Express and Shout

Aquino SONA 2010 Speech

2010-07-26T04:06:00.001-07:00

AQUINO SONA 2010 Speech:
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Chief Justice Renato Corona; Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; my fellow workers in government;
Mga minamahal kong kababayan:
Sa bawat sandali po ng pamamahala ay nahaharap tayo sa isang sangandaan.
Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. Ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; ang pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito po ang tuwid na daan.
Sa kabilang banda ay ang pag-una sa pansariling interes. Ang pagpapaalipin sa pulitikal na konsiderasyon, at pagsasakripisyo ng kapakanan ng taumbayan. Ito po ang baluktot na daan.
GOV’T HAS LONG STRAYED TO THE CROOKED PATH
Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng aking responsibilidad.
Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming panunungkulan, marami po kaming natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.
RP’S PROBLEMS WIDE-RANGING; TRUE STATE OF THE NATION KEPT SECRET FROM THE PUBLIC
Sulyap lamang po ito; hindi pa ito ang lahat ng problemang haharapin natin. Inilihim at sadyang iniligaw ang sambayanan sa totoong kalagayan ng ating bansa.
PROBLEMA SA BUDGET
Sa unang anim na buwan ng taon, mas malaki ang ginastos ng gobyerno kaysa sa pumasok na kita. Lalong lumaki ang deficit natin, na umakyat na sa 196.7 billion pesos. Sa target na kuleksyon, kinapos tayo ng 23.8 billion pesos; ang tinataya namang gastos, nalagpasan natin ng 45.1 billion pesos.
Ang budget po sa 2010 ay 1.54 trillion pesos.
Nasa isandaang bilyong piso o anim at kalahating porsyento na lang ng kabuuan ang malaya nating magagamit para sa nalalabing anim na buwan ng taong ito.
Halos isang porsyento na lang po ng kabuuang budget ang natitira para sa bawat buwan.
Saan naman po dinala ang pera?
CALAMITY FUND
Naglaan ng dalawang bilyong piso na Calamity Fund bilang paghahanda para sa mga kalamidad na hindi pa nangyayari. Napakaliit na nga po ng pondong ito, ngunit kapapasok pa lang natin sa panahon ng baha at bagyo, 1.4 billion pesos o sitenta porsyento na ang nagastos.
Sa kabuuan ng 108 million pesos para sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, 105 million pesos nito ay napunta sa iisang distrito lamang.
ONE DISTRICT IN PAMPANGA GOT P105M; PANGASINAN ONLY GOT P5M FOR 2008 CALAMITY
Samantala, ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na sinalanta ng Pepeng ay nakatanggap ng limang milyong piso lamang para sa pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme, na nangyari noong 2008 pa.
FUNDS FOR PAMPANGA GIVEN ON ELECTION MONTH, 7 MOS. AFTER “ONDOY”, “PEPENG”
Ibinigay po ang pondo ng Pampanga sa buwan ng eleksyon, pitong buwan pagkatapos ng Ondoy at Pepeng. Paano kung bumagyo bukas? Inubos na ang pondo nito para sa bagyong nangyari noong isang taon pa. Pagbabayaran ng kinabukasan ang kasakiman ng nakaraan.
MWSS
Ganyan din po ang nangyari sa pondo ng MWSS. Kamakailan lamang, pumipila ang mga tao para lang makakuha ng tubig. Sa kabila nito, minabuti pa ng liderato ng MWSS na magbigay ng gantimpala sa sarili kahit hindi pa nababayaran ang pensyon ng mga retiradong empleyado.
Noong 2009, ang buong payroll ng MWSS ay 51.4 million pesos. Pero hindi lang naman po ito ang sahod nila; may mga additional allowances at benefits pa sila na aabot sa 160.1 million pesos. Sa madaling sabi, nakatanggap sila ng 211.5 million pesos noong nakaraang taon. Beinte-kuwatro porsyento lang nito ang normal na sahod, at sitenta’y sais porsyento ang dagdag.
Ang karaniwang manggagawa hanggang 13th month pay plus cash gift lang ang nakukuha. Sa MWSS, aabot sa katumbas ng mahigit sa tatlumpung buwan ang sahod kasama na ang lahat ng mga bonuses at allowances na nakuha nila.
Mas matindi po ang natuklasan natin sa pasahod ng kanilang Board of Trustees. Tingnan po natin ang mga allowances na tinatanggap nila:
Umupo ka lang sa Board of Trustees at Board Committee meeting, katorse mil na. Aabot ng nobenta’y otso mil ito kada buwan. May grocery incentive pa sila na otsenta mil kada taon.
Hindi lang iyon: may mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, at Financial Assistance. May Christmas bonus na, may Additional Christmas Package pa. Kada isa sa mga ito, nobenta’y otso mil.
Sa suma total po, aabot ang lahat ng dalawa’t kalahating milyong piso kada taon sa bawat miyembro ng Board maliban sa pakotse, technical assistance, at pautang. Uulitin ko po. Lahat ng ito ay ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga sarili habang hindi pa nababayaran ang mga pensyon ng kanilang mga retirees.
Pati po ang La Mesa Watershed ay hindi nila pinatawad. Para magkaroon ng tamang supply ng tubig, kailangang alagaan ang mga watershed. Sa watershed, puno ang kailangan. Pati po iyon na dapat puno ang nakatayo, tinayuan nila ng bahay para sa matataas na opisyal ng MWSS.
Hindi naman sila agad maaalis sa puwesto dahil kabilang sila sa mga Midnight Appointees ni dating Pangulong Arroyo. Iniimbestigahan na natin ang lahat nang ito. Kung mayroon pa silang kahit kaunting hiya na natitira – sana kusa na lang silang magbitiw sa puwesto.
ROAD USERS’ FUND
Pag-usapan naman po natin ang pondo para sa imprastruktura. Tumukoy ang DPWH ng dalawandaan apatnapu’t anim na priority safety projects na popondohan ng Motor Vehicle Users Charge. Mangangailangan po ito ng budget na 425 million pesos.
Ang pinondohan po, dalawampu’t walong proyekto lang. Kinalimutan po ang dalawandaan at labing walong proyekto at pinalitan ng pitumpung proyekto na wala naman sa plano. Ang hininging 425 million pesos, naging 480 million pesos pa, lumaki lalo dahil sa mga proyektong sa piling-piling mga benepisyaryo lang napunta.
Mga proyekto po itong walang saysay, hindi pinag-aralan at hindi pinaghandaan, kaya parang kabuteng sumusulpot.
Tapos na po ang panahon para dito. Sa administrasyon po natin, walang kota-kota, walang tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan lamang.
NEGOTIATED CONTRACTS
Meron pa po tayong natuklasan. Limang araw bago matapos ang termino ng nakaraang administrasyon, nagpautos silang maglabas ng 3.5 billion pesos para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta nina Ondoy at Pepeng.
Walumpu’t anim na proyekto ang paglalaanan dapat nito na hindi na sana idadaan sa public bidding. Labingsiyam sa mga ito na nagkakahalaga ng 981 million pesos ang muntik nang makalusot. Hindi pa nailalabas ang Special Allotment Release Order ay pirmado na ang mga kontrata.
Buti na lang po ay natuklasan at pinigilan ito ni Secretary Rogelio Singson ng DPWH. Ngayon po ay dadaan na ang kabuuan ng 3.5 billion pesos sa tapat na bidding, at magagamit na ang pondo na ito sa pagbibigay ng lingap sa mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil kina Ondoy at Pepeng.
NAPOCOR
Pag-usapan naman natin ang nangyari sa NAPOCOR. Noong 2001 hanggang 2004, pinilit ng gobyerno ang NAPOCOR na magbenta ng kuryente nang palugi para hindi tumaas ang presyo. Tila ang dahilan: pinaghahandaan na nila ang eleksyon.
Dahil dito, noong 2004, sumagad ang pagkakabaon sa utang ng NAPOCOR. Napilitan ang pambansang gobyerno na sagutin ang dalawandaang bilyong pisong utang nito.
Ang inakala ng taumbayan na natipid nila sa kuryente ay binabayaran din natin mula sa kaban ng bayan. May gastos na tayo sa kuryente, binabayaran pa natin ang dagdag na pagkakautang ng gobyerno.
Kung naging matino ang pag-utang, sana’y nadagdagan ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika, at hindi sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Ang taumbayan, matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo pang pinahirapan.
MRT
Ganito rin po ang nangyari sa MRT. Sinubukan na namang bilhin ang ating pagmamahal. Pinilit ang operator na panatilihing mababa ang pamasahe.
Hindi tuloy nagampanan ang garantiyang ibinigay sa operator na mababawi nila ang kanilang puhunan. Dahil dito, inutusan ang Landbank at Development Bank of the Philippines na bilhin ang MRT.
Ang pera ng taumbayan, ipinagpalit sa isang naluluging operasyon.
NFA
Dumako naman po tayo sa pondo ng NFA.
Noong 2004: 117,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply ng Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 900,000 metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit pitong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra pa rin ang binili nila.
Noong 2007: 589,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply sa Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 1.827 million metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit tatlong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra na naman ang binili nila.
Ang masakit nito, dahil sobra-sobra ang binibili nila taun-taon, nabubulok lang pala sa mga kamalig ang bigas, kagaya ng nangyari noong 2008.
Hindi po ba krimen ito, na hinahayaan nilang mabulok ang bigas, sa kabila ng apat na milyong Pilipinong hindi kumakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?
Ang resulta nito, umabot na sa 171.6 billion pesos ang utang ng NFA noong Mayo ng taong ito.
Ang tinapon na ito, halos puwede na sanang pondohan ang mga sumusunod:
Ang budget ng buong Hudikatura, na 12.7 billion pesos sa taong ito.
Ang Conditional Cash Transfers para sa susunod na taon, na nagkakahalaga ng 29.6 billion pesos.
Ang lahat ng classroom na kailangan ng ating bansa, na nagkakahalaga ng 130 billion pesos.
Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa.
ZERO BUDGET
Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas.
Kaya nga po mula ngayon: ititigil na natin ang paglulustay sa salapi ng bayan. Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong mali.
Ito po ang punto ng tinatawag nating zero-based approach sa ating budget. Ang naging kalakaran po, taun-taon ay inuulit lamang ang budget na puno ng tagas. Dadagdagan lang nang konti, puwede na.
Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon.
IMMEDIATE STEPS
TAX EVASION
Ilan lang ito sa mga natuklasan nating problema. Heto naman po ang ilang halimbawa ng mga hakbang na ginagawa natin.
Nandiyan po ang kaso ng isang may-ari ng sanglaan. Bumili siya ng sasakyang tinatayang nasa dalawampu’t anim na milyong piso ang halaga.
Kung kaya mong bumili ng Lamborghini, bakit hindi mo kayang magbayad ng buwis?
Nasampahan na po ito ng kaso. Sa pangunguna nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis.
EXTRALEGAL KILLINGS
Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo.
Singkuwenta porsyento po ng mga insidente ng extralegal killings ang patungo na sa kanilang resolusyon.
Ang natitira pong kalahati ay hindi natin tatantanan ang pag-usig hanggang makamit ang katarungan.
TRUTH COMMISSION
Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno.
Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon.
