Chiz to run for president

MANILA - Despite his plea for more time to decide, Senator Francis Escudero will seek the presidency, his political adviser Angelito Banayo indicated on Wednesday.

Escudero may be without a political party right now, but he is not entirely without a campaign structure that would solicit and deliver votes in May 2010, Banayo told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.

“There are parallel networks that have been established (for Escudero) 6 or 7 months ago,” Banayo said. “These are youth groups, young professionals, Tsinoy businessmen who are supporting Chiz (Escudero’s nickname).”

And whatever worries Escudero’s camp may have about election cheating have been mitigated by the automation of the polls.

In a surprise but hardly shocking move, Escudero announced that he is bolting the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) after 11 years with the party. He explained that someone who wants to lead the country should not be tied up with any political party.

Escudero said he will seek a higher position next year, although he is ambiguous whether it’s the presidency or the vice presidency.

Lost momentum

But because of his continued ambiguity, Escudero has lost momentum in the past few months, a source, who is a political operator-adviser, told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.

With Senator Benigno Aquino III surging in the surveys, Escudero has lost the opportunity to solidify his position as a strong presidential bet, the source observed.

Although he is known to be glib and to have a sharp tongue, Escudero has been coy about his presidential plan, and this has been turning off many voters.

In contrast, the reluctance of Aquino, who is not known to be articulate like Escudero, appears more genuine, the source said.

When Liberal Party (LP) President Senator Mar Roxas offered to slide down and Aquino took on the challenge reluctantly, “the two gained moral ascendancy which Escudero could no longer claim for himself.”

“This put Roxas as a viable vice-presidential bet because he is perceived to be sacrificing. Escudero is still a strong contender, but like (the late Senator Raul) Roco, he would be seen as a spoiler," the source said.

Like Escudero, Roco hailed from the vote-rich Bicol region. Roco was figuring strongly in pre-election surveys, only to peter out in the campaign stretch. Roco contested the 2004 presidential race, landing fourth behind President Gloria Arroyo, Fernando Poe Jr., and Panfilo Lacson.

Chiz to recover lost ground

Banayo admitted that Escudero has lost some ground with the entry of Aquino, “but we intend to recover and secure those that Aquino will lose.”

He said Aquino may be enjoying the “after glow” right now, “but the question is how long can he sustain it?”

In the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted September 18-21, Aquino was the preferred choice of 60 percent of 1,800 respondents, followed by Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Senator Manuel Villar with 37 percent. Escudero was at fourth place, trailing former President Joseph Estrada. Respondents were allowed to give up to 3 names. (Read: Noynoy, Villar best leaders to succeed Arroyo)

Automation eliminates cheating fears

Told that Escudero’s votes would be vulnerable to cheating without a political machinery that could field watchers, Banayo said the modernization of the election system has mitigated fears of cheating.

Banayo said the anomalies are normally in the election documents, from the election returns to the statement of votes and certificate of canvass, and the slow tally and the slow count. In the automated polls, the results in the precincts are immediately transmitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters, thus removing human intervention. Election returns, however, are still printed by the machine.

The political operator-adviser, who was with Lacson before he gave up his presidential ambition, downplayed the role that political parties play in national races.

He said local officials “will fend for themselves in the local fights,” rendering vote delivery by local officials largely irrelevant.

Essentially, he said, command votes, as dictated by local power players, exist only in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Message, not party, is key

In a multi-candidate presidential race, Banayo said “what is important is how your message resonates to the public.”

He said Escudero’s camp is inspired by the experience of Senator Miriam Santiago who, despite a ragtag team, nearly won the 1992 presidential race. Santiago, at that time, captured the imagination of the youth vote, which Escudero is now trying to claim as his constituency.

In cutting his ties with the NPC, Escudero can now campaign based on people politics, instead of the power politics and party politics that burden other candidates, Banayo said.

Still, Escudero “agonized for a month over his decision.”

Chiz-Ping in the works?

Asked if there is a brewing partnership with Lacson as Escudero’s running mate, Banayo said Lacson sent a text message saying "Good move Chiz," and indicated that he wants to sit down with Escudero to talk.

Other political advisers and operators, however, do not share Banayo’s optimistic views.

They noted that political reality dictates that a national candidate should have support in the grassroots level through a political party. “You cannot go around by yourself. Look what happened to Lacson?” Lacson contested the 2004 presidential race as an independent.

As a possible graceful exit, they said Escudero should have endorsed Aquino and Roxas instead if he wanted to regain a moral high ground.

abs-cbn news

Paquiao as Intelligence Aide

Aside from appointed as the head of environment department’s Task Force Kalikasan (Nature), Our pound-for-pound king is now appointed as Intelligence Aide of Department of Justice.

Could Manny Paquiao handle that all tasks? Whew! I know he is just again becomes the victim of political strategies made by the corrupt officials. Manny is only serves as the front lines of the Diablo in politics. Well, you don’t have to be intelligent in order for you to be the Intelligence Aide as long as you are popular and they’re able to suck your wealth and money.

Why not a balot vendor or any trisikad driver are the one they choose as the Intelligence Aide. I’m sure they’ll gonna be happy… happy as the Diablo cloaking behind a mask.

What a shame!

Pacquiao plans his future in politics

What would be our future if our pound-for-pound king climb in the politics world and not in the ring? Could our nation be changed through his right and left hook of his success? Or he would just make his self a puppet for a veteran in pound-for-pound politician king of corruption.

Though "Pacman" will concentrate on boxing until next year, the man dubbed the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world suggested he could retire the following year to run for congress.

"I want to be a Congressman so I can help the people," Pacquiao told CNN's Andrew Stevens.

But when asked if becoming the Filipino president was his ultimate aim he added: "I wouldn't think about that because my ambition is only to run for congress.

Pacquiao previously ran in the 2007 congressional elections for President Arroyo's party but was beaten by the Nationalist People's Coalition candidate Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who received 139,061 votes to Pacquiao's 75,908, Britain's Daily Telegraph said.

Pacquiao is a national hero in the Phillipines but has seen his popularity grow around the world since his comprehensive victory over British fighter Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas.

"I'm happy to be back (in Manila) because there's a lot of people supporting me here. I expected it in the Phillipines but I had many supporting me in America too."

The man dubbed the "National Fist" will be a busy man over the next few months as he plans to make his second film and record a TV programme.

This is a long way from his humble origins growing up in General Santos City, southern Philippines, a reality that Pacquiao says he struggles to believe sometimes.

"I never dreamed I would reach the levels of success I have reached, he said. "But I have faith in God and discipline in myself to make the sacrifices (needed) and to train hard."

In 14 years as a professional, Pacquiao has won world titles in four weight divisions -- from 7st 8lb to 9st 9lb, at flyweight, super bantamweight, super featherweight and lightweight. In his last contest, in December, in what many felt would be a step too far, he dismantled America's most popular boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, at the 10st 7lb limit, in eight one-sided rounds.

Pacquiao is currently rated by The Ring, the sport's most respected trade magazine, as the best boxer in the world. His career earnings stand at an estimated £30 million, with major paydays coming relatively late in his career.

However he remains modest despite the success. "It's a big honour to me and my family to be looked up to by so many people.

"My inspiration comes from my family -- the people who are always there behind me supporting me and love me."

We're hoping Manny Pauiao cut the political trend of corruption by punching those corrupt officials in the government.

Presidentiables: Mayor Jejomar Binay

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has shot to prominence as one of the most divisive yet popular figures in Philippine politics, possibly the embodiment of a city leader who can inspire the masses and irk the national political establishment. As well as a hard-earned reputation for sound city management, he can point to a leading role in restoring democracy to the Philippines after two decades of dictatorship. In 2006 he was included among the top ten mayors in the annual World Mayor project.

The hardworking mayor has seen off numerous crises, attacks and even term limits during his almost 20 year stint since taking charge of Manila's financial district. As with all awkward yet popular city leaders, he is frequently spoken of as a possible candidate for the presidency.

