Aquino maintains lead in Standard’s December survey

Original Story: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2009/december/28/news1.isx&d=/2009/december/28


SENATOR Benigno Aquino III has maintained a double-digit lead over Senator Manuel Villar Jr. in the race for the presidency, the latest poll commissioned by Standard Today shows.

The nationwide face-to-face survey of 2,500 respondents conducted from Dec. 6 to 12 showed Aquino with 46 percent of the vote, followed by Villar with 27 percent and ousted President Joseph Estrada with 17 percent. Administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro garnered 5 percent.

The survey has a margin of error of 2 percentage points.

All candidates improved from the previous Standard Today poll in November, picking up votes that had gone to Senator Francis Escudero, who has dropped out of the race, and from the ranks of the undecided, which fell to only 2 percent from 4 percent last month.

In the December poll, Aquino picked up 5 percent, Villar 3 percent, Estrada 5 percent, and Teodoro 2 percent. Evangelist Eduardo Villanueva, who was unlisted in November, managed 2 percent in December. Senators Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal each got less than 1 percent.

“The most often cited reason for voting for Aquino is still the legacy of his parents Cory and Ninoy and his perceived untainted image,” said Pedro Laylo, Standard Today’s resident pollster.

“Villar voters persist in their view that he can best help the poor and best advocate the welfare of [migrant workers].

“Estrada voters cling to his pro-poor image. Teodoro voters resolutely see him as smart, intelligent and capable.”

In the vice presidential race, Senator Manuel Roxas II maintained a slim lead with 41 percent over Senator Loren Legarda, with 37 percent. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay came in third with 9 percent, followed by administration candidate Edu Manzano with 3 percent, Bayani Fernando with 2 percent, and Perfecto Yasay with 1 percent.

Roxas and Legarda gained 12 and 13 percentage points from the withdrawal of Escudero and Vice President Noli de Castro.

About 75 percent of the respondents felt it was important to vote for a president and vice president from the same ticket, Laylo noted.

“Upon further analysis of the votes, the results show that there is a significant number of voters who indeed chose a president and a vice president coming from the same political party or group,” he said.

With five months before the 2010 elections, as many as 48 percent could still change their minds, the Standard Today poll showed. Of the 46 percent who said they would vote for Aquino, 22 percent said they might change their minds. Some 13 percent of Villar’s 27 percent and 8 percent of Estrada’s 17 percent said they might shift their votes as well.

Across demographics, Aquino dominates the presidential race with relatively higher vote shares in Visayas and among the upper and middle classes, the survey shows.

Villar has closed the gap in Northern and Central Luzon and leads among the Aglipayans and Protestants.

Despite their reputation for bloc voting, the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo are split among Aquino, Villar and Estrada. Teodoro’s best score is among Protestants.

In the vice presidential race, Roxas leads in the Visayas and among the upper and middle classes, mirroring the results for Aquino in his run for the presidency.

Legarda leads in Northern and Central Luzon, much like Villar’s good showing in the same areas, and she is closing the gap in the Bicol region and in Mindanao.

Binay’s best showing is in Metro Manila, where he ranks second, while Manzano gets a relatively higher percent vote among Protestants. By religion, Legarda is more favored among the Iglesia, the Aglipayans and Muslims.


Original Story: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2009/december/28/news1.isx&d=/2009/december/28

‘Gibo’ leads MB, Facebook surveys of presidential bets

By ARIS R. ILAGAN
December 27, 2009, 6:59pm








Original Story: http://mb.com.ph/articles/235955/gibo-leads-mb-facebook-surveys-presidential-bets


Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. is leading in an on-going Manila Bulletin on-line survey for presidential candidates in next year’s election, garnering 45 percent of the 57,000 votes over rival bet Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party.

At the same time, the latest results of the Facebook application "Election 2010" survey showed Teodoro having a sizeable lead over Sen. Richard Gordon having 47.44 percent and 22.01 percent of the total votes cast as of Sunday, respectively. Aquino is in third position with 16.18 percent in the Facebook election survey.