Sa loob ng linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Kung ang sagot sa kawalan ng katarungan ay pananagutan, ang sagot naman sa kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga makabago at malikhaing paraan para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-tagal nang problema.
Napakarami po ng ating pangangailangan: mula sa edukasyon, imprastruktura, pangkalusugan, pangangailangan ng militar at kapulisan, at marami pang iba. Hindi kakasya ang pondo para mapunan ang lahat ng ito.
Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunan ang mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan, ganado pa rin ako dahil marami nang nagpakita ng panibagong interes at kumpyansa sa Pilipinas.
Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin ukol dito.
May mga nagpakita na po ng interes, gustong magtayo ng expressway na mula Maynila, tatahak ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, hanggang sa dulo ng Cagayan Valley nang hindi gugugol ang estado kahit na po piso.
Sa larangan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas:
Mayroon po tayong 36,000 nautical miles ng baybayin. Ang mayroon lamang tayo: tatlumpu’t dalawang barko. Itong mga barkong ito, panahon pa ni MacArthur.
May nagmungkahi sa atin, ito ang proposisyon: uupahan po nila ang headquarters ng Navy sa Roxas Boulevard at ang Naval Station sa Fort Bonifacio.
Sagot po nila ang paglipat ng Navy Headquarters sa Camp Aguinaldo. Agaran, bibigyan tayo ng isandaang milyong dolyar. At dagdag pa sa lahat nang iyan, magsusubi pa sila sa atin ng kita mula sa mga negosyong itatayo nila sa uupahan nilang lupa.
Sa madali pong sabi: Makukuha natin ang kailangan natin, hindi tatayo gagastos, kikita pa tayo.
Marami na pong nag-alok at nagmungkahi sa atin, mula lokal hanggang dayuhang negosyante, na magpuno ng iba’t ibang pangangailangan.
Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito.
Maipapatayo na po ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin para palaguin ang turismo.
Sa agrikultura, makapagtatayo na tayo ng mga grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, maayos na road networks at post-harvest facilities.
Kung maisasaayos natin ang ating food supply chain sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, sa halip na mag-angkat tayo ay maari na sana tayong mangarap na mag-supply sa pandaigdigang merkado.
Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops at mga kumokotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.
STREAMLINING PROCESSES
Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo.
Pabibilisin natin ang proseso ng mga proyektong sumasailalim sa Build-Operate-Transfer. Sa tulong ng lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno at ng mga mamamayan, pabababain natin sa anim na buwan ang proseso na noon ay inaabot ng taon kung hindi dekada.
May mga hakbang na rin pong sinisimulan ang DTI, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Gregory Domingo:
Ang walang-katapusang pabalik-balik sa proseso ng pagrehistro ng pangalan ng kumpanya, na kada dalaw ay umaabot ng apat hanggang walong oras, ibababa na natin sa labinlimang minuto.
Ang dating listahan ng tatlumpu’t anim na dokumento, ibababa natin sa anim. Ang dating walong pahinang application form, ibababa natin sa isang pahina.
Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso. Kailangan itong gawing mas mabilis, at kailangan itong itugma sa mga sinisumulan nating reporma.
Negosyante, sundalo, rebelde, at karaniwang Pilipino, lahat po makikinabang dito. Basta po hindi dehado ang Pilipino, papasukin po natin lahat iyan. Kailangan na po nating simulan ang pagtutulungan para makamit ito. Huwag nating pahirapan ang isa’t isa.
Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak.
FREEING UP FUNDS
EDUCATION
Oras na maipatupad ang public-private partnerships na ito, mapopondohan ang mga serbisyong panlipunan, alinsunod sa ating plataporma.
Magkakapondo na po para maipatupad ang mga plano natin sa edukasyon.
Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon.
Madadagdagan natin ang mga classroom. Mapopondohan natin ang service contracting sa ilalim ng GASTPE.
Pati ang conditional cash transfers, na magbabawas ng pabigat sa bulsa ng mga pamilya, madadagdan na rin ng pondo.
PHILHEALTH
Maipapatupad ang plano natin sa PhilHealth.
Una, tutukuyin natin ang tunay na bilang ng mga nangangailangan nito. Sa ngayon, hindi magkakatugma ang datos. Sabi ng PhilHealth sa isang bibig, walumpu’t pitong porsyento na raw ang merong coverage. Sa kabilang bibig naman, singkuwenta’y tres porsyento naman. Ayon naman sa National Statistics Office, tatlumpu’t walong porsyento ang may coverage.
Ngayon pa lang, kumikilos na si Secretary Dinky Soliman at ang DSWD upang ipatupad ang National Household Targetting System, na magtutukoy sa mga pamilyang higit na nagangailangan ng tulong. Tinatayang siyam na bilyon ang kailangan para mabigyan ng PhilHealth ang limang milyong pinakamaralitang pamilyang Pilipino.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Napakaganda po ng hinaharap natin. Kasama na po natin ang pribadong sektor, at kasama na rin natin ang League of Provinces, sa pangunguna nina Governor Alfonso Umali kasama sina Governor L-Ray Villafuerte at Governor Icot Petilla. Handa na pong makipagtulungan para makibahagi sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin. Alam ko rin pong hindi magpapahuli ang League of Cities sa pangunguna ni Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.
Kung ang mga gobyernong lokal ay nakikiramay na sa ating mga adhikain, ang Kongreso namang pinanggalingan ko, siguro naman maasahan ko din.
Nagpakitang-gilas na po ang gabinete sa pagtukoy ng ating mga problema at sa paglulunsad ng mga solusyon sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo.
Nang bagyo pong Basyang, ang sabi sa atin ng mga may prangkisa sa kuryente, apat na araw na walang kuryente. Dahil sa mabilis na pagkilos ni Secretary Rene Almendras at ng Department of Energy, naibalik ang kuryente sa halos lahat sa loob lamang ng beinte-kwatro oras.
Ito pong sinasabing kakulangan sa tubig sa Metro Manila, kinilusan agad ni Secretary Rogelio Singson at ng DPWH. Hindi na siya naghintay ng utos, kaya nabawasan ang perwisyo.
Nakita na rin natin ang gilas ng mga hinirang nating makatulong sa Gabinete. Makatuwiran naman po sigurong umasa na hindi na sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom para makumpirma ng Commission on Appointments. Kung mangyayari po ito, marami pa sa mga mahuhusay na Pilipino ang maeengganyong magsilbi sa gobyerno.
Sa lalong madaling panahon po, uupo na tayo sa LEDAC at pag-uusapan ang mga mahahalagang batas na kailangan nating ipasa. Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling bukas ang aking isipan, at ang ating ugnayan ay mananatiling tapat.
Isinusulong po natin ang Fiscal Responsibility Bill, kung saan hindi tayo magpapasa ng batas na mangangailangan ng pondo kung hindi pa natukoy ang panggagalingan nito. May 104.1 billion pesos tayong kailangan para pondohan ang mga batas na naipasa na, ngunit hindi maipatupad.
Kailangan din nating isaayos ang mga insentibong piskal na ibinigay noong nakaraan. Ngayong naghihigpit tayo ng sinturon, kailangang balikan kung alin sa mga ito ang dapat manatili at kung ano ang dapat nang itigil.
Huwag po tayong pumayag na magkaroon ng isa pang NBN-ZTE. Sa lokal man o dayuhan manggagaling ang pondo, dapat dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hinihingi ko po ang tulong ninyo upang amiyendahan ang ating Procurement Law.
Ayon po sa Saligang Batas, tungkulin ng estado ang siguruhing walang lamangan sa merkado. Bawal ang monopolya, bawal ang mga cartel na sasakal sa kumpetisyon. Kailangan po natin ng isang Anti-Trust Law na magbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Ito ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises na makilahok at tumulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.
Ipasa na po natin ang National Land Use Bill.
Una rin pong naging batas ng Commonwealth ang National Defense Act, na ipinasa noon pang 1935. Kailangan nang palitan ito ng batas na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan.
Nakikiusap po akong isulong ang Whistleblower’s Bill upang patuloy nang iwaksi ang kultura ng takot at pananahimik.
Palalakasin pa lalo ang Witness Protection Program. Alalahanin po natin na noong taong 2009 hanggang 2010, may nahatulan sa 95% ng mga kaso kung saan may witness na sumailalim sa programang ito.
Kailangang repasuhin ang ating mga batas. Nanawagan po akong umpisahan na ang rekodipikasyon ng ating mga batas, upang siguruhing magkakatugma sila at hindi salu-salungat.
PEACE PROCESS
Ito pong mga batas na ito ang batayan ng kaayusan, ngunit ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ginagawa natin ay ang prinsipyong wala tayong mararating kung walang kapayapaan at katahimikan.
Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.
Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.
Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.
Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.
Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?
Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Mag-usap tayo.
Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.
Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.
PANAWAGAN
Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan.
Inaasahan ko po ang ating mga kaibigan sa media, lalo na sa radyo at sa print, sa mga nagbablock-time, at sa community newspapers, kayo na po mismo ang magbantay sa inyong hanay.
Mabigyang-buhay sana ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng inyong bokasyon: ang magbigay-linaw sa mahahalagang isyu; ang maging patas at makatotohanan, at ang itaas ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso.
Tungkulin po ng bawat Pilipino na tutukan ang mga pinunong tayo rin naman ang nagluklok sa puwesto. Humakbang mula sa pakikialam tungo sa pakikilahok. Dahil ang nakikialam, walang-hanggan ang reklamo. Ang nakikilahok, nakikibahagi sa solusyon.
Napakatagal na pong namamayani ang pananaw na ang susi sa asenso ay ang intindihin ang sarili kaysa intindihin ang kapwa. Malinaw po sa akin: paano tayo aasenso habang nilalamangan ang kapwa?
Ang hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral, paanong makakakuha ng trabaho? Kung walang trabaho, paanong magiging konsumer? Paanong mag-iimpok sa bangko?
Ngunit kung babaliktarin natin ang pananaw-kung iisipin nating “Dadagdagan ko ang kakayahan ng aking kapwa”-magbubunga po ito, at ang lahat ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon.
Maganda na po ang nasimulan natin. At mas lalong maganda po ang mararating natin. Ngunit huwag nating kalimutan na mayroong mga nagnanasang hindi tayo magtagumpay. Dahil kapag hindi tayo nagtagumpay, makakabalik na naman sila sa kapangyarihan, at sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan.
Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?
Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap.
Maraming salamat po.

