beyondgma.gif (6141 bytes) beyondgma2.gif (5734 bytes)

Honest leadership is the cornerstone of national success, without which political stability and the opportunity for progress cease to exist. Our people have suffered enough! It's now time for the GMA administration to relinquish power!

  Last modified:  01/17/2008 01:11:57 PM

Links
* Akbayan
* Bayan Muna
* Be Not Afraid Movement
* Black & White Movement
* Hotmanila
* Migrante
* PCIJ
* PLDT.com
* Save the Republic
* Sinag ng Bayan Foundation
Government Officials Who Have Resigned
* Florencio Abad, Secretary of Education
* Emilia Boncodin, Secretary of Budget and Management
* Ging Deles, Peace Adviser
* Vicky Gachitorena, Adviser
* Alberto Lina, Bureau of Customs
* Imelda Nicolas, National Anti-Poverty Commission Adviser
* Guillermo Parayno, Bureau of Internal Revenue
* Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Finance
* Juan Santos, Secretary of Trade and Industry
* Dinky Soliman, Secretary of Social Service and Development
* Rene Villa, Secretary of Agrarian Reform
Organizations Pushing for GMA's Resignation
If your organization supports the campaign to move the country beyond the scandal-ridden GMA administration, please send an e-mail to BeyondGMA@yahoo.com
and be added to our list.
- Abra Tinguian Ilocano Society
- Akbayan
- Aksyon Demokratiko
- Alab Katipunan
- All Moro
- Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace
- Alliance of Progressive Labor
- Alliance of Students Tired of Gloria
- Alyansa ng Kabataan para sa Alternatibong Sambayanan
- Alyansa ng Malayang Obrero
- Alyansang Tapat sa La Sallista
-

Alyansa ng Sambayanan para sa Pagbabago

- American Coalition of Filipino Veterans
- Anak Mindanao
- Anak-Teatro
- Anakpawis
- Bangon Pilipinas
- Bangsamoro People’s Bureau
- Bayan
- Bayan Muna
- Be Not Afraid Movement (BNA)
- Black & White Movement
- Black & White Movement Youth
- BNA France and Belgium
- BNA Japan
- Bicol Migrant Workers
- Board of Women's Work, United Methodist Church
- Bukluran sa Katotohanan Movement
- Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino
- Bukuluran sa Sosyalistang Isip at Gawa
- C4CC Citizens for Con Con
- CapizCODE
- Caucus for Bicol Development
- Caucus of Development NGO Networks
- Citizens Impeachment Watch - Youth
- Citizens for Truth, and Resignation, Impeachment, or Ouster
-

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia-Pacific

-

Coalition for Better Philippines in Japan

- Coalition for Gloria's Ouster (New York)
- Committed Surigaonons for the Ouster of GMA
- Confreedem
- Copperians Against Arroyo Coalition
- Cordillera Alliance
- Cordillera Network of Development NGOs
- De La Salle University Manila Student Council
- De La Salle University System
- Emergency Gloria Resign Now!
- Federation of Free Farmers
- FilDem
- Filipino Migrants Center (FMC)  - Nagoya
- Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines
- Freedom from Debt Coalition
- FSC
- Gabriela Women's Party
- GMA Resign Movement - Toronto
- Grand Order of the Unified Guardians
- Guardians International Brotherhood Federation
- GZO Peace Institute
- Ibon Foundation
- Immaculate Conception College
- International Criminal Tribunal for the Philippines, Japan Chapter
- International League of People's Struggle
- Jesus Is Lord Movement
- Jose Diokno Foundation
- KAAKBAY
- Kaanib Independent Taxi Drivers Organization
- KABATA
- KALAYAAN!
- KASAMA
- Katipunan ng mga Filipinong Nagkakaisa (KAFIN)
- Kapisanan ng mga Propesyunal at Mangagawang Teknikal na Pilipino (Vancouver Island, British Columbia)
-

Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokraysa

- Kilusang Mangingisda
- Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya
- Kilusang Mayo Uno
-

Knights of Bonifacio

-

Kongreso ng Maralitang Mamamayan para sa Kalayaan

-

Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Pilipinas

- Laban ng Masa
- League of Filipino Students
- League of Urban Poor for Action
- LGCNet
- Liberal Party of the Philippines
- Liga Manggagawa
- MAKABAYAN
- Makati Business Club
-

Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan

-

Manindigan!

