10. Loren Legarda
One of the most influential and famous female politicians in the Philippines is Loren Legarda. Being a multi-awarded broadcast journalist from ABS-CBN gave her an advantage as she is already a household name by the time she first ran to be a Senator. Her great communication skills and her advocacies particularly for the environment earned her a slot in the Senate. And did we mention that she topped the Senatorial race twice?
9. Shalani Soledad
Soledad’s claim to fame was her relationship with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. However, there’s more to her than being just the President’s girlfriend, she herself is into politics as she is currently a Councilor of Valenzuela city. Her fame continued to rise as she became a TV host for TV5’s Wil Time, Big Time. Though she was since evicted from the show, she is now already a household name.
8. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo
This Lanao del Norte 2nd district Congresswoman is a member of one of the most prominent political clans in Mindanao, the Dimaporos. This lady solon with the face of a beauty queen is known from her alleged spat with Peace Process Secretary, Teresita “Ging” Deles.
7. Darlene Antonino-Custodio
Manny Pacquiao is unbeatable. That statement may be true inside the boxing ring, but outside, this girl did beat him. In 2007, Antonino-Custodio ran against Pacquiao to be South Cotabato’s 1st district representative. This feisty young lawmaker is unfazed by her opponent which is a very famous, multi-titled professional boxer who is considered by many as pride of the nation. She went on to beat Pacquiao. She later ran to be a Mayor of General Santos City and eventually won, again.
6. Monica Louise “Nikki” Teodoro
She is the wife of former Presidential candidate, Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro. Though she was all-out supporting her husband, she is not to be outdone. This beautiful woman is the 1st district of Tarlac’s representative to the House of Representatives. She’s even the Chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children and the Vice-Chairperson of House Committee on Population and Family Relations.
5. Lani Mercado-Revilla
Lani Mercado is the wife Senator Bong Revilla. And like some of the women in this list, she refuses to hide under the shadow of her husband. Mrs. Revilla is a public servant herself, representing the 2nd district of Cavite in the House of Representatives. And do we need to explain why she’s on this list? Her years in show business explains it all.
4. Vilma Santos-Recto
Known in the Philippines as the “Star for all Seasons”, Vilma Santos transitioned from being one of the country’s finest actresses to one of its most seasoned public servants. Though she is the wife of former Senator Ralph Recto, she is proving that she can hold her own in the political arena. She is Lipa city’s first female Mayor and continued to hold office for three consecutive terms. She then became Batangas’ first female Governor and is now serving her second term. From being just a multi-awarded actress, she is now a multi-awarded public servant receiving various awards for her exemplary performance as Mayor and Governor.
3. Lucy Torres-Gomez
Another actress-turned-politician is Lucy Torres – Gomez. After Richard Gomez’ (her husband) disqualification, she accepted the challenge and ran instead. She won and is now serving as the representative of the 4th district of Leyte.
2. Pia Cayetano
Philippine politics is filled with more prominent families than there are political parties. One of those political clans known nationwide are the Cayetanos. Pia Cayetano is also known as Companera (kompanyera), which was a derivative of what her father, Rene Cayetano, was called. Being one of only three women in the Senate, she is well known for her campaigns and advocacies focusing women empowerment. A former UP Women’s Volleyball team captain and a former member of the Philippine National Team for Volleyball, Pia Cayetano is also known for her sports-related advocacies and initiated programs.
1. Risa Hontiveros
Her campaign slogan when she ran for Senator last 2010 elections was “Maganda ang Laban”. And true enough, she is maganda or in english, beautiful. She is most well known as Akbayan Party-list representative to the House of Representatives and being a critic of the then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She is also known as one of the staunch supporters of the RH Bill.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Villafuerte Backs Arroyo’s Son Against his Own Son
The relationship between Camarines Sur third district Representative Luis R. Villafuerte Sr. (LRV) and son Gov. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. has further deteriorated as the father has just endorsed the reelection bid of congressman Diosdado “Dato” Ignacio Arroyo’s in the second district against his son who is preparing to challenge Arroyo in the 2013 elections.
Estranged from each other since the 2007 elections, LRay hasbeen locked in an intense struggle against his father over the initiatives of LRV, Arroyo, Congressman Rolando Andaya Jr., and Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella to divide Camarines Sur into two provinces. LRV publicly backed up Arroyo on April 5 before a vast crowd in Barangay (village) Salingogon in Minalabac town, encouraging them to bestow 98 percent of their votes on the latter. With Arroyo in tow during his barangay visit that day, LRV portrayed his son LRay as an ingrate and “paratomang (disrespectful, disobedient to the parents)” and an “embarrassment to the family” and dissuaded the village people from voting for his son, whom he ironically admitted is his junior. He also exhorted the people not to support his grandson Miguel, the 23-year-old son of LRay, whom the latter has been grooming to replace him as governor in 2013. He added that he will be mounting a comeback as governor of the province. Like his son, the outgoing governor, LRV is also serving his last term as congressman of the third district.
LRay shrugged off LRV’s verbal attacks, remarking that his downfall would also be that of his father. He added that he is bent on fielding his son Miguel, or Migz, in the gubernatorial race next year even if it meant a direct political collision against his father. Not unlike a political rally, LRV on Thursday regaled the audience with punch lines and threw apples for them to catch—his signature gimmick in campaign sorties. He and Arroyo did a ceremonial distribution of food baskets to ten families out of the more than 500 households in the village. Arroyo told the village residents that even if his Priority Development Assistance Fund has not yet been released, they should not worry because he has other sources to fund his programs in the district. LRay scoffed at Arroyo’s visit as nothing more than a meeting with his barangay leaders and playing basketball.
He pointed out that Arroyo, despite representing the district for over five years, is making the rounds of the district only now and labeled him an absentee congressman, who, as a son of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was handed the position on a silver platter. Arroyo dismissed LRay’s statement, claiming that he has visited all the 189 barangays in the second district and has implemented projects in all of the villages since he assumed office in 2007. He added that he now plans to undertake house-to-house visits.