The on-line survey focused primarily on the perceived ability of the presidential candidates to run the country if successful in the May, 2010, elections. The poll asked: "Which presidential candidate for the May, 2010, elections is most capable of handling the duties as the Philippines' next leader?"

As of noontime Sunday, the latest data from the ongoing online poll in the Manila Bulletin website (http://www.mb.com.ph/home) showed the 1989 Bar topnotcher and Harvard-trained Teodoro with a strong lead of 25,814 votes or 45 percent of the 57,578 votes cast by those who took part in the on-line poll.

Teodoro was trailed by Sen. Noynoy Aquino with 39 percent (22,191 votes), Sen. Manny Villar, 10 percent (5,821 votes), Bro. Eddie Villanueva, 3 percent (1,869 votes), and former President Joseph Estrada, 3 percent, (1,635 votes).

Sarangani Governor and Lakas-Kampi-CMD National President Miguel Rene Dominguez, commenting on Teodoro’s huge lead in the Manila Bulletin on-line survey, said many people are beginning to see in Teodoro the kind of decisive leadership and intelligence they believe the next Philippine president should possess in the face of great challenges.

Teodoro’s camp expressed belief that the former defense chief was a top choice among the presidential bets of the “thinking class” who are mostly computer literate that use the Internet frequently.

In the Philippines, Internet users number around 15 to 20 million, accounting for 28 percent of some 35 million of the urban population, and about 70 percent of them are between the ages of 10 to 29 year old. Most (71 percent) of users access the Internet from Internet cafes, more than 51 percent have visited a social networking site such as Facebook.

Dominguez cited Teodoro’s decisiveness in expelling from the ruling party the Ampatuans, the alleged masterminds in the Nov. 23 massacre in Maguindanao of 57 people; his efficient handling of relief and rescue efforts during the “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” calamities; and his academic accomplishments that include topping the Bar, passing the New York Bar in 1997 and training at the prestigious Harvard University and becoming a licensed commercial pilot.

The latest Facebook survey results as of Sunday noon showed Teodoro firming up his lead over Sen. Richard Gordon and Sen. Aquino. “Round #7” of the Election 2010 (http://apps.facebook.com/election_twenty_ten/ballot.php?_fb_q=1) showed Teodoro in first place with 47.44 percent, followed by Gordon at 22.01 percent and Aquino at 16.18 percent.

Evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva took fourth (8.84 percent), Sen. Manny Villar, fifth (4.12 percent), Nicanor Perlas, sixth (1.01 percent) and former President Joseph Estrada, seventh (0.40 percent).

“We are not surprised by the outcome of this poll, because we have always known that the youth who are looking for change in this election can spot those who can be the agents of change,” Dominguez said.

“We have known all along that only our candidate Gibo has the brilliance, the clean track record and the vision to bring progress to this country. We are happy that the young, smart and computer savvy netizens see in Gibo the leader that the country desperately needs,” the Lakas-Kampi-CMD official said.

Zambales First District Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, campaign spokesperson for Teodoro, said the latest results of the Facebook’s simulated election only showed that majority of youth voters who flocked to the social networking site picked the Lakas-Kampi standard bearer over his strong rivals Aquino and Villar.


Original Story: http://mb.com.ph/articles/235955/gibo-leads-mb-facebook-surveys-presidential-bets

Partylist hits Comelec’s 200-voter-limit in registration

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:41:00 12/27/2009





Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Inquirer Politics


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244202/Partylist-hits-Comelecs-200-voter-limit-in-registration


MANILA, Philippines -- A lawmaker is protesting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) policy to limit registration in each center to 200 voters a day, which is not enough to accommodate the estimated two million Filipinos expected to sign up in the extended period for registration.

Kabataan Party-list Representative Raymond Palatino, in a statement, said: “We have received reports nationwide of thousands of youths availing themselves of the extended registration period only to be sent home by Comelec officials. The general complaint we are getting is that Comelec centers accept only 200 registrants per day and then refuse to accommodate the rest despite long lines of prospective new registrants.”