-

MASP

-

Matang Lawin

- Migrante
- Migrante - Japan
- Migrante Sectoral Party - Japan
- Migrante Sectoral Party - Nagoya
- Migrante Sectoral Party - Tokyo
- Migrante Sectoral Party - Japan
- Mindanao Caucus Development NGOs
- Mindanao Federation
- MKP
- Moral Majority of the Filipino People
- Movement for the Advancement of Student Power
- National Confederation of Cooperatives
- National Democratic Front
- National Labor Union
- National Peace Conference
- Negros Movement for Moral Regeneration
- New Filipino Movement (Neofinoy)
- New York Coalition for Gloria's Ouster, Resignation, or Impeachment
- New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
- Overseas Filipinos Unite to Remove Gloria Arroyo (Hong Kong)
- Padayon
- PAKISAMA Luzon
- PAKISAMA Mindanao
- PAKISAMA National
-

Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas

-

Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid

-

Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan

-

Pambansang Kilusan Ng Mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)

-

Pambansang Ugnayan ng ng mga Nagsasariling Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan

- Pagbabago@Pilipinas
- Panay Negros Brotherhood Organization
- Pandayan
- Pandayan Youth
- Partido Manggagawa
- PASATROPA
- PASCRES
- People Campaign for Agrarian Reform Network (AR Now!)
- People's Movement Against Poverty
- Phil CO Society
- Philippine Airlines Employees Association
- Philippine-Australia Women's Association
- Philippine Community Organizers Society
- Philippine Cultural Studies Center of Connecticut
- Philippine Forum
- Philippine Partnership for the Development of Rural Areas
- Philippine Peasant Support Network
- Philippine Society in Japan (PSJ)
- Philippine U.S. Organization
- The Philippine Women's League of Japan
- PhilNet-RDI
- Pilipina WAND
- Plunder Watch
- POLISCY
- PUP
-

Resource Center for People’s Development

- Sanlakas
- St. Scholastica’s College Student Council
- SCAP
- SINAG
- Social Democratic Caucus
- SOLIDARITY
- Sulong Bayan
- Southern Tagalog for the Ouster of Gloria
- SUMAPI
- Tanghalang Bonifacio Rizal
- TROPA
- UMALAB KA
- Umangat--Rome
- Union of Muslims for Morality and Truth
- Union of the Masses for Democracy and Justice
- United Muslim Associations
- United Opposition
- US Filipino Catholic Ministries Council
- UP Aware
- UP Student Council
- USA 4 GMA Resignation
- Washington Human Rights Forum on the Philippines
- Western Visayas Network of Social Development NGOs
- White Ribbon Movement
- Women's Action Network for Development
- Women MARCH
- YOUng
"Presidentiables" for you to consider in the next election (2010 or sooner): 

Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr.

magsaysay.gif (7081 bytes) 

Senator Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr, inherited his great sense of compassion for the common tao from his revered parents, the late President Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay of Zambales and Mrs. Luz Magsaysay (nee Banzon) of Bataan.

But more than being the son of the country’s most loved president, he is a self-made man. With President Magsaysay’s sudden death on March 17, 1957, 18-year-old Jun inherited greater responsibilities that enabled him to recognize the value of perseverance and hard work.

“…Those who have less in life should have more in law,” the said grassroots slogan was the hallmark of the Magsaysay administration in the '50s. That same statement Jun Magsaysay put to heart as he believes that to implement genuine public service, it has to be oriented towards bravely fighting for people’s rights to achieve a humane and moral leadership. He has shown interest in pursuing issues that manifest his sense of concern for the greatest number of people and strong belief for moral principles.

He has pushed the Magsaysay crusade for an honest, efficient, responsive and open (HERO) government.  (Click here to read more.) (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)
 
 

 

Mar Roxas

roxas.gif (6624 bytes) 

Mar Roxas was voted No. 1 senator during the May 10, 2004 elections with total votes of 19,237,888 - the highest ever garnered by a national candidate in any Philippine election.

Even before his election as No. 1 senator, the international community and various foreign publications had taken note of his outstanding record and accomplishments as a public servant and political leader, legislator, Cabinet member and economist.

Mar Roxas has been described “as one of the young leaders in politics and business who will bring Asia and the Pacific to the forefront of world affairs”.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he was acknowledged as one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow who is expected to shape the future.

Recently, he was named the 16th Lee Kuan Yew Fellow by the Singaporean government.
Grandson of the late President Manuel Roxas and son of the late Senator Gerry Roxas, he graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University and the Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Before joining government in 1993, Mar Roxas was an investment banker raising funds for venture capital as assistant vice president of the reputable New York-based Allen and Co., Inc. He also served as president of North Star Capitals Inc.