Estranged from each other since the 2007 elections, LRay hasbeen locked in an intense struggle against his father over the initiatives of LRV, Arroyo, Congressman Rolando Andaya Jr., and Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella to divide Camarines Sur into two provinces. LRV publicly backed up Arroyo on April 5 before a vast crowd in Barangay (village) Salingogon in Minalabac town, encouraging them to bestow 98 percent of their votes on the latter. With Arroyo in tow during his barangay visit that day, LRV portrayed his son LRay as an ingrate and “paratomang (disrespectful, disobedient to the parents)” and an “embarrassment to the family” and dissuaded the village people from voting for his son, whom he ironically admitted is his junior. He also exhorted the people not to support his grandson Miguel, the 23-year-old son of LRay, whom the latter has been grooming to replace him as governor in 2013. He added that he will be mounting a comeback as governor of the province. Like his son, the outgoing governor, LRV is also serving his last term as congressman of the third district.
LRay shrugged off LRV’s verbal attacks, remarking that his downfall would also be that of his father. He added that he is bent on fielding his son Miguel, or Migz, in the gubernatorial race next year even if it meant a direct political collision against his father. Not unlike a political rally, LRV on Thursday regaled the audience with punch lines and threw apples for them to catch—his signature gimmick in campaign sorties. He and Arroyo did a ceremonial distribution of food baskets to ten families out of the more than 500 households in the village. Arroyo told the village residents that even if his Priority Development Assistance Fund has not yet been released, they should not worry because he has other sources to fund his programs in the district. LRay scoffed at Arroyo’s visit as nothing more than a meeting with his barangay leaders and playing basketball.
He pointed out that Arroyo, despite representing the district for over five years, is making the rounds of the district only now and labeled him an absentee congressman, who, as a son of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was handed the position on a silver platter. Arroyo dismissed LRay’s statement, claiming that he has visited all the 189 barangays in the second district and has implemented projects in all of the villages since he assumed office in 2007. He added that he now plans to undertake house-to-house visits.
Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (Cory) as President
Corazon Cojuangco Aquino a.k.a. Cory, was born on January 25, 1933 in Tarlac. Her parents were Jose Cojuangco and Demetria Sumulong Coiuangco, scions or very rich landed gentry. She started her education at St. Scholastica College and Assumption Convent in Manila, then in 1946, her family left for the United States where she pursued her high school and college education. ln 1953, she finished her Bachelor of Arts degree, major in French and minor in Mathematics at Mt. Saint Vincent College in New York and thereafter, she returned to Manila to study law, which she was unable to finish. On October 11, 1954, Cory married Ninoy. The life of Cory was intertwined with the life of Ninoy, such that, when the latter entered politics Cory was the number one devotee. Her role as a politician’s wife was to attend the funerals, weddings and other social gatherings of Ninoy’s constituents to represent him. ln the “ups and downs” of his husband’s life, Cory was always there. faithful and supportive. When Ninoy was incarcerated because of Martial Law, Cory had to play the role of a good counsel to a husband who was in agony.
Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972 and from then on ruled the Philippines with iron hands policy thus dubbed a dictator. Ninoy’s political cohorts and alliances devised political schemes to topple the Marcos military machinery but in vain. After the assassination of Ninoy on August 21, 1983, the quest for the restoration of democracy in the Philippines gained momentum. This forced Marcos to call for a snap election. Cory was the answer to the quest of the anti-authoritarian politicians who clamored for the dismantling of the Marcos military machinery deeply entrenched in the Philippine Society. She was a David that slew the Goliath in Philippine politics. Her courage earned her the sympathy of the people and having been defeated in an election that was projected to be dirty and rigged hence, the protest that evolved to an uprising that installed her to power. She was the widow of the alleged martyr that was catapulted to power out of sympathy for her husband. By this feat, she has secured her niche in history for being hailed as the restorer of civil and political freedom earning the Sobriquet – the mother of Philippine democracy!
The inescapable question was: “Was the heroine prepared to tackle the very complex problems of the Philippines?” None other than her friends or “amigas” would describe her as the patient housewife that waited on her husband and his friends while arguing the latest political conundrum, particularly when they were in Boston. She was preoccupied with sewing coffee, tea and merienda to her husband’s friends and guests. Cory’s only work experience pertinent to the Presidency was being a socialite, rubbing elbows with the “who’s who” in the political opposition – the likes of Jovy Salonga, Jose Diokno, Soc Rodrigo, Lorenzo Tanada, Chino Roces, Ramon Mitra, Ernesto et.al . This was probably the reason why some of these friends, treated her with low regard when she became the President. ln fact, Luis Beltran, an intrepid journalist, who was also a close acquaintance of the journalist Ninoy, found himself in a legal bind when he reported that the President hid beneath her bed when bombs hit malacanang during a coup d’etat. Hiding under the bed under such circumstances is normal, but the lady President took this as malicious insult; thus, she showed her grit. Beltran was sued for libel in court and no less than Cory, who was then the President, personally appeared in court to testify against the veteran journalist.
The truth is, in terms of administrative and managerial experience, so such record or experience can bolster her personal profile to show that she was ready to be the highest official in the bureaucracy. Lest we be misunderstood, it is not the intention of this post to tarnish the memory of the lady President, be we would like to set the record straight for the truth shall set us free. Sometimes, the truth hurts and it is difficult to deal with the truth and reality. Her role as the heroine to restore democracy is not disputed, but the issue of whether she was indeed capable of running the Philippine Government is a different matter which needs an honest to goodness evaluation.