Palatino said that this meant that the centers would close shop just an hour after its opening at 10 a.m. upon meeting their quota, leaving hundreds of voters frustrated.

Palatino said that other complaints included the late opening of registration centers, insufficient number of satellite offices and registration forms, and the unresolved difficulties in the process that necessitated multiple extensions.

He said the Comelec has so far ignored his group’s suggestions and help on how to improve the system.

Palatino said that the Comelec should be compelled to conduct the registration process up to Jan. 9 as mandated by the Supreme Court. The Comelec, however, has scheduled only five days for registration—from Dec. 21 to 23 and Dec. 28 to 29 with the remaining days allotted to settle disputes on registrations.

“We expect millions to avail themselves of the remaining two days of extended voter registration. We hope the Comelec re-opens, more prepared and accommodating,” he said.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244202/Partylist-hits-Comelecs-200-voter-limit-in-registration

Communist group says Villar more ‘patriotic and progressive’

By Delfin Mallari Jr.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 19:12:00 12/24/2009





Filed Under: Politics, Elections, Eleksyon 2010


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20091224-243875/Communist-group-says-Villar-more-patriotic-and-progressive


LUCENA CITY, Philippines—The Communist Party of the Philippines says Sen. Manny Villar appears to be the more “patriotic and progressive” among the four major presidential candidates but is not certain whether the Nacionalista Party standard bearer would in fact turn out to be better than his rivals.

“Former Senate President Villar seems to be the most patriotic and progressive insofar as he advocates the interests of Filipino businessmen, expresses sympathy for the workers and peasants and condemns human rights violations,” the party’s Central Committee said in a statement.

“However, it remains to be seen whether he can win and prove himself any better than his major political rivals who have bloodstained records of opposing the demands of the workers and peasants, like (Sen. Benigno) Aquino of Hacienda Luisita notoriety, (Gilbert) Teodoro of being the mad dog defense secretary of Arroyo and (former President Joseph) Estrada of having a bellicose record during his failed presidency.”

The statement, an advance copy of which was e-mailed to the Inquirer on Thursday, was issued to mark the party’s 41st anniversary on Dec. 26

The CPP maintains that, with the exception of the Left-leaning Makabayan group, the major political parties and coalitions vying for power in the 2010 elections “avoid or even oppose the people's demand for national independence and genuine democracy and do not criticize and repudiate ‘free market’ globalization and the US-instigated policy of terror against the people.”

“The Lakas-Kampi party of the ruling clique clings to its discredited anti-national and anti-democratic policies. The major opposition parties, like the Liberal Party and the Partido ng Masang Pilipino, concentrate on pretending to be for good governance to dissociate themselves from the scandalous corruption of the Arroyo regime,” the CPP said.

For the CPP, whoever wins the presidency will also follow the same policy directions of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration.

“It will keep power under the dictates of the US and the local exploiting classes and will use its power to enrich itself and deploy the coercive apparatuses of the state to suppress opposition,” it said.

The CPP said the next administration would continue to treat communist and Muslim rebels like common criminals.

“It would merely pretend at being for peace negotiations and try to use these not to arrive at agreements on basic reforms with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines but merely to deceive and confuse the people and destroy the revolutionary movement,” it said.

The CPP accused the Arroyo administration of using the resources of the state to engage in electoral fraud and terrorism.

“Fears are widespread that it intends to declare martial law nationwide or in a number of key regions by claiming a failure of elections and thereby perpetuate itself in power. It can only inflame the people's resistance by treading the Marcos path of fascist dictatorship,” the CPP said.

The CPP directed the New People’s Army to accelerate tactical offensives against government forces in order to seize more weapons for building more communist guerilla units in war fronts across the country.

And in an apparent departure from its old strategy of waging guerrilla warfare in the countryside and ultimately surrounding the seat of power, The CPP added: “The NPA can take the initiative of developing armed city partisan warfare and launching special operations against enemy facilities and anti-people enterprises in order to force the enemy forces to go on guard duty and put more of its troops on the defensive.”