He became a Congressman, representing the lst District of Capiz, in 1993, and rose to prominence in the House of Representatives as Majority Leader of the 11th Congress. There he principally authored the Roxas Law or RA 7880 which established fair and equitable access to education to respective districts for sustainable development. His other landmark laws include RA 8756, providing incentives to multinational companies establishing regional headquarters in the country; RA 8557, establishing the Philippine Judiciary Academy; RA 8748, amending the Special Economic Zone Act; setting up a Public Employment Service Office in every locality; and strengthening the Professional Regulation Commission.  (Click here to read more.) (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)
 
 

 

Manny Villar

villarb.gif (8002 bytes) 

The public life of Manny Villar straddles both the worlds of business and politics. He is one of the few who managed to excel in both.

Working Student
He was born to a simple family on December 13, 1949 in Moriones, Tondo, Manila.  His father, Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr., a government employee, hailed from Cabatuan, Balazan, and Tanza, Iloilo and his mother Curita Bamba, a seafood dealer, came from Pampanga and Bataan.  Manny is the second child in a brood of nine.  At a very young age, he was already helping his mother sell shrimp and fish in the Divisoria Market.  With the burning desire for a better future and a strong determination to improve his family’s living conditions, Manny worked hard in selling shrimps and fish to be able to send himself to school.


“I learned from my mother what it takes to be an entrepreneur, “ he revealed. “And it means working really hard to achieve your dreams.” In Divisoria, he marveled at the volume of sales that Chinese merchants were making, thus he vowed early on to become an entrepreneur.

Hard work, persistence, and perseverance became his guiding principles in life. This earned him the title “Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga.”

He continues to inspire Filipinos with his life story and encourages each and every kababayan to improve their quality of life and fulfill their dreams through the very values he believes in -- “sipag at tiyaga.”

Entrepreneur
Manny Villar was a working student at the University of the Philippines, the premier institution of higher learning in the country, where he obtained his undergraduate and master’s degree in business administration and accountancy. By then, he was also putting in long hours as fish and shrimp trader, where the action starts during the ungodly hours of the morning when the catch lands on the market.


After graduation, he tried his hand as an accountant at the country’s biggest accounting firm, Sycip Gorres and Velayo (SGV). He resigned shortly though to venture on his own seafood delivery business.

When a restaurant he was delivering stocks to did not pay him, he printed out “meal tickets” which he persuaded the restaurant owners to honor. He then sold these tickets at a discounted price to office workers. It took him one year to liquidate his receivables.

He worked briefly as a financial analyst at the Private Development Corporation of the Philippines. His job was to sell World Bank loans, despite the attractive rates of which there were no takers. Convinced that he could make it on his own again, he quit his job and promptly availed of one of the loans.

So with an initial capital of P10,000 in 1975, Villar purchased two reconditioned trucks and started his sand-and-gravel business in Las Piñas.

Housing Innovator
It is here while delivering construction materials to big developers that Manny Villar came up with the idea of selling house and lot packages when the convention then was for homeowners to buy lots and build on them.


Manny Villar became the housing industry leader, and the biggest homebuilder in Southeast Asia, having built more than 100,000 houses for the poor and middle class Filipino families.

He then initiated mass housing projects to achieve economies of scale. His various innovations practically created the country’s mass housing industry.  The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism calls him “the dean of the (Philippine) real estate industry.” 

Political Career
In a stunning political debut in 1992, Villar won with the most overwhelming mandate among congressmen in Metro Manila. He promptly applied his economic and managerial expertise as a key member of the House’s economic team, marshalling in economic reform measures of the Ramos Administration such as the New Foreign Investments Act and the restructuring of the Central Bank of the Philippines. He was the House representative in the government’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. in 1992.


He also oversaw various infrastructure projects in his districts like the construction of concrete roads and the Alabang-Zapote Flyover. He introduced the “Friendship Route” to ease the traffic problems in southern Manila by persuading subdivision homeowners to open up their roads to the general public.

He succeeded in passing Republic Act 8003 “Declaring Certain Areas in Las Piñas as Tourist Spots”. The law formalized his program of rehabilitating historical and cultural landmarks in Las Piñas starting with the world-famous Bamboo Organ Church. The ongoing project dubbed as “Las Piñas Historical Corridor” covers the stretch of the Old District and may even rival the Intramuros and Vigan restoration projects.

A staunch environmentalist, he initiated a privately funded tree planting drive in his district. He developed a P10-million tree nursery beside his home. He also quietly led a dedicated tree-planting drive complete with maintenance and watering of tree seedlings planted in the open spaces of the community.

