Kaya Yan! Yes We Can! Präsidentschaftswahlen 2010 in den Philippinen

Transcription

1 Kaya Yan! Yes We Can! Präsidentschaftswahlen 2010 in den Philippinen Bullmannaue 11 D Essen Tel.: (++49) Fax : (++49) Web: philippinenbuero@ asienhaus.de März 2010, Jugendherberge Bonn-Venusberg Materialien zur weiterführenden Lektüre: Background of the Philippine Electoral System (page 2) Overview of the Party-List System in the Philippines (p. 3) A Summary of the Programs and Platforms of Government of all Candidates for the Presidency (p. 6) Automated System for the 2010 Philippine Elections (p. 15) Philippines fears electoral Chaos (p. 17) Foreign Observers says RP vote lacks Transparency (p. 20) Pre-Election Survey (p. 20) Weitere Informationen (p. 24) Zusammengestellt von: Jolita Atienza, Katharina Wilkin Seite 1

2 Background on the Philippine Electoral System, by Jolita Atienza One of the many salient changes that the 1987 Philippine Constitution brought was the establishment of a new system of elections. The 1972 charter, which the current one modified, was used by Ferdinand Marcos to extend and prolong his grip on power. Thus, certain provisions were altered in order clip the length of the President and Vice-President s terms, those serving in both House Chambers (Congress) and those running for local or regional posts like governors, mayors, barangay chairman and so on. The House of Chambers is bicameral, with the Senate and House of Representatives. The 24 member Senate has senators elected for six year terms, half of which are elected every three years. Representatives or Congressmen are limited to three terms, senators to two. Local government officials are elected to three year terms, with a three term limit. Like most countries in the world, those who are eligible to vote in the Philippines should be 18 years of age or above on the day of voting. Likewise the system of voting is through popular vote, meaning the candidate who garners the most number of votes wins. The COMELEC (Commission on Elections) meanwhile, is mandated by the Constitution to administer the elections and campaigns. Said constitution likewise gives the COMELEC the power to accredit private or citizen backed groups (like the National Movement for Free Elections), which are tasked to help oversee the elections. Things to remember: The president and vice president are elected for six year terms. They are forbidden to run again after their term ends. Senators, congressmen and local government officials are elected in mid-term elections, but during the presidential election, they all can be elected at the same time For the party-list in Congress, the group must win 2% of the vote. No party-list party may have more than 3 seats (see section on Party-list). References: m _Philippines Seite 2

3 Overview of the Party-List System in the Philippines, Jolita Atienza As an effort to provide ample representation for the voiceless and under-represented, the party-list system in the Philippines was institutionalized after its inclusion in the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Section 5 Article 6. The party-list was later strengthened with the passage of Republic Act 7941, which in some ways provided a definition of the system, its proportional representation in the House of Representatives and, appropriation of funds. As stipulated in the said law, those included in the party-list system are parties, association, sectoral groups that represent Filipino citizens belonging to the marginalized or under-represented sector. With regards to the proportional representation, it was stated that: Of the total membership of the House of Representatives, 20 percent is allocated for party list representatives including those under the party list. Likewise, parties or groups that are running should at least garner two percent of the total votes for the partylist to obtain one seat. The maximum number of seats, on the other hand, is three. Party-List Groups running in the 2010 Elections To date, there are 187 groups vying for at least one seat per group in the House of Representatives. Of the 187, five are considered to have substantial chances of garnering the maximum number of seats. These are as follows: 1. Bayan Muna (8.03%) 2. Aangat Pilipino (6.34%) 3. Anak Pawis (5.88 %) 4. Gabriela Women s Party (5.55%) 5. Akbayan (5.07%) The above figures are taken from the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia and from of January and subsequently published in national broadsheets like the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For the 2007 elections, 13 party-lists were proclaimed winners, with the top five namely: 1. Buhay (Buhay hayaan humabong) - 1,163,218 votes 2. Bayan Muna 927,730 votes 3. Cibac (Citizens Battle against corruption) 760,260 v. 4. Gabriela 610,451 v. 5. APEC (Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives) 538,971 v. The above groups, reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated 10 July 2007 were able to capture more than 1 or 2 seats each. Bayan Muna Often accused as a front of the CPP/NPA, Bayan Muna is a highly progressive political party which has been three times elected into the House of Representatives. Founded in September 1999, the objective of the Seite 3

