...Presidential Cheat Sheet: These are MY Words, Part 2...

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade

Who is she: Popularly known as Jamby Madrigal, she hails from a well-off family of known political figures; she is the granddaughter of former Supreme Court Justice Jose Abad Santos, while her paternal grandfather was former Senator Vicente Madrigal of  Ligao, Albay, who was one of the elected senators in 1949. The Madrigals are of the rich Spanish-Visayan Madrigal Family. Jamby is a philanthropist before entering politics, setting up various foundations for the benefit of the Filipino people. As a senator, she championed women’s and children’s rights. She declared her intention to run for president earlier than most of the presidential aspirants, determined to pursue her goal to “faithfully serve” the Filipino people despite massive criticism and doubts about her candidacy.

Notable Credentials: Among Madrigal’s foundations are Books for the Barangay, which provide books for public elementary and high schools, and Abad Santos Madrigal Foundation Inc, which empowers children and women through relevant and accessible livelihood programs. During the Estrada administration, Madrigal was appointed as the head of the newly created Office of the Presidential Adviser for Children’s affairs. She was a key figure in signing the commitment to uphold Child 21; a framework on which to anchor all action plans and strategies relating to children. She has also authored a number of bills in the senate, among these, a bill repealing the Mining Act of 1995, which seeks to protect the last remaining natural resources from wholesale plunder.

Presidential Platform: Madrigal’s platform is grounded on bringing the Philippines back to the Filipinos through people empowerment, bound by the desire for change. In her presidential platform, she presents 10 goals for New Vision: Genuine, pro-Filipino industrialization and national economy, Fair and equitable trade and debt, Local people’s control and anti-monopoly cartel policy, Genuine agrarian reform, Adequate, pro-Filipino protection and rehabilitation of the environment, Fair, equitable, and nationalist treatment and empowerment of overseas Filipino workers and migrants, and adequate living standards for the Filipinos, Truly nationalist, pro-Filipino, and pro-people government, Truly nationalist, independent, and pro-human rights Philippine security and peace, Selfless government service free from corruption, patronage, conflict of interest, and profiteering from government office, and Genuine equality empowerment, and dignity of women. She also presents pledges to different sectors of the government, all of which, you can find in detail here:

Campaign Thrust: To “reclaim and regain the wealth, sovereignty, and dignity of the Filipino People and Nation.”

Why you should vote for her: In a country marred by widespread corruption, what the country doesn’t need is a corrupt public official. Jamby takes pride in not being one of those corrupt officials, as she is a philanthropist, and from a modest family, one of the old rich, in fact, and says she doesn’t need to steal riches anymore. She also comes from a family of respected politicians, and as in the case of Aquino, takes pride in this heritage and carrying their family’s legacy. She has advanced women’s rights

Why you shouldn’t vote for her: Since the day she declared her intention to run for president, she has met several criticism about her motives about running, as well as her capacity to actually run the country, and has even led some detractors to liken her to a nuisance candidate. She drew the ire of the public for distributing Buddha beads bearing her image during former President Cory’s funeral.

Sources:

http://www.jambymadrigal.com/

http://www.eleksyon.co.cc/jamby-madrigal/

http://senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/madrigal_bio.asp

http://www.presidenteko.com/candidates.php?candidateID=13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamby_Madrigal

http://www.pinoysoundingboard.com/2009/08/jamby-madrigal-bracelets-corys-funeral/
http://www.earthlingorgeous.com/2009/08/senator-jamby-madrigal-and-his-staff-just-lost-my-respect-completely.html
============================================================

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Perlas

Who is he: Not being a politician, Nick Perlas is a virtual unknown compared to his co-presidential aspirants. Perlas was educated in the Ateneo de Manila University for his primary and secondary education, and pursued his tertiary education in Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro. There, he was a university scholar, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Major in Agronomy, and Minor in Agricultural Economics. He pursued a Master’s Degree in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños but abandoned it after being involved in opposing the Bataan nuclear power plant during the Marcos era. He later worked as a technical consultant/resource person for several institutions, among them, UN Bodies, the local government, donor agencies, civil society organizations and movements, and businesses striving for social responsibility. He has also been tapped as a plenary speaker/resource person for over 90 global conferences and 140 national conferences. In June 2009, he announced his intention to run for president, offering himself as an alternative to traditional politicians.

