My take on the May 10 polls
By: Bear’s rumbling thoughts
(reader request that be posted in B7)
My sister was nagging me on whom to vote for on May 10 for the Malacañang post. I haven’t really convinced myself yet, even for VP and senators. There should be something I need to do in order to counter asymmetric information so that I’ll be properly informed given that I am not in the Philippines to actually observe the campaign. The only thing I heard of are the muds that are being thrown left and right against various candidates and how the Comelec and Smart(?)matic are going to “manage” the election, with the news reports about the ballot testing, I wish them luck.
Unfortunately for me and hundreds of thousands who cannot go to Riyadh, Jeddah or Al-Khobar to cast our votes personally, we will be unheard of this May 10 (not only on May 10, mind you). The Comelec and DFA didn’t make any arrangements to enable us to vote even by mail here; one of the many efficiencies of the bureaucracy. We have to visit the embassy or consular office in order to do so. Considering the expenses and danger we will incur and meet if we travel, some of us are settling to voice out our stand either by convincing our families to vote in our behalf or to campaign for a candidate back home.
I am an Overseas Filipino Worker, and I do not feel anything more than that. Basically I am still a proletariat. I am not even elated on the label Bagong Bayani because I can’t hardly feel it or is it only lip service to entice thousands more to leave the country every day for the dollars? What do these dollars do for the poor anyway? Yes it floats our economy’s dollar reserves and saves us from BOP deficit and interest repayment for the nation’s debt, other than that, wala naman talagang nararamdaman na ang mahihirap. Ramdam ng Pinoy ang paghihirap yun ang klaro. In 2009 alone, despite the dismal US economic recovery and poor influx of foreign direct investments in the country, it is OFW dollars that has kept the Philippines almost immune from financial crisis with their whooping $15.78 Billion remittances, and not La Gloria’s macroeconomics and social welfare programs as what her administration has been falsely trumpeting.
I haven’t heard any candidate, except for Toots Ople, who has a solution and plan for OFWs. The problem of us OFWs having to leave our families is a deeply-profound one, the dynamics are numerous if you gets to dissect it. The benefits might really outweigh the costs in terms of financial gains, on the one hand, but the social cost is something unbearable at times, on the other. Manny Villar may have repatriated hundred of OFWs (is it on his own account or charged to PDAF?) but still a comprehensive program for OFWs is wanting and POEA and OWWA are just raking in billions from us. Hey where’s our take on the cake?
Of the several candidates running for president, I have considered looking only to those who were serious enough to wage a campaign and is serious enough to take the steering wheel from La Gloria. My take on Gibo Teodoro, Dick Gordon, Manny Villar, Noy Aquino and Erap Estrada (the rest I consider to be waging a lonely battle, if not nuisance enough to end up in that kilometric automated ballot) follows in the order of how I prefer them. Ultimately though, like microeconomic choices, the logical option doesn’t necessarily mean the best choice, it is after all a decision the individual should make given specific constraints.
I think therefore I am for G1BO. I heard of Gibo’s feat as congressman and defense chief way back. I admire his remarkable and impressive credentials and in what he has done for Tarlac. His clarity and articulateness on issues during debates makes him a favorite. Aside from having a model as a wife, he can fly planes. I am a plane lover and hearing about him flying one of those C-130s really amaze me. “Gibo is a licensed commercial pilot and a reserve colonel of the Philippine Air Force. His commercial pilot’s license has a Learjet 31 rating, and he can fly C-130 military planes.” He really is hands on in steering the wheel. However the message didn’t get to be embraced by the masa, Class C, D, E who didn’t feel any connection with Gibo. The Harvard scholar could really attract investors and confidence with his Galing and Talino and all the intrinsic values he possesses. I am turning a blind eye on his decision to ditch NPC in favor of the Partido Lakas-Kampi (PALAKA) (whose members are one-by-one doing the dumping of Gibo) obviously for political survival chiefly because it seems that Uncle Danding has not given him the anointment. He could have been Top One in May and in all aspects in the political sense (track record, machinery, finance, positioning on issues) except for one external factor he willingly carries. The fingerprint of La Gloria smudges all the positive points and trumps his capabilities to govern. Her kiss of death is more than enough to end Gibo’s chances this election. I remember Conrado de Quiros saying that the best president we have are those who didn’t made it to the ballot. So I guess Gibo’s campaign ends there even if the God of Quiboloy has anointed him to succeed Gloria.