When he realized that many poor students could not go to school because they do not even have fare money, he organized the “Manpower on Wheels” Program, a livelihood training school housed in a van that makes the rounds in depressed areas. The program has since produced more than 5,000 graduates and has been awarded by various government and civic organizations for its innovative scheme.

During his first term, he steered Las Piñas and Muntinlupa to cityhood.  “As a developer, I have always envisioned these two communities as the ‘Twin Cities of the South’ of Manila. In fact, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa are the two fastest growing communities in the country today, he pointed out.”
For his constituency work and personal vow, he extended grants of home sites to some 10,000 poor families in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City. Two major roads were also opened in his district; the Sucat-Pulanglupa Link Road to Parañaque and the Zapote-Molino (Daang Hari) Link Road to Cavite, thus alleviating the traffic congestion in the area.

During his second term, he was able to upgrade the Las Piñas District Hospital with a new building and better facilities. He also launched the “Sagip-Bukas” Drug Prevention Program on all the private and public schools of Las Piñas to educate the youth about the dangers of drug abuse. He also nationalized the Las Piñas High School to upgrade its facilities.

By the end of his second term of office, Villar had already proven beyond doubt his capacity for excellence as a true Filipino entrepreneur and a brilliant public servant who can get things done.   (Click here to read more.) (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)
 

 

 

Dick Gordon

gordon.gif (7068 bytes) 

Anyone who has met Richard "Dick" Gordon knows that he doesn't speak softly or pull his punches. His no-nonsense, straight-from-the-heart approach, and his inability to give up when the going gets tough, have won him the admiration and respect of the Filipino people.

He graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1966 with a Bachelors Degree in History and Government and acquired his Bachelor of Laws in 1975 from the University of the Philippines.

Barely 24 years old and still a law student, Gordon was the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention of the Philippines where he presented the idea of a free port like Hong Kong and Singapore as the alternative to the U.S. naval facility in Subic Bay, Olongapo.

He served as mayor of Olongapo City for 12 years during which he was able to turn the once known "Sin City" into a Model City with its color-coded transport system, efficient garbage collection, integrated solid waste management, health and sanitation, crime prevention, and discipline of its people.

Dick Gordon is the spirit behind the people's volunteerism that envisioned, established and empowered the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With the volunteers' and Gordon's efforts, about 70,000 jobs were created and $3.5 billion worth of investments poured in Subic and Olongapo in less than three years.

When he was appointed Tourism Secretary, Gordon made history as he revived the country's tourism industry and awed the world with his WOW (Wealth Of Wonders) Philippines campaign that featured the best of the best of each region in the country. Despite the threats of terrorism, kidnappings, economic concerns, and SARS epidemic simultaneously hurting the nation, Gordon was able to boost the tourist record rate of the country that continues to rise up to the present, a manifestation of the stable and long-term effect of his programs.

More than being an expert in governance, Gordon is also the man to count on in times of crisis and disaster. He is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross and has led several rescue and relief operations all over the country during the killer quake in Cabanatuan, Baguio, La Union, and Pangasinan; Mt. Pinatubo eruption; disastrous typhoons and floodings in Ormoc, Cebu, Negros, and Central Luzon.

Dick Gordon has faith in this country's capacity for greatness and continues to work for the realization of his and every Filipino's dream of a new Philippines - a BAGUMBAYAN. Gordon believes that change is inevitable and instilling the right attitude and values among us is essential if we want to make this nation great. (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)
 
 

 

Alfredo Lim

lim.gif (6701 bytes) 

Born in December 21, 1929, Alfredo S. Lim finished his elementary grade at P. Gomez Elementary School in 1943 and his secondary at Far Eastern University in 1948. He received Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1951 and Bachelor of Lawin 1963 both at University of the East. He finished his Master's Degree in National Security Administration with honor at the National Defense College of the Philippines in 1981.

He became a member of the Philippine Bar in 1963 and had served the Integrated National Police for 30 years. In 1984 to 1985 he was the Superintendent of the Philippine National Police Academy and the Director of the Western Police District and retired as Major General. He became the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation in 1992 and on that same year he was elected as Mayor of the City of Manila and was reelected as Mayor of Manila in 1995. He was designated as Secretary of Interior and Local Government in 2000 to 2001 and was elected as Senator of the Philippines in 2004.

