It's final. Leyte Governor Jericho "Icot" Petilla is out of the Senate Race for the Team Unity of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the reason that her mother, Leyte 1st District Rep. Remedios "Matin" Petilla decided not to run for governor of Leyte and instead wants him to run again for another term. This is a great development for me because today, the Team Unity will be in Cebu to formally proclaim their complete senatorial line-up in the Cebu Coliseum.

But what about his substitute? Don't worry, after a 5-hour talk with President Arroyo in Malacañang, they had finally decided to appoint one. It's Cesar Montano, the long-rumored bet of the Arroyo bloc since last year. It was really a surprise for us that Montano will be the replacement of Petilla. Nobody knew that it would happen. After the Team Unity completed its senatorial slate, there was no more rumors that Montano would be running for the Senate.

C'mon! Miracles do happen on election period.

Petilla insisted that he would still run even if he's not popular to the people. He has the platform of local government empowerment and autonomy just like senatoriables Zambales Gov. Vicente Magsaysay and Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson.

Petilla and presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio together with Montano, arrived in the main office of the Commission on Elections in Intramuros, Manila around 7 p.m yesterday to formalize the substitution of candidates.

Montano, whose real name is Cesar Manhilot, is one of the popular actors in the Philippine movie industry. Just to name a few of his blockbuster hits, "Jose Rizal", "Panaghoy sa Suba", "Muro Ami", "Bagong Buwan", "The Great Raid" and others that I hard to remember.

But if he really succeeds, and gets elected to the Senate, I hope he will be a true servant and not only on his campaign. I am really disappointed with his decision, but who are we to stop him from his decision. We are not his mind. It was Arroyo's pups who made him run even though he insisted before that he wouldn't.

Labels: election 2007, senators

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will be running for Congress, and he's ready for it. But it seems that a lot of people around the country and in his district disagree with his initiative.

This boxing superstar has a lot to offer for the country and yet his joining the confusing world of politics. He's no Superman to others. He may be when he wins against his boxing opponents.

He can unite the people through his fight. But, having this ability doesn't mean that he's ready for the position he's gunning to.

I am not saying that he's really not worthy for the position. Anyone can run for the said public office. It's our right by the way with the compliance of pertinent qualifications. But he has a job to do. Boxing is his passion and not politics. He would just be listening to his "alipores" whose only aim is to function him as a robot.

His promises are non-sense. Giving healthcare, education, etc. to his constituents. Enough of that. I've heard that for several times.

And what if he would be a congressman? Debates in the House of Representatives will like be a Mano-a-Mano Opposition vs. Pacquiao? When someone disagrees with him on issues, he might give a little bit of South Pow and a little bit of Right Hook punch. Automatically, the fight between the erring congressmen and Pacman will be a Technical Knock-out ! Will the Filipino people rejoice with him?

So Manny, my unsolicited advice to you is to stay away from politics. Remember, politics is dirty. It might be the realm of your weakness and it may even destroy your career as a boxer more popular than Jesus.

Labels: election 2007, manny pacquiao

Another person whom I admire in this 2007 elections is Antonio Trillanes IV, the leader of the group who staged the Oakwood Mutiny last July 27, 2003. It's his crusade and principles whom I really admire. But most people view him as a son of a crap kid who's only job is to create paranoia in the ailing country of Philippines.

Labels: election 2007, senators, trillanes

Pangunahing pagtutuunan ko ng pansin ay ang maibalik ang dignidad ng bawat Pilipino nang sa gayon ay taas-noo nating harapin ang mga hamon ng tadhana sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong sa mga sumusunod:

(1) Disenteng tirahan sa bawat Pilipino ayon sa programa ng Gawad Kalinga (GK), di lamang para sa mahihirap kundi pati na rin sa mga ordinaryong empleyado tulad ng mga guro, pulis, sundalo at iba pang mga kawani;

Labels: chiz escudero, election 2007, senators

1. Francis G. Escudero - This son of former Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III is a young, articulate, intelligent, vocal and principled man. He has really made a big impact on my political leanings.
2. Allan Peter S. Cayetano - This son of former Sen. Renato Cayetano and brother of Sen. Pia Cayetano is also a young, intelligent, smart and a brave man. When he accused the First Gentlemen on his alleged German bank accounts, he never surrendered and even made me impressed.
3. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri - This son of former Rep. Jose Zubiri, Jr. is also a young, humble and environmentalist man. His advocacy of protecting the environment made up my decision. It is just good that environmental issues be brought to serious consideration in the Senate as we brace for the worst of global warming.
4. Michael T. Defensor - This son of Rep. Matias Defensor is also a young, vocal, friendly and active man. He defends what he says and he sticks to his principles. His call for Erap's release is a good thing that would make him win the election. He may also see his bestfriend in the Senate, Chiz Escudero.
5. Aquilino D. Pimentel III - This son of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. is a young, professional, energetic and intelligent man. His track record in his law profession and being a bar topnotcher is definitely a great testament that he's ready for the public office.
6. Loren R. Legarda - She has the strong symbol of woman empowerment. Her track record in the Senate surpasses Richard Gomez's accomplishments in showbiz. Her charisma to the people would make her number 1 again in the elections.
7. Antonio F. Trillanes IV - You may wonder why I am supporting this coup plotter. Well, he maybe the next Gringo Honasan in your own point of view. But on mine, he's gonna uncover the stinks of the Philippine Armed Forces. The reason of their coup attempt was justified thus, he can correct it properly because he came from that organization.
8. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III - This son of former Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. and former Pres. Corazon Aquino is a young, good and energetic man. His public service to his constituents in Tarlac bared fruits and indeed made his people admire him. So, why not an Aquino again in the Senate?
9. Manuel B. Villar, Jr. - This former House Speaker is a very productive man when it comes to legislations that were of quality and of quantity. His dedication to his service in the Senate was proven since 2001. He should be given another term by the electorate.
10. Panfilo M. Lacson - This former PNP Chief is also a very productive and very brave that he uncovers expose' that we have never expected before. He should be placing 2nd in the elections because of his iron-fist policies.
11. Francis N. Pangilinan - This husband of actress Sharon Cuneta is great senator. His Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Law is definitely his best product. So, why should the voter spare him another term?
12. Sonia M. Roco - The proposed programs of his late husband, former Sen. Raul Roco, would definitely be back if ever she's in the Senate. The people would really admire her because her platform is just the same as her late husband.

Labels: election 2007, senators

Welcome everyone! I am Kevin Ray N. Chua, and I am back to political commentaries. I have been blogging seldomly and I have thought of making a comeback. Now, with this political commentary blog about politics, here in the Philippines and even overseas.

Labels: first post, welcome