Nobody can dispute the fact that she was a devout Catholic, a prayerful woman and a respectable person. As president, however, most political analysts rated her incumbency under the classification of below passing. This was exacerbated by the fact that during her term, the economy went down because of natural calamities, such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the July 1991 earthquake, and more so because of manmade activities such as the seven coup d’etats and the long blackouts due to lack of power supply. She did not have the macro knowledge of running the government that she did not foresee the problem of a looming power shortage. This lack of supply of energy was the main problem that brought down the Philippine economy, causing the closure of many small and medium business establishments that could not sustain their operation due to lack of electrical power.lt nonetheless bolstered the sales of generators; thus the manufacturers and dealers of these power supplies have a lot to thank Cory for. Coincidentally, most of these beneficiaries were the rich families who were closely associated with her.
This was further complicated by the threats of disgruntled military men who were used to being pampered by the toppled dictator, demanding for a better deal and comparable to spoiled brats for not being able to get what they wanted, they launched several coup d’etats. The military putsches were so serious that it further dragged down the economy and drove away many foreign investors, to include tourists and other citizens who opted to settle abroad. The vindictive attitude of the newly installed bureaucrats and the President’s relatives mocked as the kamag—anak lnc., wanting to protect their political and economic clout and wanting to impress the lady president caused the filing of many, yet insignificant litigations, that eventually sapped government coffers. While the farmers demanded for the just and equitable implementation of land reform, her administration could not enfore the land distribution proram with fervor because this is inimical to the Hacienda Luisita which her family owns. When Cory announced her candidacy on December 3, 1985, for the snap election, she declared land reform as one of the pillar of her campaign. Despite her being of a landed gentry, this endeared her to the poor farmers because they saw her as the Joan of Arc, that would fight for a lasting solution to the agrarian problem which have existed for so long a time. On January 16, 1966, while campaigning for the Presidential Snap Election, Cory delivered her second major speech in Davao and manifested:
“Land-to-the-tiller must become reality instead of an empty slogan. You will probably ask me: Will l also apply it to my family’s Hacienda Luisita? My answer is yes”.
Of course, this was met by a resounding applause and approval that built up a political bandwagon, and thus gave Marcos the challenge that caused his downfall. But no land reform in Hacienda Luisita was forthcoming in the Cory administration.
As a result, the poor farmers perceived that there was a double standard of justice under the Cory administration: one for the owners of Hacienda Luisita and another one for the rest of the other landowners. The poor farmers in Hacienda Luisita wanted to own lots from the colossal land in central Luzon owned by the Cojuangco family. However, the managers of the hacienda devised a scheme to circumvent the genuine implementation of the land reform and decided to merely give away stocks in lieu of the land which was contrary to the spirit of the law that mandates the giving of land to the poor farmers. As a result, the farmers resorted to violence. The Mendiola massacre would always be remembered for the death of several farmers who went to Malacanang only to demand for the genuine implementation of the land reform program of the government. This waw black mark in the Cory administration that up to the present, has not found any justifiable solution. The Kilusang magbubukid ng Pilipinas aptly described their struggle with the words, “Lupa hindi bala”. This was also followed by a series of other violent confrontations within the doorsteps of Hacienda Luisita that resulted in the deaths of poor farmers. Ironically, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the protector of the people, were the ones involved in the killing of the indignant farmers. The stones and bolos of the farmers were no match for the tanks and armored personnel carriers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Of course, the soldiers did not go there on their own; rather, they were ordered by their superiors to preserve the status quo. Despite Cory’s unquestionable integrity, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, a committed and cause-oriented bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who went to the extent of joining the farmers in a hunger strike, claimed that the Hacienda Luisita problem was the waterloo of Pres. Cory Aquino and further warned that her son Pnoy should not commit the same mistake.
The bishop was prophetic in a sense because Pnoy has manifested that he will adopt a hands-off policy when it comes to Hacienda Luisita. He justices this move by claiming that his family merely owns a petty share in the hacienda. On the other hand, Pnoy seems to have forgotten that he is now the President of the Philippines whose official actions regarding this volatile issue will be a major factor in the resolution of this deadlock. lf he is truly sincere, as taunted and challenged by the farmers, then he must favor the poor to have a share of Hacienda Luisita, if only to uphold, social justice as defined by Justice Jose P. Laurel.
Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972 and from then on ruled the Philippines with iron hands policy thus dubbed a dictator. Ninoy’s political cohorts and alliances devised political schemes to topple the Marcos military machinery but in vain. After the assassination of Ninoy on August 21, 1983, the quest for the restoration of democracy in the Philippines gained momentum. This forced Marcos to call for a snap election. Cory was the answer to the quest of the anti-authoritarian politicians who clamored for the dismantling of the Marcos military machinery deeply entrenched in the Philippine Society. She was a David that slew the Goliath in Philippine politics. Her courage earned her the sympathy of the people and having been defeated in an election that was projected to be dirty and rigged hence, the protest that evolved to an uprising that installed her to power. She was the widow of the alleged martyr that was catapulted to power out of sympathy for her husband. By this feat, she has secured her niche in history for being hailed as the restorer of civil and political freedom earning the Sobriquet – the mother of Philippine democracy!
The inescapable question was: “Was the heroine prepared to tackle the very complex problems of the Philippines?” None other than her friends or “amigas” would describe her as the patient housewife that waited on her husband and his friends while arguing the latest political conundrum, particularly when they were in Boston. She was preoccupied with sewing coffee, tea and merienda to her husband’s friends and guests. Cory’s only work experience pertinent to the Presidency was being a socialite, rubbing elbows with the “who’s who” in the political opposition – the likes of Jovy Salonga, Jose Diokno, Soc Rodrigo, Lorenzo Tanada, Chino Roces, Ramon Mitra, Ernesto et.al . This was probably the reason why some of these friends, treated her with low regard when she became the President. ln fact, Luis Beltran, an intrepid journalist, who was also a close acquaintance of the journalist Ninoy, found himself in a legal bind when he reported that the President hid beneath her bed when bombs hit malacanang during a coup d’etat. Hiding under the bed under such circumstances is normal, but the lady President took this as malicious insult; thus, she showed her grit. Beltran was sued for libel in court and no less than Cory, who was then the President, personally appeared in court to testify against the veteran journalist.