reference.

http://www.pinoysoundingboard.com/2010/07/pres-aquino-sona-2010-speech-transcript-and-reactions/

Spain won the World Cup

2010-07-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Spain players celebrate with the World Cup trophy at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Spain won 1-0. Spain express and shout their victory.

Spain won the World Cup with the right kind of football. No one can argue that its tense 1-0 extra time victory over the Netherlands wasn't deserved.
Where some teams chose grim defense, Spain stuck to its attacking philosophy at this World Cup and, in the end, reaped the biggest reward there is. Where others hoofed balls up field and hoped, the Spanish passed, passed and passed until the goals came.
In becoming the first European nation to win the World Cup outside of Europe, Spain showed that beautiful football can be winning football, too. That positive example can only be good for the global game. Spain plays football in the way that young boys dream of when they kick balls around on pitches and streets.
A new champion, how exciting. No offense to the seven other nations that jealously monopolized the trophy until now, but football needed a fresh face. Other nations — the Netherlands, of course, but with time, why not the United States, Ghana, Portugal and others — can take heart and dream that their day might come, too.
With their World Cup winners and their Wimbledon and French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who was in Soccer City for the final, Spain can brag of being the No.1 sporting nation of 2010. A real achievement. Spain's Alberto Contador also remains in the running to defend his Tour de France title, too.
For the first time in 80 years of World Cups, Italy, Brazil, Germany or Argentina did not play the final. That broadening of football's elite is good for its popularity and future.
The Netherlands, with just 16 million people and the sixth largest economy in Europe, came very close to becoming the little nation that could.
It will be of no consolation to them, but the fluid, offensive-minded football played by Spain owes a debt to Dutch masters.
The world champion's backbone is made of players from Barcelona FC. And the most successful manager in the history of that club is Dutch, Johan Cruyff. The Dutch influence continues: Current Barca coach Pep Guardiola was in Cruyff's "Dream Team" that won the 1992 European Cup.
In short, the Netherlands has long been a far bigger force in football than its mere size suggests. Great thinkers of the sport, the Dutch have pollinated other countries and leagues with their ideas, skills and knowledge. That means they will, eventually, lift the World Cup. Just not here, their third time of asking. To neutralize Spanish inventiveness, the Dutch lost their own artistry, hacking down Spanish players in a blizzard of fouls and deserved yellow cards.
Referee Howard Webb showed the value of having a real expert at this level. He could, perhaps should, have sent off Nigel de Jong for his karate kick that crunched into Xabi Alonso's chest on 28 minutes. But a red card then would have ruined the final. Webb should be congratulated for trying to ensure it was decided by players and not his officiating decisions. There had already been too much of that at this World Cup.
Although governing body FIFA insists that referees got the vast majority of their calls right, they will mostly be remembered for some huge howlers. The worst was Jorge Larrionda's failure to award Frank Lampard's goal that crossed the German line. Having World Cup referees from two dozen different countries made FIFA look democratic. But the errors were such that the introduction of some technology to assist them now looks inevitable and welcome.
In another positive for football, the final was also a triumph for the notion that investing in young players is money well spent.
The Netherlands and Spain have some of the finest football schools. At least a dozen players on the pitch Sunday or ready on the benches to replace them came through Ajax's football factory, based at a complex called The Future, or its Barcelona equivalent. There is a sobering lesson there for countries like England and Italy that were old and creaky at this World Cup.
Spain's victory also made Europe a winner. It has now edged ahead of South America in World Cup wins — with 10 to South America's 9. Following Italy's triumph of 2006, the Spanish win meant back-to-back titles for Europe. That broke a cycle of the cup traveling back and forth between Europe and South America that stretched back to 1962, when Brazil successfully defended the title it first won four years earlier. Quarterfinalist Brazil now has its work cut out if it wants to rebound for 2014, when it hosts the World Cup.
Europe dominated in other ways, too. The top goal-scoring teams were Germany, with 16, and the Netherlands, which got stuck on 12. And Spain's Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta proved to be the best midfield partnership in world football, like husband and wife in the way they read what the other is thinking.
Spain carried the swagger and confidence of a squad with a long-term habit of winning, setting the example for teams that came to the World Cup with hired-gun coaches. Success cannot be instantly bought.
The Spanish also underscored another lesson from South Africa — the best performers were teams, not individual stars.
Not by any stretch of the imagination was this a standout World Cup. There were not enough edge-of-seat moments. Drama came in dashes, it did not become the theme.
The average of just 2.27 goals per match was the second-lowest of any World Cup. Too few teams played like Germany or Argentina, hell-bent on scoring.
The first goal of the tournament — a left-footed strike by Siphiwe Tshabalala for South Africa — was also the best, both athletic and triggering vuvuzela horns that did not stop buzzing for the next month. The All England Club, rugby officials and others are absolutely right to ban those ear-splitting pests.

See reference:
http://www.sfgate.com

A SMALL TOUCHING STORY MAINLY FOR PROFESSIONALS.

2010-06-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON : 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD : 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON : 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD : 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON : 'I just want to know.. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD : 'If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour.'

SON : 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $10.00 ?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10..00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked..

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man.

'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.

Here's the $10.00 you asked for..'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' He yelled.

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?

Please come home early tomorrow.. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts..

Do remember to share that $20.00 worth of your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days....

But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

PLS READ WITH FAITH.. This is an awesome prayer..

Believe it and you shall be blessed.

The problem with many of us is that we don't believe that God will open a Window and pour out blessings that we won't have room to receive them. I Dare anyone to try God. He is true to His word. God cannot lie and His Promises are sure.

Three things will happen to you this coming week:

(1) You will find favour with someone you don't expect;

(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;

(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same again.

My prayer for you today:

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain, the mouth saying Amen To this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this Prayer to everybody y on your list. Have a lovely journey of life!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is AWESOME! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this email:

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you Abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a Family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to.. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful

than anything.. I thank you in advance for your blessings. Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt's burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just obey you and walk In your word and have thefaith of a mustard seed that you will pour out blessings.. I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know you are not done with me yet.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen

TAKE 60 SECONDS and send this on quickly and within hours, you will have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for each other.

Then sit back and watch the power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves.

Remain Blessed!!!

Photography is a work of art

2010-05-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Develop an artistic eye using your cell phone camera or just a plain camera. We can all take a good shot of our friends, of places we’ve visited and of memorable moments. Now, let’s try to create a pictorial masterpiece.

Remember the points presented on finding Lines, Forms, Shapes and Colors that make a subject aesthetically appealing. Find something unique in the person that can be captured digitally. A tip: Do not be afraid to get close to the subject as necessary. Make sure the bright light is behind you.

Are the hands more interesting to photograph? Maybe the feet? Is the smile all you need? With digital cameras, we can take as many pictures of the same subject from different angles with less or more light until you have the best shot. Sometimes you take picture, focused only on the subject matter. Later, you see that your best friend has telephone pole growing out of his head. Or your friend’s eyes are closed. Photography like painting is examining the subject matter and the environment so that the photo is perfectly composed.

Wait for the decisive moment. To make a photography interesting, wait for that moment when the subject matter will do something intimate and truthful. Instead of taking picture of the bride and groom, wait for the moment when you expect them to kiss and take that instead. A child is figuring a puzzle and you can tell that he will figure it out very soon. Wait and take a picture when he has solved it and gives out a big smile. That’s what is meant by a decisive moment.

Photographs are more interesting when there is animation, action, sense of motion. Catch the dancer’s leap. Catch the baby running. Catch the couple about to embrace. Catching motion in a photograph enlivens an image.

Today, every photograph has a smiling pose. Seek out other emotions and photograph them. See someone by the window pensively looking outside? Take a picture. Someone sleeping? Eating? Take a picture. Tears? Shock? Anger? Take a picture. Photographing a variety of emotions are the beginnings of serious artistry.

Look for another angle. Don’t just take pictures of people directly facing you. If you check a person’s face, from one side or another, you’ll notice they will have a photogenic side, a side that makes them appealing. Find that angle and take the picture. Experiment by raising or lowering your camera. Find the angle that emphasizes lines, shapes, and forms. The elements of aesthetic, enhances a photograph.

Some cameras have features that can eliminate color and instead present a picture in sepia or black-and-white. Experiment with the absence of color. Photography started as a colorless medium. There is a greater drama and more emphasis on the subject matter without the use of color.

Eventually, you will graduate into more sophisticated element of aesthetics called composition. To be pleasing to the eye, the subject matter must be properly composed. In a simple photograph it means the subject matter is in middle and all other elements around the subject matter complements it. In a more complex photograph there are several subjects that are arranged so that they complement each other, because of their lines and shapes. In even more complex situations, a variety of subjects completely different from one another, can still, through composition, complement and make for an interesting photograph. With digital cameras you can experiment and take many photos and delete at will with a greater likelihood of getting a pictorial masterpiece.

Aquino and Binay leads the initial tally

2010-05-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay widened their leads in the race for presidential and vice president respectively, as shown in the partial and unofficial results transmitted to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, by various precinct count optical scanning machines from 1,467 out of 76,475 precincts.

As of 8:21 p.m.:
President:
1. Benigno Aquino III: 179,020
2. Joseph Estrada: 136295
3. Manny Villar: 102271
4. Gilbert Teodoro: 53686
5. Eddie Villanueva: 14669
6. Vitaliano Acosta: 3105
7. Richard Gordon: 2571
8. Nicanor Perlas: 791
9. Jamby Madrigal: 608
10. JC Delos Reyes: 610
Vice President:
1. Jejomar Binay: 185623
2. Mar Roxas: 152263
3. Loren Legarda: 96415
4. Edu Manzano: 14743
5. Bayani Fernando: 9083
6. Perfecto Yasay: 4022
7. Dominador Chipeco: 946
8. Jay Sonza: 805

Source: Inquirer.net

Why Vote for GIBO?

2010-05-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Birth Name: Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gilbert”/”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr.
Political Party: LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD
Hometown: Manila
Civil Status: Married
Gender: Male
Nationality: Filipino
Birthday: June 14, 1964
Religion: Roman Catholic
Political Thrust (Short Description): “SA MABILIS NA PAG-AHON

SEN. MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO: Personal background wise, Gibo is the most qualified among presidential aspirants.
www.philstar.com

Former Pres. FIDEL V. RAMOS: "Incomparably COMPETENT..." - speech during the induction of officers of the Rotary Club Downtown Session (RCDS).
www.youtube.com

Despite being tagged as PGMA's "lapdog" or "paid hack" (unjustifiable nickname), he remains to be the least criticized candidate and the most efficient with his campaign. Somwhere in between, he must be doing something right to earn it.

It doesn't mean that if one opposes Gloria, that person could totally eradicate problems on corruption and could face a myriad more seemingly insurmountable issues our country is facing. It takes more than just opposing Gloria to solve the problems and issues of our country Philippines. One has to know issues and should concrete plans on how to deal with it. That, I do not see with other candidates. More than the WHAT can be done, I want to hear HOW things can be done, HOW results can be delivered.

GIBO too has no records of corruption. More than the clean record, GIBO has minimized corruption within DND during his term by 70%. That says more than just not stealing. While others busy throwing mud and findings ways to get what I perceive to be sympathy votes, GIBO stayed focus in his platforms. He continued influencing people to be positive and to avoid mudslinging, no matter how tempting it is at times.

Gibo's Paltform:

EDUCATION

Preparing our children for the future
Our children should be well equipped with the right skills and knowledge base to be globally competitive. Gibo pushes for academic excellence and a better curriculum, because he feels, the current curriculum is light in technical skills, mathematics, and English. By recommendation, a substantial and additional two years to the original six years of elementary is needed to prepare young Filipinos for four years of secondary education.
Exhaust all means to give everyone the proper college education

Loan Program
Aside from usual scholarships and state subsidies, creative solutions should also be implemented to give every Filipino the education that is rightfully his. One specific example for this is a loan system for the less fortunate, but deserving students in the tertiary level. When a student applies for a loan, he will be given a Social Security System (SSS) number. Immediately after he gets his first paycheck, it will register that he is getting a salary and subsequent deductions could be made.

GOVERNANCE
Pork Barrel: Competence in fund management is the solution
Reinforce the capability of the local government units to handle local funds and carry out intended projects. The issue According to Gibo, the pork barrel is not the problem, but how it is managed and utilized.

Regional Autonomy
The Congress should determine how much autonomy they allow different regions. “So they have the power to realign internal revenue allotments to regions that can’t. But I oppose in giving autonomy to regions which are not prepared, because merely of a military conflict.”

ECONOMY
Innovation is the key
To avoid a state of progress plateau, the country needs more innovative ideas to fuel the industry and the economy. The country has exhausted the era of copying and remodeling trends, it is time for something new in order for the country to become more globally competitive. The country needs to generate more ideas. The talents and minds of our countrymen is our greatest resource.

Aquino tags Villar volunteers

2010-04-29T01:37:00.000-07:00

E-mail traced to wife of ex-Napocor head Delgado

The wife of former National Power Corp. (Napocor) president Guido Delgado started the e-mail chain of the first psychiatric report that cast doubts on the mental fitness of Liberal Party standard-bearer Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the presidential candidate and his party said Wednesday.

Aquino particularly mentioned Joy Delgado, the wife of the former Napocor president, a volunteer of the camp of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Manuel Villar.
“The wife reportedly started the first e-mail on this issue…So, this is the second time and we are saying that there is already malicious intent. They’re open for legal action,” Aquino said in Calumpit, Bulacan.

Joy’s e-mail
The e-mail of Delgado’s wife, forwarded by Lacierda to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, showed that she received it from someone. She asked if the signature of Fr. Tito Caluag, who signed the first report, was genuine.
“I got this in the e-mail, just now. I have never been one to forward destructive e-mails unless verified. But looking at Fr. Tito’s signature, as far as I can recall, it does look authentic. Unless of course, somebody did a copy-paste. Can you verify this with him please? I seem to have lost his mobile number,” her e-mail said.
An attachment to the mail was the fake evaluation of Aquino by Caluag.