Dick Gordon’s hard stance on Subic and how he managed to straighten the people of Olongapo is something that I have been admiring for in years. The way he handled Olongapo as Mayor and later as Administrator of SBMA has really highlighted how the Filipinos can be disciplined and straightforward. His track record as a local executive is truly outstanding one that can really help the Philippines towards development. His stint as Tourism secretary, Red Cross chair and senator has led to successful feats in their respective areas. Reading from an observation would make one WOW on the achievement of this candidate. For me he is the president that this country needs to put an end to scrupulous corruption, pagsasamantala and poverty. He is more than qualified to be the president. However, there are pretty differences in the dynamics of the local and national politics. Although all politics are local, the Filipino electorate is not yet ready for Dick to be president. The electorates see all the bragging and he being a literal dick-head. One observer notes that “People ignore the side of Dick Gordon who is passionate and genuinely cares for the well being of his fellow Filipino” the problem is not Gordon but in what manner he delivers his message to the people. Well with a big attitude I really do not see how the common voter will be able to grasp the message wrapped in kayabangan, ironic as it may seem, voters still look for some degree of humility from public servants. The recent howl of Patricia Evangelista‘s Method to Madness says of one observation on Dick Gordon as he is labeled chickens*it by one interviewer who happens to be a friend to Evangelista. Tweeters left and right, and this one guy in Facebook, have liked, refuted, hated and even cursed Evangelista’s observation even to the extent that of blaming her that if Gordon didn’t make it to Malacañang they will all rain it all on Evangelista as if she has the capability to do so. She may have some readers and clout (you can count me in) but I doubt that she can wreck that damage to Gordon’s campaign. I do not always agree with Evangelista’s treatises in Inquirer, it is her opinion and she’s very much entitled to it, but to curse her to the ends of the Earth is absurd and foolish. I will leave the analysis to you. The thing is some of us may like abrasive, harsh, arrogant and what-call-you leaders, others just do not and the capability to accept that adobe fact is a sign of maturity. Filipinos are not dump, however it is sad to say that political maturity is nowhere in the vocabulary of voters.
Housing magnate and businessman Manny Villar has used his being once in poverty to push through with his presidential campaign. His Sipag and Tiyaga slogan has been here with us for some time since he ran for Senator. The phrase is almost synonymous with Villar and with the story of how he managed to get out of poverty, or was it really poverty? This election season gave another definition to his claim of being mahirap. Though Erap had almost lord it over the domain of the Mahirap, Villar now comes with a claim of his being from Tondo and being also a Mahirap, even telling voters that because of their poverty they were unable to save his brother from death. His campaign jingle si Villar ang Tunay na Mahirap utilizes kids and singing absurd situations he claimed to have experience has become an object of spoof and fame for him. And I just like to ask sino naman ang may sabi na bawal ang mangarap ang mahirap, eh yun na nga lang ang ilan sa mga natitirang libre sa komersyalisadong mundong ito? Claims that are widely refuted not by words of chimosos and chismosas or the barberos, but by hard evidence presented in an article by no less than an intellectual elite in the person of Prof Solita Monsod of the UP School of Economics, Inquirer and the GMA7 Network. She was NEDA chief during Cory Aquino’s administration. The article on the Inquirer wasn’t the only piece of her clarification on Villar’s claim to poverty, Prof Monsod has already made her analysis on the allegation on C5 extension road project. A project, she said was “unnecessary, financially disadvantageous to the government, and would only yield Villar enormous financial benefits.” As the ethics case was being heard in the Senate, all Villar and his allies have been doing is to dodge the issue instead of facing them head-on. Not to be forgotten is his supposed links with the Arroyo government giving birth to the Villarroyo tag, his unusual presence in a Philippine Stock Exchange meeting where he “follow-up” on his company’s request to unlock a certain part of his company’s shares of stock for market selling and just recently the complaints about unfinished housing projects where it was alleged that he illegally enriched himself and his company.