4 group is to represent the ordinary Filipinos (common tao or masa), such as those considered part of the peasantry, the downtrodden, indigenous people and urban poor by providing them with a genuine and likewise new style of politics. With its solid grass roots support, Bayan Muna now has offices in 13 regions and 57 chapters scattered in various cities, municipalities and towns. For this year, the group is again vying for a party-list slot, and widely expected to capture the maximum number of seats. Its president and founding member Satur Ocampo, is running for a senate seat, along with Liza Maza as guest candidates of the Nacionalista Party under Senator Manuel Villar. Aangat Pinoy Apart from being reported as coming in as close second in the surveys right after Bayan Muna, not much is known about Aangat Pilipino (or Pinoy). It is however said that the group is supported by Agusan Congressman Rodolfo Ompong Plaza, who is vying for a senate seat under former President Estrada s Puwersa ng Masa political Party. Anak Pawis The electoral representative of the militant group Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anak Pawis is a progressive party which touts itself as the voice of the working masses, peasants and other marginalized sectors of society. The group believes that by participating in Congress, it can inject its influence, thus putting forward policies and programs that would strengthen programs for the toiling masses. Conceptualized in 2002 under the tutelage of the late Rep. Crispin Beltran, Anak Pawis is also working hand in hand with other genuine progressive political parties to provide a legitimate voice for the struggle of the masses.to date, the party has established offices and chapters in 15 regions in the country. From the latest surveys, it is expected to capture three party list seats. Gabriela Women s Party An outcome of the militant women s movement Gabriela, the GWP has been part of the electoral process since it first fielded its representative in During that time however, Rep. Liza Maza run under the Bayan Muna Party, but was later fielded by the GWP in 2004 after her successful foray in Congress. Since becoming part of the House of Congress, Gabriela Women s Party was able to author two significant bills that empowered women and promoted their rights: The Anti-Trafficking Person Act and, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act. Formally established in 2000, GWP is one of the 5 top party-list groups running in the 2010 elections. Liza Maza, its Secretary General, on the other hand is vying for a senate seat Seite 4

5 under Manuel Villar s Nacionalista Party. As the name suggests, Gabriela Women s Party s key thrust is to fight for the rights and welfare of Filipino women through participation in the country s electoral system and organs of governance. Akbayan Citizen s Action Party Akbayan, also known as the Akbayan Citizen s Action Party was conceived by broad based social movement groups, clamouring for political transformation. The clamour for change was brought about by the growing frustration over the type of democracy in the country, wherein only the interests of the elite and powerful are heard. People Power came and went, but sadly the very people and groups who took part were never included in the decision making and policy implementation. So to provide an alternative way of governance, which encourages participation from all sectors of society, the party was formally established in a result of four years of holding consultations and synchronizing the grievances and aspirations of those representing labour, the peasantry, urban poor, homosexuals, professionals and overseas workers. Since 1998, Akbayan has participated in the electoral system and has won seats in Congress. For the 2010 elections, it is expected to garner 3 party list seats. Riza Hontiveros Baranquel, one of two member who garnered a slot in the 2007 elections the other one was Walden Bello will be running for a senate seat as a guest candidate of the Liberal Party. BANTAY or Bantay Katarungan Foundation 1 Earning a bit of notoriety for its association with retired General Jovito Palparan, this party-list group captured a seat in Congress when the Supreme Court came out with a ruling in 2009, increasing the number of party-list seats by adding 55 more. Bantay, which garnered only 169, 869 votes was not eligible in 2007, benefited from this ruling. Thus, Bantay was able to gain one seat, with Palparan as its first representative. Aside from gaining quite a reputation for having Palparan, touted by the left and progressives as the Butcher, this party-list group is said to represent rebel and CAFGU returnees and, men and women whose main task is to provide security such as security guards. The group's mission, as stated in its website is to support those who are in the frontline of defense and security by providing them with ample economic and social empowerment. References: htm 1 Was not included in the top 5 partylist groups of However, this group has earned the ire and some say even admiration from some sectors because of Palparan's reputation. Seite 5

6 A Summary of the Programs and Platforms of Government of all Candidates for the Presidency; by Jolita Atienza Benigno Noynoy Aquino (key programs: Lowering of taxes, development over patronage, coding the existing laws, running after tax evaders, continuing successful tax policies such as RATE, investing in infrastructure) With the objective of shifting the status quo of economic survival to that of robust economic growth, Aquino s platform for government is to transform the country from that of a poor Philippines to middle class Philippines. Doing this, as Aquino purports would mean repairing the damage on the democratic institutions, improving the situation of the people, giving the youth ample opportunities to improve and, making government leap from patronage to that of development. From these aims, he enumerated several programmes that would meet his platform and targets. Recodifiying existing laws. While the legislative and executive branches of government are not wanting in laws, Aquino stresses that legislating new laws is not his priority, but rather recodifying the ones that are in existence so as to put everything in order. This he said would help ease the burden on legislators or members of the legal community who are often dumbfounded at times with overlapping regulations or laws that have had been amended or repealed. Fully enforcing workable laws that are already in place, but were not implemented due to lack of political will is likewise Aquino s proposal. Bringing the bloated deficit down. With the country facing a looming crisis over the budget deficit, Aquino proposes to trim it, by not executing new laws that would only increase or impose new taxes but rather, run after tax evaders and big-time smugglers. Catching these two would entail supporting the BIR s (Bureau of Internal Revenue) tax collection and continuing the bureau s effective programs like the RATE (Run after Tax Evaders). Measures would also be introduced in the Bureau of Customs so as smugglers would not go unscathed. Aside from these, Aquino furthermore proposes lowering tax rates so as to encourage the people to save or spend on local commodities. Tax exemptions on the priviledged few would be ended. With these measures and effective tax administration, Aquino hopes to bring the deficit to a 15 percent level, up from the current 13 percent, which would hopefully translate to P150 billion additional revenues. Levelling the playing field. Previous governments have always been accused of fostering crony capitalism, to the detriment of over-all economic development. In order to change this perception, Aquino plans to level the playing field by not cultivating close