He received various awards, medals, citation commendation in recognition of his outstanding achievement as a law enforcement officer and a public servant such as Outstanding Achivement Medal for professional competence as PNP A Superintendent in 1985, Archdiocesan Plaque of Recognition for Leadership in 1988, First Ten Outstanding Police of the Philippines (TOPP) Hall of Fame awardee of the Philippines in 1990, Most Outstanding Law Enforcer Award from the Consumers Union of the Philippines in 1990, President Osmeiia Most Outstanding Public Servant Award in 1992, Dr Jose P. Rizal Immortal Award from the Knights of Rizal in 1994, Gintong Ama Award in 1994, Mayor, of the First City in Asia from the Rotary Club in Kooringal, Wagga, Australia in 1994, Medal Merit from the International Association of Lion's Club in 1996, Chino Roces Award in 1997 and The Outstanding Filipino in 1997. (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)

 

 

 

Franklin Drilon

drilon.gif (6689 bytes) 

Drilons are not a political family.  The senator’s father was an employee of the Philippine National Bank, while his mother was a simple housewife.  He and his two brothers and a sister did not experience an affluent lifestyle while growing up in Iloilo.

Senate President Drilon was born on Nov. 28, 1945 in Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City.  His parents - Cesar Drilon, who died in 1995, and Primitiva - instilled in their children from the earliest years the values of hard work, integrity and fear of God.

“My father had the greatest influence on me.  He was an employee of PNB and while growing up he kept telling me that he was working in a bank, and therefore values of honesty and integrity were always inculcated in us because of his work,” he recalled.  “He kept saying ‘Be careful because you are handling other people’s money, and therefore you must be true to the trust imposed on you.’”

Drilon is a product of the public school system.  He went to Baluarte Elementary School and proceeded to the UP Iloilo College for his secondary education.

“I am proud of my education at the public school system.  What I am now I owe it to the overworked but underpaid public school teachers.  Truly they are our unsung heroes who mold our youth to become productive citizens of the country.  That is why they are very close to my heart and in every opportunity I never fail to reciprocate their invaluable services to the country in the form of increased benefits and opportunities for professional development,” Drilon said.

He finished his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1965 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1969, both at UP.  Among his classmates at the UP College of Law were his late wife Violeta Calvo-Drilon, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora and businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis.

He did not only excel in academics, he was also active in campus politics.  He was a member of the UP Student Council as university councilor.  He served as associate editor of the Philippine Collegian and member of the editorial board of the Philippine Law Journal.  He is also a member of the Order of the Purple Feather, the honor society of the UP College of Law.

Drilon placed third in the bar exams in 1969.  He worked for four months at the Ledesma, Saludo and Associates, then joined Sycip, Salazar, Luna, Manalo & Feliciano Law Offices as associate lawyer for four years.  The prestigious ACCRA law firm took notice of the brilliant lawyer and lost no time in securing his services.  He and first wife Violy Calvo were colleagues at ACCRA, where he retired in 1986 as managing partner to join the government.

His first stint in government service was in 1986 when then President Cory Aquino tapped him to become deputy minister of labor.  A few months later he rose to become Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.  Having been directly involved in labor issues when he was with ACCRA, Drilon immediately buckled down to work.  He knew firsthand the demands of capitalists for stability and peace in the workplace, but, he was equally concerned with the needs of the working man for decent wages and improved working conditions.

His priority then was to establish industrial peace in the post-Marcos era, a requisite for increased investments and employment.  He was fair yet firm in dealing with the conflicting demands of management and labor.  He knew that in order for him to be credible and effective, he had to enforce the law fairly and consistently.  Even the leaders of the more assertive and active labor unions acknowledged Drilon’s efficient and effective stewardship of the labor and employment department.

Drilon’s next stop was the Department of Justice in 1990, also during the Aquino presidency.  His background as a brilliant lawyer and bar topnotcher was put to good use as the fledging Aquino administration busied itself fighting coup plotters and running after the Marcoses and their cronies.  As Secretary of Justice, Drilon personally attended to the big cases while never neglecting the urgent need to streamline the judicial system.

His outstanding work in the labor and justice departments did not fail to impress President Aquino, who appointed him Executive Secretary in 1991.  As Little President, Drilon implemented the policies and programs of Mrs. Aquino with his signature efficiency and competence.  By 1992, the Senate seat was already beckoning but Drilon opted to help Mrs. Aquino finish her term. (Click here to read more.) (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph)

 

 

Ping Lacson

lacson.gif (7461 bytes) 

Filipinos came to know him for his sterling and "no non-sense" leadership as Chief of the Philippine National Police.

As chief policymaker of the police organization, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson was responsible for the serious reforms in the PNP that had won the confidence of businessmen and foreign investors and the cooperation of the general public when he initiated closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, here and abroad, in the fight against narcotics trafficking through supply constriction and demand reduction.

