Arroyo resumes foreign trips; first stop: Hanoi
by Joyce Pangco Pañares
from Manila Standard Today

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNation.htm?f=2010/march/6/nation2.isx&d=2010/march/6

President Gloria Arroyo will leave for Hanoi and Washington next month for the 16th Leaders’ Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Global Nuclear Security Summit.

Mrs. Arroyo will be in Vietnam from April 8 to 9 and in the United States from April 12 to 13.

Her visits will be her first foreign trip for the year after she skipped the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, although it is not yet sure whether she will fly straight to Washington from Hanoi.

During the Global Nuclear Summit, Mrs. Arroyo will join 30 world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, in tackling ways to boost nuclear non-proliferation partnerships among the participating nations.

“The Global Nuclear Security Summit will focus on safeguarding against nuclear terrorism by bolstering international cooperation and improving security for nuclear materials worldwide. The summit will provide an opportunity to discuss practical ways to identify and disrupt illicit trade in nuclear materials,” the Washington-based Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation said in a statement.

Obama earlier called on world leaders to “secure all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years.

The White House added that the summit “would allow discussion on the nature of the threat and develop steps that can be taken together to secure vulnerable materials, combat nuclear smuggling and deter, detect, and disrupt attempts at nuclear terrorism.

A communique declaring the world leaders commitment to nuclear disarmament and all-out support to non-proliferation and peaceful nuclear energy is set to be issued at the summit.

Mrs. Arroyo’s presence in the summit will be significant as the Philippines chairs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference in May.

President Gloria Arroyo’s appointment of a new military chief came under fire from the Liberal Party (LP), which charged that her move was meant to prevent the proclamation of winners in the May 2010 elections.

Those polls will pick President Arroyo’s successor, whom she is expected to swear in on June 30, the end of her nine-year presidency.

The President on Monday announced that Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit would replace Gen. Victor Ibrado as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Ibrado is set to retire on March 10, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. On the same date, the 60-day election ban on presidential appointments starts.

Her appointment of Bangit, who until his promotion was the chief of the Philippine Army, came despite calls of various sectors to extend the tour of duty of Ibrado beyond March 10 to ensure the stability of the country.

Besides, the appointment was said to have been made at the expense of more qualified candidates.

Expecting possible fallout from Bangit’s appointment, deputy spokesman Gary Olivar earlier on Monday said that Malacañang was ready to defend the President’s move.

“Well, I’m sure that there will be new criticisms about that but again, we have trust in the President’s wisdom and discretion when it comes to this matter. You know that Gen. Ibrado wants to retire and I think we should allow him to do that,” he added.

Olivar fended off allegations that Bangit’s appointment was intended for the “no-proclamation scheme” after the holding of the country’s first automated elections on May 10 this year.

Wild hearsay“We know [that these accusations are nothing but] wild hearsay and speculation. Again, there’s no basis, no evidence [that would justify these allegations]. There are a lot of criticisms being labeled against the President without [the critics] even having second thoughts if those [charges] are credible or reasonable,” he said.

“How could there be no proclamation of winners [in the May 2010 polls] when we are having automated elections and there will be no election failure . . . again as usual these [allegations] are opposition speculation,” Olivar said.

The Liberal Party did not disappoint Olivar.

Also on Monday, it challenged the new Armed Forces chief to prove his loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law, not to the appointing power.

Bangit “should bear in mind that his appointment comes at a time when there is a great deal of anxiety over allegations that this administration has no intention of stepping down after June 30, 2010,” LP member and Sen. Francis Pangilinan said in a statement.

“All eyes are on [Bangit] and we expect him as a professional soldier not to allow the AFP to be a tool to prop up a very unpopular administration through unconstitutional and illegal means,” Pangilinan added.

His fellow senator, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, said that Bangit “should prove and show his impartiality and commitment to clean, honest and peaceful elections.”

Above suspicion

“Given his closeness to [the President], he [also] must prove himself to our people and must be above suspicion,” Escudero added. Bangit once also headed the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and was former chief of military intelligence.

