Mar Roxas for President in 2010 | Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Roxas to GMA: Grab the credit as long as you sign EO on MRP

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said President Arroyo can grab all the credit for the Cheaper Medicines Law as long as she signs the executive order imposing the maximum retail price on the 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

"Gawin na lang nating GMA (Gamot na Mura’t Abot-kaya) ang acronym nitong MRP (Maximum Retail Price) na ito para pirmahan na siya ni Pangulong Arroyo (Let’s just change the MRP to GMA to facilitate its immediate signing by President Arroyo)," said Roxas, who is primary author of the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.

He said getting the price of the 22 most essential medicines cut down by 50 percent once they are included in the MRP list is more important than who gets the credit for putting the program into law.

"Malaking isyu ito para kay GMA at sa kanyang mga alipores kaya ayan, gawin na lang nating G.M.A. para bumaba na ang presyo ng mga gamot (GMA and her men are making an issue out of this acronym so let us give what they want so prices of medicines would now go down)," he added.

"Madam President, huwag ka ng magselos sa akin dito sa Cheaper Medicines na ito, masyado ka namang insecure. Ayan at sa iyo na ang credit. Pirmahan mo na ang executive order (Mrs. President, stop being jealous of me because of this Cheaper Medicines law, you are too insecured. The credit is now yours. Sign the EO)," he also said.

The DOH has transmitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President as early as June 16. Almost a month today, the EO has yet to be signed by Mrs. Arroyo.

"Isang bolpen lang naman ang katapat niyan. Kung may oras kang makipag-miting sa mga pharmaceutical companies at bumiyahe sa ibang bansa, magbigay ka naman ng kahit isang minuto lang pirmahan itong EO na ito (You only need one ballpen to do this. If you have the time to meet with pharmaceutical companies and travel abroad, then spend even one minute to sign the EO)," he said.

"Matagal na itong hinihintay ng ating mga kababayan. Unahin mo naman ang kanilang kapakanan (Our countrymen have long been waiting for this. Prioritize their needs, please)," he added.

The proposed EO would allow the halving of the prices of essential medicines, like the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc (to P22.50 from P44.50); anti-diabetic Diamicron (to P7.35 from P14.75); antibiotic Zithromax (to P149.37 from P298.75); and antibiotic Augmentin suspension 60 ml (to P179.50 from P359).

Roxas to GMA: Resist Barack Obama pressure on cheap meds

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:40:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to resist pressure when he meets with US President Barack Obama who will surely defend the US pharmaceutical companies’ opposition to the immediate implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law.

"Pangulong Arroyo, okay lang na makipagpulong ka kay President Obama pero huwag kang magpapa-braso na hindi natin pabababain ang presyo ng gamot dito sa ating bansa (It’s okay if you meet with President Obama but don’t be influenced into not bringing down the prices of medicines in our country)," he said.

"Matagal ng naghihintay ang ating mga kababayan na tuparin mo ang iyong pangako. Ipatupad mo na ang batas para sa murang gamot. Ang daming oras na ang nasasayang (Our people have long been waiting for you to make true your promise. Implement the law on cheaper medicines. We are wasting a lot of time with your administration’s dilly-dallying)," he added.

The Visayan senator noted pharmaceutical lobbying in the United States is one of the strongest and most influential in the world.

"Ang mga pharmaceutical companies, malaking industriya iyan sa Amerika. Yung pharmaceutical lobby isa sa pinakamalaki, pinaka-malakas, pinakamatindi…’yung healthcare reborn, isa sa pinakamalaking isyu sa Amerika. Kasi napakatindi ng lobby ng pharmaceutical industry (The pharmaceutical industry in America is big. The pharmaceutical lobby there is very strong. The healthcare reborn is a big issue because of the lobbying of the pharmaceutical industry)," he said.

Roxas reiterated his call for President Arroyo to sign the month-old draft executive order imposing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

He said even the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that 122 governments all over the world impose price regulations on medicines sold in their respective countries.

"Bakit kailangang dito sa atin ay pahirapan ang pagpapatupad nitong MRP? Ginang Arroyo, isipin mo naman ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Why are we having a difficult time with the implementation of this MRP? Mrs. President, be more considerate of your people)," he also said.

Roxas' statement on the release of ICRC worker Eugenio Vagni

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:10:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today lauded the safe release of Italian humanitarian worker Eugenio Vagni as he joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the joyous occasion.

"Kaisa ako ng buong mundo sa napakasayang oras na ito. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa maayos na pagpapalaya kay Ginoong Vagni. Sa wakas ay muli na niyang makakapiling ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay." he said.

Vagni is the last to regain his freedom from the group of three ICRC workers abducted by ASG members last January 15 while at a humanitarian mission in Patikul, Sulu. Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter were released on April 2 and April 8, respectively.

The Visayan senator urged the Armed Forces to pursue the volunteers’ abductors, citing reports that more civilians are being held hostage by the terror group.

"We should not stop our relentless pursuit of these people. There can be no negotiations with terrorists. Their agenda has nothing to do with reason or pity or humanity. Their reason for being is precisely as their name states, to sow terror," he said.

Roxas asks GMA to attend oversight panel probe

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:42:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today announced that he invited President Arroyo to attend and explain before the Quality Affordable Medicines Oversight Committee her refusal to implement a vital provision of the law that reduces by half prices of 22 essential medicines.

The President will also be asked to shed light into reports that pharmaceutical companies have brought their lobbying against the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law on the doorsteps of Malacañang; particularly the provision on Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of medicines.

"Ginang Pangulo, gawin niyo po ang inyong trabaho. Pirmahan niyo na po itong executive order" that would impose the MRP on, and slash by half the prices of, the country’s top 22 prescribed but costly medicines, he said.