Erap Estrada had his chance but blew it altogether. The jueteng payola, the undeclared assets and the work ethic has not all been helpful. The poorly concluded impeachment trial could have been hi saving grace, but his allies all the way let him down by not opening the second envelope. The plunder trial at Sandiganbayan and his conviction and subsequent pardon all the more made his credibility and his objective to return to Malacañang all the more suspect.
Which brings me to Noynoy Aquino, heir apparent to martyr Ninoy Aquino and democracy icon Cory Aquino. The dismal legislative performance in the House and Senate makes him a least achiever in this respect judging by his sponsorship to which was passed into law. In the over-all he is banking on the legacy left by his parents and the torrents of support of the masses for a credible change. He campaigns on the issues of corruption, accountability and honesty. Walang bahid as his supporters would say. I am not saying that 100% Noynoy deserves the votes of the people. I am not also calling out for you to join the Aquino bandwagon just because the surveys say that he leads the pack of presidentiables or that because the 7 million strong Iglesia ni Cristo, known to be voting as a bloc (sabi ni Kabo llamadista daw kse sila, dun daw nataya sa siguradong panalo), would throw their hat for Noynoy, no please do not make that as one of the reasons to choose your president. I say that these extraordinary times call for a extraordinary solution. Noynoy is no extraordinary, he is not the savior this country needs. But for the love of the country we are better off with him. Another Aquino presidency would put an end to an Arroyo, a reboot is all that the Filipinos need. The contenders to Noynoy have no issues to throw against him that’s why one after the other they always insert his question his psychiatric health. Boo-boo for those black props, if they think they are pretty much the victims of these black propaganda it would be better if they answer them directly and please do not use your mother to solicit sympathy for your undoings. Do not blame them for knowing that you have illegal transactions, or that you used your position in order to get a favorable contract, do not blame them if they caught you lying because not all Filipinos are stupid. You cannot have us all hook, line and sinker.
Election is a divisive exercise though a democratic one. It sends a positive signal that democracy breathes in this country in spite of the Ampatuan Massacre and the tyranny of Gloria and her manipulation of political institutions (Executive, Legislative and Judiciary). We may have difference in opinions and varied preferences for president. At the end of day, it is important that we stand behind the elected president after the ballots have been casted, counted and canvassed it is all our duty to protect it and to stand by the decision of the majority of our countrymen, that is, after all, the essence of democracy.#
*My apologies for the inaccurate grammar, language and logic. Please feel free to point out any of my errors. My stay in Saudi Arabia has not progressed my using of the English language.
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reynz is one Uragon and a Filipino-American, has many years of public accounting & auditing, broadcast investments, housing tax credits and equity investments as his background. Based in the US, he maintains his personal and humor blog at reyna elena dot com. A graduate of Aquinas U, he went to GWU and Temple U in the United States.
just be ready with the flood of comments that will try to negate your sentiments
3 days left, given a credible election scenario, we either stand, or fall as a Filipino nation.
GO NOYNOY!
GO DODONG ACOSTA!!! Unfair ang article na to. Unfair. Nasaan si Dodong?! Nasaan?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68xGqQSUejE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H76F_O290BM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVAmShFc4DA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un7n6ZEBZn4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvIYzlplWxQ&feature=player_embedded
sir just to share you this interview, I hope this answer your question regarding your blog regarding gordon. With regards to the chicken**** word, Pls listen first to the interview before you judge the person.
PEACE!!!
Sorry, si Gordon magaling nga… but he’s not my number one… next time na lang siguro. Kahit hindi ko siya like as a politician kasi sa mga trapo at bullish ways niya, top lister ko siya… I will vote for him over Teodoro…
My bet is Noynoy now, I am taking hold for his guarantee na hindi siya magnanakaw at dudurugin ang corruption – this is an effective start to progress. Sana eh tapikin na lang ni Noynoy sina Gordon at Bayani na sumanib at maging gabinete. Mas masaya pa.
This is my view.
In a country like the Philippines beset with REAL, COMPLICATED and COMPLEX problems … and with time is of the essence…
We need a Leader that would have the shortest LEARNING CURVE…to move and turn around this country…..
GORDON is definitely the READIEST of all the candidates, with a platform, with an impressive track record that would transform the country….