All of these were accomplished to bring back the old glory of the policeman.

The Filipino people rewarded Senator Lacson with a Senate seat in the May 2001 elections for his sterling performance as a public servant.

Born out of humble beginnings on June 1, 1948, in Imus, Cavite, Senator Lacson finished grade school at the Bayang Luma Elementary School and high school at the Imus Institute. Before he entered the PMA in 1967, he took up AB Philosophy at the Lyceum.

He carried the family name with pride and grew up to be a man of principles. His fascination with principles became more deeply embedded when he entered the PMA. He nourished these principles at the Philippine Constabulary, which he joined after graduating from the PMA.

He then joined the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police Anti-Carnapping Task Force in 1986, and in 1988, be became the provincial commander of Isabela until 1989. That same year, he became provincial director of Laguna and held the post until July 1992.

As a legislator, Senator Lacson has learned fast and with certainty to carry the broad struggle of the Filipinos by heart. As a public servant, he has faithfully observed a personal credo - What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.

He primarily authored the Anti-Money Laundering Control Act of 2001, the Alternative Youth Training Course, an optional program for college students, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2001.

To date, Senator Lacson is working on legislation to fight the problem of terrorism through the passage of the Anti-Terrorism bill and to alleviate the condition of various sectors of society including students, contractual workers, barangay tanods, police, military and fire protection personnel. (Source:   www.senate.gov.ph)

 

 

Francisco Nemenzo

nemenzo.jpg (1834 bytes) 

Professor Francisco Nemenzo Jr. has just ended his four-year term as President (vice-chancellor) of the University of the Philippines, a position that combines academic, administrative and ceremonial leadership of the largest and most important university system in the country. He was appointed to this position by the President of the Philippines, on the basis of his demonstrated commitment to university scholarship, the esteem in which he is held by his university colleagues, and his high and long standing as a public intellectual. During his term, he implemented a modernisation program, including full computerisation of administrative and library functions, and programs to encourage research publication, which resulted in a doubling of publication output. Professor Nemenzo is also one of the Philippines' most esteemed political scientists. Despite having been arrested and imprisoned for subversion by former president Marcos during martial law, he continues to write and speak about what must be done both intellectually and practically to protect and extend democracy and social well-being in the Philippines today.  (Source:   http://www.capstrans.edu.au/)

 

 

Nene Pimentel

pimentel.gif (7151 bytes) 

Political experience

(a)  Elected Delegate, Constitutional Convention, 1971;

(b)  Elected Mayor of Cagayan de Oro City, 1980-84;

(c)   Elected Member of Parliament (Batasan Pambansa), 1984-86;

(d)  Appointed Minister of Local Government by President Corazon C. Aquino, 1986;

(e)  Appointed Presidential Adviser and Chief Negotiator with the Muslim rebels by President Aquino, 1987;

(f)  Elected Senator of the Republic, 1987-1992;

(g)  Ran for the vice presidency in the 1992 elections;

(h)  Cheated of victory by means of dagdag/bawas in the 1995 senatorial elections; whereupon he sued the cheaters before the criminal courts where the cases are still being tried.  He, has, however, established by inconvertible evidence in the Senate Electoral Tribunal the existence of massive dagdag/bawas fraudulent count in the said senatorial elections.

(i)  Elected Senator of the Republic, 1998-2004.   As a senator, he continues the crusade to curb graft and corruption in government; the fight for cheats in the 1995 & 1998 elections.

(j)  Elected as the 19th Senate President of the Republic, November 13, 2000.

(k)  Elected as the Senate Minority Leader in the opening of the 12th Congress, July 23, 2001 and is the Senate Majority Leader in the 13th Congress.

Ousters from public office

(a)  1982 – Ousted by the Marcos government as Mayor of Cagayan de Oro city; reinstated by people-power demonstrations, the first ever in the country; and

(b)  1984 – Ousted by the Marcos government as Assemblyman; reinstated by the Supreme Court.

Martial law arrests and detentions

(a)  1973 – Camp Crame, Quezon City, for almost 3 months for opposing the Marcos constitution;

(b)  1978 – Camp Bicutan, Metro Manila, for 2 months for leading a demonstration against the farcical Interim Batasan Pambansa elections in 1978;

(c)  1983 – Camp Sergio Osmeña and Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City and house arrest in Cagayan de Oro City for almost 7 months on charges of rebellion; and

(d)  Arrested in Cagayan de Oro City for allegedly engaging in ambuscades in Cebu.  People contributed centavos and pesos in small denominations to bail him out. (Click here to read more.) (Source:  www.senate.gov.ph) 

 

 

Juan Flavier

flavier.gif (6910 bytes) 

Senate President Pro-tempore Juan M. Flavier traces his humble beginnings to the slums of Tondo and the mining communities of Cordillera. Born to a poor family, this barrio doctor, former Secretary of Health and now a Senator on his 2nd term, worked his way to school until he earned his degree in Medicine at the University of the Philippines in 1960.