Makati, as well as serving as the country's financial hub, is also home to an array of top class hotels, shopping malls, skyscrapers and country clubs, rendering it something of a byword for opulence among those familiar with Filipino society. In 2004 Makati was ranked by the Asian Institute of Management as the Most Dynamic City and a year later as one of the Top 5 Most Competitive.

Binay's jurisdiction may cover the Manhattan-style skyline of the Filipino banking district but his origins are substantially more humble, born into quasi-poverty and orphaned early on, his first job was tending his uncle's pigs. Continuing to support himself through school, he managed to obtain a place at the University of the Philippines to study political science and then law, before being called to the bar a few years later.

Binay graduated and spent the next few years practising community law among the city's poor, this being the era in which the post-independence Philippines was subject to considerable internal tension (student unrest and Communist insurgency) and external intervention (CIA meddling), with the US-backed Ferdinand Marcos beginning his tenure as president and de facto dictator for the next two decades. It was during this period that Binay was imprisoned following the introduction of marshal law and state action against pro-democracy campaigners. Binay the lawyer remained committed to his human rights work and campaigning for the reintroduction of popular democracy against the kleptocratic and increasingly draconian Marcos regime (the so-called 'New Society' of constitutional authoritarianism).

With the resumption of popular rule following the ESDA revolution of 1986, Binay was installed as the officer in charge of the City of Makati under the transitional government of Cory Aquino, before securing three more terms as mayor, the only impediment to a fourth term coming in the form of term limits in 1998 (where his wife temporarily replaced him).

It is his stewardship of the city he found in near-bankruptcy that his earned him his reputation as a financially sound innovator in city governance, emerging as the most prominent mayor in the Philippines during this period as a result. Since overcoming the budget deficits he inherited on becoming mayor, as well as overseeing the upgrading of the city to a higher tier authority, Binay has transformed Makati into the country's leading municipality for e-governance, heralding the council's work towards paper-less transactions.

However, success can also provoke jealousy and begat enemies and Binay is certainly not short of these, as recent events have shown. Binay's popular touch with the city's poor and light touch approach to the business sector that has seen him traverse the communal divide in the highly polarised community may also contribute to this. The city is indeed notable for the pass porting of funds to finance special education and healthcare programmes for its poorest inhabitants. Furthermore, Binay belongs to the Philippine Democratic Party-National Struggle, which played a leading role in campaigning for the restoration of democracy in 1986 but is now regarded as small yet influential opposition party.

As ever, politics in the Philippines are in flux. The beleaguered and scandal-hit administration of President Arroyo (which has also faced a coup attempt this year) has been accused of seeking to remove unsympathetic mayors in the run-up to the May 2007 congressional and municipal elections. In addition to banning all 'unauthorised' demonstrations under a presidential decree, in October 2006 the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a suspension from office for Binay and several senior officials following an accusation of false accounting at city hall, a charge resisted by Binay, who secured a 60-day appeal against the order in the courts.

Binay and his family, as well as hundreds of supporters, holed themselves up in his city hall office in anticipation of forced removal and possible arrest and even the country's military were warned to remain impartial in the dispute (Binay is also a marines colonel in the reservist forces). Following the court's revocation of the government's order, thousands of supporters took to the streets of Manila to demonstrate their approval of the mayor, who is also backed by former presidents Aquino and Estrada, though the Arroyo administration remain determined that Binay will be suspended from office as part of its efforts to eradicate local corruption.

While Binay can rightly point to an inspiring track record as both a campaigner for democracy and a champion of the city's poor, there are those who claim the mayor operates as an autocrat and hides behind his populist rhetoric to disguise his machine-like grip on the city's politics, as evidenced by his virtually uninterrupted two decades in office (the only interregnum coming in the form of his wife during a term limited stint out of office). His supporters' grip on the most routine and minor aspects of daily life in the city and his continuing friendship with the deposed ex-president and fellow populist Joseph Estrada, currently awaiting trial for corruption, act as black marks for those critical of his administration.

Besides being a member of the Rotary Club of Makati, he is currently on his third term as the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. He also holds positions in international organisations, namely: Vice President for Membership (2006- 2008), United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific Chapter; Life Honorary Member (since February 2001) and Member, World Executive Committee of the International Union of Local Authorities-Asia Pacific; Member, Executive Committee (2006-2009), Network for Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlement (CITYNET); and Chairman, Finance Sub-Committee, World Scout Organization. Mayor Binay was also a senior executive fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is married to Dr Elenita Binay, a medical practitioner and herself the former mayor of Makati (1998-2001). They have five children.

source: worldmayor

Presidentiables: The Honorable GILBERTO C. TEODORO, JR.

Early in life, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gilbert” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr., already showed the makings of a leader and public servant. In his youth, he was elected President of the then Kabataang Barangay for Central Luzon and later, member of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Tarlac from 1980 to 1986.

After completing his primary education at the Xavier School, he then pursued his secondary studies at the same school as he also dabbled his involvement in political offices and organizations.

Even with his hands full, Secretary Teodoro successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions at the De La Salle University in 1985.

Since then, he focused his sights on acquiring for himself further education and knowledge to aid him in his desire to pursue public service. In 1989, he completed his Law studies at the University of the Philippines where he was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. In the same year, he topped the Philippine Bar exams.

For seven years, he honed his skills as a lawyer in the famed EP Mendoza Law firm. Armed with years of experience, he went to the Harvard Law School in Cambridge for his Master of Laws and completed it in 1997. He was also admitted to the State Bar of New York during the same year.

Secretary Teodoro holds memberships in the following— Integrated Bar of the Philippines, UP Alumni Association, UP Law Alumni Association, Harvard Alumni Association and the Harvard Law Alumni Association.

In 1998, Secretary Teodoro resumed his interrupted political pursuits when he ran and successfully won a seat in Congress. He was Congressman of the First District of Tarlac for three (3) consecutive terms. At the House, he was an Assistant Majority Leader (11th Congress), Head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition House members and a member of the House contingent to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.

It was during his three-year terms that he forged friendships and memberships with individuals and institutions, including military.

His desire to learn the intricacies involved in the military prompted him to take the Command and Staff Course Class at the Air Command and Staff College of the Philippine Air Force in 2001, where he was the Leadership and Seminar Academic Excellence Awardee. Two years later, he also completed his Joint and Combined Staff Officers Course at the Joint Command and Staff College where he, too, was bestowed the Leadership Award.

Secretary Teodoro, a licensed commercial pilot with a rating in Lear Jet 31, is a reserve colonel in the Philippine Air Force. He was also an assistant faculty member of the Command and General Staff Course and a lecturer at the Air Command Staff College.

Secretary Teodoro has also since been very supportive of various undertakings by the military and the police. As such, he holds the chairmanship of the Philippine National Police Foundation Inc. he is also an Honorary member of the PMA Alumni Association Sponsoring Class – ’76, Philippine Air Force Aviation Cadet Alumni Association Sponsoring Class – ’80, Association of Chiefs of Police of the Philippines, Inc., and a lifetime member of the Armor-Cavalry Association of the Philippines

Secretary Teodoro is also the recipient of numerous military awards, decorations and commendations such as—the Basic RASS Aeronautical Badge, Honorary Command Pilot, the Caliber .45 Pistol Expert Marksmanship Badge, M-16 Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Military Merit Medal, AFP General Staff Course Badge, Presidential Flight Crew Badge, Military Civic Action Medal (Plain), Military Civic Action Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Military Civic Action Medal with Second Service Star.

Secretary Teodoro, son of the former SSS Administrator Gilberto, Sr., and Mercedes Cojuangco, has a string of accomplishments and notable achievements to his name. At 43, he serves as the youngest Secretary to hold the Defense portfolio.

Secretary Teodoro is married to Representative Monica Prieto-Teodoro; they have one son – Jaime Gilberto.

Presidentiables: Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon

Dick Gordon is best known for overcoming great odds in the Philippines.
In the 2004 national elections when he ran as senator of the Philippines, despite the initial low public opinion surveys, Gordon won and received the fifth highest number of votes from the electorate even without sectoral and religious command vote support. Filipinos warmly received his very positive personality and track record of achievements.

