies and SMEs loans are just some of the support mechanisms propounded by the Nacionalista party. This shows a very close involvement of government in supporting both the rural and urban economies. However, it is curious to know though how the Nacionalista Party would address the budget deficit problem that may arise in the implementation of these programs.

In addressing social injustice, the Nacionalista Party encourages the involvement of all sectors. The platform recognizes the strengthening of human rights, promote involvement of stakeholders in preserving people’s and individual rights and likewise highlight the role of the Youth, women and labor sectors. Social injustice is viewed on two levels: domestic and foreign. In the domestic front, the Nacionalista wants to review onerous contracts entered into by government, prosecute officials who committed graft and corruption, liberalize the social sphere by respect of human rights and shield the people from grave injustices. Transparency in government transactions and the promotion of integrity are some of the solutions being offered by the party. In the foreign sphere, a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement and some trade pacts entered by the previous dispensation is offered.

For me, the Nacionalista Party platform is responsive. It gives no motherhood statements, no broad strokes solutions and no bull-shit phrases and promises. It is not a slogan merely to satiate the reformist tastes nor a program which offers the same old and tired strands of pseudo-nationalist propaganda. It is well-thought out and direct to the point.

Manny Villar--a lover of space and freedoms

Manuel Bamba Villar was born on December 13, 1949. Based on his natal charts, Villar is a gambler, an adventurer at heart, someone who loves to travel around, a risk taker and exhibits an independent streak in him.

Villar loves space and freedom. Under a Villar presidency, the people will enjoy more space in expressing themselves and more freedom. It will be an enriching life for all Filipinos since Villar views life as an adventure, a journey, endlessly interesting and full of possibilities.

In how he will execute the laws, Villar will probably try different permutations first before arriving at one concrete and solid decision. In his past, Villar experimented with different things before settling to a career in real estate which allows him to travel. After achieving the pinnacle of his career in that field, it is expected of Villar to venture into politics, since this allows him to interact with people more. That explains why he is investing a lot in winning the presidency because this career allows him to travel, meet new people and explore other possibilities.

It will be a new era under a Villar presidency, a dynamic government, willing to take risks and open to new ideas. Villar is an incurable Optimist, with big dreams and aspirations. Villar harbors deep faith in what is possible and does not easily lose enthusiasm or faith in a venture.

And since he is quite open to change, those who want charter change will definitely find it easier to deal with him, than, Noynoy Aquino.

Villar will surely encourage people to take on entrepreneurial pursuits and will use government to use its resources to support innovators and entrepreneurs. Villar has the ability to sense future trends, to see the big picture and like to theorize or speculate.

Villar communicates in a very open, direct and somewhat blunt manner. Villar is insensitive at times. Yet, this trait of his will surely be appreciated by the people.

Villar has a tendency to be reckless, aggressive and combative at times. Though he is cautious and careful on how he behaves in public, Villar will definitely fight those who will oppose his administration.

Villar has a deep belief in what he can do and the potentials of doing great. Villar is attracted to the mystical, the beautiful and the arts.

His administration will showcase inventiveness, creativity, freedom and concrete achievements. Villar likes to manage people. He wants clear and realistic targets and not easily impressed with boastful or exaggerated claims or promises. He is a good strategist.

Under a Villar presidency, expect life to be better, freer and more stable.

Bro Eddie Villanueva--Bangon Pilipinas

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has just released the list of qualified candidates for the May 10, 2010 elections. Here are the lucky ones:

President:

1. Senator Noynoy Aquino (Liberal Party)
2.  JC delos Reyes (Ang Kapatiran Party)
3. former president Joseph Estrada (Pwersa ng Masa)
4. Senator Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan Party)
5. Senator Jamby Madrigal (Independent)
6. former DND secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (Lakas-KAMPI CMD)
7. Bro. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas)
8. Senator Manny Villar (Nacionalista)

Nicanor Perlas, the environmentalist, was not included in the list. Perlas says he will contest his non-inclusion before the Comelec and possibly before the Supreme Court.