7 relationships with businessmen or business groups who only have selfserving interests. His government would also not use regulatory powers to harass or intimidate. Those who would wish to do business in the country would not anymore be grappled with endless bureaucracy as he plans to streamline the approval process in both national and local levels. Improving infrastructure. With regards to infrastructure programmes, in order to ensure that projects are not bloated and wastes are minimized, he would set up cooperative committees composed not only of concerned agencies and Local Government Units, but also, members of the private sector. This cooperative venture will then come up with a viable and comprehensive plan that optimizes the value of the entire network. Vice President: Manuel Mar Roxas Liberal Party Senatorial slate: 1. Former Bukidnon Congressman Neric Acosta 2. Muntinlupa Congressman Ruffy Biazon 3. Akbayan Congressman Risa Hontiveros 4. TG Guingona 5. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon 6. Sonia Roco 7. Former Senator Ralph Recto 8. Martin Bautista 9. Yasmin Busrao Lao 10. Danilo Danny Lim Manuel Manny Villar (key programs: social justice and eradication of poverty) Capitalizing on his humble beginnings, Presidentiable candidate Manny Villar is focusing his platform on issues that he sees would not only help uplift more than half of the Filipino population but likewise, boost the economic standing of the country in the region. These programs are anchored on two points: eradicating poverty and having a genuine social justice. Under the anti-poverty agenda, Villar listed down two ways of solving the problem: promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship and supporting the country's agricultural sector. Under entrepreneurship, he would change the banking system so as to make sure that small players (i.e. Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs) have a chance to take part in a-levelledplaying field. This could be done by providing them easy access to credits or, funds from government. By empowering the SMEs, jobs are also generated for Filipinos so that there would be no need for them to leave their loved ones in search for job opportunities abroad. Those who are in the agricultural sector meanwhile, especially those who have had been affected with the opening up of the international markets, would be supported by strengthening the rural finance infrastructures and microfinance institutes and, providing Seite 7

8 technical expertise. Furthermore, aid would be extended to owners of small and medium-sized lands. With the antipoverty program on top of his agenda, Villar envisions that the country can achieve no less than seven percent annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product) Growth. Specificity is somewhat vague with regards to his social injustice programme. What he did stress is that in order to solve the injustices, those coming from all political and social colours should be given ample representation. Aside from this, mechanisms that deal with human and individual rights will be strengthened so as to circumvent abuses. Regarding abuses done by government, he added that transparency will be promoted in all government dealings so as to avoid graft and corruption. Dubious and questionable transactions entered into by previous governments will again be scrutinized to the very last detail. Vice-President: Loren Legarda Nacionalista Senatorial Slate: 1. Former Marine Capt. Ramon Mon-mon Mitra 2. Senator Pia Cayetano 3. Susan Ople 4. Ilocos Norte Congressman Ferdinand Bongnong Marcos 5. Col. Ariel Querubin 6. Atty. Adel Tamano 7. Gwendolyn Pimentel Gano 8. Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo 9. Gabriela Party Repr. Liza Maza Joseph Erap Ejercito Estrada (key programs: peace and order, food security, graft and corruption) Continuing his platform of governance which was abruptly ended with his ouster in 2001, Joseph Erap Estrada is once again focusing his agenda on securing the country's peace and order, improving food security and ending graft and corruption. Securing peace and order is his topmost concern as he believes that no matter how sound and investor friendly the policies are of the government, no business and economic development will come if lawlessness, terrorism and violence permeate. Thus, it is imperative that a) loose firearms and private armies be dismantled; b) a just and lasting peace agreement down South be firmly implemented; and c) the insurgency movement of the CPP/NPA be ended. Dismantling private armies. Citing the Maguindanao massacre, which occurred in December 2009, Erap promises to end the reign of anarchy not only in the Mindanao region, but likewise in areas where political and clan rivalries are strongest. Warlordism would then be stopped by immediately confiscating arms and weaponry and, setting up strict guidelines that would not only dismantle existing private armies but likewise illegalize their formation in the future. Seite 8

9 Just and lasting peace in Mindanao. While firmly believing that negotiations between the government and secessionist should always be on the table in order to attain relative peace, he stresses that the country s territorial integrity should not be sacrificed, referring to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain which Estrada believes almost dismembered the republic. Forging peace with the MILF is inevitable as it would benefit the country. However, an all-out war in order to achieve permanent harmony is a very viable option if he is again voted into office as many times in the past, the peace agreements were violated by the MILF. Ending the insurgency movement. Another priority of his is putting an end to the 50-year old insurgency of the CPP/NPA as many potential investors who wish to invest in the Philippines are thinking twice if whether it is practical to invest or set up vital infrastructure facilities when there is a possibility of being targeted or bombed by the insurgents. Next in his agenda is improving food security so as to minimize the dependency of the country on imported staple commodities like rice, which the country once had an abundance of. Improving the country s food security would entail fully supporting the modernization of the agricultural sector; implementing the Agri-Agra Law which requires the allocation of 25 percent of the yearly loan portfolio of banks to small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; and developing postharvest facilities and introducing comprehensive irrigation systems that are cost effective. Promoting aggressive research not only on crops but also on livestock, poultry, fisheries is also under his food programme. Transparency in all government dealings on the other hand will be his way in dealing with the country s worsening graft and corruption. This would mean combining respected members of the populace, coming from both the private and public sectors, that would readily exchange views and opinions, consult each other regarding economic matters and, collaborate when there is a need to reform policies. This planned group is akin to his Economic Coordinating Council, which was in existence during his presidency. Vice-President: Jejomar Binay Puwersa ng Masa Senatorial Slate: 1. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 2. Makati Congressman Teodoro Boy Locsin Jr. 3. Brig. General Danilo Danny Lim 4. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile 5. Senator Miriam Santiago 6. Congressman Ompong Plaza 7. Jose De Venecia III 8. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares 9. Negros Occidental Congressman Apolinario Lozada Jr. Seite 9