The truth is, in terms of administrative and managerial experience, so such record or experience can bolster her personal profile to show that she was ready to be the highest official in the bureaucracy. Lest we be misunderstood, it is not the intention of this post to tarnish the memory of the lady President, be we would like to set the record straight for the truth shall set us free. Sometimes, the truth hurts and it is difficult to deal with the truth and reality. Her role as the heroine to restore democracy is not disputed, but the issue of whether she was indeed capable of running the Philippine Government is a different matter which needs an honest to goodness evaluation.
Nobody can dispute the fact that she was a devout Catholic, a prayerful woman and a respectable person. As president, however, most political analysts rated her incumbency under the classification of below passing. This was exacerbated by the fact that during her term, the economy went down because of natural calamities, such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the July 1991 earthquake, and more so because of manmade activities such as the seven coup d’etats and the long blackouts due to lack of power supply. She did not have the macro knowledge of running the government that she did not foresee the problem of a looming power shortage. This lack of supply of energy was the main problem that brought down the Philippine economy, causing the closure of many small and medium business establishments that could not sustain their operation due to lack of electrical power.lt nonetheless bolstered the sales of generators; thus the manufacturers and dealers of these power supplies have a lot to thank Cory for. Coincidentally, most of these beneficiaries were the rich families who were closely associated with her.
This was further complicated by the threats of disgruntled military men who were used to being pampered by the toppled dictator, demanding for a better deal and comparable to spoiled brats for not being able to get what they wanted, they launched several coup d’etats. The military putsches were so serious that it further dragged down the economy and drove away many foreign investors, to include tourists and other citizens who opted to settle abroad. The vindictive attitude of the newly installed bureaucrats and the President’s relatives mocked as the kamag—anak lnc., wanting to protect their political and economic clout and wanting to impress the lady president caused the filing of many, yet insignificant litigations, that eventually sapped government coffers. While the farmers demanded for the just and equitable implementation of land reform, her administration could not enfore the land distribution proram with fervor because this is inimical to the Hacienda Luisita which her family owns. When Cory announced her candidacy on December 3, 1985, for the snap election, she declared land reform as one of the pillar of her campaign. Despite her being of a landed gentry, this endeared her to the poor farmers because they saw her as the Joan of Arc, that would fight for a lasting solution to the agrarian problem which have existed for so long a time. On January 16, 1966, while campaigning for the Presidential Snap Election, Cory delivered her second major speech in Davao and manifested:
“Land-to-the-tiller must become reality instead of an empty slogan. You will probably ask me: Will l also apply it to my family’s Hacienda Luisita? My answer is yes”.
Of course, this was met by a resounding applause and approval that built up a political bandwagon, and thus gave Marcos the challenge that caused his downfall. But no land reform in Hacienda Luisita was forthcoming in the Cory administration.
As a result, the poor farmers perceived that there was a double standard of justice under the Cory administration: one for the owners of Hacienda Luisita and another one for the rest of the other landowners. The poor farmers in Hacienda Luisita wanted to own lots from the colossal land in central Luzon owned by the Cojuangco family. However, the managers of the hacienda devised a scheme to circumvent the genuine implementation of the land reform and decided to merely give away stocks in lieu of the land which was contrary to the spirit of the law that mandates the giving of land to the poor farmers. As a result, the farmers resorted to violence. The Mendiola massacre would always be remembered for the death of several farmers who went to Malacanang only to demand for the genuine implementation of the land reform program of the government. This waw black mark in the Cory administration that up to the present, has not found any justifiable solution. The Kilusang magbubukid ng Pilipinas aptly described their struggle with the words, “Lupa hindi bala”. This was also followed by a series of other violent confrontations within the doorsteps of Hacienda Luisita that resulted in the deaths of poor farmers. Ironically, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the protector of the people, were the ones involved in the killing of the indignant farmers. The stones and bolos of the farmers were no match for the tanks and armored personnel carriers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Of course, the soldiers did not go there on their own; rather, they were ordered by their superiors to preserve the status quo. Despite Cory’s unquestionable integrity, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, a committed and cause-oriented bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who went to the extent of joining the farmers in a hunger strike, claimed that the Hacienda Luisita problem was the waterloo of Pres. Cory Aquino and further warned that her son Pnoy should not commit the same mistake.
The bishop was prophetic in a sense because Pnoy has manifested that he will adopt a hands-off policy when it comes to Hacienda Luisita. He justices this move by claiming that his family merely owns a petty share in the hacienda. On the other hand, Pnoy seems to have forgotten that he is now the President of the Philippines whose official actions regarding this volatile issue will be a major factor in the resolution of this deadlock. lf he is truly sincere, as taunted and challenged by the farmers, then he must favor the poor to have a share of Hacienda Luisita, if only to uphold, social justice as defined by Justice Jose P. Laurel.
How Politician treat Poor people
Politicians who want to affiliate with the poor use their expertise trough appeal to emotions in order to trick the people voting for them. An obvious example is the publicity stunt of Erap eating with the poor people. In reality, Erap does not eat with bare hands but because he wanted to project an image of being pro-poor; with efficiency, he uses his hands; san of spoon; fork and knife for eating of course, people love Erap for these theatrical acts. The poor are assured that they are ably represented by a person whose personality and character understand their plight. In which case, what make Pnoy different from Erap in terms of theatrics to bolster his fame? The answer is obvious! Pnoy paraded himself, to include his platoon of security and sycophant supporters, ably encored by flanks of media men in the heart of New York City, in order to show to Juan de la Cruz that he merely ate hotdogs during lunchtime of his official visit to the US. Compared to the past president, who was criticized for being luxurious in her dining in expensive restaurants and checking in at the classy Waldorf Asotia. By these acts, he achieved what Erap wanted to accomplish by using theatrics to gain fame and popularity.