Source:
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Teodoro shares tips on campaign trail

2010-04-29T01:24:00.000-07:00

Administration presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. shared health and discipline tips that have helped him cope with the rigors of the campaign.
Drink lots of liquid. Hit the sack as soon as you can. Keep your eye on your goal. And of course, pray, he said.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday night after addressing supporters at the Freedom Stage here, Teodoro said this was how he was keeping up with the gruelling 90-day presidential campaign which ends in less than 12 days.
“Since it’s hot these days, try to hydrate a lot,” the 45-year-old former Defense chief said.
Teodoro said he skips late nights-out with family, friends or supporters, and goes straight to bed.
“I go straight to bed, then wake up early the next day,” he said before motoring to Lapu-Lapu City for another rally. “But don’t forget prayers even if you’re tired,” he added.
This is not to say Teodoro has not fallen ill anytime throughout the campaign, which has brought him to many parts of the country, often by helicopter.
“I have cold and flu even if there is a flu shot It’s impossible for you not to get hit,” he said.
Despite a stressful campaign, that often entails walking for several kilometers to shake hands with the people, or standing for hours on the back of a pick-up in a motorcade under the scorching sun, Teodoro said he has no choice but to plod on.
“You have to move on. That’s how it is. You have a goal. You have to complete the goal. Look at the goal, not the road. You march 8 kilometers under the sun. But you don’t mind; you just move on,” he said.
In Danao on Tuesday night, the lights went out for about 26 minutes, apparently due to a power overload, delaying Teodoro’s address before a crowd of over 8,000.
Photo-op
During the lull, hordes of campaign volunteers and supporters clad in green shirts, and even local candidates jostled on the stage to pose for pictures with Teodoro, a Harvard-trained lawyer, pilot and exercise buff.
Young boys and girls coaxed Teodoro to sign the back of their green shirts for posterity, amid chants of “Gibo, Gibo, Gibo.”
Teodoro barnstormed most parts of Cebu with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Administration senatorial candidate, Mayor Ramon Guico of Binalonan, Pangasinan, also showed up at the rally organized by Danao Mayor Ramon Durano III and his son, Rep. Ramon Durano VI of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
On Wednesday, Teodoro was set to fly to Camotes and Bantayan islands, and Dumanjug and Argao towns for more campaign rallies.

Source:
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Employers’ wage increase offer: P10

2010-04-29T01:20:00.001-07:00

BACOLOD CITY—A LABOR REPRESENTATIVE OF the Western Visayas Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) expressed disgust over the management representatives’ offer of a P10 increase in daily wages.
Wennie Sancho said the management representatives in the board made the offer during the wage board meeting held at the Stakeholders Consultation Forum of the National Wages and Productivity Commission held in Cebu City on Monday.
The Western Visayas wage board meeting was held to take advantage of the presence of all its members so they could deliberate on a petition filed by the Trade Union of Filipino Workers for a P50 wage hike in Western Visayas.
The government representatives on the wage board also said during that meeting it shouldn’t be the outgoing president who should increase wages because it wouldn’t look good, Sancho said.
He said the statements from the government representative in the board appeared be a convenient excuse for a wage-freeze policy, he added.
Sancho, along with labor representative Hernani Braza, walked out of the Monday meeting in protest.
“The management has no conscience as shown by its offer of only P10 in wage increase, which was an amount that one would give street beggars,” according to Sancho.
“The workers are not beggars. They work to keep the economy going and should be justly compensated,” he said.
Sancho called the wage board proceedings a farce, adding that he was calling for the wage board’s abolition because it did not serve the interest of the workers but only that of management and government.
“The RTWPB was created to divide and rule at the workers’ expense. I am calling for the decision on the wage hike petitions to be handed back to Congress,” Sancho said.
He said the Labor Day on Saturday would be a sad one for labor but this would not deter them from continuing the struggle for workers’ emancipation.
Sancho said the Negros Labor Coalition would hold a forum on Saturday and a series of rallies to manifest their indignation against what he said was the collaboration of the government and the management against the workers.

Source:
By Carla Gomez
Inquirer Visayas

Non-working holiday on May 3

2010-04-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—It will be a long weekend this week after Malacanang on Wednesday announced that May 3 will be a non-working holiday in the country so as to give Filipinos a chance to observe Labor Day.

Labor Day or May 1 falls on a Saturday this year but in keeping with its holiday economics policy, Malacanang has decided to move the observation of the holiday on the nearest work day, which is May 3 or this Monday, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said.

Labor officials the other day said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not make any wage increase announcements on Labor Day because wage boards in seven regions that have filed wage hike petitions were still holding deliberations that may conclude only in two or three weeks' time.

But they said the Palace will hold a “mega, mega” job fair on May 1 that will see the government offering 60,000 to 80,000 local and foreign jobs, the biggest ever in the nine-year-old Arroyo administration.

Source:
by: Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Vice Presidentiables Profiles

2010-04-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

Jejomar C. “JOJO”
BINAY

Educational Attainment

• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political
Science – University of the
Philippines
• Bachelor of Laws – University of the
Philippines
Professional/Public Service Record
• Mayor (Makati City) – 1986-1998,
2001-2004, 2007-Present
• Chairman, Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) --
1998-2001
• Acting Mayor (Makati City) -- 1986-
1987
• Lawyer
Significant Achievements
Under his leadership, Makati garnered
awards as Most Dynamic City (2004) and
Top 5 Most Competitive City (2005).
Makati, under Binay, pioneered in drafting
an environmental management plan, which
outlines the city government’s policies
and programs to address a wide range of
environmental issues and concerns.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Mayor Binay said that “While the
implementation of CARP (Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program) needs to
be reviewed, the net effect should
always be beneficial to the farmers.” He
institutionalized quality health care in Makati
through an efficient health care program.
He is also credited for directing funds for
maintenance of roads and infrastructure
even in the poorest districts of Makati.
There is no data about Binay’s position on
JPEPA.
He has underscored the crucial role of
LGUs in addressing the issues of climate
change and reducing the risks from natural
disasters. On the MOA-AD, Binay asserts
that if the Bangsamoro independent state
is allowed to come into being, other ethnic
minorities in the country can agitate for the
same.
He is a prominent supporter of former
President Estrada. Binay is a staunch
advocate against charter change before
2010. He also supports the Reproductive
Health Bill and cites Makati’s very low
population growth rate and maternal
mortality rate compared to national rates.
Website: http://www.jejomarbinay.com.ph/

Dominador Jr. F. “JUN”
CHIPECO

Educational Attainment
• Liberal Arts English - Ateneo de
Manila University
• Bachelor of Law - San Beda
College of Law
Professional/Public Service Record
• Consultant - Tulay sa Pagunlad,
Legal Affairs and Human
Resources - 2007
• Director - St. John Colleges, Inc. -
1989-present
• Director, Legal Counsel -
Community Rural Bank of San
Felipe, Zambales - 1974-Present
• Senior Legal Counsel - 3M
Southeast Asia Region - 1991-
1993
• Board Director, Board Secretary -
3M Philippines Inc. - 1995-2001
• Director - 3M Philippines
Inc., Legal Affairs and Human
Resources - 1973-1991
• Tax Attorney - Esso Philippines,
Inc. - 1971-1973
• Tax Attorney - SGV & Co. - 1969-
1970
• Associate Attorney - Carlos J.
Valdes and Associates - 1968-1969
• Law professor - Arellano University
- 1980
Significant Achievements
Applying universal principles on honesty
and integrity as affirmed by gospel based
values, delivered seminars/workshops
to 3M employees in the Philippines,
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on
the supreme importance of observing
business ethics in the work and market
places.
Participated in the review and design of
value formation training materials as a
component of the lending program of
TSPI to the poor and marginalized.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Domjnador Chipeco Jr. wrote in his blog
(junchipeco.livejournal.com) that the
Reproductive Health and Population
Development Act (HB 5043) “has very little
to do, if any, with parental responsibility.
The bill does not add any value to the
upbringing of children. On the contrary, it
promotes so-called safe sex through the use
of contraceptive pills and devices. The bill
teaches and promotes irresponsible sex by
effectively telling our children it’s ok to have
premarital sex but do it safely, i.e., safe from
pregnancy (as if it is a disease) and sexually
transmitted diseases. I call that promiscuity. If
it becomes a law, it will create an environment
where abortions will flourish. Never mind
if Pope Benedict XVl has spoken against
it. Never mind if our local Catholic Church
hierarchy has condemned the bill. Condoms
and IUDs are “cool.” Morality is out.”
Ang Kapatiran Party - A Dream?
Ours is not just a political campaign out to gain
political power, but even more importantly,
ours is also a mission with a message to
the Filipino electorate that if they want to
see not only a change but a transformation
taking place in the political leadership, they
must elect candidates based on their known
personal integrity and competence in their
chosen fields, and not only on their popularity
as actors, broadcasters, long staying
traditional politicians and on their emotional
connection to their parents. Only then will
they begin to see refreshingly new leaders
whose sole agenda is to serve the common
good that begins with uncompromising moral
principles. ANG KAPATIRAN CANDIDATES
DO NOT MAKE PROMISES, because if we
do, that will not make us any different from
other candidates. Rather, we say that if given
a chance to govern, we will do so from a
set of values and principles that are written
and to which we will be held accountable.
Any deviation there from will subject us to
disciplinary measures. A dream? Yes. But if
no one dreams for Filipinos, will change ever
happen? Was Ninoy Aquino dreaming? Jose
Rizal?
Website:http://www.angkapatiranparty.com

Bayani F. “BF”
FERNANDO

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Science, Major in
Mechanical Engineering – Mapua
Institute of Technology
Professional/Public Service Record
• Secretary, Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) –
2002-Present
• Director, Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH)
- National Capital Region –
2003-Present
• Mayor, Marikina City, – 1992-2001
• Mechanical Engineer

Significant Achievements
During his stint as Mayor, Marikina City was
accorded 55 citations and distinctions.
He has been conferred the Doctor of
Humanities, Honoris Causa, Ateneo de
Cagayan, The Outstanding Filipino(TOFIL)
Award for Government Service, the H.R.
Reyes Academic Medallion of Honor,
Central Colleges of the Philippines and
Doctor of the Public Administration,
Honoris Causa by the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines.
Chairman Fernando is credited to have
transformed the former municipality of
Marikina into one of the best-managed
cities and a paradigm of responsive and
effective governance. He embarked on
numerous beautification projects and
spearheaded the Save the Marikina River
program.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
While he has been described as having a
strong political will and as having the capacity
to instill discipline, he has been criticized for
having an iron rule approach. He authorized
several demolitions of shanties, food stalls,
etc. around Metro Manila without regard
to ensuring the availability of relocation
sites for the displaced families. He has said
that “It’s as if we are rewarding people who
squat. So we will see to it that only those
who are qualified will be relocated.”
Chairman Fernando has also been criticized
for the MMDA’s illegal cutting of trees.
Numerous documents from the DENR
are clear proofs to BF’s illegal tree cutting
activities. He has also said that “Recycling
waste is not viable in the Philippines, and
it has cost the Metro Manila Development
Authority millions of pesos to operate three
of its Materials Reduction Facilities.”
He has expressed that he is in favour of a
constitutional convention only after the
2010 elections.
Website: http://bayanifernando.com.ph/

Loren B. “LOREN”
LEGARDA

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Broadcast
Communications – University of the
Philippines
• Special Studies towards
Professional Designation in
Journalism – University of California
• Master’s in National Security
Administration – National Defense
College of the Philippines
Professional/Public Service Record
• Senator -- 1998-2004; 2007-present
• Broadcast Journalist