10 10. Former Sanlakas Party Representative Jose Virgilio Bautista Gilbert Gibo Teodoro (key programs: charter change, change to unicameral system, liberalization of natural resources, continuation of the Arroyo government's fiscal policies, improving the educational system) One of the primary programs of Teodoro's platform of governance is to review and eventually change the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The only one among the 10 presidentiables who espouses such a proposal, Teodoro is pushing for the constitution's revision or overhaul as according to him it has failed to meet the challenges of the future, especially with regards to economic and political matters. As he once quipped, the present constitution is reactionary meaning the drafters only rectified the wrongful policies and laws of the previous Marcos regime without providing safety nets if ever the country is hit with economic and social challenges. Aligned with his espousal to revise the constitution is liberalizing the ownership of the country's natural resources by partially lifting restrictions on foreigners who wish to own state properties as he thinks that it would be best that these natural resources are managed by those who have the expertise and knowledge. Another is transforming the bicameral to a Unicameral Congress and, lengthening the term of representatives from three to four years. Extending the term, as Teodoro pointed out, will ensure the continuity of the LGU's projects and programs vis-à-vis the government's Medium- Term Plans. On the education front, he proposes modernizing the education sector by restructuring the educational system so that students can be more competitive. Restructuring will then entail adding two more years in Grade School, strengthening the curriculum by enhancing technical skills and, teaching English on the primary level so as to better equip the students for the next level. Believing that education should be made accessible to all, especially to those who are poor but deserving students, he also proposes, aside from the scholarships and state subsidies, that qualified students in the tertiary level be allowed to apply for a loan with the Social Security System, a programme similar to the Study Now Pay Later Scheme in the USA and some parts of Europe. Pay check will then be given to the student, which will be registered in the system (once the Social Security number is secured) as his or her salary. With regards in improving the economy, he plans to continue the fiscal policies of the Arroyo administration and, to invest heavily on infrastructure. Investing on Seite 10

11 infrastructures means providing a seamless transportation system ; continuing previous road projects such as the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), SCTEX (Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressway), NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), refurbishing and constructing new domestic and international airports and; connecting the islands especially those in the Visayas by means of constructing bridges and tunnels. Vice-President: Actor Edu Manzano Lakas-Kampi Senatorial Slate: 1. Senator Ramon Bong Revilla 2. Senator Lito Lapid 3. Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico 4. Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello 5. Health Secretary Francisco Duque 6. Federation of Philippine Industries Jesus Arranza 7. Broadcaster Rey Langit Richard Dick Gordon (key programs: transactional to transformational change) Richard Gordon came up with a manifesto of change, which he envisions as a way of transforming and making into reality the dream of a new Philippines. This manifesto mentions 10 key declarations that can only be achieved if each and every Filipino is willing to change for the better or, transform within. Most notable of these values mentioned are for all Filipinos to become more disciplined, develop determination, have more respect for the law. His plan for improving healthcare, creation of jobs and prioritizing education are also mentioned in this manifesto. While the manifesto is a form of a pact as to how Gordon would like the society to be when he is elected into the highest office, he is not short in rhetoric with regard to his plans for government. Notable among his key programmes are to improve the educational system, of which his primary target is to increase the take home pay of teachers; decongest Manila by spreading business to other urbanized areas like those in the Central and Northern Luzon; putting a moratorium on debt servicing so as to fund the basic services project of the government; promoting areas in the Visayas as a Tourism haven, and turning Mindanao as the hub for aquaculture and agriculture. Vice President: Bayani Fernando No senatorial slate Bro. Eddie Villanueva (key programs: 7 Es) Eddie Villanueva s primary goal is to make the country overtake its Asian neighbours in 24 years. 24 years is a long time, so as to realize his commitment to make the Philippines a powerhouse in the region, he is proposing 7 goals for the first 6 years, which basically underlies his platform. These goals, which he calls 7 Es are as follows: a) Empower the People, b) Seite 11