For Vice President, here is the list:

1. Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino)
2. Dominador Chipeco (Ang Kapatiran)
3. Bayani Fernando (Bagumbayan)
4. Sen. Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition)
5. actor Edu Manzano (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
6. Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II (Liberal Party)
7. broadcaster Jay Sonza (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan)
8. former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Perfecto Yasay Jr. (Bangon Pilipinas)

For senatoriables, here are the short-listed names:

Liberal Party:

1. Nereus Acosta
2. Risa Hontiveros
3. Martin Bautista
4. Ruffy Biazon
5. Franklin Drilon
6. Teofisto Guingona III
7. Alexander Lacson
8. Yasmin Lao
9. Ralph Recto
10. Sonia Roco

Lakas-Kampi-CMD:

1. Silvestre Bello III
2. Bong Revilla Jr
3. Ramon Guico
4. Raul Lambino
5. Rey Langit
6. Lito Lapid

Nacionalista Party:

1. Pia Cayetano
2. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
3. Ramon Mitra
4. Susan Ople
5. Ariel Querubin
6. Gilbert Remulla
7. Adel Tamano

Nationalist People’s Coalition:

1. Rodolfo Plaza
2. Vicente Sotto II

Ang Kapatiran:

1. Rizalito David
2. Jo Imbong
3. Zosimo Paredes
4. Maria Gracia Piñozo-Plazo
5. Adrian Sison
6. Reginald Tamayo
7. Hector Tarrazona
8. Manuel Valdehuesa

Bangon Pilipinas:

1. Zafrullah Alonto
2. Kata Inocencio
3. Ramoncito Ocampo
4. Reynaldo Princesa
5. Alexander Tinsay
6. Israel Virgines

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino:

1. JV Bautista
2. Joey de Venecia III
3. Juan Ponce Enrile
4. Jinggoy Estrada
5. Apolinario Lozada

PDP-Laban:

1. Henry Caunan
2. Gwendolyn Pimentel

People’s Reform Party:

1. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Grand Alliance for Democracy—Francisco Tatad.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan:

1. Shariff Albani
2. Alma Lood
3. Regalado Maambong
4. Maria Judea Millora
5. Imelda Papin
6. Hector Villanueva

Independent candidates:

1. Satur Ocampo
2. Liza Maza
3. Sergio Osmeña III
4. Jovito Palparan Jr.

Noynoy Aquino still tops Presidential surveys

Noynoy Aquino, the Liberal party standard bearer, continues to lead the presidential surveys. In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, Aquino surpassed his closest political rival by 27%, garnering 47% of the total preference choices of 1,200 respondents last November 4 to 8.

Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party got 20%, while Senator Chiz Escudero and Joseph Estrada each got 12% percent of respondents. Lakas-Kampi CMD bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro “improved” his ratings, getting 3 percent. While Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Eddie Villanueva and Bagumbayan bet Bayani Fernando each got 1 percent.

Richard Gordon got a slice of what Bayani has, followed by Independent presidential bet Jamby Madrigal with 0.4% and Nicanor Perlas, 0.01%. Former DPWH Hermogenes Ebdane who initially expressed an intention to run but backed out and filed his candidacy for governor of an indescript province, did not get any single preference.

Manny Villar's ratings are going south

Now, take note that the survey was commissioned way weeks before Senator Chiz Escudero announced his intention not to run for the presidential post. Now that Escudero is out of the presidential game, how would this impact on the chances of both Nacionalista bet Villar and Estrada? Will this improve the ratings of Noynoy more?

What is certain is that Villar’s numbers are plummeting, a confirmation of what Patricio Mangubat of www.newphilrevolution.blogspot.com wrote that the Nacionalista Party bet’s ratings have plateau-ed and will definitely get a rough beating in the future and will start going down.