The poor are seduced ignominiously. This simply means that the poor, wanting in financial resources, are induced to resort palliative means in order to temporarily forget their sufferings. Even promises are enough to deceive them. The seduction of the poor starts through beguilement using deceitful promises in order to entice them that by voting for traditional politicians. They will reap the progress they are dreaming of. There is revulsion in the air as you witness the nauseating techniques of the traditional politician, which have been utilized for the umpteenth time but still overwhelmingly effective. Empty Promises by the politicians are liked to the glaring light at the end of the tunnel which gives hope for liberation from the bondage of darkness, or on the contrary, an onrushing train that would railroad them to bits and pieces.
If Pnoy and the other politicians are only sincere in their intentions to help the poor then there is no need for theatrics to sustain popularity. Transparency and pro-poor policies will be enough to show their preference to the plight of the poor that will result in their endearment. Pnoy will be able to prove his point if he intervenes and gives the poor farmers their rightful share of land in Hacienda Luisita. This will be the highest form of sacrifice in order to genuinely manifest his love for the poor. In fact, the word sacrifice is not the appropriate them in the Conjuangco clan will finally respect law and let go their land because the law mandates that these lands must be given to the poor. Hacienda Luisata is the only exception in the Land Reform Program of the Philippines that excludes itself from the just coverage of land distribution to the poor. Ironically, Pnoy take stance of non-participation in this problem which started since 1958. He claims that his family owns a small share of the 6,443 hectares of land and so he adopts the “hands-off policy”. Somebody should remind him that he is now the President of the Philippines and it is his duty to uphold the law and to prove to the people that he is sincere in this love for the poor not only in words and theatrics but in his governmental policies. When interviewed he gave the alibi that even if he is the President, what matters is the will of the farmers, such that if they prefer the stocks distribution then he does not have any control. But people are disappointed; it’s all lame excuses and theatrics.
The poor are seduced ignominiously. This simply means that the poor, wanting in financial resources, are induced to resort palliative means in order to temporarily forget their sufferings. Even promises are enough to deceive them. The seduction of the poor starts through beguilement using deceitful promises in order to entice them that by voting for traditional politicians. They will reap the progress they are dreaming of. There is revulsion in the air as you witness the nauseating techniques of the traditional politician, which have been utilized for the umpteenth time but still overwhelmingly effective. Empty Promises by the politicians are liked to the glaring light at the end of the tunnel which gives hope for liberation from the bondage of darkness, or on the contrary, an onrushing train that would railroad them to bits and pieces.
If Pnoy and the other politicians are only sincere in their intentions to help the poor then there is no need for theatrics to sustain popularity. Transparency and pro-poor policies will be enough to show their preference to the plight of the poor that will result in their endearment. Pnoy will be able to prove his point if he intervenes and gives the poor farmers their rightful share of land in Hacienda Luisita. This will be the highest form of sacrifice in order to genuinely manifest his love for the poor. In fact, the word sacrifice is not the appropriate them in the Conjuangco clan will finally respect law and let go their land because the law mandates that these lands must be given to the poor. Hacienda Luisata is the only exception in the Land Reform Program of the Philippines that excludes itself from the just coverage of land distribution to the poor. Ironically, Pnoy take stance of non-participation in this problem which started since 1958. He claims that his family owns a small share of the 6,443 hectares of land and so he adopts the “hands-off policy”. Somebody should remind him that he is now the President of the Philippines and it is his duty to uphold the law and to prove to the people that he is sincere in this love for the poor not only in words and theatrics but in his governmental policies. When interviewed he gave the alibi that even if he is the President, what matters is the will of the farmers, such that if they prefer the stocks distribution then he does not have any control. But people are disappointed; it’s all lame excuses and theatrics.
Legal aspect of Raymart Santiago and Mon Tulfo Airport Fight
Legal aspect of Raymart Santiago and Mon Tulfo Airport Fight.
MANILA, Philippines – Actress Claudine Barretto shorn of that it was her husband Raymart Santiago who started the fight at the (NAIA) Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday.
Journalist Mon Tulfo claimed that Santiago tried to forcefully grab his cell phone after the actor saw him taking a photo of Barretto when she was supposedly cursing a flight attendant.
She said she was just complaining since their bags were left in Caticlan Airport and she required the medicines of her son.
“Pagbaba ho namin ng airport, naghintay po kami ng matagal sa carousel ng luggage. Walang dumating na luggage namin so lumapit kami sa ground stewardess tapos nalaman namin na naiwan pala ‘yung luggage at ipapadala na lang daw,” she explained.
'Barretto said one of their friends then alerted Santiago that Tulfo was taking a video of her.
“Sabi nung friend namin kay Raymart, para nang may nagvi-video. Lumapit si Raymart. Ang pagsabi raw ni Raymart ‘Sir, ano hong ginagawa ninyo?’ Sabi raw sa kanya ‘Anong pakialam mo?’ Tapos sinuntok siya ni Mon Tulfo,” the actress related.
Barretto said their two other friends tried to stop the fight but Tulfo also attacked them.
“Noong lumapit ‘yung dalawang friends namin na lalaki, bigla na lang niyang pinagsususuntok at pinagsisisipa,” she said.
According to Barretto, Tulfo also kicked her twice when she confronted him about why he punched her husband.
“Lumapit ako sabi ko ‘Anong problema mo? Bakit ka nanununtok?’ Tapos bigla na lang humarap siya sa akin, tinadyakan niya ako ng dalawang beses sa hita tapos tinulak ako sa may counter ng sobrang lakas,” she said.
Claudine appeals to release CCTV
Barretto is now appealing to airport authorities to make public their CCTV because only the footage can say who really started the fight.
“Mga Kristiyano po kami at hindi kami sinungaling. Kung puwede po tulungan kami ng media na kulitin ang airport na tulungan kaming hingin ang CCTV ng airport,” she said.
“Ayaw po nila i-release. According to them, hindi raw nakunan or chine-check pa. Hindi ko alam sino ang nagho-hold. Iyon lang po ang makapagsasabi kung sino ang nagsimula,” she added.