12 Emancipate the people, c) Educate the people, d) Energize the economy, e) Elevate the living standards of the people, f) Eradicate bad governance, g) Establish peace in the land. Empower the People. Under this goal, mechanisms that would insure a free and fair election would be strengthened so as to gain the trust of the people, buttressing laws that would protect press freedom and; making sure that people who are wellversed with the law are in place in government agencies so as to fast track the complaints and grievances of the populace. Emancipate the people. This he plans to do by expediting cases and, those who are in need of help but are wanting in finances would be provided with competent lawyers to level the playing field. Educate the people. With this, he plans to reform the system by increasing the salaries of teachers, revising the curriculum by emphasising more on mathematics, science, engineering, reviewing the legitimacy and quality of learning centres and of textbooks and, implementing the school feeding programme. Energize the economy. Energizing the economy so as to reach his objective of turning the country into a powerhouse in 24 years means investing in sound infrastructure projects, passing new comprehensive tax laws, revising the agrarian reform law so that it could squarely face any challenges that would come its way, and providing a modern system linking all possible modes of transportation. Elevating the living standards. Under this goal, basic services would be improved by providing the populace with better health care, effective security, regular waste collection, safe and clean water and affordable housing. Eradicate bad governance. So as to avoid corruption, leaders of all three branches of government would be encouraged to sign a pact, vowing that they would perform their duties fairly for better governance. Aside from these, mechanisms to avoid graft and corruption in both public and private sectors would be institutionalized. Establish peace in the land. Putting and end to the protracted war in Mindanao by not compromising the territory s integrity is his first aim to achieve a lasting but just peace. Likewise, so that to make sure that all grievances and wishes of the Muslim people would be heard, secessionist leaders would be encouraged to take part in the negotiating process. However, while fruitful negotiation is the goal, it is imperative that defence forces would be strengthened to better protect the republic. Vice President: Perfecto Jun Yasay Bangon Pilipinas Senatorial Slate: 1. Kata Inocencio Seite 12

13 2. Alex Tinsay 3. Ramoncito Ocampo 4. Dr. Israel Virgines 5. Dr. Zarufflah Alonto John Carlos JC De Los Reyes (key programs: moral change, renewed idealism, outlaw the use of guns) Running on a platform for moral change and renewed idealism, JC de los Reyes is the lone candidate who is bravely espousing the social teachings of the Catholic Church and presents himself as a viable alternative to those who represent the old and traditional politicians. His political party, the Kapatiran, also shares the same stand on morality and religious issues. JC, is one of the candidates who firmly opposes the passage of the RH Bill (Reproductive Health) as it not only goes against the teachings of the Church, but likewise, it could become a dangerous precedent. Aside from the RH bill, he plans to instill faith in God in the hearts and minds of each and every Filipino and, strengthen family bonds in his first 100 days. Bringing home all Filipino OFWs is another goal of his so as to reunite them with their loved ones. A staunch gunless society advocate, he proposes to restrict or outlaw the use of guns so as to avoid incidents similar to what happened in Maguindanao which led to the brutal killing of 58 innocent lives. Vice President: Dominador Jun Chipeco Ang Kapatiran Senatorial Slate: 1. Manuel Valdehuesa Jr. 2. Risalito David 3. Jo Aurea Imbong 4. Zosimo Paredes 5. Adrian Sison 6. Reginald Tamayo 7. Hector Tarrazona Nicanor Perlas (key programs: sustainable development, democracy, ecology, consensus building) Outlined in his 24-page objectives for governance are 6 pillars which Perlas states would bring growth and sustainable development to the country. These pillars, or goals which he envisions for the country will only be achieved if the government would encourage the populace, irrespective of class or designation, to take part in nation building. These 6 pillars or thrusts are to eradicate poverty and enhance the quality of life; advance moral and effective governance; uphold the integrity creation; build partnerships for social justice; mainstream visionary initiatives; promote holistic education and inner change. For the first pillar, he proposes to revitalize the economy by investing government resources on programs that would strengthen agriculture and fisheries. Prioritizing agricultural Seite 13

14 policies so as to make poverty history is also included in this thrust. One way of doing this is for the acceleration of a law that would bring effective plans for the of a land use plan for the country, enforcement of the agrarian reform program on private lands and so on. For social justice, peace and order, he would renegotiate the stalled Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, address the concerns of the Muslims by appointing them in government agencies that strictly work for the welfare of their brethrens and Mindanao. Forging lasting ceasefire with the NPA is another plan of his. In advancing moral and effective governance, he plans on to eradicate corruption one his first year by ensuring anti-corruption initiatives are in sync with policies and programs aimed at eradicating poverty and enhancing the quality of life. By building partnerships for social justice, he proposes further empowering and including civil society in matters of nation-building so as to create better and just programs for all. And the last, Mainstream Visionary Initiatives by coming up with modern and workable programs that would be beneficial to the country. Vice President: None No senatorial slate Consuelo Jamby Madrigal (key programs: Pro-Filipino, environmental awareness, nationalist policies) A genuine pro-filipino policy, ample protection for the country s integrity, sound environmental programmes, a just and fair agrarian reform are some of the key programmes which presidential candidate Jamby Madrigal promises to pursue if she is elected in the coming elections. With her pro-filipino stand, she pledges to promote industries that would strengthen home-grown and Filipino-controlled industries and likewise, enact laws that would give Filipino products protection from cheaper imported goods and smuggled items. Regarding her plans for a just agrarian reform, she pledges to consult with progressive people s movements in order to come up with good and workable programmes that would liberate the peasantry from poverty and feudal-style bondage and, secure their lands from wanton land-grabbing and conversion to industrial zones. On the side of the environment, she promises to stop destructive practices that destroy the forests and marine life and halt the dumping of imported toxic wastes. She would then promote the use of renewable energy and organic farming. Pledging also to fight for the country s integrity, she promises to end the Seite 14