"Sa kadahilanan nga na nagkaroon ng miting dun sa Malakanyang at hindi natin alam kung ano ang napag-usapan—baka nagkaroon ng aregluhan, baka nagkaroon ng sabwatan kung ano na ang mangyayari dito sa batas—nagtakda tayo ng oversight committee hearing dito po sa pagpapatupad nitong batas," he also said.

The oversight committee had transmitted a notice of invitation to President Arroyo requesting her or her representative to attend to shed light on her alleged meeting with representatives of multinational drug companies held last July 8 in Malacañang.

He said: "Para malaman po natin ang katotohanan: paano nangyari itong miting na nito? Sino ang humingi nitong miting na ito? Kelan hiningi itong miting na ito at kelan pinag-bigyan, bakit nagkaroon agad ng schedule itong miting na ito? Makikita natin sa mga record. Malalaman natin ngayon kung ang gobyerno ba ay tumatayo para sa interest natin o tumatayo para sa interest nitong malalaking kumpanya na ito."

The Visayan senator had earlier lambasted what seems to be a conspiracy between the government and giant drug manufacturing firms to circumvent the implementation of the year-old law, which would bring relief to the public through easy access to cheaper but quality medicines.

Citing highly reliable sources, Roxas had exposed the "confidential meeting" and urged the Chief Executive to be wary of presidential advisers whose personal conflicts of interest might compromise her.

"Nanawagan ako sa Pangulo: Huwag po kayong makinig diyan. Nagla-lobby lang po ang mga iyan. Huwag po kayong makinig sa mga adviser ninyo, nagla-lobby lang po iyan. Panigan po ninyo, tayuan po ninyo, tindigan po ninyo, ang interest ng ating mga kababayan," he appealed to President Arroyo.

He vowed: "Hindi ko bibitiwan itong isyu na ito. Nasa batas na ito. Ang tagal na nating ipinaglaban ito. Ngayong nasa batas na ito, wala ng dahilan kung bakit hindi na mangyari ito kung hindi na lang iyong kagustuhan ng pangulo."

Roxas exposes conspiracy between GMA and multinational pharma

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:42:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today exposed a devious conspiracy between President Arroyo and multinational drug firms to circumvent the cheaper medicines law, in effect keeping critical drugs out of reach of the poor.

"I am informed by very reliable sources that recently, President Arroyo held a closed door meeting with representatives of multinational drug firms," he said.

"Sa meeting nila, napagkasunduan na ipagpaliban muna ang EO na magpapataw ng Maximum Retail Price (MRP) sa mga gamot. Ang kapalit, gagawa ng paraan ang big pharma companies na ibaba ang presyo ng gamot bago sumapit ang SONA ni GMA sa July 28," Roxas revealed.

The Executive Order setting the MRP for 22 essential medicines has been submitted by the Department of Health (DOH) to Mrs. Arroyo as early as June 16. The MRP list seeks to slash by half the prices of these drugs within reach of poor patients who are in need of life maintenance or at the brink of dying.

These drugs include the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc (to P22.50 from P44.50); anti-diabetic Diamicron (to P7.35 from P14.75); antibiotic Zithromax (to P149.37 from P298.75); and antibiotic Augmentin suspension 60 ml (to P179.50 from P359).

"Sa meeting na iyon, nandoon daw ang Secretary of Health. Tinatanong kita, Secretary Duque, bakit hindi ka umalma sa kuntsabahang nasaksihan mo sa pagpupulong na iyon?" he said.

"I believe that this conspiracy was engineered with the facilitation of an influential Presidential Adviser who is also connected with one of the multinational pharmaceutical giants," he added.

"It is the poor patients that the President should call to Malacañang for a meeting so she can see for herself how hard it is to cling to dear life without affordable quality medication," he said.

Roxas demanded "for the nth time" that the President sign the EO on the MRP "and stop consultations with the pharmaceutical firms as if they were the victims in this issue."

He also demanded that Tamiflu—now priced as high as P150 per tablet—should also be included in the MRP.

"Stop playing with the lives of the people and just implement the law, Mrs. President," he said.

Support Mar Roxas in Facebook!

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Good day everyone! As we all know, Facebook has been growing in the Philippines. I'm sure most of you have been aware of that. Having been a longtime user of Facebook, we have continued to spread the word about Mar Roxas on this social networking site and indeed, it has gained momentum and we want you to be part of it.

With your online participation, you can make an impact.

Be a Facebook Fan of Mar Roxas. Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mar-Roxas/32626764352
Vote for Mar Roxas in Facebook 2010 Philippine Elections Poll and show your badge of support for Mar Roxas by going to http://apps.facebook.com/philelection/default.aspx
Be a part of the following Facebook groups: MAR ROXAS FOR 2010 PRESIDENCY, Mar ROXAS for President 2010, and Mar Roxas for President in 2010.
Tell your Facebook friends about Mar Roxas, his biography, his track record, his stand on issues and his advocacies.

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

COMELEC assures Roxas of info program on 2010 poll automation

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:22:00 +0000

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assured Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas that it will carry out an extensive information dissemination campaign nationwide to educate voters about the new automated system to be used in the 2010 national and local elections.

"The 2010 elections will mark an important day in our country’s history. Mahalagang may sapat na kaalaman ang mga botante ukol sa bagong sistemang gagamitin ng Comelec sa susunod na taon," Roxas said.

"I assume the Comelec will be ready for any eventuality that could happen. It is always good to be ready than to be sorry. Walang puwang ang pagkakamali sa halalan," he stressed.

Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino Jr. has informed Roxas that contingency measures have been put up in preparation for any hitches that could bog down the smooth conduct of next year’s elections.

Among others, he guaranteed that public information activities would be launched all over the country to teach voters on how the automated system works and what voters should do. The program would include the presentation of optical mark ballots and a discussion on the proper way of filling up these ballots.

Survey forms, which have been designed to measure competence of voters on the use of the ballots, would be distributed to local offices of the Comelec. Participants would be asked to fill-up these forms at the end of each voter education activity.

The same forms would be distributed to all private voter education initiatives for use at their own information campaign programs. A private survey firm would also be contracted to determine sufficiency of voter competence in the use of these ballots.

Furthermore, on Election Day itself, each polling place would be provided with posters that show the proper way of filling-up the new ballots. Other guarantees made by the Comelec on the Visayan senator included:

The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) is capable of counting 60 ballots per minute (equivalent to 360 ballots per hour or 3,960 ballots for the 11-hour voting period from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.);
Classrooms or polling places will be set-up to accommodate 12 to 15 voters simultaneously;
The PCOS will be installed right inside the polling place where voters will their ballots; and
Strategic locations would be set up to ensure replacement of counting machines ore related peripherals within 2 hours in case of machine breakdown.

Mar Roxas, to officially announce his 2010 presidential bid

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:32:00 +0000

This just in from Panay News website. The news that we have been waiting for.

Mark your calendars on JULY 11, Saturday, Senator Mar Roxas will announce his presidential bid in his hometown, Roxas City, Capiz.

He and his future wife, Korina Sanchez, with his supporters will travel via Ro-Ro from Manila and then will take breakfast at the house of Gov. Vic Tanco in Dumarao, Capiz.

It's good to know that this news broke out on my birthday, July 7. Good luck to Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez!

Show your support! Be a Friend of Mar NOW!

Kevin Ray Chua's Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Chedeng! Finally, the list on my notebook has been officially transferred to this blog post. It was quite a long time that I decided to vote on these sites as my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009. Last year, I was able to join this writing project and luckily, this blog was chosen as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2008. Without further adieu, here are my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 IN RANDOM ORDER, (drum rolls please):

Kelvinonian Ideas - A blog of Kelvin Servigon, one of my blogger friends online, that is a must see for this kid with a lot of potentials. He's currently taking up Civil Engineering, but he's more into photography. No wonder why this one is now a commercial model and who knows, even a TV actor!
Let’s Go Sago! - Jonel Uy's blog which captured our minds with Sago in his travel and food adventures. I'm was able to met Jonel during the iBlog5 but I wasn't able to catch a glimpse of Sago, but still, this blog is on my list.
Patay Gutom - What can I say? In literal translation, it's "Dead Hungry" and I must admit it, once you drop by this blog, the pics of the food makes you surf the site a lot. With the collaboration of different bloggers, this blog will surely stand out in the years to come.
Adaphobic - I wonder of this irony on Ada's blog because the phobia doesn't reach me. I love the blog and as Ada says in her blog tagline, "Blogging what is essential", indeed, the essential things in her life.
New Media Philippines - Carlo Ople is the owner and what can you expect? A lot of new ideas and thoughts on the new media landscape of the Philippines that's why this one is also on this list.
Flair Candy - Woot! I was able to meet the owner of this blog, Hannah, during the iBlog5, though I wasn't able to talk with her personally. But despite that, her blog is on my list! Go go go CPA candy blogger!
Focal Glass - A blog of my fellow CBS members Evanjohnn Mendoza. His passion for photography is evident in this blog. Very expressive in his shots, Van never fails to amaze us with his photos.
Video Chops - Now, here's another collaborative blog made by Filipino video bloggers, or shall I say Vloggers. Nowadays, more and more bloggers are moving to the next level from just simply encoding their thoughts through blog posts to sharing it through videos. This site would surely be a one-stop-shop for Vlogs!
Hay Men! - The blog of the real man, as what the blog says. It's really funny! Just can't get enough of it.
Cebu Bloggers Society - How could I be able to forget this one. As part of the CBS, I am glad to nominate our site as one of the influential blogs. CBS has come a long way since it started and I believe in the years ahead, a lot is in store for CBS. Mabuhi ang CBS!

Be sure to have your list! Choose your Top 10 and visit Influential Blogger for more details. Cheers to Ms. Janette Toral for this one!

This writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, Events at Work, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, Budget hotel in Makati, and Blog4Reviews.com.

Roxas: Road clear for 2010 LP victory

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas today called on all Liberal Party members to unite and move towards victory in the coming 2010 national elections following a decision of the Commission on Elections upholding the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s National Executive Council (NECO).

"All stumbling blocks to the road to victory have been removed. Oras na para magkaisa (It’s time to unite)," Roxas said after being informed of the Comelec ruling.

"Oras na para tuluyan nating pagtagumpayan ang laban para baguhin ang sistema ng katiwalian na lumakas ng todo sa ilalim ng gobyernong Arroyo (It is now time for the LP to bring the fight to the final push and reform the system of corruption and patronage perpetuated by the Arroyo regime)," he added.

In a 12-page decision dated June 18, 2009, the Comelec denied the petition of DENR Secretary Joselito Atienza Jr. seeking to nullify the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s NECO in Club Filipino that elected Roxas as Party President to succeed former Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The decision was signed by Comelec Chair Jose Melo and Commissioners Armando Velasco, Lucenito Tagle, Ledonardo Leonida, Nicodemo Ferrer and Rene Sarmiento.

The Comelec decision also upheld the inherent right of political parties to impose discipline within its ranks and the determination of who can become members and the composition of its leadership.