Significant Achievements
She was awarded by the United Nationals
Environmental Program (UNEP) for her
significant contributions for the protection
of the environment.
She served as negotiator for the release of
journalist Ces Drilon, who was kidnapped in
Southern Mindanao.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Senator Legarda called for a complete
assessment of CARP – how much land was
distributed, the government’s ability to
provide for the landowners’ compensation
and if the beneficiaries were indeed
emancipated from poverty – and filed
Senate Resolution 449 to determine
remedial measures to reform CARP.
She started her campaign for environmental
protection and preservation during her
stint as a broadcast journalist. As Senator,
she actively espoused the passage of
important environmental measures such as
the Philippine Clean Air Act and Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act. She founded
Luntiang Pilipinas and is president of Trees
for Life Foundation and Save our Seas
Foundation, Inc.
She is a known opponent of charter change.
Senator Legarda co-authored the Magna
Carta for Women and supports informed
choice for women but not abortion.
She has admitted that she regretted her
participation in ousting former President
Estrada during the curtailed impeachment
trial in 2001.
She was accused by Ador Mawanay to be
involved in the alleged purchase of P10
million worth of smuggled mobile phones.
Website: http://www.lorenlegarda.com.ph/

Eduardo B. “EDU”
MANZANO

Educational Attainment
• Bachelors Degree – De La Salle
University
Professional/Public Service Record
• Chairperson, Optical Media Board
(OMB) – 2004-2009
• Vice Mayor (Makati City) -- 1998-
2001
• National President, Vice Mayor's
League of the Philippines – 1998-
2001
• Actor and TV Personality

Significant Achievements
He has won several hosting awards from
the PMPC Star Awards. He was awarded the
Outstanding and Unblemished Vice Mayor
Award by the National Press Club and the
Outstanding Vice Mayor Award by the
Consumers Union of the Philippines.
He was also President of the Vice Mayors’
Foundation where his functions included
performing liaison work with NGOs and
donors from foreign countries. His term
saw the completion of the Vice Mayors’
building that served as a half-way house
for vice mayors coming to Manila on official
business.
He was also an active member of the Union
of Local Authorities of the Philippines
(ULAP) where he was Chairman of the
Special Projects Committee.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Mr. Manzano is famed for his anti-piracy
advocacy. He has said that “Companies
should monitor their software licenses
to avoid disruption of business and
the embarrassment of raids… Piracy is
detrimental to the national economy. It
deprives our workforce of high paying job
opportunities, prevents us from competing
globally and hampers the growth of creative
industries.”
Gilbert Teodoro was quoted in Sun Star
that Edu Manzano “has a great advocacy
for the youth, future of the youth who are
the future of your country,” He added that
Manzano and his wife, Representative Nikki
Teodoro, are active in the fight against child
pornography.
Mr. Manzano organized the Anti-Child Abuse
and Pornography (ACAP) Foundation.
Manzano waged a relentless campaign
against film piracy and illegal copying,
distribution and sale of optical media
materials. His work resulted in the removal
of the Philippines from the Priority Watch
List of the US Trade Representative (USTR)
which contains a list of countries considered
as notorious for film piracy and violations of
intellectual property rights. The Philippines
was cited for being one of only seven
countries that made significant progress
in effecting controls in their optical media
operations and has since been placed only
in the Ordinary Watch List. (source: www.
duckyparedes.com/blogs)

Manuel A. “MAR”
ROXAS

Educational Attainment
• Economics -- Wharton Business
School, University of Pennsylvania
Professional/Public Service Record
• Senator -- 2004-Present
• Secretary, Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) -- 2000-2003
• Representative (1st District of
Capiz) – 1993-1999
• Economist and Investment Banker

Significant Achievements
He is hailed as the “Father of the Call
Center and Business Process Outsourcing
Industries.” During his time as DTI
Secretary, he launched the program “Make
IT Philippines”, where he brought the
biggest global industry players in Business
Process Outsourcing (BPO) to the country,
encouraging them to build call centers and
invest in Filipino talent.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Senator Roxas voted yes to the CARPER Bill in
June 2009. He fought to “put the money back
in people’s pockets,” as reflected in his stand
on the suspension of the VAT on oil and the
passage of his Law Exempting Minimum Wage
Earners from Income Tax.
He chaired the Senate Committee on Trade and
Commerce that gave its conditional concurrence
to the JPEPA and voted for its ratification.
The senator filed a Senate bill calling for a
Constitutional Convention and the election of its
delegates in the 2010 elections.
He said that reproductive health is a private issue
that should be decided by couples but refused
to divulge his position about State support in
providing family planning services.
His vision for OFWs: Ample Support and
Protection from the Government
• Adequate preparation for the OFW’s before
they leave the country
• Affordable and easy access to
communication with their loved ones in the
Philippines
• Speedy legal assistance for OFW’s in conflict
with the law in other countries
• Assurances that their remittances will reach
the ones who need it
• Affordable remittances fees
He is also pushing for the following:
• Remove the 0.15% Documentary Stamp Tax
(DST) on OFW Remittances
• Professionalize the foreign service corps and
make them more responsive to the needs of
OFW’s
• Adequate funds for the social reintegration
programs for OFWs
He believes that it is time for an Agricultural
Renaissance. This Renaissance will prioritize
much needed resources such as fertilizer,
irrigation and post-harvest facilities, by investing
in modern agriculture through R&D, by giving our
farmers easy access to credit and by overhauling
a system plagued with mismanagement and
corruption.
Leaders of proven competence and integrity –
not lackeys of a crooked administration – must
be placed in institutions that protect the public
interest, such as the Ombudsman, GSIS, SSS and
DOJ.
Website: http://www.marroxas.com/

Jose Y. “JAY SONZA”
SONZA

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan
Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
and Economics - University of
Mindanao
Professional/Public Service Record
• Veteran Broadcaster
• Television Host
• Commentator
• Station Manager of UNTV37
• Columnist/Contributing Editor for
two national daily tabloids

Significant Achievements
He is the Chairman of the Board of
TAPATAN Incorporated, a multi-media and
consultancy firm, and the first Nine Food
Ventures, Inc., a fast food service company.
He has undergone special studies in
economics, social work, human resource
development, local government
administration, politics and economies of
Asia and the Pacific, journalism and satellite
broadcast operations both here and abroad.
This journalist is a recipient of all national
broadcasting awards, including the Cultural
Center of the Philippines - Gawad Sentrong
Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, the New York
International Television Festival Awards and
the Asian Television Awards for broadcast
excellence.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
As UNTV station manager Jay Sonza asked
the administration to act on the horrible
murder of 57 victims of the Ampatuan
Massacre, which included four UNTV
journalists and media staff members.

Pefecto R. “KIDLAT”
YASAY

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Laws, University of the
Philippines 1972;
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,
Central Philippine University 1967
Professional/Public Service Record
• Chairman, Board of Trustees, Central
Philippine University, Iloilo City.
• Chairman, Securities and Exchange
Commission, July 1995 to March 25,
2000;
• Associate Commissioner, SEC, March
1993 to June 1995;
• Senior Partner, San Jose Yasay & Santos
Law Offices, 1987 to 1993;
• Senior Partner, Yasay & De Castro,
Esqs., 1985 to 1990, New York, New
York;
• Senior Partner, Maceda Yasay &
Tolentino Esqs., 1979 to 1985, New
York, New York;
• Managing Director, Philippine News,
New York Bureau, 1983 to 1987;
• Manager, Legal Department Rizal
Commercial Banking Corporation, 1973
to 1979.

Significant Achievements
The EDSA People Power Freedom Award, for
Undaunted Courage in proclaiming the truth as
a key witness in the Impeachment Trial of Former
President Estrada, February 25, 2001;
Named by BusinessWeek in its July 3, 2000 issue
as one of “The Stars Of Asia”. 50 Asian leaders
recognized as being at the Forefront of Change,
and striving for a firmer foundation for Asia by
mending a social fabric torn by crisis; the only
Filipino chosen in the area of Policymakers;
Gold Vision Triangle Award, Highest award
granted by the YMCA of the Philippines for
community service particularly in the area of
youth leadership development on November 9,
1996;
Outstanding Achievement Award, U.P. Law Class
1972, July 24, 1996;
Was featured and editorialized in various U.S. -
based Philippine newspapers, for successfully
representing and championing the cause of
Filipinos in criminal and in deportation and
de-naturalization proceedings in the United
States.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
He states in his website that:
“Aside from continually increasing the budget
for education proportionately with the growing
population of children, we must regularly review
the adequacy and suitability of the facilities
that we have for education … competence of
teachers, and other costs needed for primary
education, even the quality of our educational
programs and curricula, and the reasons for
significant dropouts, if any…
We should not be afraid to introduce urgent
changes in our Constitution under an
environment where those tasked with the process
are solely motivated by the national interests
and not by a desire to perpetuate certain
personages in power…these must be done only
through a constitutional convention… It is also
my view that only specific provisions with limited
impact or application, such as whether or not
to continue making the Ombudsman removed
only by impeachment, and the designation of
other offices as constitutional bodies …should
be amended by a constituent assembly or the
so-called people’s initiative.
I believe in the enactment of more laws that will
protect and preserve our environment, properly
manage our natural wealth and resources and to
effectively address and prevent destructive and
imprudent practices that have been the cause
of many needless loss of lives and properties to
our people than the natural calamities that have
been associated with these tragedies.
Indeed, we must all raise the level of awareness of
our people about this delicate balance and their
calamitous effect on climate changes. But more
importantly we need the political will to enforce
our laws against big industries that pollute
our seas, rivers and waterways, unscrupulous
real estate developers that build on lands that
impede the free flow of rivers and streams to the
open sea and illegal loggers and miners who
ruthlessly denude our forest and destroy nature’s
way of regulating floods preventing land erosion
and dangerous avalanches.”
Website: http://www.junyasay.com/

National Candidates Profiles for President

2010-04-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

This is a compilation of profiles of selected national candidates for the May 2010 Philippine elections.
These profiles contain basic information, significant achievements and known advocacies of the
national candidates. Much as we would want to include all the national candidates for the 2010
elections, time and resources serve as a significant limitation in accomplishing this.

Presidential Candidates

Benigno Simeon III C. “NOYNOY”
AQUINO

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics
– Ateneo de Manila University
Professional/Public Service Record
• Senator – 2007-Present
• Representative, 3rd District of Tarlac
– 1998-2001, 2001-2004, 2004-2007
• Economist

Significant Achievements
He is considered to be an active and
independent-minded legislator but Aquino
family friend Reli German has described
him as “seen by most people as `a political
lightweight, (with) his transformation not yet
sufficiently remarkable.’”
On the other hand, former Finance Secretary
Ramon Del Rosario has written – “We must
reject and vigorously fight corruption because
it is a social evil that contributes greatly to
poverty. Corruption causes poverty not only
because it diverts already meager resources
from development and social programs that
ought to benefit the poor, but also because
it discourages investments that create jobs.
If we are to reduce poverty and improve the
lives of our people, we must fight corruption.
And to do this, we must have leadership that
is honest, leadership that we can trust.
This is why the first qualities I seek from our
next president are the credibility and moral
ascendancy to lead our country back to
the path of a just society, where notions of
right and wrong matter, where corruption is
vigorously rejected, where crime does not
pay.
Do I best find these qualities in Joseph
Estrada? In Manny Villar? In Gilbert Teodoro?
Or in Noynoy? Each can make his own
choice. I choose Noynoy.”