He passed the very first law in the 13th Congress, Republic Act No. 9333, fixing the regular elections at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and several other important laws, including Republic Act No. 9369, the New Automated Election System law; Republic Act No. 9334, the Sin Tax Law, Republic Act Nos. 9399 and 9400, fixing the tax regime in Special Economic Zones and Freeports in Clark in Pampanga, Poro Point in La Union; and John Hay in Baguio; Republic Act No. 9346, the abolition of the death penalty law; and Republic Act No. 9367, the Biofuels Act of 2007.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Senate Committee of Consitutional Amendements and Revision of Laws, he upheld the supremacy of the Constitution at all times. Though he may not have voted for the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, he took an oath to preserve and defend it. He insisted on the lawful process of charter change only according to the process set forth in the Constitution. He opposed the unconstitutional People's Initiative and was one of the triumphant parties in the case of Lambino and Aumentado vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 174153, October 25, 2006.

He also preserved the separation of powers in government and asserted the Senate's constitutional right and duty to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation against Executive Order No. 464 in Senate, et al. vs. Ermita, G.R. No. 169777, April 20, 2006, and Executive Order No. 1 in Sabio vs. Gordon, et al., G.R. No. 174340, October 17, 2006.

In 2001, he transformed the moribund Philippines Tourism industry: plagued by a negative image of kidnappings and SARS disease and complicated by an era of continued threat of terrorism. As Secretary of Tourism he accomplished this with his campaign: "WOW Philippines! More than the usual!" This resulted to increased tourist arrivals that rejuvenated the industry, becoming the country's acknowledged fastest way to address poverty and unemployment. In addition, in his capacity as World Tourism Organization (WTO) Commissioner for East Asia and the Pacific in 2002 and Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for 2003, he became the chief advocate of Third World countries that have been unduly affected in tourism and trade by unfair Travel Advisories imposed by Western governments.

In 1992, he led the successful conversion of the former United States' naval facility in Subic Bay. He turned it into the Philippines' primary trade zone. This was when the Philippine Senate rejected a treaty extension ending a century of US military presence in the country. He lobbied in Congress for the passage of a bill he drafted based on an old plan to convert the American naval and air force facilities in Subic and Clark respectively into economic enclaves by the creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

As founding Chair and Administrator of the SBMA, he inspired an army of 8,000 volunteers who protected and preserved the U.S.$ 8 billion facility. Together with the volunteers, he successfully transformed Subic into a premier investment hub that hosted the 4th APEC Leaders Summit in 1996. By the time he left in 1998, SBMA had over 300 investors including notable American companies: Federal Express, Coastal Petroleum and Enron. It even had British firms, BICC Cables and Shell Exploration as well as Taiwan's Acer Computers and France's Thompson Audio. All in all his management provided for 70,000 jobs and almost US$ 3 Billion in investments.

Dick Gordon is a humanitarian volunteer.

He is an active volunteer of the Red Cross in the disaster-prone Philippines for the last 25 years and has recently been elected member of the Governing Board of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. He personally led numerous relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations. This include earthquakes in the 1990's that hit Manila, Cabanatuan and Baguio cities in Luzon; typhoons and floods in Silay and Ormoc cities in Central and Western Visayas; volcanic eruptions of Mt. Mayon in 1993 and 2000 and the 1991 eruption of the century of Mt. Pinatubo where he led thousands of Aeta aborigines to safety. In March 2000, he worked out with the local Red Crescent chapter of Basilan Island for the release without ransom of eighteen Filipino hostages from the Abu Sayyaf. Likewise, even as Secretary of Tourism, he assisted the Red Cross team in putting out the fires that razed the Philippine International Convention Center and the Manor Hotel in 2001. Currently he is engaged in continuing rehabilitation of flashflood and landslide affected areas of Aurora and Quezon in 2004 and Ginsaugon, Southern Leyte in 2006 as well as the typhoon ravaged Southern Luzon and Bicol provinces early this year.

He initiated the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Millennium Fund in 2000 from corporate donors to sustain training of volunteers and for purchase of necessary disaster and rescue equipment.

Dick Gordon is a visionary.

A young achiever, he was only twenty-four, a law student of the University of the Philippines when he served as the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention of the Philippines. He already espoused the idea of a Freeport akin to that Hong Kong and Singapore that would be the alternative to the U.S. naval facility in Subic Bay, Olongapo. This, he realized after witnessing the displacement of Filipino workers during the U.S. Navy pullout at Sangley Point, Cavite that same year.

Being the youngest city mayor of Olongapo in 1980 he drafted a joint-use plan of Subic Bay by the Philippine and US governments, with commercial enterprises that eventually phased in as the U.S. Navy withdrew from the base. He was also the brilliant man responsible for transforming Olongapo's "Sin City" image into the Philippines' model city. This he achieved through innovative yet simple programs involving an active citizenry in solving crime, ensuring police accountability, efficient garbage collection, proper health and sanitation and orderly public transport and traffic.

As early as 1997, he initiated the creation of an Asian Disaster Training and Logistics Center in Subic Bay to help plan, prepare for and to mitigate calamities and disasters in the region.

With his vast experience, Richard Gordon has been invited to share his knowledge in bases conversion and volunteerism with governments and communities like Panama, Iran, Vietnam, Okinawa in Japan, Guam in the U.S. and by multilateral institutions like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank to name a few that hosted or contained military facilities. The most recent of this was the United Nations' International Colloqium on Regional Governance in February 2002 before regional leaders in Cancun, Mexico as well as mayors worldwide in the World Bank's 2nd World Competitive Cities Congress in Washington D.C in May 2000.

He has also shared his views in politics and economy in Asia at the Georgetown University Leadership Seminars (1986); the Stanford University Asia-Pacific Roundtable Conferences (1994 and 1997); the Asia Society Conferences (1993 and 1997); the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Conferences of the International Association of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) in Seoul, South Korea (1996); the Pacific Rim Forum in Hong Kong; the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland (1996); and the U.S. Business Council Convention in Williamsburg, Virginia (1997).

For his efforts and contributions to public service, Richard Gordon received numerous awards and recognition. The PNRC conveyed to him the Silver Humanitarian Award in 2001 for voluntary efforts in alleviating human suffering. The Philippines' premier state university -- U.P. recognized him as an Outstanding Alumnus in Public Administration in 1984 and later bestowed him its highest recognition as The Most Distinguished Alumnus for 1997. He was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 1982 and the youngest to be conferred as The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) in 1996.

Asahi Shimbun recognized him as one of the "50 Young Leaders of Asia" in 1994. Asiaweek in its 20th Anniversary issue included him as one of the "20 Great Asians for the Future" while Japan's NHK TV featured him as one of "Asia's Who's Who" in 1995. The South China Morning Post (24 July 2001) coined his task as Tourism Minister as "Mission Impossible". The Asian Wall Street Journal (8 August 2001) and Singapore Straits Times (8 October 2001) featured his innovative "WOW Philippines" campaign to address the Philippines' negative image. The Economist (7-13 October 1995) featured him as "The Chairman of Subic", Singapore Business Times (18-19 February 2001) distinguished him as the "Shogun of Subic" in 1995, Asia Magazine (6-8 October 1995) addressed him the "Messiah of Subic", Far Eastern Economic Review (14 December 1995) hailed him the "Sultan of Subic", the Hong Kong Standard (27 May 1995) called him "Flash Gordon of the Philippines".

Dick Gordon graduated from U.P. with a Bachelor of Laws in 1975 and an A.B. in History and Government from the Jesuit institution -- Ateneo de Manila University in 1966.

Presidential Elections

Presidential elections will be held in the Philippines on May 10, 2010. The incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is barred from running pursuant to the Constitution of the Philippines. However incumbent Vice-President Noli De Castro is allowed to re-election but could possibly seek the presidency instead, his successor will be the 15th Vice President of the Philippines. The elected president will become the 15th President of the Philippines.