What is the probable reason for this? The reason is simple—Villar is just perceived to be a moneyman, a Kingmaker, not presidentiable material. His lack of a platform is affecting him. He must do something drastic to correct this.

Bayani Fernando just resigned from the administration party and as MMDA chairman and teamed up with Senator Richard Gordon. They both filed their Certificates of Candidacy at the COMELEC today. Gordon is running for president while Bayani Fernando will contest others for the vice presidential post.

Another who also filed a bid for the presidency is Senator Jamby Madrigal. Madrigal still has at least another dig at the senatorial race but she surprised everyone by filing her COC. Madrigal is determined to slug it out with presidential bets Liberal Party’s Noynoy Aquino, Joseph Estrada, Gibo Teodoro, Manny Villar, JC delos Reyes, and Nicanor Perlas.

Interesting also that political heavyweights such as Loren Legarda, Mar Roxas, Edu Manzano, Perfecto Yasay and now, Bayani Fernando will fight it out as vice presidents. Surveys show Roxas at the top of the heap but things might get a little bit bumpy in the first few months of the campaign. This is the second time for Loren and still smarting from a loss in 2004, Legarda might just pull this one off.

Many analysts say its a toss up between Manny Villar and possibly Noynoy Aquino. Both have big political machineries and both are ready for the final push, although many say Aquino’s electoral machine is sputtering. Gibo’s numbers are rising, thanks to star power. Erap’s numbers are not really improving and some say, Erap might just give way to Villar should his numbers stay as it is or even plummet. That’s why, they say, they both don similar campaign colors. Villar and Erap have similar constituencies and in the final stretch, it is all a question of who between them has the strongest will to fight it out in the end. Villar will use all his financial resources for victory, compared with Erap whose finances are suspect.

Eddie Villanueva’s quest for the presidency seemed a little bit like JC delos Reyes and of Noynoy’s. They all want to project that they’re THE ONE that would change things. Yet, despite their so-called platforms of government, no one really stands out as the one. Noynoy’s handlers want to project an imaginary tsunami of support, yet, all they get now is some semblance of support, but not in the big way.

Gordon’s declaration is a veritable declaration of war against Lakas-Kampi CMD which fielded Gilbert Gibo Teodoro. Gordon might just eat up some or even most of Gibo’s constituency and this is surely not good news for the administration. Many pro-Arroyo groups want Gibo simply because he’s the only candidate who expressed the intention to give way to charter change proposals. Other candidates who feel the same way about cha-cha includes Erap, Villar and even Noynoy. Not surprising since these personalities belong to the same class, the elite class who salivates for constitutional change to further open up the economy and allow investments to come in.

Eventually, this titanic battle between political heavyweights would all result to one thing—a win for the peculiar, the one who’s different and the one who really worked hard to win. We may yet again get a minority president and we may, yet again, see a perpetuation of oligarchic rule and this is not surprising, since, for the past years, we failed to anoint someone fit enough as our president.

Loren Legarda---an asset or a liability to Manny Villar?

Loren Legarda just agreed on a Manny Villar tandem and that’s an obvious one. Legarda needs all the money she can muster to defeat a formidable opponent in the name of Mar, who is not only a Roxas, but an Araneta. And what’s a Legarda compared with a candidate having both big haciendero clans rooting for a win?

Coffee habitues are wagging their tongues and telling every one how Danding Cojuangco gave Loren 200 million to fund her advertising and propaganda machines while Villar, the prodigious billionnaire throwing some millions more to make Legarda’s war chest reach 700 million pesos. Loren is being accused of political courtesan-ship, hurtful words if you ask me. In the dirty world of politics, those who know how to play the game always win. And Loren’s a veteran in this wheeling and dealing world. Yet some say, she owes Senator Ed Angara a lot for sealing that Villar deal.

The question really is—will the entry of Loren as VP benefit Manny Villar? Let’s analyze.