File charges
Meanwhile, Barretto said she and Santiago are considering filing charges against Tulfo.
“Kausap namin ang lawyers namin kasi hindi ho biro iyon. Kung ako na babae kaya niyang tadyakan at itulak ng ganyan ganyan, hindi ho maganda ang ginagawa niya. Nag-aamok siya ng ganun lang? Tinatanong lang siya ng maayos tapos magwawala siya ng ganun?” she said.
Barretto said Tulfo even threatened them while at the precinct.
“Pagpasok ko nag-hello pa ho siya, nang-aalaska pa. Tawa siya ng tawa hindi ko alam kung bakit. Ngumingiti-ngiti siya eh. Tapos nagbitaw ho siya ng salita na hindi niyo alam kung sino ang kinakalaban niyo. Iyon ang sinabi niya sa amin. Thrineaten niya ho kami,” she said.
MANILA, Philippines – Actress Claudine Barretto shorn of that it was her husband Raymart Santiago who started the fight at the (NAIA) Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Sunday.
Journalist Mon Tulfo claimed that Santiago tried to forcefully grab his cell phone after the actor saw him taking a photo of Barretto when she was supposedly cursing a flight attendant.
She said she was just complaining since their bags were left in Caticlan Airport and she required the medicines of her son.
“Pagbaba ho namin ng airport, naghintay po kami ng matagal sa carousel ng luggage. Walang dumating na luggage namin so lumapit kami sa ground stewardess tapos nalaman namin na naiwan pala ‘yung luggage at ipapadala na lang daw,” she explained.
'Barretto said one of their friends then alerted Santiago that Tulfo was taking a video of her.
“Sabi nung friend namin kay Raymart, para nang may nagvi-video. Lumapit si Raymart. Ang pagsabi raw ni Raymart ‘Sir, ano hong ginagawa ninyo?’ Sabi raw sa kanya ‘Anong pakialam mo?’ Tapos sinuntok siya ni Mon Tulfo,” the actress related.
Barretto said their two other friends tried to stop the fight but Tulfo also attacked them.
“Noong lumapit ‘yung dalawang friends namin na lalaki, bigla na lang niyang pinagsususuntok at pinagsisisipa,” she said.
According to Barretto, Tulfo also kicked her twice when she confronted him about why he punched her husband.
“Lumapit ako sabi ko ‘Anong problema mo? Bakit ka nanununtok?’ Tapos bigla na lang humarap siya sa akin, tinadyakan niya ako ng dalawang beses sa hita tapos tinulak ako sa may counter ng sobrang lakas,” she said.
Claudine appeals to release CCTV
Barretto is now appealing to airport authorities to make public their CCTV because only the footage can say who really started the fight.
“Mga Kristiyano po kami at hindi kami sinungaling. Kung puwede po tulungan kami ng media na kulitin ang airport na tulungan kaming hingin ang CCTV ng airport,” she said.
“Ayaw po nila i-release. According to them, hindi raw nakunan or chine-check pa. Hindi ko alam sino ang nagho-hold. Iyon lang po ang makapagsasabi kung sino ang nagsimula,” she added.
File charges
Meanwhile, Barretto said she and Santiago are considering filing charges against Tulfo.
“Kausap namin ang lawyers namin kasi hindi ho biro iyon. Kung ako na babae kaya niyang tadyakan at itulak ng ganyan ganyan, hindi ho maganda ang ginagawa niya. Nag-aamok siya ng ganun lang? Tinatanong lang siya ng maayos tapos magwawala siya ng ganun?” she said.
Barretto said Tulfo even threatened them while at the precinct.
“Pagpasok ko nag-hello pa ho siya, nang-aalaska pa. Tawa siya ng tawa hindi ko alam kung bakit. Ngumingiti-ngiti siya eh. Tapos nagbitaw ho siya ng salita na hindi niyo alam kung sino ang kinakalaban niyo. Iyon ang sinabi niya sa amin. Thrineaten niya ho kami,” she said.
Senator Alan Peter “Companero” S. Cayetano
Senate Office:
Rm. 601 6th Flr., GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 loc. 5518 / 5520
Fax No.: (632) 832-5281
Email: alancayetano@yahoo.com
[learn_more caption="Resume"]
Admitted to the Philippine Bar May 1998
Post Graduate Juris Doctor, Ateneo School of Law
Graduated in 1997
2nd Honors (Silver Medalist)
College B.A. Political Science
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
Graduated in 1993
High School Dela Salle – Zobel
Elementary Dela Salle – Zobel
Personal Information
Birthday October 28, 1970
Civil Status Married to Rep. Maria Laarni Lopez-Cayetano
14th Congress (July 2007 – present)
Elected as the 8th Senator of the Republic of the Philippines
13th Congress (July 2004 –June 2007)
Re-elected Representative (3rd term) of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Senior Deputy Minority Leader
Ex Officio member of all standing House committees
Spokesperson, Impeachment Team (2005 and 2006)
12th Congress (July 2001 – June 2004)
Re-elected Representative of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Deputy Majority Leader
Vice-Chairman, Committee on Rules
Ex Officio member of all standing House committees
August 2001 – June 2003
Member, Board of Regents, Technological University of the Philippines
Member, Board of Regents, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
November 2001 – April 2003
Member, Judicial and Bar Council
11th Congress (June 1998 – June 2001)
Elected Representative of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Assistant Majority Leader
Committee Membership
Member, Committee of Rules
Chairman, Oversight Committee on Bases Conversion
Vice-Chairman, Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms
Chairman, Sub-Committee on New Schools, Committee on Basic Education
Former Columnist, Compañero y Compañera (People’s Tonight)
1995 – 1998
Elected Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Taguig, Metro Manila
1992 – 1993
Chairman, NCR Chapter of the National Movement of Young Legislators
1992 – 1995
Elected Number One Councilor, Municipality of Taguig
(during that time, one of the Youngest Councilors in the Philippines)
Majority Floor Leader, Municipal Council, Taguig, Metro Manila
Officer and Member of Various Special Local Bodies:
Vice-Chairman People’s Law Enforcement Board
Member Municipal Peace and Order Council
Member Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council
Chairman and Member of Various Legislative Committees
Committee on Rules
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Ways and Means
Committee on Franchise
1990
Elected Student Councilor, University Student Council, U.P. Diliman
Rm. 601 6th Flr., GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Trunk Lines: (632) 552-6601 to 70 loc. 5518 / 5520
Fax No.: (632) 832-5281
Email: alancayetano@yahoo.com
[learn_more caption="Resume"]
Admitted to the Philippine Bar May 1998
Post Graduate Juris Doctor, Ateneo School of Law
Graduated in 1997
2nd Honors (Silver Medalist)
College B.A. Political Science