I anticipate that with Noynoy, the main issue will not be KAMAG-ANAK Inc. but ADVISORS Inc….. all with diverse agenda, not necessarily aligned with that of PHILIPPINES, Inc….
GORDON with the most logical and complementary tandem in Bayani will do the following (among others):
1. Fix Teachers salaries at P40K to attract good teachers;
Will for a constitutional amendment to have the Office of the Ombudsman elected directly by the people of 2-3 candidates chosen by the Supreme Court;
2. Fix Doctor’s salaries at P50K and P75K (for surgeons) to have them reassigned in the provinces;
3) Have a MUST-DO feeding of kids in public school, this way the children will have an initiative to go to school (the Kindle Project is a mere symbolic attempt for Filipinos to see how we could all be ambitious in ensuring good education for everyone);
4) Develop the Manila – Subic – Batangas – La Union (all Ports) Corridors to attract foreign investors in seeing that they could easily ship out their products;
5) Build a PGH in Central Luzon to declog Metro Manila and provide accessible healthcare for a great number of Filipinos;
6) Will use small planes (not PAL, with lean entourage) and will bring local sample of production (eg. fruits, textiles, computers like during the Subic days) to attract foreign investors;
7) Will ask Bayani to reclaim a bigger portion of Manila Bay to develop a world-class tourist destination, restore Escolta, and make Binondo China town comparable to SFO, etc.
9) Will make the Office of the President and VP and other critical government offices accessible 24/7 both as a whistle-blower hotline and for office suggestions;
10) Will ensure quick turnaround of criminal cases to show people government resolve and seriousness;
These are the few things he mentioned last night in the Miting de Avance at Marikina Ampitheatre…I believe him because he has done it before…THAT TO ME IS INTEGRITY !!! If you have WALKED your TALK !!!
GO GORDON !!!
Doctor’s salaries at P50K and P75K (for surgeons)
I have a nephew who is a doctor. Of course, I have no clue how much he is earning. Mukhang happy naman sa Pinas that’s why he’d rather stay there.
Sa 50/75k, saan to Manila rate? tipong mababa masyado. Hindi kaya reason to na pinapakilo nila equipments? hahaha
Provincial rate assignment yang P50k/P75K. Now they are getting P20-30K lang in the provinces…i.e. if they haven’t converted as Nurses to work abroad.
The problem is the lack of doctors in the provinces…this is Gordon’s short-term solutions.
Reynz, I was at the Gordon-Bayani Miting de Avance last night and I was at awe with GORDON’s depth of understanding the problems of the country and his doable solutions to address this right away… We need the BEST but it seems like we’re still settling for the Lesser Evil (as programmed by the Oligarchs and ABS-CBN)..
He said at the end of it all, he doesnt want the title of(PRESIDENT), but to see that small maroon document (aka Passport) get the needed RESPECT abroad !!!!
We need the BEST but it seems like we’re still settling for the Lesser Evil (as programmed by the Oligarchs and ABS-CBN
NOT TRUE.
Jet,
I feel your passion with Dick Gordon but we will be back in a very long discussion of why Gordon is not the best because he is Richard Gordon and that is his biggest liability. We do need the BEST, true, unfortunately, Dick Gordon is not the best. For if he is – he would have been out there numero uno. Simple as that.
Who is the Best? The one the Oligarchs, Mainstream Media said as the best (despite lackluster past)? If we dont need the Best? Why is that so?
We are not electing a Friend, we are electing a Leader !!!
IN THE REAL MARCH TO PROGRESS….Dick Gordon is Ready, the Filipino People probably are Not….
You said – we need the best. I agree with you.
And Jet, Dick Gordon is NOT THE BEST.
No matter how much you paste his credentials, his performance, he is an un-sellable product to the nation. When no one buys your message and your persona (this is repeat of our discussions), you are a failure. Big time. That is not best. All of these surveys tells you that (again this is a repeat of our discussion).
And who told you that Noynoy is not a leader?
Dick Gordon is not the best. For if he is – he would have been out there numero uno. Simple as that.
reynz, still basing your choice on survey results or popularity?
Anong opinion mo on the senatorial surveys? Based on your reasoning, masasabi mo bang mas magaling sila Bong revilla, Lito lapid, Jinggoy estrada compared sa ibang candidates kc sila ang nagunguna?