Potential candidates

The following persons have declared their intention to run for President:
• Richard Gordon, Senator• Panfilo Lacson, Senator, from Cavite
• Gilberto Teodoro, Secretary of National Defense, from Tarlac
• Jejomar Binay, Mayor of Makati City, from Metro Manila
• Bayani Fernando, Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, from Metro Manila
• Eddie Panlilio, Governor of Pampanga, from Pampanga

Opinion polls

Note: Figures assigned with "--" refers that the person either wasn't included among the choices or failed to crack the top positions in the poll.

Social Weather Stations

Social Weather Stations: Under the present Constitution, the term of Pres. Arroyo is only up to the year 2010, and there will be an election for President in May 2010. Who in your opinion are the good leaders who should succeed President Arroyo as President?

source: wikipedia

Labor unions to spearhead Labor Day Jobapalooza ‘09

To hasten assistance to workers affected by the global crisis, the country's largest labor unions will lead the conduct of the biggest simultaneous job fairs in all regions nationwide on May 1, 2009, Labor Day, in collaboration with the government and the private sector, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the social partners have recognized the need for collective action and mutual collaboration in mitigating the effects of the global crisis on the workers and the economy, adding they agreed to lend a hand in helping workers particularly the displaced as well as new graduates find jobs locally and overseas through the conduct of job fairs all over the country.

Roque said the trade unions and labor groups unanimously approved to celebrate Labor Day with the conduct of what would be considered, so far, the biggest job fair dubbed "Labor Day Tayo Na! Trabaho Na! Jobapalooza 09," which will be held simultaneously in 16 regions on May 1 in collaboration with sponsoring firms, employers, recruitment agencies, local government units, Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), and the DOLE and other government agencies.

He said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would launch the main celebration on May 1 at the SMX Convention Hall at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. The DOLE with the social partners in other regions would also spearhead a similar event in their areas of jurisdiction.

The DOLE Chief also said that about 1,000 employers and recruitment agencies nationwide would participate in the Labor Day Jobapalooza to offer hundreds of thousands of local and overseas jobs to workers particularly the displaced and new graduates.

He said that even as the economy continues to exhibit resiliency, efforts are needed to facilitate the employment of workers through job fairs to diminish the crisis' impact on the people.

Roque hailed the organized sector and the sponsoring firms for cooperating with the DOLE in planning for the conduct of the Labor Day Jobalooza on May 1 as part of the national efforts to promote employment and, thus, mitigate the effects of the global crisis on the workers and the economy as a whole.

Apart from the job fair, there will also be skills demonstration, livelihood products display and sales, and distribution of training and scholarship certificates. To cap the night, an "Alay sa Manggagawang Pilipino" concert featuring the country's top bands will pay tribute to the country's working men and women at the MOA grounds near the SMX.

The participating trade unions are the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, Associated Labor Union, Philippine Transport General Workers Organization, All Workers Alliance Trade Union, Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services, Alliance of Filipino Workers, Philippine Organization of Labor Unions, and the National Association of Trade Union.

The sponsoring partners are Globe Telecom, Banco De Oro, SM, Jobstreet,com, STI, Philippine Online Chronicles, and the City Government of Manila.
Source: Information and Publication Service

Radio journalist gunned down on Mindanao Island

Is there any way this could be stopped?

Reporters Without Borders is outraged by today’s murder of Ernesto Rollin, a presenter on local radio DxSY-AM in Ozamiz City, in Misamis Occidental province (on the southern island of Mindanao). He was the first journalist to be killed this year in the Philippines, but the 99th since the return to democracy in 1986.

Aged about 40, Rollin was gunned down at close range at about 5:30 a.m. in a service station in nearby Oroquieta City by two men in caps and ski masks aboard a motorcycle, who checked to see he was dead before they drove away. Rollin had been on his way to host his 7:30-9:00 a.m. programme.
“We firmly condemn the murder of Rollin, the latest victim of a culture of violence and impunity that has ravaged the media in the Philippines for too long,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The motive has not yet been established but the modus operandi indicates it was a contract killing ordered by Rollin’s enemies and carried out by professional hit-men.”

The killers clearly knew that Rollin was in the habit of parking his car in the service station before catching a bus. His companion, Ligaya, said she heard the shots before seeing Rollin lying face-down on the ground. She rushed to him and tried to lift him up, but one of the triggermen fired a last in the back of his neck. This was almost certainly the fatal shot, Ligaya said, adding: “I had not expected that Ernie would be targeted.”

According to his colleagues, including the Ozamiz City representative of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Rollin was well-known for being outspoken. In recent programmes he had covered a controversial decree concerning health workers and the use of cars by officials in Misamis Occidental province.

Under-secretary for justice Ricardo Blancaflor announced that police superintendent Leonilo Cabug had been put in charge of a special unit tasked with identifying and arresting the suspects. “As of this moment, elements of the task force headed by Leonilo Cabug are investigating the incident to determine the possible motive behind the killing,” Blancaflor said.

Rollin had been a journalist for the past 10 years or so. His outspoken comments on his prime-time current affairs programme on DxSY-AM had made him very popular in the province.

Pulse Asia Survey: Kabayan Noli leads All Presidentiables 2010

PULSE ASIA recently released their latest survey results on the upcoming 2010 Presidential Elections. It’s very interesting to note that the gap between the candidates have been shrinking for past months. If we were to trust the survey, then there is no clear winner at this point and it’s really anyone’s ballgame. Vice President Noli De Castro still leads at 19%, closely followed by Senator Chiz Escudero at 18%, Former President Estrada at 16%, Senator Manny Villar at 14%, and Senator Loren Legarda at 12%.

Vice President Noli de Castro leads in the 2010 Presidentiable race, this according to popular opinion as revealed by the recent Pulse Asia Survey results. Next to kabayan Noli is former Vice President Joseph Estrada, followed by Senator Loren Legarda and Senator Chiz Escudero (tied).

PRESIDENTIABLES: Ping Lacson

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson

Senate Office:
Rm. 525 5th Flr., GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 loc. 5534 / 5535
Direct Line: (632) 552-6786
Fax No.: (632) 834-6590
Email: ospml@yahoo.com
Website: www.pinglacson.com.ph

Filipinos came to know him for his sterling and "no non-sense" leadership as Chief of the Philippine National Police.

As chief policymaker of the police organization, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson was responsible for the serious reforms in the PNP that had won the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors and the cooperation of the general public when he initiated closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, here and abroad, in the fight against narcotics trafficking through supply constriction and demand reduction.

All of these were accomplished to bring back the old glory of the policeman.

The Filipino people rewarded Senator Lacson with a Senate seat in the May 2001 elections for his sterling performance as a public servant.

Born out of humble beginnings on June 1, 1948, in Imus, Cavite, Senator Lacson finished grade school at the Bayang Luma Elementary School and high school at the Imus Institute. Before he entered the PMA in 1967, he took up AB Philosophy at the Lyceum.

He carried the family name with pride and grew up to be a man of principles. His fascination with principles became more deeply embedded when he entered the PMA. He nourished these principles at the Philippine Constabulary, which he joined after graduating from the PMA.

He then joined the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force in 1986, and in 1988, be became the provincial commander of Isabela until 1989. That same year, he became provincial director of Laguna and held the post until July 1992.

As a legislator, Senator Lacson has learned fast and with certainty to carry the broad struggle of the Filipinos by heart. As a public servant, he has faithfully observed a personal credo - What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.

He primarily authored the Anti-Money Laundering Control Act of 2001, the Alternative Youth Training Course, an optional program for college students, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2001.

To date, Senator Lacson is working on legislation to fight the problem of terrorism through the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill and to alleviate the condition of various sectors of society including students, contractual workers, barangay tanods, police, military and fire protection personnel.

Let's see his Resume...

PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Date of Birth	June 1, 1948
Place of Birth	Imus, Cavite (Adopted son of Cebu)
Spouse	Alice de Perio (From Bolinao, Pangasinan and San Miguel, Bulacan)
Children	Ronald Jay, Panfilo Jr., Jeric

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

A. Master in Government Management Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1995-1996)
B. Bachelor of Science Philippine Military Academy (1967-1971)
C. BS Engineering Lyceum of the Philippines (1964-1967)
D. High School Imus Institute (1960-1964)
E. Grade School Bayang Luma Elementary School (1954-1960)

CAREER AS PUBLIC SERVANT

Positions Held	Dates
Senator	May 2001 up to present
Chief of Philippine National Police	Nov. 16, 1999-Jan. 20, 2001
Chief, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force	June 26, 1998-Jan. 21 2001
Project Officer, Special Project Alpha	1996 to April 1997
Chief, Task Force Habagat, PACC	1992-1995
Provincial Director, Laguna, PC	1992 February-July
Commander, Cebu Metrodiscom	1989-1992
Provincial Commander, Isabela PC	1988-1989
PC-INP Anti Carnapping Task Force	1986-1988
Metrocom Intelligence and Security Group	1971-1986

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A SENATOR IN 12TH & 13TH CONGRESS

A. BILLS ENACTED INTO LAW

B. One of the principal authors of the following laws:

• Republic Act No. 9160, as amended by Republic Act 9194, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act
• Republic Act No. 9163, otherwise known as National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001
• Republic Act No. 9166, An Act Increasing the Base Pay of the Members of the AFP
• 
  Republic Act No. 9208, otherwise known as Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003

C. One of the co-authors of the following laws:

D. Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

E. Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as the Absentee Voting Act

F. Republic Act No. 9287, otherwise known as the Anti-Jueteng and Illegal Numbers Game

G. ENROLLED BILLS (FOR THE SIGNATURE OF THE PRESIDENT)

• Anti-Cheating Act of 2007 (Senate Bill 2512) - Main Author & Sponsor
• Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (Senate Bill 2561) - Main Author & Sponsor
• The Philippine Dental Act of 2007 (Senate Bill 2581) - Main Sponsor
• An Act Reorganizing the Public Attorney's Office (Senate Bill No. ) - One of the Principal Authors

H. BILLS PENDING FOR BICAMERAL CONFERENCE

• Senate Bill No. 2597, An Act Amending the RA 9280 or the Customs Brokers Act of 2004

I. COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP & MEMBERSHIP

Chairman of the Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization

Member of the following Committees:

• Committee on National Defense
• Blue Ribbon Committee
• Committee on Foreign Relations
• Committee on Trade and Commerce
• Committee on Local Government
• Committee on Finance
• Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs
• Committee on Public Services
• Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws
• Committee on Ways and Means
• Committee on Labor and Employment
• Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
• Committee on Agriculture
• Committee on Games, Amusement and Sports

J. Member of the following Senate Oversight Committees:

• Legislative Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement
• Oversight Committee on the Dangerous Drugs Act
• Congressional Oversight Committee on the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program

K. COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

• Chairman of the Committee on Justice and the Judicial Bar Council (February 2003 - December 2005)
• Member of all the standing Committees in the CA (February 2003 - December 2005)
• Assistant Minority Floor Leader in the CA (2005)

L. INVESTIGATIONS INITIATED

• The IMPSA investigation - 2002
• The Jose Pidal investigation - 2003
• The Jueteng investigation - 2005
• The Textbook Scam investigation - 2006 - 2007
  

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS CHIEF OF PNP

• Achieved 58% public approval rating for PNP, the highest in PNP's history, and 78% approval rating for himself.
• Improved police efficiency by downloading 85% of PNP's logistics to town and city police stations.
• Succeeded in eradicating "Kotong" culture among policemen, and earned moniker "Kotong-Buster" from jeepney, taxi, bus and delivery truck drivers, farmers, market vendors, etc.
• Instituted "No-Take" policy.
• Instilled discipline in the national police force and raised morale of officers.
• Stopped "carnapping" of recovered stolen vehicles by corrupt police officers.
• Founded the PNP Foundation Inc.
• Helped improve Asian regional police network in combating manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs in the country and in the region.

POLICE/MILITARY TRAINING/ SCHOLARSHIP COURSE

Course Taken	School/ Location	Dates
Bachelor Science Degree	Phil. Military Academy Baguio City	1967 - 1971
Intel Officers Basic Course	SITS, Fort Bonifacio	1973
Military Intel Collection Course	SITS, Fort Bonifacio	1974
Counter URBAN Guerilla Warfare Course	Fort Magsaysay	1972
Incident Management Course	PSG, Malacañang
Airmobile Operations Course Command and General Staff Course	Camp Crame, Quezon City
Command General Staff College	Fort Bonifacio

MEDALS/AWARDS/COMMENDATIONS/CITATIONS RECEIVED

Nature of award	Date Awarded	Awarded By
PC Metrocom Officer of the Year	1982	Philippine Constabulary
PMA Alumni Cavalier Award Certificate of Academics Excellence	1983	PMAAA
Philippine Constabulary Officer of the Year	1990	RECOM 7, Cebu City
Police Director of the Year	1992	RECOM 7, Cebu City

17 Military Merit Medals, 3 Medalya ng Kadakilaan, 3 Medalya ng Kagalingan, 2 Outstanding Achievement Medals, 5 Military Commendation Medals, 5 Bronze Cross Medals, 2 Medalya ng Papuri, Luzon Campaign Medal, Visayan Campaign Medal, Combat Efficiency Medal

"Adopted Son of Cebu"	1991 Cebu City Council Resolution
Commendation	President FIDEL V. RAMOS
Commendation	Secretary RENATO DE VILLA
Commendation	Secretary RAFAEL ALUNAN III
PMA Alumni Achievement Award	Phil. Military Academy Alumni
Special Medal of Honor Gen. Licerio Topacio Outstanding Achievement Award	Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)
1998 Ten Outstanding Policemen of Phils	Philippine Jaycees Inc.
Hero To Eliminate the Crime	James Shih, President Taiwan Assn. (Phils.) Inc.

Special Citations from

Philippine College of Rotary Governor, Rotary Club of Manila, Lions President League of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, VACC, Manila Downtown Y's Men's Club, Council of Past Lions Governors of the Philippines, Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Cebu Bankers Club, Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, Metro Cebu Uptown Jaycees, Rotary Club of San Fernando (LU), Assusasyon ng Kumentarista at Announcer ng Pilipinas, Pugad Lawin Philippines, Inc., Police Cavaliers Association, Inc., National Police Commission, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce, PMA Class '71 (MATATAG), Rotary Club of Kaloocan, Rotary Club of Metro Cebu, Rotary Club of Cebu West, Rotary Club of Cebu Port Center, Rotary International District 390, Rotary Club of Binan, Direct Commission Batch '71 PNPC Chapter, KBP Metro Manila Chapter. Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker at the Commencement Exercises of Bicol University, Daraga, Albay.

PERSONAL DICTUM

What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.

PRESIDENTIABLES: Mr. Palengke

Senator Mar A. Roxas

Senate Office:
Rm. 523 5th Flr., GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 loc. 5524 / 5525 / 5594
Direct Line: (632) 552-6688 / (632) 832-8280
Fax No.: (632) 552-6689
Email: mar@marroxas.com
Website: www.marroxas.com

'Mr. Palengke' is Senator MAR Roxas, the son of the illustrious Senator Gerry Roxas, and the grandson of the venerable President Manuel Roxas whose public service careers have greatly benefited the country. MAR graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1974 and the Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. Before entering public service, MAR worked as an investment banker, mobilizing venture capital funds for Small and Medium Enterprises.

MAR's public service life began in the House of Representatives in 1993. After his congressional stint, he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; and then in 2004, he was elected to the Senate with a staggering 20 million votes, the largest ever obtained by a candidate in any Philippine election.

Owing to his record of accomplishments as a public servant and political leader, the international community described MAR as "one of the young leaders in politics and business who will bring Asia and the Pacific to the forefront of world affairs." At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, MAR was named as "one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow who is expected to shape the future." Recently, the Singapore Government has awarded him as the 16th Lee Kuan Yew Fellow.