The Supreme Court had earlier in July 31, 2007 also declared illegal an attempt by Atienza to form his own party leadership and upheld Drilon’s leadership following the LP’s decision in 2005 to break away from the Arroyo Administration over the “Hello Garci” controversy that alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.

LP Secretary-General Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya hailed the Comelec decision as a signal for all LP members throughout the country to proceed with preparations for the coming 2010 elections.

"Destiny has put the LP at the forefront of struggles for reforms in the country. It is now time for us to unite to make sure we pursue this platform of reforming our country," Abaya said.

Roxas to NTC: Pre-paid load resolution too late, not enough

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) resolution lengthening the validity of pre-paid call load is too late and not enough to address consumer demands for a fair and equitable deal from telecommunications companies.

Roxas said the Senate committee on trade and commerce which he heads will push for the per-second metering system on cellular phone calls as practiced elsewhere.

"Maganda itong naging memorandum circular ng NTC pero, bakit ngayon lang? Siguradong daan-daang milyong piso na ang kinita nitong mga telcos na ito mula sa kanilang mga subscribers," he said, referring to the issuance of NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-07-2009, which imposed longer expiration or validity periods for pre-paid loads.

The Senate trade and commerce committee is looking into service complaints against the country’s giant mobile phone providers Smart Communications Inc, Globe Telecoms and Digitel Mobile/Sun raised by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in a privileged speech entitled “The Case of the Disappearing Load.”

"Kailangang kumilos ngayon na ng NTC upang ma-resolba ang iba pang mga reklamo laban sa mga telcos na ito. Hindi pwedeng babagal-bagal pa rin ito sa kabila ng mga napakaraming reklamo mula sa mga celfone subscribers," Roxas stressed.

The Visayan senator stressed it is important for the NTC to come up now with guidelines against the sending of push messages and the on the use of per-second charging on voice calls.

The Roxas committee has scheduled a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on Wednesday to discuss the results of the NTC’s discussions with the telcos in relation to pending proposals concerning the cases of disappearing loads and other pre-paid phone irregularities. The TWG was formed to discuss complaints against wireless phone providers.

"Kailangan natin siguruhin ang tama at wastong pagsingil ng mga kumpanyang ito nang mapangalagaan natin ang interest ng ating mga kababayan," Roxas said.

Roxas to GMA: Take responsibility for resolving automation crisis

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday called on President Arroyo to take responsibility for resolving the crisis involving the Commission on Election’s poll automation project.

"It’s a matter of national security and public interest; President Arroyo should quickly call all parties involved to a meeting and find out for herself why and how this important project hit this snag," he said.

"Kung talagang desidido ang gobyernong ito na magkaroon ng malinis na halalan, dapat ang Pangulo mismo ang humanap ng paraan para resolbahin ang problemang ito. Oo, alitan ito sa pagitan ng dalawang mag-partner sa isang korporasyon, pero malaki ang implikasyon nito sa demokrasya natin," he added.

"Gutom na nga at walang trabaho ang mamamayan, nanakawin pa ng gobyerno ang pagkakataon nilang bumoto. Ito na nga lang ang nagbibigay sa kanila ng pag-asa na magkakaroon ng pagbabago. Pero di pa nga nagsisimula ang kampanya, ninanakaw na ang karapatan ng mamamayan sa tapat at malinis na halalan," he stressed.

The scheduled automation of the 2010 national elections is now in peril due to internal wrangling between Smartmatic and its Filipino partner, Total Information Management Corp. (TIM), which has withdrawn from the consortium, citing irreconcilable differences with the foreign firm.

The Visayan senator reiterated that a delay, much worse a cancellation, of the 2010 national elections is a severe setback to Philippines democracy as this would deny Filipinos the chance to elect their new leaders in the name of change and reform.

"Responsibilidad ng Pangulo at ng Comelec na siguruhing matutuloy ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon. Hindi maaaring panoorin lamang nila ang away sa pagitan ng Smartmatic at TIM nang wala silang ginagawang paraan upang maayos ang mga gusot at matuloy ang proyekto," he said.

"Kaya naman panahon na para patunayan ng administrasyong ito na iniisip din nila ang kapakanan ng taumbayan," he added.

Roxas: Automation failure an attact on democracy

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today likened the potential collapse of the election automation project for 2010 as an attack on the country’s democracy as it will deny Filipinos their eagerly-awaited chance to elect new leaders.

"Our people have long awaited this chance to elect their leaders in clean and honest elections, and automation was seen as a way to break away from the tradition of cheating. Now, even that chance is denied us," Roxas said.

Roxas had earlier written Comelec Chair Jose Melo to express concerns over possible hitches in the planned poll automation system.

"Para sa taumbayang gustong gusto na nang pagbabago, hindi katanggap-tanggap ang anumang dahilan upang ipagpaliban ang eleksyon. Ito na nga lang ang inaasahan ng taumbayan na maging solusyon sa pandaraya, tapos ngayon ay biglang mawawalang parang bula," he said.

"Computerized man o hindi, kailangang matuloy ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon," he said.

"Ang tanong, ano ba ang mga ginawang paghahanda ng Comelec? Hindi puwedeng ngayon pa lang sila magbubuo ng mga contingency measures," he also said.

Comelec’s Melo had said the Comelec would be forced to go back to manual voting following the collapse of the Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) consortium, which won the bidding for the right to lease 82,200 counting machines to be used by the poll body to complete the canvassing of votes in two days instead of weeks under the manual system.

TIM announced its withdrawal from the consortium on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with Smartmatic.