Reynz,
Watch Winnie Monsod’s new TV5 show Timbangan (in Youtube) and tell me who after 4 episodes is MOST KAPANIPANIWALA and/or the BEST in LEADING the country…
That’s not the surveys or even me talking
Sherwin,
I leave you with your senatoriables for i don’t understand why people believe in those senators and I’ve blogged that they not be voted.
However, pro-gordon supporters prefer to tweak words about trust to mean “popular”.
Jet,
I’ve watched more than enough. Noynoy is the person that almost 42% (?) trust. Simply because he has the highest rating is “popular”? Gordon supporters would insist it is popular – i leave you with your definition for that’s not how I see it.
To me, the fact is, Gordon’s campaign was a complete disaster despite his credentials and his accomplishment. By that he is not the best.(Consistently na uulit ulitin ko yan).
“IN THE REAL MARCH TO PROGRESS….Dick Gordon is Ready, the Filipino People probably are Not…”
This is a very Anti-Pinoy line and this is the reason why you guys continue to alienate people and possible supporters. Why? Because instead of looking and analyzing what is the problem with your product – there is no problem – rather the problem is with the people. And you guys expect the people to buy your product.
People have been clamoring for change. We’ve all trusted candidates and put them in position only to fool us. Then again, if we only could see what the future holds, right? But we can’t.
It’s very dictatorial. That’s what I sense. That’s what people are sensing. Who wants another dictator? Definitely not the yellow army.
o di naman pala kailangan maging president, then wag na magpumilit. Magsilbi na lang sa kahit anong kapasidad.
tsk tsk, matapos magsunog ng kilay ng mahabang taon at gumastos ang mga nagkandakubang magulang,ganyan lang ang sweldo nila?
mas malaki pa yung sweldo nung mokong na albularyo samin,ang mahal sumingil,50php at pag my bulong 100php, sabi ko e pag sigaw magkano?
EEeeek 100php na raw pala my bulong o wala, ayun nasigawan daw ni sisteret kasi 50 lang dala nya bwahaha
Very well written article.
Still, i do not believe Sen. Noy had a dismal legislative performance. One only needs to look at his attendance in congress and the quality of the bills he has filed to see that the guy works hard. He has even published his projects courtesy of the CDF (schools, farm to market roads etc.) which, by the way, has not been released to his office since 2005. Let us remember that his bills are pending at different committees in either the lower house or the senate. They have not been rejected. I encourage everyone to read about his bills and resolutions. Sa substance pa lang, walang sinabi yung iba dyan, kahit may galing at talino pa.
Noy-Mar 2010!!!!
Mark,
I am sure he did some quality work on his bills, but you dont stop there…you work HARD for it to get it passed as a LAW to benefit ALL…
This is where you divide the line between Magaling and Mediocre legislative performance…
All i want is to avoid a Mediocre Presidency in a time when we really need to turnaround our country !!!
Leadership is not just about results. It also includes (and thanks to Rosa) EQ. Emotional Quotient. That’s what’s missing from Gordon.
This is, by far, the most insightful of articles on Dick Gordon:
Method To Madness – People call me Dick.
By Patricia Evangelista
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:38:00 05/01/2010
THERE ARE MANY AND VARIED REASONS WHY RICHARD Gordon is not number one in the presidential race. It is because the public is made up of fools who idolize candidates by virtue of a free T-shirt. It is because of survey companies that are “stealing the people’s minds” by publishing false ratings to a conditioned public. It is because the media are biased. It is because the public mind is unable to understand he is better than those Aquinos, or that Villlar. It’s because of the oligarchies and monopolies and the sad state of Philippine democracy.
That Gordon is not leading the charge to the Palace cannot possibly be because of Gordon himself. In the wonderful world of the man called Dick, the flowers bloom red, the sky is papered with his posters, and crowds of ballot-clutching jingle-singing voters reach out to touch his hand.
“Name me another candidate that has become Con-Con [Constitutional Convention] delegate at a very young age, who’s a lawyer that became a mayor, that became chairman of Subic Bay, that improved our economy dramatically and took out the yoke of American presence here, that became secretary of tourism against a sea of negativism, then became senator of the Republic, did all those laws, and at the same time, spent 43 years fighting disasters.”