Instead of grabbing opportunities for a lucrative medical practice, he packed his medical satchel and went to serve the barrio people of Nueva Ecija and Cavite. To better serve the barrios, he proceeded to take up a postgraduate course and earned his Masters in Public Health at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. He then became president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, two organizations dedicated to serving the common tao through education, training and empowerment.

In 1992, he was chosen by President Ramos to become Secretary of the Department of Health. Bringing with him his rich experience in rural work, he introduced innovative approaches to health care, such as Oplan Alis Disease, a massive immunization campaign which later resulted to the World Health Organization declaration of the Philippines as Polio-free, the Sangkap Pinoy, a nationwide campaign against micronutrient malnutrition, the anti-AIDS health information campaign and other health programs aimed at bringing health closer to the people. He successfully transformed the Department of Health into a dynamic office, making it the number one department in the Ramos administration.

Because of his outstanding performance in the Cabinet, he was asked to join the administration's ticket in the 1995 elections. Among the 12 winning candidates, he placed fifth. As a neophyte senator of the 10th Congress, he endeavored to concentrate on his job as a legislator and thus earned the distinction of having attended the most number of committee hearings; and having incurred no absences from the Senate sessions. Some of the landmark legislations he authored and sponsored are the Traditional Medicine Law, the Poverty Alleviation Law, Clean Air Act and the Indigenous People's Rights Act.

It was due to his outstanding performance that he was reelected as senator in the 2001 elections, placing 2nd among the 12 winning candidates. On the first day of the 12th Congress, he immediately went to work and filed Senate Bills 1-166. He continues to be an excellent advocate of health, environment and development issues, having authored and sponsored the RA 9160 - Anti-money Laundering Act of 2001, RA 9177 - Declaring Eidul Fitr as a National Holiday,  RA 9178 - Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise, RA 9163 - National Service Training Program for Tertiary Students of 2002, RA 9165 - Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, RA 9168 - Plant Variety Protection Act, RA 9173 - Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 and the recently enacted RA 9211- The Tobacco Regulation Act.

Having served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography during previous Congresses Dr. Flavier continues to champion the Health Agenda in the Senate by pushing for reforms in health care delivery, health care regulation, and health care financing. Indeed, re-elected Senator Juan Flavier, has been recognized as one of the most industrious legislators of the 10th, 11th and 12th Congress. (Source:   www.senate.gov.ph)  

 

 

Teofisto Guingona

guingona.jpg (13392 bytes) 

Former Senator Teofisto Guingona capped his stellar career in government service with his appointment as Vice President by Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo from a star-studded shortlist of nominees. In addition, he was judiciously appointed as concurrent Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The first to strike the death gongs of corruption in high places which eventually led to People Power II, Vice Pres. Guingona is actually a three-time Senator.

He was first elected to the Senate in 1987 and re-elected in 1992. By then, he had two more years to serve when he was appointed Executive Secretary in 1993 and then as Secretary of the Department of Justice in 1995. As proof of the trust and confidence reposed on him by the electorate, he was re-elected once more to the Senate in 1998. During his stint as a Senator, he had been Senate Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate President Pro-Tempore.

Before becoming a legislator, Vice Pres. Guingona became prominent as the chief negotiator of the government panel during the GRP-CPP/NPA/NDF peace talks under the Aquino Administration. Prior to this he was Chairman of the Commission on Audit from 1986-1989. He was also a delegate to the ill-fated 1971 Constitutional Convention which was abolished a year later with the imposition of Martial Law.

A true-blue Atenean, he took his primary and secondary education at Ateneo de Cagayan. He then transferred to Ateneo de Manila from where he eventually received his Bachelor of Laws degree. Vice Pres. Guingona was born on 4 July 1928 in San Juan, Rizal. He is married to the former Ruth de Lara of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. The couple has two sons and a daughter. (Excerpts from www.op.gov.ph)

 

 

 

Randy David

rsdavid.jpg (2176 bytes) 

Randy David, once a fixture on television as a soft-spoken, even-tempered public intellectual on public-forum-styled programs focusing on socio-political topics, had consciously stayed out of the limelight for an extended period, almost two years, content to be a highly-regarded professor of the Department of Sociology at the University of the Philippines.