DigitalFilipino Club and Bloggers Networking Cebu Event this July 11

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:59:00 +0000

For the second time, Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino.Com, through her DigitalFilipino.com Club is organizing a fellowship/networking event here in Cebu. Last year, I was able to attend this event and I'm looking forward to meet the same and new people in the e-commerce industry and Cebu blogosphere.

It will held be on July 11, Saturday, 6 to 11 PM at the Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, 1st Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City. Expect us in the Cebu Bloggers Society to come in full force.

The event will be sponsored by PAGCOR. Below is the event program:

6:00 - 7:00 Registration and Dinner
7:00 - 7:30 Guest introduction / plugs
Welcome Remarks
7:30 - 8:00 Updates by Janette
Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2009 Update
DigitalFilipino.com Club Updates (online workshop and other efforts)
DigitalFilipino Web Awards 2009
Ratified.org Philippines Top 100 Blogs 1st half of 2009 (blogs that made big moves in 1st half of 2009)
8:00 - 8:30 - PAGCOR Updates
8:30 - onwards - Raffle, Networking, Games

Bloggers are welcome to attend this event for free. Just reply to this post with your name and blog address. If you have a blogger friend to tag along, please mention their name too.

Those who confirmed are also added in this spreadsheet.

If you want to attend this event, please do reply on this post or send me an e-mail of your complete name and blog address at kevinraychua@gmail.com.

Kitakits!

Headshot Clinic One Youth in Cebu this July 4

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:37:00 +0000

Globe One Youth is the campaign of Globe Telecom that supports Niccolo Cosme’s Project Headshot Clinic advocacy of unity among the Filipino youth. A thousand individuals have already joined the cause in Metro Manila. Hundreds more are about to join as we bring One Youth to six more cities nationwide.

Have your photo taken by one of the country’s best fashion photographers. Post it on your website as your profile picture and with your photo, communicate the change that you stand for so that every time your friends see you on Friendster, Facebook, Blogspot or other sites, they are reminded of your advocacy. As they say, change starts with one and it starts with you.

For all those who are in Cebu, the schedule is on July 4, 2009 at Club Vudu, Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City from 6 PM to 2 AM.

Join the hundreds of Filipino youth united in standing for change. Join Globe’s One Youth – Project Headshot Clinic. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL, AND NOT JUST GLOBE SUBSCRIBERS!

If you want to join this event, e-mail your name and contact number and send it to kevinraychua@gmail.com or contact me at 09078691545.

For more information, visit http://oneyouth.globe.com.ph or contact 09063066835 and look for Allen.

Below are the sample pictures taken during the Headshot Clinic Manila:

Roxas to GMA: Get back to work, slash drug prices

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to get back to work now that she’s back in the country and sign an important executive order that imposes maximum retail price on the most vital drugs in the country.

In fact, Roxas said, Mrs. Arroyo should shake off the travel bug and even include the anti-flu drug Tamiflu as the 23rd medicine in the MRP list submitted to her by the Department of Health to make it more accessible to flu-scared consumers nationwide.

"Get back to work. Sign the executive order for the MRP so Filipinos can finally buy affordable and quality medicines in drugstores," Roxas said as GMA wound up a 13-day trip to Japan, the United States, Colombia, Brazil and Hong Kong at the height of the A(H1N1) flu scare in the country.

"Matagal ng inaantay ng taumbayan ang abot-kaya at de-kalidad na gamot. Isang taon simula nang maging batas ito, wala pa ring mabiling murang gamot ang taumbayan sa mga botika," lamented the primary author of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.

The DOH has submitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President last June 16. The President’s approval is necessary before the department could start imposing price ceilings on the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which includes, among others, hypertension, diabetes and anti-bacterial drugs.

Roxas renewed his call to include Tamiflu (Generic: Oseltamivir) and other anti-viral drugs in the MRP, stressing the need to put price ceilings on the drugs to ensure their affordability.

He noted the spiraling costs of medicines that treat symptoms of the A(H1N1) flu. Tamiflu had previously cost only P40/capsule before the flu virus began spreading in the country. It is now sold at an average of P150 to P155 apiece.

"Kailangang siguruhin nating abot-kaya ang halaga ng mga gamot laban sa A(H1N1)" the Visayan senator said.

"Responsibilidad ng pamahalaan na panatilihing malusog ang taumbayan. Bakit kailangang unahin ang biyahe bago bigyan ang taumbayan ng murang gamot?" he added.

Roxas: Randy David will be LP's bet vs. GMA

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said UP Professor Randy David will be the official candidate of the Liberal Party if he runs against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the second district of Pampanga.

David had declared he would seriously consider running for a congressional seat representing the second district of Pampanga if President Arroyo decides to run for a seat in Congress after her presidential term ends in 2010.

"Magandang ideya iyan. Hindi mag-aatubili ang liderato ng LP na gawing official candidate si Prof. Randy David para kalabanin si GMA sa Pampanga," Roxas said.

“Susuportahan namin siya. Nasa likod niya kami 100%,” he also said, adding: “May kumpiyansa kami sa kakayahan ni Ka Randy na maging mahusay na representante ng kanyang distrito.”

David is a vocal critic of President Arroyo’s corrupt government. He had joined public indignation against the numerous abuses of the president’s allies and the administration’s misuse of its powers.

Roxas: Telcos OK to per-second call charging

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +0000

The country’s top three mobile service providers have committed to review their existing per-minute call rates and consider instead a per-second rate regime for voice calls made by the estimated 75 million mobile telephone subscribers nationwide, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas announced yesterday.

Roxas, chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, created a Technical Working Group (TWG), to be headed by National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Atty. Ruel Canobas, to map out and resolve all technical and commercial issues that could bar a call metering system for all wireless voice calls.