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Senator Aquino authored the Workers
Productivity Incentives Act of 2007 that
would grant annual productivity incentive
bonuses to all workers in the private sector
amounting to no less than 10% of the
company’s net profits before taxes. He also
led the call for the renegotiation of Japan –
Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement
(JPEPA) and voted against its ratification.
He authored the Superior Responsibility Act
of 2008 which would adopt the doctrine of
“Superior Responsibility” for all military and
police personnel, in response to extra-judicial
killings, particularly human rights activists and
media practitioners.
Senator Aquino signed the impeachment
complaint against former President Estrada
and authored bills that would promote
transparency in government such as the
Government Procurement Reform Act and the
bill that would add Congressional oversight to
budget decisions undertaken by the President,
including budget rescission, reservation, and
deferral.
He also supports the Reproductive Health
Bill, though he has also said that his position
is “more properly called Responsible
Parenthood.”
At the time of the 2004 Hacienda Luisita
killings, Senator Aquino himself drew flak from
various groups after he said that leftists had
goaded the workers in the Hacienda to go on
strike. He drew further criticism from human
rights groups following a spate of killings of
Hacienda’s union leaders, even as he issued
statements condemning the killings.
He is in favor of the additional 2 years basic
education proposal because it will increase
the level of competitiveness of students and
make us at par with the global education
standards.
He will not impose new taxes or increase tax
rates because the problem is the tax collection
efficiency.
Regarding the proposal to give the late
President Ferdinand Marcos a hero’s burial,
Aquino did not endorse it and suggested
instead that a commission be created to study
the issue (The Manila Times, Feb 22, 2010).
Website: www.noynoy.ph

John Carlos G. “JC”
DE LOS REYES

Educational Attainment
• B.A. in Theology - Franciscan
University of Steubenville,
Ohio, U.S.A.
• Public Administration
(graduate studies) - University
of the Philippines
• Bachelor of Law - Saint Louis
University
Professional/Public Service Record
• Councilor - Olongapo City -
1995-1998, 2007-Present

Significant Achievements
He helped propagate the National
Renewal Movement and the Ang
Kapatiran National Political Party or
the Alliance for the Common Good, a
registered political party that seeks to
promote the politics of genuine social
concern.
He is presently the national animator
of Solidarity Philippines, a movement
to pro-actively advance the Social
Justice Agenda of the Church and
Executive-director of Breaking the
Yoke of Poverty Foundation whose
project is Jubilee homes for the Poor,
a housing project for 60 families.
In the 2007 elections, among 27 local
and national candidates, he was the
lone winner of Ang Kapatiran Party,
placing second among ten slots for
the Olongapo City Council. This was
achieved despite a decade of absence
from local politics.

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda
and Other Major Advocacies
During his term, he focused on the poor, the youth
and cooperatives.
His free legal assistance program under an
informal project named JUSTICE CRUSADE has
been widely successful among his constituents.
He is presently prioritizing the institutionalization
of the Barangay Human Rights Action Centers,
the office mandated by law for the protection
and prevention of human rights violations in the
barangay.
He has also spoken out and campaigned against
illegal drugs, rampant violations of worker’s rights
at Hanjin, Subic Bay and has campaigned against
illegal fish cages in the area. He has also led protests
against the proposed coal power plant and has
been outspoken in criticizing government’s plan
to open more casinos in Subic.
The boldest statement he has made for good
governance is the filing of numerous cases before
the Ombudsman against high ranking government
officials where he himself is the complainant.
His passion and vision is to unceasingly work to
fight and defeat massive, enslaving poverty, a
mission to be accomplished not only in Olongapo
but in the whole country.
De los Reyes ruled out a population campaign
that would promote the use of contraception,
although he conceded that rapid population
growth is hindering economic development in the
country. His approach is to curb population growth
by educating couples on responsible parenthood
and through natural means of family planning.
He is against the Reproductive Health Bill, adding
that he is against abortion in all cases and the use
of birth control pills and condoms even among
married couples.
On political dynasties, he will strive to have
implementing legislation that will give life to the
Constitutional provision against political dynasties.
He stated that he will be the first President to
implement the fundamental law to give education
the biggest share of the budget. He would enhance
the education budget and orient the education
sector to make graduates serve our country.

Joseph M. “ERAP”
ESTRADA EJERCITO

Educational Attainment
• Engineering – Mapua Institute of
Technology
Professional/Public Service Record
• President of the Philippines – 1998-
2001
• Vice President of the Philippines –
1992-1998
• Senator – 1987-1992
• Mayor of San Juan – 1969-1986
Significant Achievements
In 1972, he was selected as one of the Ten
Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in Public
Administration by the Philippine Jaycees.
He established the Movie Workers Welfare
Foundation (MOWELFUND), Inc. which has
now become a robust organization that
provides industry workers with financial and
professional assistance.
As a senator, he was one of the so-called
“Magnificent 12” who voted to terminate
the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in
1991 leading to the withdrawal of American
servicemen from the Clark Air Base in
Pampanga and the Subic Naval Base in
Zambales.
In 1989, the Free Press cited him as one
of the Three Outstanding Senators of the
Year.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
On March 21, 2000, President Joseph
Estrada declared an “all-out-war” against
the MILF. During the war, the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) asked Estrada to have a cease-fire
with MILF, but Estrada opposed the idea
arguing that a cease-fire would cause more
terrorist attacks. For the next three months
of the war, Camp Abubakar, headquarters
of the MILF, fell along with 13 other major
camps and 43 minor camps. The MILF later
declared a jihad on the government. On
July 10 of the same year, the President went
to Mindanao and raised the Philippine flag
symbolizing victory. After the war Estrada
said, “... will speed up government efforts
to bring genuine and lasting peace and
development in Mindanao.”
As President, he ordered the removal of
all sovereign guarantees on contracts for
public projects which would require the
people to assume the financial losses of
private companies doing business with the
government.
Under the Estrada administration,
agriculture received greater priority, while
the national government likewise took
steps to bring down the cost of medicine.
Mr. Estrada’s administration has been
criticized for its slow pace of land
distribution under CARP and for its actions
on the coconut levy funds that favored his
ally Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
He was charged with and convicted of
plunder, but was quickly pardoned by
President Arroyo in 2006.
Website: www.erap.ph

Richard J. “DICK”
GORDON

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Arts, Major in History
and Government – Ateneo de
Manila University
• Bachelor of Laws – University of the
Philippines
Professional/Public Service Record
• Senator – 2004-Present
• Secretary, Department of Tourism
(DOT) – 2001-2004
• Founding Chairman and
Administrator, Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) –
1992-1998
• Mayor, Olongapo City – 1980-1986,
1988-1996
• Lawyer
Significant Achievements
Senator Gordon is credited for transforming
Olongapo’s “Sin City” image into a 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. He also
transformed the moribund Philippine
tourism campaign with his campaign:
“WOW Philippines! More than the usual!”
He is the recipient of many awards in public
service such as the Silver Humanitarian
Award of the Philippine National Red
Cross and the Ten Outstanding Young Men
(TOYM) Award.
He is an active volunteer of the Red Cross
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. The senator also
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.

Major Positions on Development and Reform
Agenda and Other Major Advocacies
Senator Gordon authored the Election
Automation Act of 1997. He co-authored the
Biofuels Act of 2006 and the Magna Carta of
Women of 2009. He voted for the Comprehensive
Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reform
(CARPER).
Senator Gordon opposed the unconstitutional
People’s Initiative and was one of the triumphant
parties in the case of Lambino and Aumentado
vs. COMELEC.
In his website, Senator Gordon declares that:
“he will prioritize education as the key to national
development to compete and lead in the new
global economy,
that there must be adequate access to health
care for all people, especially the needy,
that jobs be created for the people so that
they will not need to seek their fortunes abroad
but rather devote their talents directly to their
country and their families,
that we must assist our people in securing decent
homes to live in and land to work and build on,
so they can be dignified and productive citizens,
that we must strengthen and reinforce the family
as the foundation of our nation to develop
proper values and virtues in individuals and build
solid character and
that we must protect and preserve the
environment for our posterity.”
He proposes to have a bill of duties and
obligations wherein the citizens should also have
an obligation to the government and to his or
her country.
On economic development in Mindanao, fixing
the moral, legal and the physical infrastructure
is the solution. This can be done by removing
corrupt officials, enforcing the law and change
the perception that Mindanao is a war zone.
According to him, making the country look good
to foreign investment will generate and increase
job opportunities. A predictable investment
climate should be established.
Regarding raising taxes he responded that we
need to make sacrifices if we want progress and
development. It would be a lie to promise that
taxes will not be raised.
Website: www.dickgordon2010.com

Jamby A. “JAMBY”
MADRIGAL

Educational Attainment
• No data on tertiary
education
Professional/Public Service
Record
• Senator – 2004 - Present
• Presidential Adviser
for Children’s Affairs –
1999-2001
• U n d e r s e c r e t a r y ,
Department of
Social Welfare and
Development – 1992-
1998
Significant Achievements:
Senator Madrigal is currently the
chairperson of four committees
in the Senate, namely, the
Committee on Environment and
Natural Resources; Committee
on Youth, Women, and Family
Relations; Committee on
Cultural Communities; and
the Committee on Peace,
Unification, and Reconciliation.
She is from a family of nationbuilders
and public servants.
She is the granddaughter of
a national hero and martyr,
Supreme Court Chief Justice
Jose Abad Santos. Her
granduncle, Assemblyman
Pedro Abad Santos, was the
founder of the Socialist Party
of the Philippines and a wellknown
defender of the poor
and the oppressed.

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda and Other
Major Advocacies
Senator Madrigal co-authored the Magna Carta for Women and
the Anti-Child Pornography Act. While she expressed support for
CARPER, she did not vote for it.
She voted against the ratification of JPEPA. The senator also filed
a bill repealing the Mining Act of 1995 and a bill for the imposition
of a total log ban. She likewise authored a bill defining and
penalizing enforced or involuntary disappearances as well as the
proposed Human Rights Act.
She met with the peace negotiations panel of the National
Democratic Front in Utrecht, The Netherlands and issued a
statement reiterating her call for the immediate resumption of the
formal talks in the peace negotiations between the government
and the NDF.
Senator Madrigal filed an ethics case against Sen. Manny Villar
for allegedly benefitting from the construction of the C-5 road
extension project in Paranaque City. In turn, she is the respondent
in a case filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics by former
Rep. Gilbert Remulla of Cavite. Remulla said that Madrigal used
“vile language unbecoming a senator” within the premises of the
Senate. She recently earned the ire of Filipino bloggers for the
yellow beaded bracelets that were being given away during the
memorial services for former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
The bracelets included a picture of Madrigal who, incidentally, had
announced on July 31 that she would run for President in 2010.
She would support more stringent measures on the production
and advertising of unhealthy food products. If elected president,
her administration will be very strict and will limit advertising of
such products (and) tax softdrinks.
Regarding the divorce bill, she would put it to a referendum to
concretely determine if the people favor it. Congress should not
enact this by themselves.
On the OFW issue, she states that the OFW problem is a creation
of the Arroyo administration because of the Omnibus Code that
has been passed that in effect legalizes trafficking and slavery
of OFWs to Middle East countries. She intends to reverse this
though economic growth by collecting taxes and stopping
technical smuggling.
On the pork barrel, she said that she does not accept it because
of the corruption it generates if you try to use it. She further stated
that “it is the source of major corruption in the country. If elected
presented, short of abolishing it, there will only be certain places
where the pork barrel can go that can be completely audited”.
She also said that she will veto insertions because tens of billions
are wasted due to these. She will use the savings from these
insertions for agriculture, SMEs, environmental protection, health
care and education.
Website: www.jambymadrigal.com

Jesus Nicanor P. “NICK”
PERLAS

Educational Attainment

• Bachelor of Science in
Agriculture, Major in
Agronomy and Minor in
Agricultural Economics
– Xavier University
Professional/Public Service
Record
• Technical Consultant/
Resource Person to
several NGOs and
government
• Co-Founder, President,
and Executive Director,
Center for Alternative
Development Initiatives
(CADI)
• Chairman of several
national civil society
networks including
the Green Forum
Philippines, the
Philippine Sustainable
Agriculture Coalition,
and the Civil Society
Counterpart Council
for Sustainable
Development
Significant Achievements
He has received numerous
awards, the most notable
of which are the Right
Livelihood Award (known as
the Alternative Nobel Prize),
the UN Environmental Program
Global 500 Award, and The
Outstanding Filipino Award.