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
Graduated in 1993
High School Dela Salle – Zobel
Elementary Dela Salle – Zobel
Personal Information
Birthday October 28, 1970
Civil Status Married to Rep. Maria Laarni Lopez-Cayetano
14th Congress (July 2007 – present)
Elected as the 8th Senator of the Republic of the Philippines
13th Congress (July 2004 –June 2007)
Re-elected Representative (3rd term) of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Senior Deputy Minority Leader
Ex Officio member of all standing House committees
Spokesperson, Impeachment Team (2005 and 2006)
12th Congress (July 2001 – June 2004)
Re-elected Representative of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Deputy Majority Leader
Vice-Chairman, Committee on Rules
Ex Officio member of all standing House committees
August 2001 – June 2003
Member, Board of Regents, Technological University of the Philippines
Member, Board of Regents, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
November 2001 – April 2003
Member, Judicial and Bar Council
11th Congress (June 1998 – June 2001)
Elected Representative of the Lone District of Taguig-Pateros
Assistant Majority Leader
Committee Membership
Member, Committee of Rules
Chairman, Oversight Committee on Bases Conversion
Vice-Chairman, Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms
Chairman, Sub-Committee on New Schools, Committee on Basic Education
Former Columnist, Compañero y Compañera (People’s Tonight)
1995 – 1998
Elected Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Taguig, Metro Manila
1992 – 1993
Chairman, NCR Chapter of the National Movement of Young Legislators
1992 – 1995
Elected Number One Councilor, Municipality of Taguig
(during that time, one of the Youngest Councilors in the Philippines)
Majority Floor Leader, Municipal Council, Taguig, Metro Manila
Officer and Member of Various Special Local Bodies:
Vice-Chairman People’s Law Enforcement Board
Member Municipal Peace and Order Council
Member Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council
Chairman and Member of Various Legislative Committees
Committee on Rules
Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Ways and Means
Committee on Franchise
1990
Elected Student Councilor, University Student Council, U.P. Diliman
Senator Edgardo J. Angara
Senator Edgardo J. Angara – an educator, lawyer, banker, farmer, patron of the arts – is the longest serving senator in the post-EDSA Senate. Except for a mandatory term break, he has been elected to four consecutive terms of six years each.
Throughout his long and storied career as a legislator, Angara advocated for legislation that made a direct impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos. He authored landmark laws on agriculture, education, health, arts and culture, science and technology, good governance, financial reforms and social welfare.
He started his political career when he was elected in Quezon province as one of the youngest delegates to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. A year later, he founded together with an enterprising group of law classmates what would become one of the country’s top law firms, the ACCRA Law Offices.
In 1975, Angara became president of the Philippine Bar Association, the oldest voluntary bar society in the country, and in 1979 president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the unified association of lawyers, demonstrating his emergence as one of the most prominent leaders of the Bar.
His leadership was recognized even in the international arena. In 1980, he was chosen as founding president of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Law Association, one of the largest regional law associations in the world.
From 1981 to 1987, Angara served as president of the national University of the Philippines (UP). Through his initiative, the general education program was strengthened, a seven-year honors medical curriculum installed, the arts and basic science energized, and a multi-campus university organization was put in place. He is best remembered for defending the state university’s tradition of dissent, and obtaining fiscal autonomy. His efforts contributed to upholding its reputation for academic excellence as the country’s premiere educational center.
Angara rallied alumni in the country and abroad in a massive fundraising drive both for UP’s diamond jubilee in 1983 and centenary in 2008, when he chaired the UP Centennial Commission. Substantial funds raised went into faculty development, scholarships, student assistance program, and massive infrastructure development.
The UP Board of Regents established in his honor the UP President Edgardo J. Angara Fellowship, the largest single grant available to UP professors.
During the 8th Congress (1987-1992), he headed the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) that restructured and instituted wide-ranging reforms in the country’s educational system.
His reputation as a resolute reformer enabled him as senator (1987-1998, 2001-present) to overcome the legislative gridlock that stood between the legislative and executive branches of government and successfully steer passage of groundbreaking legislation.
In 1993, his peers elected him Senate President, the third highest political office of the land. His tenure as Senate President has been the most outstanding to date, according to the Social Weather Stations survey.
Angara was able to push for the passage of some of the country’s most memorable laws. These include the Free High School Act, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), the National Health Insurance Act (Philhealth), Senior Citizens Act, the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), the Renewable Energy Act and the Procurement Reform Act.
Angara has also shown deep commitment for the promotion of culture and the arts as the author and sponsor of the laws creating the National Museum, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Natatanging Manlilikha Award which bestows honor on the Filipino folk and traditional artists. He also authored the National Book Publishing Industry Development Act and the National Cultural Heritage Law.
He served as chairman of the Philippine National Bank (1998-1999). His knowledge of the financial markets led to the passage of reform laws for the country’s capital markets. These include the Credit Information System Act, Personal Equity And Retirement Account (PERA), Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) charter, Pag-Ibig Fund Charter, Pre-Need Code and Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act (FRIA).