His fellow senator and partymate Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd said that Bangit being too familiar with Mrs. Arroyo would work against the Liberal Party.

“Nakakabahala itong appointment na ito dahil hindi naman sikreto na ito yung klase na pinapaboran ng Pangulo, na nag-adopt at pinapaboran ng Pangulo [Bangit’s appointment is alarming because it is no secret that the likes of the new military chief are the ones favored by Mrs. Arroyo],” added Roxas, also the running mate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd, LP standard-bearer in the May 10 balloting.

He warned the public to remain vigilant as Bangit’s appointment might be part of the administration’s plot to stay in power.

The new Armed Forces head will formally take the place of Ibrado on Wednesday during turnover at the military’s headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Bangit, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Makatarungan” Class of 1978 of which the President is an honorary member, had been the commander of the Southern Luzon Command from May 2008 to May 2009 before he was appointed as chief of the Army.

During his tour with the Southern Luzon Command, he was able to dismantle several guerrilla fronts of the communist New People’s Army.

Bangit headed the Intelligence Service of Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp) from August 2006 to September 2007 and the PSG from February 2003 to September 2007.

He was a graduate of the Command and Staff Course at the Australian Army Command and Staff College; Pre-Command Course for Battalion Commanders and Infantry Officer Advance Course, both taken at the Combat Arms School, Training Command, Philippine Army.

The newly appointed Armed Forces chief of staff was also a recipient of numerous awards, medals, commendations and recognitions, including five Distinguished Service Star Awards, Philippine Legion of Honor Order of Officer, three Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal and 20 Military Merit Medals.

His colorful career as a military officer was marked by controversies, including the so-called Operation: August Moon in 2009, that arose from his perceived closeness to Mrs. Arroyo.

A ranking military source had tagged Bangit (codename: “The Emperor”) as the beneficiary of the August Moon plot, which was hatched December 2008 and involved a three-month campaign to push Bangit to the top of the military totem pole and cut short Ibrado’s term.

Class of 1978

Bangit and other members of Class of 1978, according to the military source, will be used to back moves to amend the 1987 Constitution that would allow elective leaders to remain in office after their term and that of the President end this year.

The military leadership denied Operation: August Moon, saying that did not exist and that the military is a professional institution.

Calls to extend Ibrado’s tour were also raised because of the presumption that Bangit would be the next Armed Forces chief of staff and that the military might be used to cheat in the May 10 polls in favor of the Arroyo administration.

Felix Brawner, who heads the military’s Public Affairs Office, during an interview dismissed the speculations and said that the military as a whole would not allow cheating to happen.

“We have thinking soldiers. We are professionals, we are disciplined, and our soldiers know what is right and what is wrong and we believe that the AFP will remain professional regardless of who is the chief of staff,” Brawner stressed.

Professional soldier

He maintained that the Armed Forces under Ibrado has become more disciplined and that improvement was clearly manifested during the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao province after a massacre took place there in November 2009.

Ibrado, Brawner said, also brought stability not just to the organization but the entire nation, earning for Ibrado the respect of subordinates, peers and superiors and civilians.

Bangit said that it was an honor for him to be chosen as the next Armed Forces chief of staff.

“I would like to assure the people that I will do my very best to serve the interest of this nation and the Filipino people,” he added.

He also promised to be a very good commander to the 120,000-strong Armed Forces just like what he did when he took over the Philippine Army.

Ibrado described Bangit as very professional and a very good commander and that he would do a good job as the military chief.

He branded as unfair accusations that Ibrado’s appointment was connected with the May 10 elections.

“He is a professional, competent and best ever commanding general I ever met, and those who don’t know could ask me personally,” Ibrado said.

Like him, members of the Magdalo group also on Monday said that they have no objection to Bangit’s appointment.

“Everyone is aware of the issues previously raised prior to this appointment by President Arroyo of Gen. Bangit. Nevertheless, we are praying that the new chief of staff appreciates that the coming national and local elections, and the major role of our soldiers, sailors and airmen in securing our voters and the votes they cast, will be a lasting legacy for him and the entire AFP,” said Ashley Acedillo, Magdalo national spokesman.