Loren’s mass base is good for about 10-12 million—if we base her pulling power during previous electoral exercises. She can claim that, safely. The question is—will those millions or even a fraction transfer to Villar?

Quite possibly, Villar will probably get some millions from Loren, assuming that those groups who supported Loren are still un-committed to a presidentiable. Remember that during the last two elections, Loren’s machinery depended on Erap’s and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). Her transfer to the Nacionalista does not guarantee that those two big machineries will also go with her.

Sources say, Loren’s grassroots organization is not as solid as it looks. In fact, commitments of organizers are somewhat interlocked in her case. Most of her organizers are committed to former president Joseph Estrada and with the re-building of the JEEP NI ERAP, a considerable number of organizers are surely not supportive of her. So, it is still fussy how she’ll be able to counter a stronger Mar Roxas machinery.

Loren is not an Erap. Erap’s political endorsement is infectious; its a sure winner. Loren has not been proven in this department. What Manny Villar needs is someone who can transfer some of the magic to his to be able to counter Noynoy or a Chiz Escudero.

And if you look, Loren shares the same constituency as Villar’s. Is that good? No. Villar can cover enough ground without Loren, if you look at it. Can Loren do the same thing? No, simply because Loren does not have the logistics of a Villar. So, who benefits from the tandem? It is no other than the political prostitute.

Two presidentiables, namely Nacionalista’s Manny Villar and the administration’s bet Gilbert Gibo Teodoro, are desperately looking for a political paramour. Villar said that he’s open to the possibility of former NPC Chiz Escudero as a running mate or that of Loren Legarda. Same with Teodoro. Escudero both rejected the offers of the two gentlemen. Escudero said he cannot team up with Villar as a matter of principle; and while he respects Gibo, he cannot, by conscience, partner with an administration candidate.

So, Escudero, as what he wants to project, is his own man. No one knows what he plans to do. He just reportedly severed his ties with the Cojuangcos. And sure enough, he stands to lose Lucio Tan’s.

The question really is—will these two aspirants settle for a newbie (in the case of Teodoro’s—Vilma Santos or Gwen Garci, err. Gwen Garcia?) or a veteran? If Villar opts for a running mate, that one should be a political heavyweight in the North, since he’s weak there.

It is most critical for these two to have their own running mates. Otherwise, their chances of winning are slim.

Chiz Escudero

If the 2010 presidential election is a beauty contest, who among these aspirants do you think deserve your vote as the most handsome guy?

Probably, for many, it is Chiz Escudero. The fortish UP Law graduate is the youngest contender for the top post (although some say his “youth” is his weak point).

Chiz looks just twentish even in his age of forty. He just turned 40 years old last October 10. He is still not declaring his bid.

Some would probably say its Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro. Teodoro happens to project himself like an intellectual hunk. That’s why, siguro, Nikki Prieto fell head over heels for him.

Would it be Manny Villar? Manny seems to look like mabait and walang anomalya, except maybe that C-5 controversy. Or, turning all those idle lands and even those in the mountains into subdivisions, kaya bumaha.

Everyone knows that Joseph Estrada, during his superstardom days, was a lady’s man. His “exploits” as a playboy are stuff of legends (and of course, envy).

Or, Noynoy Aquino? Noynoy’s stock as a bachelor rose when the public saw his lovely girlfriend, the highly controversial Shalani Soledad. When you look at Noynoy, it seems like he’s all business. With a balding head, Noynoy looks like a nerd.

Camille Villar with dad, Senator Manny Villar

Camille Villar, the youngest daughter of presidentiable Senator Manny Villar, is one of the freshest and the prettiest faces to hit Philippine politics for the longest time. The 24 year old comely daughter of the Nacionalista bet for the top post this 2010, hit it big when she guested at the popular noon time show, “Wowowee”. People swooned as she cast them with her beautiful smile. She’s sexy, appears to be an honest person and has a twinkle in her eyes.