As Secretary of Agriculture (1999-2001), Angara had the opportunity to implement his own creation, the AFMA.
In 2001, he served as Executive Secretary of Joseph Estrada, during which he oversaw the peaceful transition of power after the second people power revolution.
Currently, Angara is spearheading a comprehensive review of the country’s S&T capacity to stem our declining global competitiveness through the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, Engineering (COMSTE), which he chairs.
His efforts to rekindle the Philippines’ historic ties with Spain and Mexico has institutionalized the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Act and the Dia del Galeon. He has been awarded Spain’s Premio Casa Asia in 2010, making him the first Southeast Asian to win the foreign policy prize. He is the official representative of the Philippines to the Unión Latina, an organization consisting of 37 member-nations of the neo-latin languages.
Angara has been a recipient of the Commandeur dans l’ordre des Palmes medal, a citation conferred by the French Republic to individuals engaged in promoting excellence in higher education. He was the first Lee Kuan Yew Fellow in the Philippines, an award the Singapore government confers on individuals who demonstrate outstanding public service.
Angara’s drive for good governance likewise enjoys international support. He is a member of the executive board of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and was elected its vice president during the group’s 4th global conference in Mexico City in 2011.
True to being a trailblazer, he led the formation of the South East Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC) and was elected its charter president in 2005. Because of his untiring commitment, GOPAC chose the Philippines as the host of its next biennial conference in 2013 which will bring together more than 500 members of parliament from 50 countries.
Angara’s productive track record and systemic approach to reform is a clear proof that, despite formidable odds, genuine reforms can be accomplished in the country.
Throughout his long and storied career as a legislator, Angara advocated for legislation that made a direct impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos. He authored landmark laws on agriculture, education, health, arts and culture, science and technology, good governance, financial reforms and social welfare.
He started his political career when he was elected in Quezon province as one of the youngest delegates to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. A year later, he founded together with an enterprising group of law classmates what would become one of the country’s top law firms, the ACCRA Law Offices.
In 1975, Angara became president of the Philippine Bar Association, the oldest voluntary bar society in the country, and in 1979 president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the unified association of lawyers, demonstrating his emergence as one of the most prominent leaders of the Bar.
His leadership was recognized even in the international arena. In 1980, he was chosen as founding president of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Law Association, one of the largest regional law associations in the world.
From 1981 to 1987, Angara served as president of the national University of the Philippines (UP). Through his initiative, the general education program was strengthened, a seven-year honors medical curriculum installed, the arts and basic science energized, and a multi-campus university organization was put in place. He is best remembered for defending the state university’s tradition of dissent, and obtaining fiscal autonomy. His efforts contributed to upholding its reputation for academic excellence as the country’s premiere educational center.
Angara rallied alumni in the country and abroad in a massive fundraising drive both for UP’s diamond jubilee in 1983 and centenary in 2008, when he chaired the UP Centennial Commission. Substantial funds raised went into faculty development, scholarships, student assistance program, and massive infrastructure development.
The UP Board of Regents established in his honor the UP President Edgardo J. Angara Fellowship, the largest single grant available to UP professors.
During the 8th Congress (1987-1992), he headed the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM) that restructured and instituted wide-ranging reforms in the country’s educational system.
His reputation as a resolute reformer enabled him as senator (1987-1998, 2001-present) to overcome the legislative gridlock that stood between the legislative and executive branches of government and successfully steer passage of groundbreaking legislation.
In 1993, his peers elected him Senate President, the third highest political office of the land. His tenure as Senate President has been the most outstanding to date, according to the Social Weather Stations survey.
Angara was able to push for the passage of some of the country’s most memorable laws. These include the Free High School Act, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), the National Health Insurance Act (Philhealth), Senior Citizens Act, the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), the Renewable Energy Act and the Procurement Reform Act.
Angara has also shown deep commitment for the promotion of culture and the arts as the author and sponsor of the laws creating the National Museum, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Natatanging Manlilikha Award which bestows honor on the Filipino folk and traditional artists. He also authored the National Book Publishing Industry Development Act and the National Cultural Heritage Law.
He served as chairman of the Philippine National Bank (1998-1999). His knowledge of the financial markets led to the passage of reform laws for the country’s capital markets. These include the Credit Information System Act, Personal Equity And Retirement Account (PERA), Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) charter, Pag-Ibig Fund Charter, Pre-Need Code and Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act (FRIA).
As Secretary of Agriculture (1999-2001), Angara had the opportunity to implement his own creation, the AFMA.
In 2001, he served as Executive Secretary of Joseph Estrada, during which he oversaw the peaceful transition of power after the second people power revolution.
Currently, Angara is spearheading a comprehensive review of the country’s S&T capacity to stem our declining global competitiveness through the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, Engineering (COMSTE), which he chairs.
His efforts to rekindle the Philippines’ historic ties with Spain and Mexico has institutionalized the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Act and the Dia del Galeon. He has been awarded Spain’s Premio Casa Asia in 2010, making him the first Southeast Asian to win the foreign policy prize. He is the official representative of the Philippines to the Unión Latina, an organization consisting of 37 member-nations of the neo-latin languages.
Angara has been a recipient of the Commandeur dans l’ordre des Palmes medal, a citation conferred by the French Republic to individuals engaged in promoting excellence in higher education. He was the first Lee Kuan Yew Fellow in the Philippines, an award the Singapore government confers on individuals who demonstrate outstanding public service.
Angara’s drive for good governance likewise enjoys international support. He is a member of the executive board of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and was elected its vice president during the group’s 4th global conference in Mexico City in 2011.
True to being a trailblazer, he led the formation of the South East Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC) and was elected its charter president in 2005. Because of his untiring commitment, GOPAC chose the Philippines as the host of its next biennial conference in 2013 which will bring together more than 500 members of parliament from 50 countries.
Angara’s productive track record and systemic approach to reform is a clear proof that, despite formidable odds, genuine reforms can be accomplished in the country.
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