15 meddling in the internal affairs of the country of international organizations like the WTO, IMF, and WB on government policies and, repeal the one-sided JPEPA (Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership, Mining Act and the Anti-Deregulation Law. Vice-President: None No senatorial slate References: Business Mirror ing-party-candidate-gilberto-teodoro/ rch/label/villar%27s%20platform%20of%2 0government etting-to-know-senator-mannyvillar/#ixzz0et6rsnak Speech of President Joseph E. Estrada 2010: Governance Agenda of the Next President Forum J.P. Laurel Freedom Hall, Lyceum of the Philippines Campus 1 PM, 20 January don-fernando-manifesto-and-platform-of- Government Cebu Daily News ro-eddie-villanueva-his-platform-ofgovernment/ c-de-los-reyes-ang-kapatiran/ drigal-platform -Kapatiran-Platform noy-aquino-platform-of-government Automated System for the 2010 Philippine Elections; by Jolita Atienza The 2010 election in May is significant out on a nation wide scale for the very not only because it will test the first time. fairness and maturity of the country s The plan for the computerization of the democratic institutions, but likewise, it voting system took shape back in is during this period when the efficacy 1997 when Congress signed RA of the automated elections will be tried (Republic Act) 8436 or the Poll Seite 15

16 Modernization Law. This edict basically stated the necessity to change from manual voting and counting to computerized tabulating and, for COMELEC (Commission on Elections) to prescribe the adoption and the use of the most suitable technology of demonstrated capability. However, by 2007, certain provisions of the law were amended with the passage of RA While the rhetoric is still the same, changes were made particularly with respect to the availability of the system s source code to any interested political parties and, added authority given to COMELEC and Congress regarding pre-proclaiming winners for the presidency, vice-presidency and 12 senatoriables. These two changes and other new stipulations were hotly debated, as some sectors questioned the constitutionality and whether, these amendments would pave the way for more poll cheating. In July of last year, the COMELEC signed a contract with the wining bidder, the multinational company Smartmatic and its local partner Total Information Management for the automation of the 2010 elections. Worth 7.2 Billion pesos, the company was given the go-signal to immediately begin supplying the PCOS or Precint Count Optical Scan Machines. As the name suggests, the machines are a form of Optical Reader Mark, reading and tabulating the markings on the ballot made by the voters are two of its functions. Although the new system is seen as a milestone or groundbreaking event, computerized voting was in fact first tested in the 2008 ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) election. However, during that time, two electronic voting systems were utilized: the DRE (Direct Recording Electronic) and, Optical Mark Reader. The former, which allowed voters to select on-screen their preferred candidates, was used in Maguindanao, while the latter was for the areas of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, Sharif Kabunsuan and Lanao del Norte. For the upcoming May elections, voters from around the country can cast their ballots at 27,062 voting centers and 74, 427 clustered precincts. All of these precincts will be supplied with one PCOS machine Automated Elections: Guidelines on how to vote 1. Registered voters, with proper identification cards, should proceed to their designated precincts. 2. Once inside the voting center, registrants should present themselves to the Board of Election Inspectors for their ballots and instructions on how to fill up the form and use the counting machine. 3. Before going to the voting area or booths, voters should make sure that the ballots are unmarked. Seite 16

17 Only one ballot is given to each voter. 4. Once filled-up, the voter should take his or her ballot to the counting machine for validation. 5. As a last step before leaving, the voter should again present himself or herself to the Board of Election Inspector for indelible inking. Things to remember: For the computerized voting, it is imperative for the voters to completely shade the oval-shaped marks next to the name of the candidates. Check or x signs will be invalidated. For easy reading, the ballot form will be divided into sections, which will then be marked out by a colored border. The blue demarcation will be for the president, vice-president, congressmen, provincial governors and councillors. The green color on the other hand will be for the senators, party-list groups, provincial board members and mayors. References: / 0, , ,00.htm computerized_elections_in_the_philippine s html Philippines fears electoral chaos; by Al Labita MANILA - President Gloria Arroyo's appointment of a loyal army general as the new head of the 120,000-strong Manila, as a "smokescreen" to hide her real agenda: remaining in power by all means and at all costs beyond military has exacerbated political tensions in the run-up to the May 10 national elections. Speculation has mounted that Arroyo, whose preferred candidate at the polls is barely registering in opinion polls, won't step down and a military cabal would perpetuate her stay in power. Though Arroyo has pledged a smooth transition for her would-be successor, opposition leaders are not taking the threat lightly. They have branded her run for congress in her hometown district of Pampanga province, north of Prior to the 2004 elections, Arroyo announced she would not run for office. On the contrary, she did run and her re-election bid was marked by alleged anomalies. She was caught on tape instructing a senior election official to ensure her victory by over one million votes against opposition rival Fernando Poe Jr. The opposition sees a new threat in the appointment of armed forces chief Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit, one Seite 17