That is, until the current political upheaval concerning the revelation of tape recordings which implicate President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in election fraud, further tainting an already tenuous presidency rife with familial corruption and limited economic progress. Writing a weekly column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer , wherein he transcribed and interpreted the controversial conversations between Mrs. Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, as well as appearing on ABS-CBN's cable news network ANC to offer a balanced viewpoint, David was observed by friends and colleagues to appear uncharacteristically angry and exasperated compared to his typical, mild-mannered self.   

"I had made it clear that in a society like ours we have been for a long time looking for heroes that the people could trust, leaders who are capable of bringing the entire country to a higher level of development, and pushing for political modernity," he says in an interview with Planet Philippines. "I had always thought that the society we have cannot afford to be governed by a president whose mandate is under question, a president who committed not just a lapse in judgment, but a clear violation of the constitution and a clear betrayal of the public trust."

In a career which spans several highly-regarded TV and radio programs, countless public appearances and talks, a number of award-winning books, and a fulfilling career in the academe, David has perpetually come across as a clear voice of reason and analysis during times of uncertainty, most notably with his significant roles in the first two EDSA Revolts, and now with the controversy surrounding the current administration.  (Click here to read more.) (Source:  PlanetPhilippines.com)

 

 

Eddie Villanueva

villanueva.jpg (2467 bytes) 

In an interview with INQ7, 2004 Bangon Pilipinas! presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva said that his platform calls for a redirection of the foreign service corps to look after the interests of overseas Filipinos.

“My economic priorities, particularly mass-based entrepreneurship, will create opportunities for low-income households to generate more income and raise their standards of living without leaving their families behind.”

Filipinos cannot always be going abroad, he said. “Investments should be encouraged to create more domestic jobs, and mass-based entrepreneur development must be pursued to create and distribute wealth equitably.”

Villanueva said, “My 10-point platform includes a re-orientation of our embassies and consulates. In addition to their regular diplomatic functions, these missions must devote adequate resources to help OFWs, especially those who are abused by their employers. The late foreign affairs secretary Blas Ople warned Philippine diplomats and consular employees against mistreating Filipino domestic helpers and other OFWs. That warning will remain in effect under my administration.”

Image is everything, Villanueva noted. Thus, “on the part of the government, we will utilize our Department of Tourism and Department of Foreign Affairs to disseminate positive information abroad to convince foreigners that the Philippines is a beautiful country and Filipinos are a hospitable, decent people. With a good image, Filipinos should receive better treatment from other nationalities.” (Source:   Cyberdyaryo.com)

 

 

Bayani Fernando

villanueva.jpg (2467 bytes) 

Fernando, an engineer, has been the mayor of Marikina City for nine (9) years and MMDA chair since June last year.

During his incumbency as Marikina Mayor, Fernando has been conferred with at least 55 major regional and national awards such as 1998 The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) award by the Philippine Jaycee Senate and the Insurance Life Assurance Company, Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence Award, 1999 by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Local Government Foundation (LOGODEF), Philippine Quality Award and 1998 and 1999 by the Development Academy of the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry, and many others.

He also served as President of the Metro Manila Mayors’ League from 2000 to 2001 and Vice-Chairman of the Metro Manila Authority from 1994 to 1995. (Source:   http://www.op.gov.ph)


 

 


 

Notes:

1. At her request, we are removing Dinky Soliman's name from the list of "presidentiables." The former Philippine Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development wants it known that she has no intention of becoming president and that she is involved in the campaign for political accountability not because of personal ambition.   

2. You can only vote once for only one candidate, so vote thoughtfully.

3. An earlier version of this poll was unable to screen out multiple voters.   Despite clear instructions to vote only once and regular attempts to delete/invalidate votes from the same zealous supporters, vote padding continued, so we have closed that poll and dowloaded the results for proper validation. 

 

Whom will you vote for if a special presidential election were held in the Philippines today?
Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr.
Mar Roxas
Manny Villar
Dick Gordon
Alfredo Lim
Franklin Drilon
Ping Lacson
Francisco Nemenzo
Nene Pimentel
Juan Flavier
Teofisto Guingona
Randy David
Eddie Villanueva
Bayani Fernando

  

Free polls from Pollhost.com


|| Talsik.Com || Join the Talsik eGroup || PPU Forum ||

|| Click Here to E-Mail GMA ||

|| Back to Beyond GMA Home Page ||

 

newbanner.gif (1718 bytes)


Question or comments?