Notable Credentials: As a student, he gained highest honors and was valedictorian at Xavier University. He also received an award for public service from the Municipality of Maasin, Iloilo, Outstanding Filipino award, UN Environmental Program Global 500 Award, and a Right Livelihood Award or Alternative Nobel Prize. He was a key figure in preventing the construction of 12 nuclear power plants in the country. Other than his various speaking and consultancy works, he also conducted hundreds of trainings on a wide range of topics convergent with his writings. He developed the Lemniscate Process, a framework which is “geared towards unlocking human creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment for creating a better world”. In 1996, he convinced then President and APEC Chair Fidel Ramos to advance sustainable development as a more appropriate paradigm than radical liberalization in Asia and the Pacific. He also co-authored Philippine Agenda 21, which became the highest government framework for development under the Ramos Administration. His book, Shaping Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Threefolding, has been translated to 9 languages and is being used in several universities around the world.

Presidential Platform: Perlas’ platform is inspired by his own Lemniscate Process, and is simplified to six pillars. These pillars are Eradicating poverty and enhancing the quality of life, Advancing moral and effective governance, Upholding the integrity of creation, Building partnerships for social justice, Promoting creative education and inner change, and Mainstream visionary initiatives. For a more detailed discussion about these pillars and how to implement them, click here.

Campaign Thrust: Preserving the environment and “New Politics for a New Philippines”

Why you should vote for him: Unlike any of the other candidates, Perlas is no politician, nor is he a leader of a multitude of people. He is a revered public speaker, and a respected consultant, who has championed his advocacies through his various consulting jobs, activism, public speeches, and writings. Perlas truly represents a new kind of politics, as he has never held public office before.

Why you shouldn’t vote for him: His being unknown to the public may work both ways for him. On one side, it’s positive, considering he presents something totally new, and those who are tired of traditional politicians may see him as a refreshing candidate to effect genuine change. On the other hand, it may work against him as people would not know his capacity to run a country, because despite his proven track record of proposing concrete, believable, and effective frameworks, he has no experience running a government post. He becomes a gamble for those who do not know him, and would rely on a small percentage of testimonials to be able to trust his capacity to be the head of the state.

Sources:

http://www.nicanor-perlas.com/About-Nicanor-Perlas/biography-nicanor-perlas.html

http://www.nickperlas.com/?page_id=333

http://www.eleksyon.co.cc/nicanor-perlas/

http://apeopleforperlas.ning.com/profiles/blogs/statement-or-why-we-shouldnt

============================================================

Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr.

Who is he: Only son of former Social Security System Administrator Gilberto Teodoro, Sr. and former Batasang Pambansa member Mercedes Cojuanco-Teodoro, who is also former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s first cousin. Educated at Xavier School for his primary and secondary education, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce at De La Salle University, completed his law studies at the University of the Philippines, and finally went to Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts for his Master of Laws. Upon returning to the country after studying abroad, was elected congressman representing the first district of Tarlac in 1998 until 2007, after serving the maximum allowable terms for a congressman. He was appointed as the Secretary for National Defense in August 2007 at age 43, the youngest to be appointed to the said post. He declared his intention to run for president in March 2009, and left his old party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which is led by his uncle, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuanco, to join the administration’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD. He earned the nomination over then-MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando by way of a 42-5 secret balloting by the members of the party’s executive committee. .

Notable credentials: Topped the 1989 Bar exams, and was also awarded a Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence in UP. A licensed commercial pilot, he is also ranked as Colonel in the Philippine Air Force (Reserve). As the Secretary for National Defense, Teodoro advocated human rights, institutionalized reforms within the department, was instrumental in the AFP Capability Upgrade Program, among others, which may be viewed more completely here.

Presidential Platform: Teodoro’s platform can be viewed here. Teodoro’s platform is grounded on effective leadership and implementation, with concrete plans of actions on how to actualize his proposals. He speaks of national leadership and a leader’s strong will, education and how to prepare the children for the future, governance; particularly about pork barrel and regional autonomy, and innovations in economy. His main site discusses the party’s platform in more detail.