18 of the army generals implicated in the rigging of votes favoring Arroyo in the 2004 elections. Bangit has consistently denied the allegations. Beginning as a senior aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel when Arroyo was vice president, Bangit was promoted to a star rank and made the chief of the presidential security group when Arroyo succeeded then president Joseph Estrada in He later headed the intelligence service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the army. Subordinates reportedly often addressed him as "emperor". Like most army generals, Bangit is a graduate of the elite state-run Philippine Military Academy (PMA), class 1978, which adopted Arroyo as an honorary member. What arouses the opposition's suspicion of a potential repeat of the 2004 election scandal is that Arroyo's other PMA "classmates" are also commanders of the army, navy and air force - a practice the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos used to keep himself in power for nearly 20 years. Bangit has vowed that as a "professional organization" the military will be neutral and non-partisan in the elections, currently led in opinion polls by opposition senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, saying that "only God can make me commit illegal orders". Its unclear if Aquino would open probes into the various scandals that have plagued Arroyo's government if he were elected. Manila is currently abuzz with rumors about the so-called "Oplan August Moon" plot - an alleged military plan to sabotage the political exercise and justify the continued presidency of Arroyo. A number of lawmakers have expressed alarm about the rumor, noting that it could spark a constitutional crisis on the rule of succession. The unexpected and sudden electricity crisis in Mindanao has given rise to doomsday scenarios for the elections. In response to appeals by businessmen, Arroyo has declared a state of calamity in Mindanao to stabilize power supplies and check the unabated rise of basic commodity prices. The opposition fears the power outages, which have caused 12-hour daily blackouts in the region, may form part of a grand conspiracy to steal votes or subvert the electoral process altogether. Coupled with the power crisis is the widespread apprehension that the automated counting machines that voters will use for the first time on election day might fail to deliver the results within 24 hours. These will be the country's first-ever automated elections. A Venezuelan-led consortium, Smartmatic, clinched a whopping 7.2 billion pesos (US$157 million) government contract to supply 82,200 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to be distributed to all polling precincts throughout the Seite 18

19 country. While the PCOS replace the manual voting whose results often take months to tally, there are fears that the machines may be manipulated to favor certain candidates. Any power vacuum created by a botched or highly contentious election could tempt the military to seize power. Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former military chief who fought several coup attempts during Corazon Aquino's tumultuous presidency, has suggested that Congress appoint a "caretaker president" in the event of a failure of elections and that no new leaders are sworn in by June 30 this year. Such apprehension is not without basis. Under the succession rule of the Constitution, Arroyo's vice president, Noli de Castro, would be mandated to succeed her. But like Arroyo, his six-year term also lapses on June 30. De Castro, a former broadcast journalist, has not sought reelection. Juan Ponce Enrile, president of the senate, would be next in line. Unless reelected as a senator at the May 10 elections, he would not be qualified to succeed Arroyo. The same is true with House of Representatives speaker Prospero Nograles, who has aspired for the mayoralty post in Davao City. Another possible successor, Supreme Court chief justice Reynato Puno, is set to retire next month. Like other candidates, presidential contender Aquino is wary of the danger looming on the electoral horizon. He has threatened to unleash waves of street protests should he be cheated of a highly anticipated victory in the elections. Aquino, the Liberal Party's standard bearer, has mobilized the "yellow army" identified with his late mother Corazon Aquino to lead mass actions should there be a failure of the electoral process. The umbrella group comprises civil society groups, nongovernmental organizations, volunteer lawyers, students and other loyal followers of the Aquino family. Aquino's veiled threat recalls a similar move by his late mother in the 1986 "snap" presidential polls, when then dictator Marcos proclaimed himself the winner under murky circumstances. The then plain housewife Aquino launched a civil disobedience campaign that eventually led to Marcos' ouster. But the senator Aquino's similar plan, viewed with disdain by many sectors weary of the country's tumultuous street politics, appears to have backfired on his popularity rating, which has been dramatically falling in opinion surveys since January. Filipino voters generally don't want another "people power" revolution, which brought Arroyo to power and has miserably failed to live up to expectations. Indeed the problems Seite 19

20 that the most recent revolt sought to get rid of remain the same - graft and corruption, abject poverty, an inept bureaucracy, festering communist and Muslim insurgencies and massive unemployment - and many hope for a genuinely democratic new start with a newly elected government in May. Al Labita has worked as a journalist for over 30 years, including as a regional bureau chief and foreign editor for the Philippine News Agency. He has worked as a Manila correspondent for several major local publications and wire agencies in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Reference: LC16Ae01.html Foreign Observers say RP Vote lacks Transparency; by AFP it concluded a weeklong visit in the country.this perception has "inhibited public confidence in the elections and generated anxiety about the automated election system, " it added. Fifty million voters are set to go to the polls on May 10, when 17,000 posts from president down to municipal council seats will be contested.the report said the Comelec has yet to reveal to candidates and voters what backup plan they have in place in the event the automated system fails. "The biggest challenge and contribution that the Comelec can make is to communicate openly and frankly," Thomas Barry, NDI's deputy regional director for Asia, told a news conference. MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) Western election observers on Saturday criticized the Philippine government for "insufficient" openness as the country prepares to choose its next president with a new automated voting system. While it recognized that "substantial efforts" were being made to improve on previous elections, the US-based National Democratic Institute mission still urged the state poll watchdog Commission on Elections (Comelec) to do more to ensure that machines are fraud-proof and have adequate backup.the Philippines, for the first time, will use the machines to count ballots and pool and transmit results from more than 350,000 precincts."the perception, whether fair or not, is that the Comelec has not done so. When it concerns elections, perceptions can be as important as reality," it said after Reference: nation/view/ /foreign_observers_say_rp_vote _lacks_transparency Seite 20