Representatives from Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (Sun) said during the hearing that a per-second call charging was acceptable provided that government, or Congress, comes up with equitable regulations that would guide such billing system.

"Now we can get some forward movement and accomplish something na hindi na natin hinihintay pa ang batas," the Visayan senator said, stressing: "Hindi pwedeng tumagal itong isang minutong singil para sa 20- egundo o 30-segundo na gamit. Dahil sa palengke, ang isang dosena ay 12, hindi isa o dalawa o tatlo lang."

He mandated the TWG to report results of its discussions in the next hearing, warning that "kung hindi ito gagawin ngayon, darating din ang batas at iyon din ang kakalabasan nito. Mas mabuti ngayon pa lang simulan na ito."

He reminded the NTC it has the power to regulate the telecommunications industry and to keep under its control charges imposed by wireless telephone providers.

"Makapangyarihan kayo. Kung gagamitin ninyo ang inyong poder, ang inyong karapatan na nasa batas, napakatindi nito. Hindi lamang kayo isang convenor. Talagang pupukpukin niyo, papandayin niyo, hububugin ninyo itong kasunduan na ito para may marating na aktwal na accomplishment," he said.

Smart Communications’ public affairs head Ramon Isberto, Globe Telecom’s chief legal counsel Atty. Rodolfo Salalima and Digitel’s Senior Vice President for Legal Services Atty. William Pamintuan told senators there were no technical hitches to the proposed call metering system.

They said their respective firms are actually already practicing the per-second charging through their Smart-to-Smart, Globe-to-Globe and Sun-to-Sun unlimited calls and text promos, respectively.

"Kailangan natin siguruhin ang tama at wastong pagsingil ng mga kumpanyang ito nang mapangalagaan natin ang interest ng ating mga kababayan," Roxas said.

Roxas to DOH: Do your job, enforce cheap meds law

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said local pharmaceutical companies could expect a more robust industry if government properly implements the one year-old Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines law.

Roxas, primary author of the law, noted the 12% reported growth of the local pharmaceutical industry just a year after medicine patent rules were relaxed.

"Magandang balita ito. Ngunit higit sanang masigla ang industriya kung maging mas masigasig pa ang pagpapatupad sa batas na ito," he said.

He added: "Ngayong nagsisimula nang talagang kumikilos ang DOH para ipatupad ang batas para sa murang gamot, maaasahan nating mas lalong mararamdaman ang magagandang epekto para sa sambayanan."

The landmark law mandates healthier competition in the pharmaceutical industry by relaxing patent rules that have hindered local pharmaceutical firms from producing generic medicines. However, the price reductions that resulted from this have not yet been enough, he said.

He reiterated his appeal to President Arroyo not to heed active lobbying by international drug companies and to instead immediately sign the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for the top 22 prescribed medicines in the country, which the DOH endorsed to the Office of the President last June 16.

"Gloria, pirmahan mo na agad itong MRP. Patunayan mo ang pangako mong pangangalagaan mo ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan. Pirma mo lang ang kailangan para mangalahati ang presyo ng gamot," he stressed.

"Huwag mo ng pansinin ang mga dambuhalang kumpanya na patuloy na hinaharang ang pagpapatupad ng batas. Patunayan mo ang sinseridad mo sa taumbayan," he added.

Under the DOH-proposed MRP, prices of 22 most prescribed medicines in the country would be slashed by 50%. The initial list includes anti-hypertensive, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, antibiotics and anti-neoplastic drugs.

Some of these branded drugs are the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc, the price of which would drop to P22.50 from the present P44.50; anti-diabetic Diamicron, P7.35 from P14.75; antibiotic Flagyl, P66 from P132; antibiotic Zithromax, P149.37 from P298.75; antibiotic Tazocin, P1061.86 from P2,123.75; antibiotic Augmention suspension 60 ml, P179.50 from P359; Augmentin suspension 70 ml, P439.50 from P879; and anti-neoplastic Carboplatin 450 mg vial, P2117.61 from P4857.15.

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at The Buzz's 10th Year Anniversary

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:55:00 +0000

I was able to watch the guesting of Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at the Buzz last Sunday. I wasn't expecting though that they would be there since no one informed me. Good thing I was able to get out of my "suking" internet café early.

Here's an article from Ricky Lo that's worth reading about that moment:

The kilig continues. After exchanging "I love you’s" a few weeks ago on Wowowee and going through the traditional rites of the pamamanhikan last June 14, Sen./Presidentiable Mar Roxas, 52 (May 13, 1957), and his ladylove Korina Sanchez, 45 (Oct. 5, 1964), made yet another PDA (as in Public Display of Affection, ehem!) in last Sunday’s anniversary edition of ABS-CBN show The Buzz.

Read the full article here.

EXCLUSIVE: Cebu Bloggers with Mar Roxas Videos

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Good day everyone! A few days ago, I blogged about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas last June 11, 2009 that was held at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park. Let me share to you these EXCLUSIVE videos taken by Mikyu Maglasang, fellow member of CBS member, during that event. Check out the videos below:

1. Why Padyak?

2. Mar and Korina in Wowowee

3. Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili scandal

4. Follow-up question on Hayden - Katrina scandal

5. Being No. 1 in Cebu

6. No. 1 problem of the Philippines

7. Wedding preparations

8. Federalism

9. Philippines as IT hub by 2016

10. Transfer of manufacturing firms to China and other countries

11. Platform of governance

12. Education reform

Firefalldown, another Proud Pinoy band

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:20:00 +0000

Another Proud Pinoy Band is making waves in the music industry. Firefalldown, a London-based and Filipino-British group, plays the music that's combined UK indie rock, skate punk, and Motown.