Magdalo is a group of reform-minded rebel officers in the military that are seen as a threat to the Arroyo administration. Some of its members, including Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th, are in jail on rebellion charges.

Better qualified

Bangit supposedly bypassed other more senior officers who are also qualified for the post, namely AFP Vice Chief of Staff Rodrigo Maclang, Navy Flag Officer in Command and Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, Deputy Chief of Staff Emilio Marayag, Western Mindanao Command chief and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, Western Command chief and Lt. Gen. Hernanie Perez, Philippine Military Academy Supt. and Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon and Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Legaspi, all members of the PMA Class of 1976.

Also seen as more qualified than Bangit are members of the PMA Class of 1977, namely Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Northern Luzon Command chief and Maj. Gen. Ricardo David; National Development Support Command chief and Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa; Ninth Infantry Division chief and Maj. Gen. Romeo Pabustan; First Air Division chief and Maj. Gen. Horacio Lapinid; acting Third Air Division chief and Maj. Gen. Danilo Ferrer; Rear Admiral Mario Catacutan (J-1); Maj. Gen. Daniel Casabar (J-4); Maj. Gen. Hilario Atendido (J-8) and Air Force Flying School chief and Maj. Gen. Hilario Bautista.

All three-star generals, the heads of the major service commands and the chiefs of the unified commands are all qualified to take the place of the chief of staff.

Other appointments

Bangit’s appointment came less than four months before the President steps down from power in June.

The President announced other appointments to her Cabinet in two separate engagements, the first during graduation ceremonies for 248 high school students of San Sebastian College in Manila and the second at Go Negosyo Summit at World Trace Center in Pasay City.

Jesli Lapus will take over the Trade department from Peter Favila. His post as Education chief will go to Mona Valisno of the Presidential Task Force on Education.

Favila will serve in the Monetary Board, the highest policy making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. He is the second Arroyo Cabinet member to get a seat at the Monetary Board. The first was Ignacio Bunye, who had served as Mrs. Arroyo’s Press secretary and spokesman.

Lawyer Melvin Matibag will replace Alfonso Cusi as the general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority. Cusi has been assigned to lead the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Speaking before the San Sebastian students, Mrs. Arroyo said that almost 50 percent of all high-school students are now on government scholarships.

She expressed hope that these unprecedented scholarships for college and high-school students would be maintained by the next administration.

The President said that for the remaining months of her term, she will continue with her hands-on governance, focusing on providing more power and growth to the regions to decongest Metro Manila; the 3Es (education, economy and environment) to create sustainable and equitable development; and the youth who are the “hope for a better and brighter Philippines.”

With reports From Angelo S. Samonte, Johanna M. Sampan, Cris G. Odronia And Francis Earl A. Cueto

CEBU CITY — Former President Joseph Estrada, who has been consistently rating in third place following Liberal Party presidential contender Noynoy Aquino and Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar, has now moved to second place with 21.5 percent, dislodging Villar who dropped to 17 percent. Aquino remained on top with 25 percent.

According to Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) campaign manager, former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda, the survey was commissioned by another political party and the party would not want to disclose who among the presidential contenders financed the pollster.

“The latest survey I saw which is commissioned by one of our opponents came out with this: Villar was already in number 3 with 17 percent. To complete the result, Noynoy got 25 percent and 21.5 percent for Erap,” Maceda said.

The PMP campaign manager, however, refused to disclose the name of the political party, saying that by doing so he would “burn” the one who had leaked the information to them.

“I cannot tell you, I will be burning my source,” Maceda said, adding that the PMP might be able to pull a surprise in Cebu –a known bailiwick of the Arroyo administration.

“We might be able to pull a surprise here,” he said. He explained that Cebu, which is predominantly pro-Arroyo, is changing with some administration candidates giving Estrada a warm welcome.