21 Pre-Election Survey ; by Business World and SWS The BusinessWorld- SWS Pre-Election Survey of February 24-28, 2010 has the following new national scores in the Presidential race[table 1]. Compared to the previous BW-SWS survey of January 21-24, 2010, Aquino lost 6 points and Villar lost 1 point, whereas Estrada and Teodoro gained 2 points each, and Villanueva gained 1 point. As a result, Aquino's lead over Villar fell from 7 to 2, his lead over Estrada fell from 29 to 21, and his lead over Teodoro fell from 38 to 30. Thus both Estrada and Teodoro inched closer to Aquino and Villar. Vice-Presidential race Compared to the previous BW-SWS survey of the vice-presidential race, Roxas lost 4 points, Legarda and Manzano were steady, and Binay and Fernando gained 1 point each. As a result, Roxas's lead over Legarda fell from 21 to 17, and his lead over Binay fell from 33 to 28. Senatorial race In the Senate race, Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. (54%), Pilar Juliana Cayetano (51%), Jinggoy Estrada (47%) continue to be the leaders. They are followed by 4. Miriam Defensor Santiago (46%), 5. Franklin Drilon (45%), 6. Ralph Recto (41%), 7. Juan Ponce Enrile (40%), 8. Vicente Sotto III (39%), 9. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (32%), Manuel Lapid and Sergio Osmeña III (both 31%), and 12. Gwendolyn Pimentel (27%) [Table 3].

22 Presidential trends by area The SWS February survey shows Aquino still ahead in Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao, and Villar now ahead in the Balance of Luzon. [ ] Presidential trends by class The SWS February survey shows Aquino as still ahead among the masa or D class, but Villar as now ahead in both the ABC and the E classes. The key change from the January survey in class ABC was that both Villar and Aquino lost 7 points, while Estrada gained 4 points and Teodoro gained 2 points. Vote percentages for other candidates did not change by more than 1 point. Thus Villar's 3 point lead over Aquino in class ABC in January stayed the same, but his lead over Estrada fell to 19 points, from 30 points previously [Table 8]. Seite 22

23 In class D or the masa, Aquino lost 7 points while Villar was steady, and thus Aquino's lead fell from 11 points to only 4. Estrada gained 1 point, and Teodoro gained 2 points. The vote percentages of other candidates did not change significantly from January [Table 9]. In class E, Aquino lost 6 points and Villar lost 2 points, while Teodoro gained 3 points and Estrada gained 2 points. As a result the class E lead shifted from Aquino to Villar. There were no significant changes in the vote percentages of other candidates, compared to January [Table 10]. Vice-presidential trends Compared to the January 21-24, 2009 survey, Roxas lost 4 points while Legarda held steady, and thus the lead of Roxas over Legarda gap fell from 21 to 17 points [Table 2]. Binay and Fernando gained 1 point each. The vote percentages of Manzano, Sonza, Yasay, and Chipeco did not change significantly from January Senatorial trends The twelve leaders in the Senatorial race include two each from Lakas- Kampi-CMD, the Nacionalista Party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, and the Liberal Party, one each from the People's Reform Party, the Nationalist People's Coalition, and PDP-Laban, and one independent. From a BusinessWorld-approved list of 61 names shown to the respondents, nine candidates are statistically above the 13th place, namely 1. Revilla, 2. Cayetano, 3. Jinggoy Estrada, 4. Defensor Santiago, 5. Drilon, 6. Recto, 7. Ponce Enrile, 8. Sotto, and 9. Marcos [Table 3]. The last three seats are being statistically contended by Lapid and Osmeña III, 12. Gwendolyn Pimentel (27%), and 13. Teofisto Guingona III (25%).Close behind are Jose De Venecia III and Rozzano Rufino Biazon (both 23%). Much farther away away are 16. Sonia Roco (18%), 17. Alexander Lacson (16%), and Gilbert Cesar Remulla, Francisco Tatad, and Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel (14% each). Compared to January 21-24, the new survey of February found Lapid (formerly 13th) and Pimentel (formerly 14th) displacing Guingona (formerly 11th) and De Venecia (formerly 12th). Survey Background The February 2010 Social Weather Survey was conducted from February 24-28, 2010 using face-to-face interviews of 2,100 registered voters, divided into random samples of 300 in Metro Manila and 600 each in Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±2.2% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, and ±4% for Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). The area estimates were weighted using Comelec data on registered voters as Seite 23