Majority Leader of the House of Representatives

MAR joined the government in 1993 as a Congressman representing the 1st District of Capiz. He later became Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.

As a congressman, MAR espoused consumer protection, underscoring the right of every Filipino to affordable medicines, as his personal advocacy. His landmark laws include, among others:

• RA 8759 - establishing in all municipalities a Public Employment Service Office which serves as employment facilitation and information center, and links all job opportunities within the region;
• RA 8748 - amending the Special Economic Zone Act by directly allocating to the municipality or city 2% (out of the 5%) gross tax to be collected from the establishments operating in the ecozone and providing for disturbance compensation for persons to be displaced or evicted by publicly-owned ecozones;
• RA 8756 - incentivizing the establishment of regional headquarters to encourage investment and operation of multinational companies in the country and to generate more jobs.

MAR's stint in the House is most noted for his principal authorship of RA 7880, also known as the Roxas Law, which ensures fair distribution of the education capital budget among all the provinces. This gave life to his advocacy for fair and equitable access to education, free from regional bias and political patronage considerations.

Mr. Palengke in DTI

In 2000, MAR served as Trade and Industry Secretary. During his four-year stint, he pushed for the development of the "palengke" as the basic unit of the economy and the root of progress, staunchly advocating not only consumer welfare and protection but also sound trade and investment policies, particularly SME development.

Education. MAR intensified his commitment to quality education through the Personal Computers for Public Schools (PCPS) Program, which distributed over 30,000 computers to 2,000 public high schools all over the country. PCPS computers provided some 500,000 high school students with the necessary ICT tools and skills.

Trade. MAR's work regarding trade policy was highlighted during the 2003 WTO Meeting in Cancun, Mexico, where he fought for increased market access for Philippine exports, particularly agricultural products and a rationalized Philippine trade regime so domestic industries would not be unduly harmed.

Information Technology. Hailed as the 'Father of the Call Center and Business Process Outsourcing Industries', MAR saw and harnessed the potential of the Philippines as a global e-services hub. He launched 'Make IT Philippines' and organized the first IT-enabled services (ITES) to the US which inevitably led to the biggest global industry names to invest in the country, thereby creating thousands of jobs for Filipino IT workers.

MAR pioneered the establishment of high-technology industry centers and the promotion of the business process outsourcing (BPO) market in the country, particularly call center operations, hence providing jobs and incomes to Filipinos. From a mere 2000 jobs at the onset, the BPO industry now provides hundreds of thousands of jobs, thereby putting the Philippines on the map as a major IT/BPO destination.

Jobs. MAR worked for the reopening of the National Steel Corporation which provided thousands of jobs, income and livelihood to Iligan City, Northern Mindanao and adjacent regions. He also launched the Garment Export Industry Transformation Plan and Assistance Package to enhance the competitiveness of the industry and ensure its viability and vibrancy beyond 2004. Moreover, he initiated the Motor/Vehicle Development Program to promote exports, create a viable market base for our car manufacturers and secure jobs for our workers.

MSMEs. Believing that micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs serve as the prime engine for job generation, MAR pushed for MSME development through the SULONG (SMEs Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth) Program, which granted almost P26.7 billion on low-interest loans to 281,229 SMEs on its first year.

Consumer Welfare. MAR promoted the Tamang Timbang, Tamang Presyo program for consumers to get the "full and best value for their money"; the Presyong Tama, Gamot Pampamilya to make affordable and quality medicines accessible to Filipinos, and Pinoy Pandesal, Palengke ng Bayan, among others. These programs promoted supply chain efficiencies leading to growth and productivity, and a wide range of opportunities and long-term gains.

Being the proponent of the philosophy of 'palengkenomics', which considers the palengke as the economy's weathervane and the mirror by which its over-all health can be seen and measured, MAR to this day continues to conduct weekly monitoring of the prices of prime commodities and maintains strong linkages with suppliers, traders, and vendors in the different wet markets.

"Price is an important economic indicator. It is a crucial determinant of activity in the market place," he said.

Consumerist crusade continues at the Senate

MAR's consumerist crusade continues with his authorship of Senate Bill No. 2139, which seeks to lower the cost of medicines by amending the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. With the approval of this bill, prices of quality medicines are expected to drop resulting in savings for the poor, and better health for all.

MAR resolved to protect consumers from defective and substandard products. Thus, he initiated inquiries, with the end in view of strengthening the Consumer Code of the Philippines, on such legislative proposals as the 'Lemon Law', proper labeling of milk, toys, and food products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and stronger safeguards against pyramiding and other similar scams.

As chairperson of the Senate Committees on Trade and Commerce and on Economic Affairs and as co-chairperson of the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Electronic Commerce Law, MAR continued to nurse the economy back to robust health through education, information technology, job creation, and development of small and business enterprises.

When the pre-need industry succumbed to a mismanagement-spawned financial crisis, which threatened to wipe out the investments of thousands of consumers in pre-need plans, he filed a bill, the Pre-Need Act of 2005, to improve and strengthen industry regulation and safeguard consumer interest. MAR's leadership at the time provided pre-need plan holders a veritable lifeline.

For MAR, the exercise of public leadership entails accountability and transparency which should bring about people empowerment. He has called for a paradigm shift in policy-making, rejecting incrementalism, or the tingi mentality, which has resulted to 'doing a little bit of everything to please a little bit of everyone.'

"People can hardly feel the impact of incrementalism. Government must target the people's most pressing concerns and focus its resources on completely addressing these problems. We can't be doing what we used to do in the past simply because if we did, there is no reason to expect that the future would be any different," he said.

He complements his youth and dynamism by listening to the voices of the common Filipino, reaching out to them through personal interaction, the media, and various IT tools. His website, www.marroxas.com, is a sampler of his IT inclination, an interactive site that dispenses user-friendly information and serves as repository of public sentiment.

MAR has distinguished himself as a public servant in his own unique way, following the imprints of his forbears yet with the courage and competence to carve his own path as a national leader.

Philippine politician killed by unknown gunman

This was on November 11, 2007. Despite of so many killings of politicians here in our country, why is it there is so many people running for a such position? are they afraid of death? Or if they were dead, they could give them a descent burial? Hehehehe... Do you love that? There are so many news regarding killing a political people by a hired gunman. Are they hired also by there opponent in politics? How about this news...

The legal affairs chief of the Philippine Commission on Elections, Lawyer Alioden Dalaig, was gunned down Saturday night in downtown Metro Manila, the local TV network ABS-CBN reported Sunday.

Quoting police source, the overnight report said Alioden Dalaig was shot by an unidentified gunman in the chest when he was walking around 7 p.m. He was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police had ruled out robbery as motive as about 300,000 pesos (6,970 U.S. dollars) cash Dalaig carried with him was intact following the attack.

Dalaig's wife told reporters that the lawyer received death threats at least five times before the attack.

The killing came in the wake of controversies surrounding the creation of a screening committee to evaluate candidates for the new chairman and vacancies in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Dalaig was among the nominees for the vacancies.

COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez said Dalaig has been serving the commission for 30 years and was on his way to retirement.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

As I browsing through the net, I accidentally hit the link through the U.S. Library of Congress. And as I read through it, my eyes got stuck of this bold title called "GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE". My mind keep on asking what is government structure. And as I read it... there it goes...
In 1991 the government was led by President Corazon C. Aquino, who was head of state, chief executive, and commander in chief of the armed forces. The vice president, who under the Philippine Constitution need not belong to the same party as the president, was Salvador H. Laurel. Aquino did not seek to create a political party to perpetuate her rule, preferring instead to rely on her personal popularity, which initially was strong but diminished throughout her term.

Constitutional Framework

The Philippines has a long history of democratic constitutional development. The Malolos Constitution of 1898-99 reflected the aspirations of educated Filipinos to create a polity as enlightened as any in the world. That first constitution was modeled on those of France, Belgium, and some of the South American republics. Powers were divided, but the legislature was supreme. A bill of rights guaranteed individual liberties. The church was separated from the state, but this provision was included only after a long debate and passed only by a single vote. The Malolos Constitution was in effect only briefly; United States troops soon installed a colonial government, which remained in effect until the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935.