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda and Other
Major Advocacies
Mr. Perlas is best known for his advocacy for environmental
issues. He helped UNICEF assess its national Family Food
Production Program and make it more effective for households
involved in the program. He was one of two technical writers
of Philippine Agenda 21 (PA 21) and was one of the country’s
official civil society delegates at the Earth Summit in Rio. He
was also key in keeping the Philippines nuclear free, stopping
the government from implementing the plan to build 12
nuclear power plants.
He spearheaded the national movement that led to the
banning of 32 pesticide formulations that were poisoning
millions of farmers and triggered the creation of a national
integrated pest management program.
Mr. Perlas was a key player in the national movement to
impeach, oust, or have then President Estrada resign from
office.
From his website, Nicanor Perlas enumerates the six pillars of
his platform:
The first pillar aims to eradicate poverty primarily through a
vibrant broad-based economy, social justice and peace. The
second aims to advance moral and effective governance in all
institutions of society. The third concerns itself with stopping
the massive destruction of our ecology and our environment.
The fourth pillar seeks to build partnerships for social justice.
He further states that “tayong lahat ang kailangan upang
mabago ang ating bansa”. The fifth pillar strives to promote
creative education and inner change. And then finally, the sixth
pillar of his platform aims to mainstream visionary initiatives
by rewarding innovation and systematically discovering,
magnifying and multiplying these promising initiatives.
When asked if there’s a possible clash between the rights
of indigenous peoples and environment vis-à-vis a mining
investment that will definitely bring roads, housing, hospitals,
internet infrastructure to IPs, he responded that the conflict is
artificial. IPs consider environment and development as one
whole.
When asked about the role of civil society if elected president,
he plans to establish a new cabinet position on civil society
affairs, reflecting governance that goes beyond government.
He stated that there must be a balance of power between
government, civil society and business. Civil society will not
only be consulted but will be part of the massive effort to have
all government agencies have civil society representation.
He is for a mining law that does not violate the rights of
IPs, there’s an equitable distribution of income derived
from mining, respects ancestral domains and that there are
ecological and social safeguards.
He is in favor of raising the salary of teachers but it must
be figured out exactly to what level. He would also enforce
a performance related salary package because that would
automatically reward good performing teachers.
Website: http://www.nicanor-perlas.com

Gilberto Jr. C. “GIBO”
TEODORO

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor in Commerce –
De La Salle University
• Bachelor of Laws
– University of the
Philippines
• Master of Laws – Harvard
Law School
Professional/Public Service
Record
• Secretary, Department
of National Defense
(DND) – 2007 – Nov.
2009
• Congressman, First
District of Tarlac - 1998-
2007
• Member, Sangguniang
Panlalawigan of Tarlac –
1980-1986
• President, Kabataang
Barangay in Tarlac; KB
Federation of Central
Luzon – 1980-1985
• Lawyer

Significant Achievements
Secretary Teodoro was named by
former Senator Vicente Paterno,
vice chairman of the Bishops-
Businessmen’s Conference
(BBC), as one of the most honest
government officials along with
DSWD Secretary Esperanza
Cabral.
He topped the 1989 bar
examinations and is a member
of the State Bar of New York.

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda and Other
Major Advocacies
Secretary Teodoro wanted to claim the 3,100-hectare land in
Laur, Nueva Ecija for Mt. Pinatubo victims so that they would
be able to live and cultivate the area. CARP eventually awarded
this land to farmers through the Certificate of Land Ownership
Awards (CLOA).
He advocates for anti-terrorism laws, civil rights protection,
governance and economic development, but has no known
position on the environment.
He joined last-ditch efforts of former Speaker Jose de Venecia
and his allies at the House to amend the 1987 Constitution a
few months before the 2007 mid-term elections. His staff
said that Teodoro came in only when de Venecia opened the
possibility of amending the Constitution by calling a referendum
to get the people’s pulse, or through the election of delegates
to a Constitutional Convention simultaneous with the May 14
elections.
Secretary Teodoro is also known for supporting the impeachment
complaint against former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. in 2003
on charges of corruption for misusing the Judicial Development
Fund.
He is also closely identified with his uncle, former Marcos crony
and business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., such
that his political choices are not seen by many as independent.
He has defended the policies and actions of President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo.
When asked why he buckled down when pressured regarding
his position on the RH bill, he said that “for any policy, you have
to work with a consensus. You cannot implement a law that has
massive opposition.”
On the concerns of the AFP, he said that two things must be
built: culture of competence and culture of discipline. He said
“you cannot have discipline if you do not have competence. It
works both ways.” Also, he said that we need to address the
material needs of the armed forces because it is not currently
addressed by the modernization budget.
On his opinion on the Sangguniang Kabataan, he said that there
must be a transition from the SK to regular politics. He proposes
a reduction of the age to elect councilors to 18. He recognizes
that there are benefits to SK, like being taught leadership and
principles of governance but it also has problems like the nature
of the political contest and how some SK Chairs are elected. “We
have to streamline the organization to cure its ills” said Teodoro.
If made to choose one important sector, he said he would
choose agriculture because “our food security is an important
aspect of our economy that must not be forgotten.”
He is in favor of giving the late President Ferdinand Marcos full
state honors and allowing him to be buried at the Libingan ng
mga Bayani. According to him, the late president deserves such
rites as a former soldier who fought for the country during the
World War II and added that Marcos has not been convicted by
any competent court and is therefore presumed innocent of all
the accusations (The Philippine Star, Feb. 21, 2010).
Website: http://gibo.ph/

Eduardo C. “BRO. EDDIE”
VILLANUEVA
Educational Attainment
• Bachelor in Commerce,
Major in Economics –
Philippine College of
Commerce (since renamed
Polytechnic University of the
Philippines)
• Bachelor of Laws – University
of the Philippines
Professional/Public Service Record
• Founder, Jesus is Lord
Church
• Televangelist
Significant Achievements/Other
Info:
He was immersed in both student
and labor movements in the 1970’s.
He joined the progressive segments
of society which opposed military
dictatorship. He fought local
landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was
jailed for his political beliefs and
participation in various mass actions.
He is the longest-sitting member of the
Board of Regents of the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines (PUP).
Previous to this appointment, he was
a faculty member of the Department
of Economics and Finance of the
Philippine College of Commerce
(now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. He was
General Manager of Agape Trading
Company in 1976-1977. He was also
Export Manager of Maran Export
Industries in 1973-1975.
Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide
as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by
Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure
Ministries. He was ordained Minister
of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney
of the Victory in Christ Church and
International Ministries based in California.

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda and
Other Major Advocacies
Bro. Eddie spoke about CARPER in front of a Jesus is
Lord Movement crowd.
He advocates righteous governance and has joined
protest rallies against charter change and declared that
righteous people would rise and “oppose the act of the
devil.”
On reproductive health, he has said that “Personally, I’m
for responsible parenthood. It is important to address
overpopulation but we must not sacrifice morality. Why
not produce excellent, if not perfect measure. The
intention (of the bill) is very good. The intention is so
noble.”
Bangon Pilipinas Party believes these Seven E’s will help
bring about a prosperous, progressive, and peaceful
Philippines:
Empowerment of the people—by making sure every
vote counts and is counted, that the people have equal
access to justice and jobs;
Emancipation of the people’s mind and culture, that we
have to leave behind us the perspective of individualism
but rather nurture and imbibe the perspective of
thinking as a nation;
Educating the people in a quality and progressive way
by overhauling the educational system and focusing on
Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, and English;
Energizing the economy by prioritizing public works
projects in favor of infrastructures and social services;
Elevating the standards of living of all Filipinos, that a
minimum level of social services shall be accessible to all
including lighted streets, regular collection of garbage,
decent housing, integrated transport services, etc.;
Eradicating bad governance, that public service should
truly be a public trust;
And finally, establishing peace and order all over the
land, that the Philippine Republic cannot be divided.
In the Inquirer debate, he mentioned that in his
administration there will be absolute press and academic
freedom, that he would support social pension and
other forms of expanded health benefits for the elderly,
that women’s human rights are primordial in our society
and that he considers the massive development of
SMEs as his centerpiece economic program. He also
stated that abortion is murder per se and he is for family
planning/responsible parenthood without violating the
morality of society.
Website: http://broeddie.ph/

Manuel Jr. B. “MANNY”
VILLAR

Educational Attainment
• Bachelor of Science, Major
in Business Administration
– University of the
Philippines
• Masters in Business
Administration – University
of the Philippines
Professional/Public Service
Record
• Senator – 2001-2007,
2007-Present
• Senate President – 2006-
2008
• Speaker of the House of
Representatives – 1998-
2000
• Representative, Lone
District of Las Piñas - 1998-
2001
• Representative, Las Piñas-
Muntinlupa District – 1992-
1995, 1995-1998
Significant Achievements
As a businessman, he initiated
mass housing projects to achieve
economies of scale. His various
innovations practically created the
country’s mass housing industry. The
Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism calls him “the dean of
the (Philippine) real estate industry.”

Major Positions on Development and Reform Agenda
and Other Major Advocacies
Senator Villar supported DAR Secretary Nasser
Pangandaman's advocacy of sustaining the gains of
CARP and its continued relevance to rural growth
and development.
He authored the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of
2003 and filed bills on basic health care, decent
shelter, responsive social services, and highquality
education. He voted for the ratification of
JPEPA and authored several bills which pertain to
environment issues. He also voted for the election
automation law and co-authored the VAWC Law,
the Anti-Trafficking Law, and the Magna Carta for
Women.
Senator Villar welcomed the Supreme Court
decision declaring the Memorandum of Agreement
on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) as unconstitutional.
Under his leadership, the Senate passed the
Government Procurement Act which promotes
transparency in the procurement process.
A known advocate against constituent assembly
before 2010, he filed Senate Resolution 599, a
resolution which said that the House resolution
seeking the amendment of the Constitution is
“unconstitutional.”
Villar said in the Inquirer debate that "any change in
the Constitution will not be a priority if I make it as
president. I do not believe it is that important". But
he added that he is “not afraid of any constitutional
change. I think that any Constitution can be changed
and should be changed from time to time. I will
leave that decision to our people. If there will be
proposals to amend the constitution, I will propose
a referendum."
He was implicated in an alleged “double entry” in
the budget for the extension of the C-5 highway,
which would allegedly benefit his real estate
business and financial interests in that area and
is known to be part of the Villar-Aguilar political
dynasty in Las Piñas.
He supports the proposal to give a hero's burial to
the late President Ferdinand Marcos, saying that
Marcos should be "viewed in proper perspective and
in a historical context, not solely on his declaration
of martial law in 1972" (The Manila Times, Feb 22,
2010).
Website: http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph/

Last Words

2010-04-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

Chicken Soup for the Father soul.

There is no friendship, no love like that of the parent for the child.
Henry Ward Beecher

I had been home from work for about fifteen or twenty minutes, when my older son David came in from playing -- looking very serious. He was only six years old at that time. Our younger son Mark, who is two and a half years younger, was right behind him.

I was watching a evening new on television when David came in and stood right in front of me. I had to admit that my thoughts were rambling between the news and David. I knew he had something on his mind, and I knew he could talk to me about anything. He also thought I had the answers to everything.

As he stood there, I could sense that he was nervous and wondered if there was something wrong, or if he was just going to ask one of his very serious questions about the rules of the games they were playing. But he was much too serious for that. Now he had my full attention.

He spoke rather quietly when he said, "Daddy, I need to talk to you."
"Okay, Davie, what's on your mind?"
"I'm a big boy now, right?"
"You sure are. Tell me what you're thinking."
He said, "I don't want you to call me Davie anymore, I want you to call me Dave, and I don't want to call you Daddy, I want to call you Dad."
With this out, he even more serious or nervous. I smiled at him with a proudest smile I think I ever had.
I said, "That will be okay, Dave. I would like to call you Dave or David and look forward to you calling me 'Dad'. But, don't ever call me 'Father' okay?"