The communist leadership urged all its cadres to develop plans to increase the number of guerrilla fronts from around 120 to 180 in order to cover the rural congressional districts and gain the ability to deploy armed city partisan units in the urban congressional districts.

President Arroyo has given security forces until 2010 to defeat the NPA, which, according to military estimates, had 5,700 fighters at the end of 2007.

The on-and-off peace talks between the government and the rebels have been stalled since 2004 because both parties were adamant in pushing for their respective preconditions before the start of the talks.

On Wednesday, the government and the rebels declared a ceasefire from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20091224-243875/Communist-group-says-Villar-more-patriotic-and-progressive

Enrile: If not Estrada, it’s Teodoro for me

By Delfin Mallari Jr.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 18:52:00 12/27/2009




Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244190/Enrile-If-not-Estrada-its-Teodoro-for-me


LUCENA CITY, Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile acknowledged on Sunday that administration presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro could become a good president.

“If only I don’t have a commitment to my party, there’s no doubt that I will be one of his (Teodoro) followers and supporters,” said Enrile when he spoke before the assembly here of Quezon local officials from administration’s Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats.

Enrile is a member of Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) and a long time ally of the party’s standard bearer, former president Joseph Estrada.

Speaking to reporters after the event, the Senate leader added that, “If Erap is not my partymate, I will be with Gibo (Teodoro’s nickname).”

Asked to choose, who would be the best between the two presidential candidates, Enrile declined to categorically answer, saying, “Both of them are good."

Enrile recognized that if Teodoro will be given a chance by the Filipino people to lead the country, “We can all peacefully sleep knowing that the government is being steered by good hands.”

But the Senate leader immediately clarified that he was still rooting for Estrada.

“Same with Erap, there’s no doubt that he can also effectively run the government because he once held the same position. Unfortunately, he encountered problems that cut short his term of office. But let us not talk about it anymore. That’s already part of our history,” he said.

Among all presidential aspirants, Enrile said, Estrada and Teodoro would be the top two choices of the Filipino people.

“Gibo has the brains, knowledge and experience to lead the government. I’m just telling the truth here,” he said, saying he was saddened that Teodoro was with another party.

Enrile also predicted a solid Ilocano vote for Teodoro, which was once enjoyed by deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. “He speaks fluent Ilocano much better than I could,” he said.

Teodoro, who was also in Quezon province on Sunday, played coy when asked about Enrile’s virtual endorsement, pointing out Enrile’s ties to a rival party.

“But for someone with the stature of Senator
Enrile, it’s a great honor for me.” Teodoro told newsmen.

The administration presidential bet said he learned a lot from the senator in all aspects of governance. “I respect him that much,” he said.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244190/Enrile-If-not-Estrada-its-Teodoro-for-me

Villar launches all-out war platform against poverty

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:56:00 12/27/2009





Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Inquirer Politics


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244174/Villar-launches-all-out-war-platform-against-poverty


MANILA, Philippines--Senator Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party (NP) has declared an all-out war against poverty as it launched its campaign platform for next year’s elections based on “pro-poor” and “pro-development” programs.

“We in the Nacionalista Party will fight for the poor. No single person or political party has waged a full and all-out war against poverty and sincerely fought for genuine social reform in our country. We rise up to that challenge now,” NP spokesman and senatorial candidate Gilbert Remulla said in a statement issued Sunday.

An NP victory in 2010, Remulla said, would be a victory for the Filipino people, a majority of whom live below poverty line.

He said Villar, the party's president and standard-bearer, has a “firmer grasp of the realities that surround a family living on empty stomach” since himself had experienced first-hand the plight of millions of Filipinos.

The latest member of the NP family, People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, also came from the poor and, like Villar, has experienced what it feels like to be impoverished in this country, said Remulla.

“Senator Villar and Manny Pacquiao represent the ideals of the Nacionalista Party. We believe that all of us can rise from poverty through hard work, perseverance and a sense of pride in ourselves.”