The group started last February 9, 2007 and is composed of Joel Sablayan (the band’s bassist), Andrew Hodgson (drummer) and Jon Blaylock (vocals/guitar). They have 3 songs, namely "Commissioned", "Eternally", "Mr. Rockstar". Check out below their new song "Commissioned":

Their music is a product of Filipino ingenuity. Indeed, their musics transcends every aspect of life. You can also see for yourself Firefalldown music videos and as their group says, they are "DRIVEN by a passion to INSPIRE people through music", truly a Filipino attitude.

"The songs aren’t that easy to classify. Andrew was a double-kick, snare-thrashing death-metal drummer… Joel has been in few R&B/ Funk outfits… and I fronted a punkrock band, though I do love my funk and my motown. I guess you could say we play punking, funking rock with a lot of heart," Jon said.

Listening to their songs, I'd have my own Mr. Rockstar:

Quoting a part from the song "Mr. Rockstar":

Hey Mr. Rockstar
When you coming home?
Are you gonna wake tomorrow?
Hey Mr. Superstar feeling all alone

Hey Mr. Rockstar
When you coming home?
Do you wish that they would follow?
See all the people at the party all alone

Running through the rain
These pictures hide my pain
Can’t live by what I sing
Don’t let me go my way, my own way

Mar Roxas has been the "Mr. Rockstar", my idol. The one who can guide not just me, but everyone. Truly someone that embodies my qualities of my Presidential bet. Rock en Roll Mar!

Aside from having a connection with them because of their Filipino lineage, it proves that wherever a Filipino is and whatever a Filipino does, we always do our best to make those at home proud of themselves and this is what Firefalldown has been doing.

Share your experience with Firefalldown's music. Join the Firefalldown promo and win an iTouch! Yes, an iTouch by just joining the Firefalldown promo, a proud Pinoy band! Visit their official website now at http://www.firefalldown.com.

And BTW, Firefalldown's Album "Commisioned" is out now! Download it in iTunes or Amazon!

Roxas to DTI, DOH on A(H1N1): Be ahead of the curve

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:26:00 +0000

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas stressed that the government, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Health (DOH) should ensure fullest possible access to critical goods needed to deal with a possible Influenza A(H1N1) emergency situation.

"Pangunahan na ng gobyerno ang sitwasyon. Dapat maghanda ito sa posibleng pagbulusok ng A(H1N1) Flu. Dapat abot-kamay ng publiko ang mga kinakailangang produkto para sugpuin ang sakit na ito," he said.

"The supply of Tamiflu is not the only critical element. Once an emergency situation sets in, the demand for preventive products like disinfectants, sanitizers, alcohols, masks, and even multivitamins could shoot up. The government has to be ahead of the curve and be prepared for this scenario," he stressed.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce said DTI and DOH, together with other government agencies involved in combating A(H1N1) flu, should form a task force to identify all critical goods and preventive products, monitor their prices, secure their sources of supply and prepare for possible price controls.

"The government should also be on the guard against unscrupulous businessmen who take advantage of the situation, as well as against misleading advertising messages prescribing sham cures", he said.

"Hindi dapat payagang abusuhin tayo ng mga loko sa negosyo. Dapat mangibabaw ang interes ng publiko sa lahat ng oras, lalo na sa panahon ng kagipitan," the former DTI secretary said.

"Information should be delivered as to which disinfectant products in the market are most effective in preventing the spread of the virus," he added.

Furthermore, he said the task force should give special focus to urban poor communities that are the most vulnerable to disease contagion because of congestion, lack of water and lack of access to preventive and curative goods.

"Magtulungan tayo. Magsama tayo’t labanan ang problemang dala ng AH1N1 sa ating bansa," Roxas said.

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger at Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch opening

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Together with my fellow Cebu Bloggers Society members, we were invited to be in the opening of Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch.

I was there first among the bloggers. But before that, I was getting lost because I didn't knew where this pizzeria was. I was asking people around the area if they know about it, but it seems they have no idea about it. So, I texted Mcbilly, who was the one who organized the event for us, to know the specific landmarks near Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch. Yikes! I was already too far! I was already walking up to SSS so I went back. It was just in front of Asilo de Milagrosa.

Waving the Philippine Flag during the Independence Day celebration

The pizzas were so big! It was my first time to see something like it but I already heard about big pizzas not here, but in other countries. It's the original size of pizza, as they said. I wonder why we have small pizzas here in the Philippines.

Mayor Tom doesn't even know how to finish the pizza

Gracing the opening of Mamma Maria's Pizzeria Gorordo Branch was no less than Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña and his wife Margot Osmeña. CBS members had a lot of fun eating those big big pizzas for free. Check out the video below that I got:

Cebu Bloggers Society with Mar Roxas

kevinraychua@gmail.com (Kevin Ray) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:14:00 +0000

UPDATE: Click here to check out the EXCLUSIVE Videos of the Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas!

Hello everyone! This one's an über-late post, but I really want to share to you the buzz about our bloggers meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park last June 11. I was already suggesting this one since December 2008 to his staff, and finally, this day came. Thanks to Bon Moya!

Photo courtesy of Michael Sinjin Pineda

Roxas was in Cebu to attend a business forum organized by the Makati Business Club and the Cebu Business Club in the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Also there was fellow senator and 2010 presidentiable Chiz Escudero. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was also invited but turned down the invitation in the last minute because of a cabinet meeting. Bad move Gibo! You just missed a good opportunity!

Roxas was late but it was acceptable because Marco Polo Plaza was quite far from IT Park. When he arrived in our venue, SunStar Cebu was also there to make an article about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) for their 2010 Yearbook. We had our group photo taken for the said yearbook and Roxas gamely joined us by squatting on the floor.