He relaxed and said in a very strong voice, "Can I go back out and play now, Dad? And I said yes, my younger son came over close to me and said, "I still want to call you 'Daddy'."
I said, " I'm glad you do!"
For the next few days, every time David had anything to say to me, he would begin it with "Dad". Even if he wanted to know what we were having for supper, he would ask, "Dad, what are we having for dinner?"
It didn't Mark long to follow suit. I could barely keep the smile off my face! My wife would turn her head to smile.

My son David died July 1, 1993. The night before he died, he and I were talking on the telephone about how he was feeling. About six weeks before he had surgery for removal of a testicular cancer. Then they did exploratory surgery to verify that his lymph system was clear of cancer. It was, thank God.

In this telephone conversation, David told me that he experienced blurred vision and numbness in his fingers, as well as slurred speech. I told him that he will be alright. He had just gone back to work to soon after surgery. He agreed and said he would slow down a bit. We both laughed, because we both knew he wouldn't slow down.

I said, "I love you, Davie," to which he would responded with laughter, "I love you too, Daddy."
I laughed and said, "Goodnight, Davie."
"Goodnight, Daddy," he said, and we both hung up our telephones. These were the last words we ever spoke to each other. The next day at about noon, I was notified that David had been taken by ambulance to the local hospital. His wife was with him during the trip. When I arrived at the hospital, he was in coma. As the afternoon wore on, the doctor informed us that David ruptured aneurysm in his brain. He lived until 7:06P.M.

As I prayed for his life, many things went through my mind. Mainly, I will forever grateful to God fir his last words. We have no fences to mend. We enjoyed a good relationship. Although David's passing was obviously painful for him physically and for me emotionally -- the innocence and the sweetness of that shared childhood memory offered a poignant note on which a father can remember a son taken too early.

H.L. "Bud" Tenney

2010-03-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

This one of my shots during my training in the US, taken in Lake Lanier, GA. In a way this is how I express my passion in art or so called photography. I love landscape , macro and portrait photography.

Lady Bug

The Parthenon in Nashville Tennessee is a full-scale replica of Parthenon in Athens. It was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. This was photograph during my vacation in Tennessee.

To see more of Photography just visit: Heraldo Photography

Written by: Heraldo

2010-03-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Heart Evangelista is an screen name for her showbiz career. A Philippine actress, host, singer, model and VJ given real name Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco. She has a her own foundation name Heart Can aims to help disease children especially with respiratory problems and a spokesperson of Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

Born on February 14, 1985 by Reynaldo Ongpauco and Cecilia Payawal. And she is the youngest in the family, with two brothers and four sisters. And grow up in Foster City, California attended Audubon Elementary School. The moved back to Philippines at the age of ten and attended Colegio San Agustin-Makati in Makati City. When she began pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an actress,[5] she continued her high school education at ABS-CBN's Distance Learning Center (DLC).

Movies
Year Title
2010 Tingala Sa Pugad
2009 Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love
2009 Nobody, Nobody But...Juan Young
2008 Ay, Ayeng (Indie Film)
2004 Bcuz Of U
2003 My First Romance (One Love Episode)
2003 Ang Tanging Ina
2002 Jologs Coffee Shop Passerby
2001 Trip

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the event of Earth Hour 2010. Let join to this event to save our mother earth.

SWITCH OFF

To participate on this event you will just turn off your lights and electric appliances to save up millions of energy by an hour. We should be aware of the Global Warming. Let's protect our planet. This is it!!! Earth Hour is coming...

Struggle for home

2010-03-24T03:08:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm shock with the news that where gonna be leaving our rented apartment by tomorrow because of my mother-in-law. As a father to my family I don't know where should I go to provide a shelter to my family. Me and my wife is always thinking of the problem where should we go for tomorrow. I hope God is listening to us right now and aware of our situation. Sigh! If I only have money right to rent a apartment or any small house that could provide a shelter to my family I'm so very happy for the meantime. I'm afraid to approach my parents asking for living the four corners of their wall. I don't what to do right now, I don't even have a money to buy food for tomorrow.

Written by: Clarence

Jesse James and Sandra Bullock

2010-03-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, I read a interesting story in SFGate. This a terrible story between the couple Jesse James and Sandra Bullock.

Source: SFGate.com

The evolving story of Jesse James alleged cheating on Academy Award-winning Actress Sandra Bullock with Michelle.

Here are the basic facts:

1) Sandra Bullock was allegedly cheated on by her husband Jesse James.

2) Sandra Bullock has known this for some time and before the Oscar ceremony.

3) Sandra Bullock left home and away from Jesse James.

4) Sandra Bullock has cancelled a number of appearances since the news hit the media.

5) Jesse James lost his dog, then got him back

6) Michelle "Bombshell" McGee was a model wearing a Nazi bikini and arm band.

7) Michelle "Bombshell" McGee is a porn actress and a stripper.

8) Michelle "Bombshell" McGee was paid for her story.

9) Sandra Bullock was trying to help Jesse James keep custody of his kids.

See video discussion:

crazy little thing called love

2010-03-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

by Queen

This thing called love I just can't handle it
This thing called love I must get round to it
I aint ready
Crazy little thing called love
This (this thing) called love
(called love)
It cries (like a baby)
In a cradle all night
It swings (woo woo)
It jives (woo woo)
It shakes all over like a jelly fish,
I kinda like it
Crazy little thing called love

There goes my baby
She knows how to rock n roll
She drives me crazy
She gives me hot and cold fever
Then she leaves me in a cool cool sweat

I gotta be cool relax, get hip
Get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitch-hike
And take a long ride on my motor bike
Until Im ready
Crazy little thing called love

I gotta be cool relax, get hip
Get on my tracks
Take a back seat, hitch-hike
And take a long ride on my motor bike
Until Im ready (ready freddie)
Crazy little thing called love

This thing called love I just can't handle it
This thing called love I must get round to it
I aint ready
Crazy little thing called love

Health Care Bill Facts

2010-03-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

We should express and shout what's your ideas on the new Government Health Care Reform Bill. Email us what can you say about this one..

Citizens are concerns on Pros and Cons on the new Government Health Care Reform Bill.

The reform bill was pass on Sunday night is rumored to cost a whopping $1 trillion, yet save billions off the nation’s deficit through increased taxes and cost savings through the expanded Medicare program.

The pros and cons are numerous. If the legislation operates as the Democrats that passed the bill claimed (and that’s a big if) then millions of Americans will have access to health care that didn’t previously.

In addition, health insurance companies won’t be able to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies will be reigned in, and Medicare spending will become more efficient.

On the other hand, the bill is massively expensive and requires Americans to purchase insurance. If they don’t purchase insurance, they will have to pay a fine. In addition, those who wish to purchase better health care plans (Cadillac Plans) will have to pay an extra tax.

Source: CNN News

Taurus

2010-03-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

While looking for my horoscope in the net, I found one in this site, and you can check your own zodiac sign here, visit Go To Horoscope: http://www.gotohoroscope.com/

And reading every stanza/paragraph, I realized that some of the characteristics and definition of Taurus suites my personality and character.. For me I also love art especially in photography and drawing but for now I'm busy doing my work at the office. I also love nature..

Here it is..

Taurus is the sign of practicality and possessions. People born under the sign of Taurus tend to be very patient, practical and dedicated people. Such people are usually very cautious when dealing with people, life and money. They have a curious power of dominating others, even when not conscious of trying to do so.

People who were born in that time are extremely faithful, with a strong need for security and a settled routine. Although they are very earthy, they can also be highly romantic and sensitive when it comes to love.

They are governed by their sensations and by their loving nature, but affection has a greater hold on them than passion. Such people are also warm and sensual, with an appreciation of the fine things in life. Taurus is motivated by a need for security; this sign is good for business matters and can be trusted to carry things through with absolute care. These people are very strong-willed and often quite creative. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, giving success with matters to do with the public and, combined with the influence of Venus, a passionate nature endowed with a strong sense of loyalty and fidelity. They are kind and generous with friends, with whom they develop an unspoken rapport.

If they love, they are generous to the last degree, and will consider no sacrifice too great for the person they care for; if they are enemies, they will fight with the most determined obstinacy. But they always fight in the open, for they hate trickiness, double-dealing, or deceit.

As a rule both sexes are jealous in their disposition, and their jealousy often drives them into acts of violence or sudden exhibition of temper, which they bitterly regret when the storm is over.

They have an innate sense of harmony, rhythm and color, and often are very successful in music, poetry and art.

Why

2010-03-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

by: Crissvil Villamor a.k.a (khadaffy,JL "John Loyd")

I'm afraid to let you know
much afraid to let it show.
I never knew what to do
ever since I felt this for you.

All I wanted was just a moment;
a time with you to be spent.
I guess it's not that easy to say,
you might leave ang turn away.

Too afraid of losing something;
something I never had.
I'm afraid to lose someone
who was never really been mine.

It's better to keep my silence
and just let it pass by.
Leaving myself in regret,
haunted by questioning myself "Why?"

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-18T02:58:00.000-07:00

For this year 2010 Earth hour, will be on March 27 8:30pm local time Saturday.. Everyone of us should participate on this event. We should be aware in our surroundings and especially to mother earth. As what can you see in the news this climate change really affected our lives. Especially what happens to Chile and other more countries. We should unite as one and participate to this event. Even an hour of turning your lights off, it will really save up a millions of energy. Even though not only to this event but we should save up energy in our daily lives. What I'm writing right now is to express and shout what I feel, not just for me but all of us living to this planet.

Earth Hour is global event organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as World Wildlife Fund) and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

Started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. And it's a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future.

Best Job In The World

2010-03-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I've read an inspirational stories from the other site.
Check site: ..
It's a soup for the soul..

Best Job In The World

I've been a mom (mother) for over 15 years now, and along with gaining spider veins, 25 pounds, and a few dozen worry wrinkles, I've also gained knowledge.

For instance, I learned a major lesson when my darling daughter, age 3, put her peanut butter sandwich in the VCR slot. It seemed she wanted to "watch" her lunch instead of "Little Mermaid". Trust me... VCR's do not eject Peanut Butter Sandwiches!

In the twelve years since that sticky incident, I've also learned the following gems of wisdom:

1. A new mom really can get by on 3 hours and seventeen minutes of sleep per night. You could use the bags under your eyes to pack for a cruise, but at least the sweet smell of poopy diapers can act as smelling salts to revive you.

2. If it's 2am and your toddler whines, "Mommy, my tummy hurts!", you have three seconds to react before his stomach contents wind up on your pillow case.

3. A two year old can stuff half a purple crayon up his nose in the time it takes to tie your 4-year-old's shoe.

4. Your proudly potty-trained 3-yr-old will always have to "go" after she's bundled into long underwear, pants, and a snow suit.

5. A mom can have a 102 degree fever, hacking cough, and horrible rash, but she still has to make supper, make a cover for a 6th grade Science book, and take a sliver out of an 8-year-old's finger.

6. If head lice is invading your son's class, he'll pick that day to borrow Josh's comb (even though he usually never combs his hair).

7. A teenager may call your jokes lame -- but she usually repeats them to her friends.

8. Nothing feels better after a hard day at the office, dentist, or tax accountant, than a big hug and sticky "tootsie roll" kiss from your favorite kid.

9. The best presents are not made of gold or silver, but consist of uncooked macaroni noodles glued to a jar and sprayed with paint.

10. Being a Mom is the best job in the world, and it's truly worth the spider veins, extra pounds and extra wrinkles.

[ by Darlene Buechel (rljersey@tcei.com) -- from 'Heartwarmer' ]

LifeBook 2010

2010-03-17T23:52:00.001-07:00

LIFEBOOK 2010
Health:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least :

40. Give this to everyone you care about .