The 1935 constitution, drawn up under the terms of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which created the Philippine Commonwealth, also served as a basis for an independent Philippine government from 1946 until 1973. The framers of the Commonwealth Constitution were not completely free to choose any type of government they wanted, since their work had to be approved by United States president Franklin D. Roosevelt, but as many were legal scholars familiar with American constitutional law, they produced a document strongly modeled on the United States Constitution. In fact, the 1935 constitution differed from the United States document in only two important respects: Government was unitary rather than federal, local governments being subject to general supervision by the president, and the president could declare an emergency and temporarily exercise near-dictatorial power. This latter provision was used by Marcos after September 1972, when he declared martial law.

The 1935 constitution seemed to serve the nation well. It gave the Philippines twenty-six years of stable, constitutional government during a period when a number of other Asian states were succumbing to military dictatorship or communist revolution. By the late 1960s, however, many Filipinos came to believe that the constitution only provided a democratic political cloak for a profoundly oligarchic society. A constitutional convention was called to rewrite the basic law of the land.

The delegates selected to rewrite the constitution hoped to retain its democratic essence while deleting parts deemed to be unsuitable relics of the colonial past. They hoped to produce a genuinely Filipino document. But before their work could be completed, Marcos declared martial law and manipulated the constitutional convention to serve his purposes. The 1973 constitution was a deviation from the Philippines' commitment to democratic ideals. Marcos abolished Congress and ruled by presidential decree from September 1972 until 1978, when a parliamentary government with a legislature called the National Assembly replaced the presidential system. But Marcos exercised all the powers of president under the old system plus the powers of prime minister under the new system. When Marcos was driven from office in 1986, the 1973 constitution also was jettisoned.

After Aquino came to power, on March 25, 1986, she issued Presidential Proclamation No. 3, which promulgated an interim "Freedom Constitution" that gave Aquino sweeping powers theoretically even greater than those Marcos had enjoyed, although she promised to use her emergency powers only to restore democracy, not to perpetuate herself in power. She claimed that she needed a free hand to restore democracy, revive the economy, gain control of the military, and repatriate some of the national wealth that Marcos and his partners had purloined. Minister of Justice Neptali Gonzales described the Freedom Constitution as "civilian in character, revolutionary in origin, democratic in essence, and transitory in character." The Freedom Constitution was to remain in effect until a new legislature was convened and a constitutional convention could write a new, democratic constitution to be ratified by national plebiscite. The process took sixteen months.

Although many Filipinos thought delegates to the Constitutional Commission should be elected, Aquino appointed them, saying that the Philippines could not afford the time or expense of an election. On May 25, 1986, she selected forty-four names from hundreds suggested by her cabinet and the public. She appointed respected, prominent citizens and, to be on the safe side, prohibited them from running for office for one year after the constitution's ratification. Delegates had the same profile as those who had drawn up the constitutions of 1898 and 1935: they were wealthy and well educated. They represented a range of political stances: some were leftists and some were ardent nationalists, but moderate conservatives held a majority. There were thirty lawyers, including two former Supreme Court justices. A nun, a priest, and a bishop represented the interests of the Catholic Church. Eight commissioners had also served in the aborted constitutional convention of 1972. Five seats on the fifty-member commission were reserved for Marcos supporters, defined as members of Marcos's New Society Movement, and were filled by former Minister of Labor Blas Ople and four associates. One seat was reserved for the Iglesia ni Kristo (Church of Christ), which, however, declined to participate. One of Aquino's appointees, leftist movie producer Lino Brocka, resigned, so the final number of commissioners was forty-eight.

The commission divided itself into fourteen committees and began work amidst great public interest, which, however, soon waned. Long, legalistic hearings were sometimes poorly attended. Aquino is known to have intervened to influence only one decision of the commission. She voiced her support of a loophole in the constitution's antinuclear weapons provision that allowed the president to declare that nuclear weapons, if present on United States bases, were "in the national interest."

The commissioners quickly abandoned the parliamentary government that Marcos had fancied, and arguments for a unicameral legislature also were given short shrift. Most delegates favored a return to something very much like the 1935 constitution, with numerous symbolic clauses to appease "cause- oriented" groups. The most controversial proposals were those pertaining to the Philippine claim to Sabah, presidential emergency powers, land reform, the rights of labor, the role of foreign investment, and United States military base rights. Special attention focused on proposals to declare Philippine territory a nuclear-free zone.

Aquino had asked the Constitutional Commission to complete its work within ninety days, by September 2, 1986. Lengthy public hearings (some in the provinces) and contentious floor debates, however, caused this deadline to be missed. The final version of the Constitution, similar to a "draft proposal" drawn up in June by the University of the Philippines Law School, was presented to Aquino on October 15. The commission had approved it by a vote of forty-four to two.

The constitution, one of the longest in the world, establishes three separate branches of government called departments: executive, legislative, and judicial. A number of independent commissions are mandated: the Commission on Elections and the Commission on Audit are continued from the old constitution, and two others, the Commission on Human Rights and the Commission on Good Government, were formed in reaction to Marcos's abuses. The Commission on Good Government is charged with the task of repossessing ill-gotten wealth acquired during the Marcos regime.

Some ambitious Filipino politicians hoped that the new Constitution would invalidate the 1986 presidential election and require that a new election be held. Their hopes were dashed by the "transitory provisions" in Article 17 of the new constitution that confirmed Aquino in office until June 30, 1992. Other officials first elected under the new constitution also were to serve until 1992.

Article 3, the bill of rights, contains the same rights found in the United States Constitution (often in identical wording), as well as some additional rights. The exclusionary rule, for example, prohibits illegally gathered evidence from being used at a trial. Other rights include a freedom-of-information clause, the right to form unions, and the requirement that suspects be informed of their right to remain silent.

The church and state are separated, but Catholic influence can be seen in parts of the Constitution. An article on the family downplays birth control; another clause directs the state to protect the life of the unborn beginning with conception; and still another clause abolishes the death penalty. Church-owned land also is tax-exempt.

The explosive issue of agrarian reform is treated gingerly. The state is explicitly directed to undertake the redistribution of land to those who till it, but "just compensation" must be paid to present owners, and Congress (expected to be dominated by landowners) is given the power to prescribe limits on the amount of land that can be retained. To resolve the controversial issue of United States military bases, the Constitution requires that any future agreement must be in the form of a treaty that is ratified by two-thirds of the Senate and, if the Congress requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a national referendum.

Many provisions lend a progressive spirit to the Constitution, but these provisions are symbolic declarations of the framers' hopes and are unenforceable. For example, the state is to make decent housing available to underprivileged citizens. Priority is to be given to the sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. Wealth and political power are to be diffused for the common good. The state shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service. To be implemented, all of these declarations of intent required legislation.

Aquino scheduled a plebiscite on the new constitution for February 2, 1987. Ratification of the constitution was supported by a loose coalition of centrist parties and by the Catholic Church. The constitution was opposed by both the Communist Party of the Philippines--Marxist Leninist (referred to as the CPP) and the leftist May First Movement (Kilusang Mayo Uno) for three reasons: It was tepid on land reform, it did not absolutely ban nuclear weapons from Philippine territory, and it offered incentives to foreign investors. But the communists were in disarray after their colossal mistake of boycotting the election that overthrew Marcos, and their objections carried little weight. The constitution faced more serious opposition from the right, led by President Aquino's discontented, now ex-defense minister, Juan Ponce Enrile, who reassembled elements of the old Nacionalista Party to campaign for a no vote to protest what he called the "Aquino dictatorship."