I would not be surprised if Camille is the real reason why people always prefer Manny Villar for the top post. If Gibo has his Nicki, Villar has his daughter, the lovely Camille. What’s good about her is, there’s no shred of any scandal or controversy attached to her name (unlike Noynoy’s Shalani Soledad. Go to http://www.filipinonewsnetwork.com).

Camille finished her primary grades and secondary education at the International School of Manila. Before she went to Ateneo de Manila University for a degree in Business Management, Camille already set up her first business—selling Sanrio items in a mall. Her enterprise at the age of 14 became big. That’s why when she started her studies at the Ateneo, Camille already knew even back then that she’s in for a career as an entrepreneur like her dad.

At the Ateneo, Camille was one of ten lovely girls on campus. So many Ateneans had a crush on her but no one got the girl’s heart. Camille was looking for someone who acts and thinks like her dad. Camille is very close to her dad, Senator Manny Villar. Many people say Camille is the senator’s favorite child. (By the way, Camille’s brother is reportedly the boyfriend of GMA Kapuso star Heart Evangelista. Lucky guy)

When asked if she’ll be following the footsteps of her dad in politics, Camille gave a flat no. She will probably tend her dad’s real estate company as its eventual President; but politics, no.

A few years ago, Camille was voted the loveliest girl of Jaro, Iloilo. (For those who don’t know, Manny Villar hails from Mi-ao town). And its really not surprising.

For me, Camille is the most beautiful face in Philippine politics, even lovelier than Gensan lass Cong. Darlene Antonino-Custodio. 

And, unlike Noynoy’s Shalani Soledad, I found nothing irregular nor controversial about the life of Camille Villar. Camille seems down to earth, beautiful and sexy. You can gaze at her face for a very long time and you’ll always find her sexy and beautiful.

Erap pa rin daw ang mga taga Tondo

Kahapon, muling ipinakita ni dating pangulong Joseph Estrada ang kanyang masa appeal. Sa Plaza malapit sa kanyang lugar ng kapanganakan sa Tondo Maynila, idineklara ni Erap ang kanyang naising muling tumakbo bilang pangulo. Bago pa siya pumunta ng Tondo, dumiretso muna siya sa puntod ng kanyang ina, si Mama Mary Ejercito, upang magbigay pugay. Pagkatapos nuon, agad siyang nagtungo sa Tondo upang ideklara ang kanyang kandidatura.

Mahigit aniyang 10,000 katao ang dumalo sa deklarasyon ni Erap. Pagpapakita na teritoryo pa rin ni Erap ang Tondo. Bagamat taga-Tondo rin ang bilyonaryong si Manny Villar na kakandidato ring pangulo, nananatiling mahal ng mga taga-Tondo ang dating pangulo.

Agad namang umiksena ang Palasyo na nagsabing hindi kwalipikadong tumakbo bilang pangulo ang nakulong na pangulo. Hiling naman ng ilang sektor, hayaang ang mga korte na lamang ang magpasya sa kahahantungan ng kandidatura ni Estrada.

Kitang kita ang muli ring pagbabalik ng “gang” ng mga dating kabinete ni Erap. Alalaong baga’y parang second coming ding mahahalintulad duon kay Napoleon nuong 17th century sa Fransya. Nananatili ang alamat ni Erap.

Nakakatakot nga lamang isiping nagbabalik ang dati nang mga isinuka ng taumbayan. Para ngang aso tayong kumakain ng sariling isinuka. Nagka ganito tayo dahil wala rin namang matibay at kakaibang pagpipilian sa ilang nangangarap maging Pangulo ng bansang Pilipinas. Kaawa-awang sitwasyon ang kinakaharap ng taumbayan. Isa itong direktang pag-aliglahi sa konsepto ng pagbabago at ng rebolusyon. Isang pag-amin sa pagkakamali. Pero, hindi rin naman ito ang direktang kasagutan sa isang kasaysayang nabahiran ng duming dulot ng mga pumalit.