Campaign Thrust: “Renewing the Filipino spirit for a dynamic nation”

Why you should vote for him: He speaks the truth when he claims “galing at talino”. He is a proven leader, and I daresay he might be the smartest (in terms of education) in the pool of candidates. He has a relatively unblemished record as his cousin and rival, Sen. Noynoy Aquino. He has concrete a concrete plan of actions if elected, and does not propose abstract ideas to implement these.

Why you shouldn’t vote for him: Teodoro’s main flaw in this election is probably his affiliation with the current administration. After almost a decade of Arroyo’s administration, people desperately want to see a change in governance, and as he is an administration bet, there are perceptions that he might lean towards favoring GMA even after she steps down. As a brilliant young man with exceptional leadership skills, and the manner in which he has positioned himself to be where he is now, he seems to be going on the same path as a former president by the name of Ferdinand Marcos. Being the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, he was also criticized for how he managed the two worst tragedies that hit the country recently, the Ondoy flooding in the metro and the storm Pepeng that ravaged Northern Luzon.

Sources:

http://gibo.ph/index_ie.html

http://www.eleksyon.co.cc/gilberto-gibo-cojuangco-teodoro-jr/

http://propinoy.net/2010/01/20/gibo-on-new-governance-con-ass-arroyo-danding-and-lucio-tan/

http://2010presidentiables.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/gilbert-teodoro-interviews-on-ondoypepeng-floods-shows-teodoros-incompetence-and-mismanagement-of-ndcc/

=============================================================

Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva

Who is he: Best known as “Bro. Eddie”, Villanueva is the founder of the Jesus Is Lord Movement. He finished his tertiary education with a Bachelor’s Degree in major in Economics, minor in Finance in the Philippine College of Commerce, which has since been renamed Polytechnic University of the Philippines. As a student, he was an active student leader who fought for student rights, among other advocacies. He also has 6 doctorate degrees from various institutions, and pursued Law in the University of the Philippines, although he was not able to finish this as he was jailed for advancing his principles as a student activist. He fought for the rights and welfare of workers, farmers, and fishermen of Bulacan during the Martial Law era, and was jailed twice and faced assassination attempts because of his actions. In 1978, he founded the Jesus Is Lord Movement through his bible studies, which has millions of followers to date, here and abroad. In 2004, he ran for president under the Bangon Pilipinas Movement, but failed in his bid that finished 5^th in a pool of 5. In 2009, he declared his intention to run again for president, taking a leave of absence from his duties in the JILM to focus on running the Bangon Pilipinas Movement, and advancing his vision of a clean, honest government.

Notable Credentials: As a student, he was an outstanding student leader, named best debater, and was a consistent dean’s lister and scholar in college. Being a student also did not stop Villanueva from fighting for the rights of the oppressed. He served as the longest tenured regent of PUP, giving his full salary to PUP’s scholarship fund. Founded the Jesus is Lord Movement, which now has millions of followers worldwide. Villanueva has been active in fighting for the rights of the oppressed, from OFW’s in Hong Kong, to the cases of Flor Contemplacion and Sarah Balabagan, to the Sumilao farmers, among others. He was also named Ulirang Ama in 1996 and completed various special studies. He is also the President and Chairman of ZOE TV 11.

Presidential Platform: Villanueva’s presidential platform is grounded on true and genuine change, and the party’s platform is summarized to 6 E’s: Eradicate bad governance, Energize the economy, Elevate the living standards of the people, Empower the people, Emancipate the people, Educate the people, and Establish peace and order in the land. For a more detailed explanation for each, click here.

Campaign Thrust: “Six years of a government without corruption”

Why you should vote for him: As a relative newcomer to politics, Villanueva offers a fresh perspective on governance, as his main political background is not of being part of the administration or any political dynasty, but rather, of the leftist opposition who advances the rights of the oppressed. As a Man of God, he offers a clean government, one that people can trust to deliver if only to trust his faithfulness and truthfulness to God. He pushes for positive campaigning, where he advances his platforms and visions without him nor his supporters slinging mud at any of the other presidential candidates.