“But the government has a role to play, like making available livelihood opportunities for all those who need a helping hand and making sure that the funds intended for the welfare of the people do not end up in someone else's pockets,” the spokesman said..

A self-made businessman, a respected statesman
and an experienced executive officer, Villar remains the “single, most competent” presidential aspirant among the list of hopefuls in next year's elections, Remulla said.

“And being poor once is a big factor,” he said, “The presidency does not belong up there in a pedestal where the people cannot reach you. It belongs with the hearts and minds of those you intend to lead.”

“That is why a vote for the Nacionalista Party is an affirmative vote against poverty. And we also intend to win because if we do, it will be a victory well-fought for the Filipino people,” he further said.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091227-244174/Villar-launches-all-out-war-platform-against-poverty

So what if Arroyo is in HK while Mayon burns

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:55:00 12/23/2009




Filed Under: Holidays or vacations, Mayon, Graft & Corruption


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091223-243545/So-what-if-Arroyo-is-in-HK-while-Mayon-burns


MANILA, Philippines—What does it matter if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is vacationing in Hong Kong as residents of Albay province flee the expected eruption of Mayon Volcano?

Gary Olivar, the President’s deputy spokesperson, sees no problem.

Ms Arroyo had earlier skipped a crucial, make-or-break session at the United Nations’ climate change summit in Copenhagen, supposedly to attend to the Mayon crisis.

It turned out she had other plans. She, her husband, their children and grandchildren flew to Hong Kong on Sunday, the day after she arrived from Denmark.

“Her physical presence is not needed,” Olivar Tuesday told reporters in the course of assailing those questioning Ms Arroyo’s absence in the face of yet another brewing calamity.

“I would describe them as people of small minds, cold hearts and mean spirit—totally without place in the holidays,” he said of her critics.

Olivar said criticisms of the President’s three-day Hong Kong getaway intended as a treat to her four grandchildren were “unfair” considering her “legendary passion for her work and the kind of hours she puts in.”

Only 2 hours away

Volcanologists have predicted that a major explosion by Mayon would occur within days, prompting even the most obstinate resident to leave the permanent danger zone.

But Olivar defended the First Family’s vacation in Hong Kong, pointing out that the former British territory was only less than two hours from Manila in case it became necessary for the President to return home quickly.

He also said Ms Arroyo had a standing order for authorities to ensure that no resident would be allowed to stay in the permanent danger zone.

“Everything is in place,” Olivar said. “Things should be managed by the crisis committee on the ground.”

He refused to give details of the First Family’s itinerary in Hong Kong, saying the affair was strictly private.

Ms Arroyo is scheduled to return to Manila on Wednesday. She is to spend Christmas Eve on Thursday in her home province of Pampanga, where she is running for a congressional seat in the May 2010 elections.

Olivar had earlier admitted that Ms Arroyo would reach out to voters during the Christmas Eve visit: “I would imagine that while she’s there, she would take the opportunity to visit her neighbors, her constituents, obviously her voters that she needs to be concerned about in next year’s elections.”

No ceasefire

Holiday season or not, the critics of the administration cannot be silenced.

“We criticize to stop something. But if cheating [and] stealing continue to go on, there is a need to speak out,” Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters.

“We wish [the First Family] a merry Christmas, but we hope the stealing and anomalies would stop in this country,” he said.

His sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano, said public servants like Ms Arroyo were accountable for their actions the minute they get elected into office until they step down.

“So if you have been acting in a way that is subject to a lot of criticism, I don’t think you can ask for a ceasefire,” Pia Cayetano told reporters in a separate interview.

“You cannot ask people to look the other way, as this government has chosen to in the face of so many flagrant violations of the Constitution and of the law,” she said.

The senator added that Ms Arroyo’s critics could not be silent when many corruption cases were not moving in the Office of the Ombudsman. With a report from Christine O. Avendaño


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091223-243545/So-what-if-Arroyo-is-in-HK-while-Mayon-burns