That the senator has an impressive resumé has never been in doubt, a list that includes class president, he reminds Karen Davila on ANC. Perhaps he forgets that leadership is not just a function of achievement, it is also one of character.
This is Richard Gordon, presidential candidate, who spent his RockEd radio interview insulting the Cojuangcos of Tarlac, insinuating all manner of foul deeds. This is Gordon, straight shooter, offended at a caller’s curious question asking him if he thought the Cojuangcos were really corrupt. This is Gordon, presidential candidate, howling at his interviewer for calling him a coward for answering the question with an angry question. And so the best man for the job ripped into Erwin Romulo, UNO editor, RockEd member and Free Press publisher. “You’re just the son of Bert Romulo,” said the red-faced little man, forgetting the live webcam. “You’re nobody.”
It may not be the most advisable act to call a presidential candidate “chickensh-t,” even if it’s true. Then again, the MILF members toting stolen Kalashnikov rifles may not be so careful with their language on the peace-negotiating table, and I sincerely doubt the sight of the president of the Philippines screeching chickensh-t to leftists burning his effigy will result in anything less than a bloody revolution outside Malacañang. It is odd for me to write this, as temperamental writers should be the last people to judge temperaments, but neither am I aspiring for the leadership of over 80 million Filipinos.
“I’m frank,” he says in an interview, after he finished a tangent on the idiocy of everyone but Gordon. “I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks.”
There is a difference between being frank and being a downright jackass, a difference that seems to have been blurring the closer we get to May 10. The sniping online and on air is reaching mammoth proportions, everyone and their mother accused of suddenly either being a whore or a moron. There is no concept of opinion or democracy, only right and wrong, color-coded by baller band. Gordon is on another level altogether—a presidential candidate who throws national tantrums, tosses sexual innuendoes at female reporters, and goes ballistic at the suggestion Dick Gordon is not the most popular boy in class. “You people,” is how he refers to everyone on his rants, “you people are the problem.” For this man, a ballot that does not circle Dick Gordon is a result of some conspiracy against him or a failure in intelligence. It is odd for a man so contemptuous of people to claim he is a man who will represent them best.
He has sued survey companies for brainwashing the public, says the problem of this country is that people do not think. He is contemptuous of the running mate who has had nothing but praise for him. Ask him about Bayani Fernando, and the tandem that took the country by surprise. Ask him why he decided on Fernando. “I did not choose him, he was the one who came to me.” And then he will laugh at his own wit.
Not that this isn’t true. Fernando admits it when asked why he chose Gordon. “He was the only one left.”
Gordon admires many things about Fernando. “In spite of his visage, he’s very humble.”
He says he admires the man’s forthright and straightforward manner. He says he admires what Fernando has done for Marikina. Most of all, Gordon admires Fernando’s admiration for Dick Gordon.
“You know, I’ve heard him say, ‘I learned this from Dick Gordon.’ He would say that on TV and radio. That impressed me.”
“After I am president, after that exposure, Bayani can be president. Then we’ll have to look for somebody else who will continue.”
I never met Gordon before the election season. Whether this is who he really is, or whether the ranting and raving is a reaction to stress and pressure and the survey numbers he swears he cares nothing for, this is not what I want from my president. Presidents are not exempt from humility, and those who think they are end up tyrants and dictators. It is a waste of what would have made a good leader; perhaps a long time ago Gordon knew how to inspire. That Gordon now spends most of his interviews complaining about his opponents, blaming the survey companies and harassing his interviewers explains much about the personality of this man.
“I knew I could have won easily,” he says about running for senator. “I have a pretty good track record. I’m pretty good at what I do. I would be turning my own back on the country if I didn’t run for president.”
There are many and varied reasons why I will not vote for Richard Gordon, and it is not because Noynoy Aquino’s parents were allied 20 years ago with the TV station I write for today, or because Gilbert Teodoro’s people gave me a free T-shirt. Neither is it because the surveys have stolen my mind, or because of oligarchies and monopolies and the sad state of Philippine democracy, or because of any bias for any particular candidate. I would like to put it on the record: I will not vote for Richard Gordon because he is Richard Gordon.