Why you shouldn’t vote for him: There is a provision in the constitution about the separation of Church and state, which could work negatively for Bro. Eddie. Although he has addressed this issue, the people’s perception of him as a religious leader remains despite his decision to focus on campaigning for Bangon Pilipinas. As a leader of a Christian sect, other religions or sects may see this move as working towards favoring his own sect. There are also critics that argue Bro. Eddie’s claim that he is God’s chosen leader for the country. As a preacher, Villanueva usually cites biblical passages to justify his running for office, which rub people the wrong way, as they see this as using the Lord’s name in vain.

Sources:

http://broeddie.ph

http://spirituality-page.blogspot.com/2010/02/eddie-villanueva-for-president.html

http://www.eleksyon.co.cc/eddie-villanueva-biography/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Villanueva

http://www.jilworldwide.org/about.php

http://www.juancountry.com/politics-of-god-bro-eddie-villanueva/

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561740&publicationSubCategoryId=63

===========================================================

Manuel “Manny” Villar, Jr.

Who is he: One of the pioneers of real-estate development here in the Philippines, Villar takes pride in building his empire through “sipag at tiyaga”. He worked his way into proper education by being a working student while studying in UP to earn his undergraduate and master’s degree in business administration and accountancy. He tried his hand at the corporate world, but decided on going on his own twice, the second time using a P10,000 loan to start a sand-and-gravel business, which eventually became the start of what has become the biggest homebuilder in Southeast Asia. He started his political career in 1992, when he ran and won by an overwhelming margin as a congressman of Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, where he served for 3 terms while posting landslide victories in each bid. During his term as congressman, he was voted as Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 2001, he was elected as senator, and in 2006, he assumed Senate Presidency. Citing the country’s need of an able leader with excellent managerial skills in these trying times, he took it upon himself to seek the highest post in the country. With the same determination that brought him to where he is now, he seeks the Presidency of the Republic by inspiring people that through “sipag at tiyaga”, anything is possible.

Notable credentials: Housed millions of Filipinos through his affordable housing projects. Villar was named the Most Outstanding Alumnus by the University of the Philippines, the highest recognition given by the said university. As a legislator, Villar steered Las Piñas and Muntinlupa to cityhood during his first term as a congressman. He oversaw various infrastructure projects, and succeeded in passing RA8003, which formalized his program of rehabilitating historical and cultural landmarks in Las Piñas. He is also the only post-war political figure to be named both Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President. To see his legislative record, you may visit his site here; while his other accomplishments are here.

Presidential Platform: Villar’s platforms can be seen here. His platforms are anchored on his response to what he perceives to be the country’s main problems; social injustice and widespread poverty. In his platform, he tackles agriculture and rural development, agrarian reform, developing manufacturing and local industries, rights of the working people, basic social services, environment and disaster response, good governance and public accountability, human rights, the peace process with armed hostilities, and foreign relations.

Campaign Thrust: To “emancipate the people from poverty and injustice”.

Why you should vote for him: His track record as a businessman and as a politician may speak for itself. His managerial skills may be unparalleled by any of his competitors. He appeals to the masses by claiming his roots to be among them, and his life story inspires the many underprivileged in our country. Oh, and his campaign jingle is too catchy, even 2-year-olds can sing it..

Why you shouldn’t vote for him: Massive advertisements have led to speculation that if elected, he will do what is necessary to get back what he spent. He is also linked to the C5 controversy, which claims that Villar influenced the construction of the C5 extension to pass through a number of his villages. There are also questions regarding his claim on being raised from the poor. Finally, speculations and conspiracies are being drawn up that Villar is being backed by the current President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which they believe to be an alliance made so that GMA would not be made to answer questions about her administration, should Villar win the presidency.

Sources:

http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph/index.php

http://web.archive.org/web/20060702203122/www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/villar_bio.htm

http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/villar_bio.asp

http://caffeinesparks.blogspot.com/2010/02/manny-villars-c5-at-taga-explained-in.html

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=562010&publicationSubCategoryId=64

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100406-262585/Stop-Villarroyo-talk-Arroyo-orders-party