Aquino toured the country campaigning for a yes vote, trading heavily on her enormous personal prestige. The referendum was judged by most observers to turn more on Aquino's popularity than on the actual merits of the Constitution, which few people had read. Her slogan was "Yes to Cory, Yes to Country, Yes to Democracy, and Yes to the Constitution." Aquino also showed that she was familiar with traditional Filipino pork-barrel politics, promising voters in Bicol 1,061 new classrooms "as a sign of my gratitude" if they voted yes.

The plebiscite was fairly conducted and orderly. An overwhelming three-to-one vote approved of the Constitution, confirmed Aquino in office until 1992, and dealt a stunning defeat to her critics. Above all else the victory indicated a vote for stability in the midst of turmoil. There was only one ominous note--a majority of the military voted against the referendum. Aquino proclaimed the new Constitution in effect on February 11, 1987, and made all members of the military swear loyalty to it.

http://www.etraffiliates.com/935.html

Lexmark X4850

People today love a gadget that can be brought wherever they go. They love a gadget without any cord attached to it. They love a gadget which is wireless and mobile that could use them in their business.
There is a product that is very good as partner in your business especially in the field of photo printing.
The Lexmark X4850 is a wireless all-in-one printer built to maximize productivity for home-working professionals who are interested in photos. It can do scanning, copying and photo printing. The X4850 features two-sided printing, evercolor inks for photos, a 2.4" LCD display, borderless printing and media card slots.
New Lexmark wireless AIOs pack productivity punch, make freedom more affordable.
Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today introduced three full-featured wireless all-in-one (AIO) printers delivering industry-leading value for small office/home office (SOHO) professionals and combining the flexibility of wireless connectivity, the efficiency of automatic two-sided printing and the convenience of easy installation.
With the addition of the new Lexmark X6570, the Lexmark X7550 and the Lexmark X4850, Lexmark’s new wireless AIO line delivers robust and reliable solutions to meet the rigorous demands of SOHO professionals. Lexmark’s research reveals that SOHO professionals are so busy that they work on their personal time - nights or weekends - an average of three days per week. Most are already using a wireless home network, according to the study, and two-thirds of participants said that a wireless printer would complete their wireless set-up at home.
Wireless AIOs can boost productivity for SOHO professionals by allowing them to print wirelessly from anywhere within range of their wireless network. Wireless AIOs also allow multiple computer users to share the same wireless printer, eliminating the need for multiple devices. With Lexmark’s new AIO printers, not only can users print wirelessly, but they can scan, fax and access media card slots wirelessly as well.
So, grab one now and start your business with Lexmark X4850 AIO!

You Can Now Print From Your Mobile Phone Using Lexmark's Mobile Print Solution

Many of us now searching for a convenient way to communicate people. That is why mobile phones popping up like mushrooms on the ground. As generations gone by many technologies created, many technologies upgraded.
If you were in a business and as you run between meetings and customer sites, you rely on your mobile device (Blackberry, Treo, etc.) to communicate with your clients and colleagues. These devices extend your reach, enabling you to respond quickly and easily. But what about when you need a hard copy of the attachment that someone just e-mailed you? Then your “on-the-go” solution often slows to a crawl. Today, many people handle this situation by returning to their office to print, or they send the file to their administrative assistant, who then prints the attachment and faxes it back or delivers it in person. It’s a slow, unprofessional process that increases administrative time and expense while creating unacceptable gaps in client service.

Lexmark keeps it moving. With Lexmark’s Mobile Print Solution, you can send e-mail with attachments – Microsoft Office document types, images, PDF’s and more – from your mobile device to a network printer or any fax number. Critical printed documents are delivered immediately, when and where you need them, with no burden on your administrative staff. It’s a fast, professional and inexpensive process that leverages your investment in mobile technology while keeping you focused on your clients’ needs.

The Lexmark Mobile Print Solution can be customized to fit your business needs.

Here’s an example:
Software:
• Mobile Print Solution for
300 users
Service:
• Up to three days of
configuration, project
management, onsite
installation, and training
Maintenance & Warranty:
• One year of maintenance
and support
Price:
• $18,150**
Hardware Requirements
(Not Included):
• Server hardware provided
by customer
**Based on standard application and configuration. Price
may vary. Hardware not included.

Lexmark extends relationship with Dell for printing technology

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today announced an expansion of its relationship with Dell, to collaborate on a broader set of printer models and related aftermarket cartridges manufactured by Lexmark and sold to customers under the Dell brand.
The long-term multi-year agreement expands cooperation between the two companies, encompassing laser and inkjet product development, manufacturing and sales. Applying the strengths of each company, Lexmark and Dell will continue to jointly pursue initiatives for workgroup, small business and personal imaging products, with features and capabilities that uniquely serve the needs of Dell customers.
"The combination of Lexmark's technology leadership with Dell's global reach and customer insight is a win for both companies -- and particularly customers," said Paul J. Curlander, Lexmark chairman and chief executive officer. "Working with a world-class organization like Dell expands our market penetration and the number of printing solutions that can be brought to customers."
"Lexmark has been a valued technology supplier to Dell since 2002, and we are pleased to renew that relationship in areas that will help drive value to Dell customers," said Tim Peters, Dell's vice president and general manager for imaging, displays and peripherals. "The expanded collaboration will enable Dell to further enhance our brand in the imaging market and deepen customer relationships, from individual consumers to enterprise customers."
The terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
About Lexmark
Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2008, Lexmark reported $4.5 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com.
About Dell
People worldwide can buy Dell online, by phone and in nearly 20,000 stores.
Lexmark and Lexmark with diamond design are trademarks of Lexmark International, Inc., registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
All prices, features, specifications and capabilities are subject to change without notice.

Lexmark shares fall on reduced earnings outlook

The company warns that fourth-quarter results will be weaker than expected and announces new restructuring plan.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Lexmark International Inc. warned that its fourth-quarter results would be lower than expected, on weak computer printer sales and higher restructuring costs, sending its shares down 11%.
Lexmark, which has been boosting research and development spending on more advanced models aimed at businesses, also set a new 2009 restructuring plan that will result in charges of $45 million and affect 375 jobs.
About one third of the jobs may be transferred to low-cost regions, Lexmark chief executive Paul Curlander said on a conference call with analysts.
The company expects its fourth-quarter revenue to decline about 17%. It had previously forecast a fourth-quarter drop in the low to mid-teens range.
It said revenue had been hurt by lower laser and inkjet hardware unit sales and currency rate shifts during the quarter.
The company has been purposely shrinking sales of its lower-end printers, focusing instead on sales to customers like small businesses that use more replacement supplies, in an effort to better compete with Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ, Fortune 500) and Canon Inc. (CAJ)
However, the recession has already hurt computer related purchases, and weakening economies are expected to push spending on technology products and services down this year after seven years of growth, according to Forrester Research.
Positive news for competitors
Analyst Shannon Cross of Cross Research said that Lexmark's woes are likely to benefit its rivals.
"While a negative datapoint on the industry, we think weakness at Lexmark is a long-term positive for HP, Xerox, Epson and Canon as we believe stronger players will take share of Lexmark's $4 billion revenue stream," she said in a client note.
Lexmark expects fourth-quarter earnings to be 71 cents to 76 cents a share excluding restructuring charges. It previously expected 70 cents to 80 cents a share.
It expects the new restructuring plan to save the company $50 million when completed, with about $40 million in savings in 2009.
The company also said the recession would affect its first-quarter results.
"As we go into this quarter we are expecting continued weakness in laser and inkjet demand," Curlander said. "We did see weak end-user demand in supplies (in the fourth quarter) and we are expecting some of that in the first quarter."
It expects a revenue decline in the mid to high teens percentage range, and earnings per share of 65 cents to 75 cents excluding charges.
Analysts had expected a profit of 80 cents a share in the period, according to Reuters Estimates.
Shares of Lexmark (LXK, Fortune 500) slipped by $3.14 to $25.21 in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Lexmark's Mission

Lexmark International Philippines Inc. (LIPI) is ateam of dedicated and innovative associates engaged in manufacturing high volume inkjet products for global markets.

We are differentiated through our passion for operational excellence and process breakthroughs that translate into a stream of valued customer experiences.