I was tasked by Bon to be the moderator. So, after ordered some tea from the counter, he got seated in front of me and I started the ball rolling.

Photo courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje

I grabbed the opportunity to ask him on why the use of "padyak"? He told us that it symbolizes the "situation of Filipinos" nowadays. There was also a need to act on this problem so that we can move forward. He stressed on the importance of education in doing so.

Another question came from Jerry Gervacio, and he asked about Roxas' thoughts about the improvement of his ratings in the latest Pulse Asia survey because of the Wowowee event, where Roxas and ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez announced their engagement. Roxas admitted that yes "because of Wowowee, they have seen my heart" and "it helped" in his survey rating but emphasized that it was a "combination of things". "They like what they saw," said Roxas. He also attributed it to his help with the Legacy scam victims, for cheaper medicines, and etc.

The CBS President Mark Monta asked Roxas on whether the Senate should investigate the Hayden-Katrina scandal. Well, Roxas believes that "guilty feet have got no rhythm", quoting a line of the song Careless Whisperer. He "feels bad for Katrina and the women" involved in this scandal. He's not a member of the Committee investigating it, but he lauded Senator Jamby Madrigal's performance on the committee hearing.

Guada Esmeña was asking about the importance of Cebu in the upcoming 2010 elections knowing that it's an administration bailiwick. It was also known that Roxas was the top choice in Cebu and in Visayas. Roxas told Guada that probably because Cebu saw his achievements. As Trade and Industry Secretary before being elected as Senator in 2004, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority. He helped Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Cebu which gave a lot of job opportunities in the province. As "Father of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry", he was also responsible in its boom in the Philippines. He also said that he was not fooling people or extorted them that sets him apart from other politicians.

Jose Farrugia asked about any updates on Roxas and Sanchez' wedding preparations. Here's the Youtube video that I uploaded:

Then, came the gate crasher, who was not a CBS member but his question was quite good. Many have been asking me about this, but I never knew what Roxas' position on Federalism. Here's the video that I got:

Fellow blogger member Bryan Karl Yuson asked Roxas about what's the big problem that we've got on why we're not moving forward. Roxas said that it was "not just one" but if he was to choose one, it is "graft and corruption" which everyone of us agreed as the part of the problem. He emphasized that if it was to be minimized or even eliminated, then everything would follow.

Bert Padilla asked about his contribution to the BPO industry. Roxas said the it has "dominated today" and more people are on it. He also stressed that Philippines can never compete with China when it comes to cheap labor. He emphasized that while China has cheap products, the Philippines has products with value-added service like the clothes with "burda."

Atty. Ethelbert Ouano asked for Roxas' top 3 political agenda if ever he's elected as President in 2010. Roxas said that it's not just 3, "but it's 4."

Feed Ourselves

Education

biggest equalizer

Fairness and Justice

Economy

Lastly, Jobette Escobanas asked about Roxas' position on having an additional year in elementary and the increase on teacher's salary increase. On the first question, he is in favor of having a Grade 7 citing that other countries have an edge on us because they follow the 12 pre-college years which makes them more competitive. He also reiterated his call on not doing the things by "tingi-tingi" but by "bulto", meaning instead of "pleasing everyone" by giving a few of this and that, it's better to focus on one thing on that budget and another thing on the next budget. On that way, we can be able to solve at least one part of the problem rather that having partly solve one problem and having it partly fix in the next budget thus keeping us to move forward.

On the next question, he supports a P 9,000 increase on the public school teacher's salary but due to the current situation, he said that a P 6,000 increase might be better to boost the morale of our public school teachers.

Anyways, thanks a lot for everyone in CBS for attending this event that I organized and also to Team Roxas, especially Communications Director Bobby Capco and New Media Head Bon Moya for making this possible. P.S., I got my copy of the Philippine Tattler, with Roxas on the cover page, and his autograph. :)

Blog Posts:

Bloggers meet Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Farrugia
CBS in CBTL with Sen. Mar Roxas - Xerxes Bernadez
CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Vernon Go
CBS with Sen. Mar Roxas - Zyza Esmeña
Mar Roxas with Cebu Bloggers - Guada Esmeña
An hour with Senator Mar Roxas - Willand Cuna
Mar Roxas... A Goal Setter Beyond Economic Quandary - Bert Padilla
CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Galleca Baylon
Cebu Bloggers and Sen. Mar Roxas II - Mark Abitona
An interview with Mar Roxas - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
Mr. Padyak at Cofee Bean Tea Leaf, I.T Park - Jorich Ponio
Mar Roxas meets the Cebu Bloggers - Jorich Ponio
CBS asks, Mr. Padyak answers - Mark Monta
Mr. Padyak, ready for Pamanhikan - Mark Monta
Blogger Meeting with Mar Roxas- Jobette Escobanas
Mar Roxas answers to DepEd Teachers Questions - Jobette Escobanas
Senator Mar Roxas Meets Cebu Bloggers - Clarence Mongado
CBS meets Mar Roxas: Photoblogger's Politics - Evanjohnn Mendoza
Sen. Mar Roxas shared his time with Cebu Bloggers' Society - Kriztian Etulle
Cebu Bloggers sits with Senator Mar Roxas - Miong Tampus
Senator Mar looks better in person - Agnes Jimenez

Pictures:

Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas - Kevin Ray Chua
CBS meets Sen. Mar Roxas! :) - Mikyu Maglasang
An Interview with Mar - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
Meet Up with Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Faruggia
CBS meets MAR - Sinjin Pineda