He said that while the incumbent governor is a close ally of Mrs. Arroyo, mayors and other local government officials have not been barred from hosting and welcoming President Estrada and the rest of the PMP candidates.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia’s daughter and son-in-law, as an example, threw their full support behind the former president in Liloan, Cebu.

Mayor Duke Frasco of the Municipality of Liloan, Cebu and his wife, Christina Garcia-Frasco hosted a lunch yesterday at the Amara Resort in Liloan, Cebu. “This (lunch) is to show our gratitude to him,” Frasco said.

Estrada, in a gesture of appreciation for the warm welcome raised the hand of and endorsed Mayor Duke Frasco as a guest candidate of the PMP for mayor in Liloan.

Asked if he was endorsing Erap, Mayor Duke Frasco replied, “Well I can’t really decide on what the people will do but I’m sure if the people will know and realize that President Erap through Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was able to give Liloan P23 million in terms of financial assistance for the public market of Liloan, that will help them decide whom to vote for president in the coming elections.”

Frasco said that while he is with another party, the One Cebu Party, which is affiliated with the administration, he brought his leaders “for them to be able to listen and see who President Erap is and what he has done for our municipality.”

For her part, Christina Garcia expressed her support for the presidential bid of Estrada. “This is definitely a show of our love and admiration for our Ninong. He is a just and admirable individual and we have nothing but admiration and support for him,” Garcia said to reporters.

The audience noted that the governor’s daughter was wearing an Erap wristband.

Maceda said that the survey may not be able to see the light of day because of its negative implications in his campaign.

Another reason the survey will never be officially disclosed is that this is the first time that Estrada came in second to Aquino.

He said that the survey was conducted among 5,000 respondents.

Maceda claimed that the drop in Villar’s rating could have been exacerbated by the negative publicity brought about by the controversies surrounding his alleged involvement in the C5 scam and his alleged attempt to bribe other presidential candidates into backing out of the race.

Bagong Bayan standard bearer Sen. Richard Gordon claimed that Villar had tried to bribe him out of the presidential race. Enrile also admitted that there were “overtures” from Villar for him to shelve the Senate report on the C5 investigation.

Gordon, who was also here yesterday, reiterated his claim about the bribery attempt by Villar.

In a press conference at the Waterfront Hotel here, Estrada said he is going to study the re-imposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes like drug trafficking if elected.

Estrada was reacting to questions raised by local reporters here about the US State Department report about the possibility of narco-politics influencing the outcome of the May 10 election, said that under an Estrada administration, drug lords will not be able to extend their sinister plans.

Estrada claimed that the judiciary and the police under the Arroyo administration have already been penetrated by the vestiges of drug lords and drug money.

“We have to study that again. I believe that should be studied very well with the crimes that are happening now, like what had happened in Maguindanao last year where 57 people (including 31 journalists) were killed,” Estrada said.

“The criminals these days have become very bold,” Estrada stressed.

PMP senatorial candidate former Negros Occidental Rep. Apolinario Lozada the electorate should be assured that the candidates whom they are going to vote for is devoid of any links to drug syndicates.

“Why not open up the backgrounds of the politicians,” Lozada said referring to those who have been spending so much money in their campaign.

Former Sen. Francisco “Kit” Tatad, warned the public about candidates who are using millions and billions of pesos to wage an electoral campaign.

“People should be enlightened about the sources of these funds,” Tatad said in the same press conference

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100306-256938/Danding-Cojuangco-a-PASG-agent-Tell-that-to-the-Comelec 

MANILA, Philippines—Since when did business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. become an antismuggling agent?

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is wondering how Cojuangco’s name found its way on the roster of Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) personnel seeking exemption from the nationwide gun ban.

Other dubious “PASG agents” applying for immunity from the firearms ban were Gregorio “Greggy” Araneta III, son-in-law of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and a certain Jose Taruc, apparently the radio broadcaster.

Also on the list were Mayor Napoleon Dy of Alicia, Isabela, scion of the province’s most powerful political clan, and several of his family’s security escorts.

Election Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said the Comelec uncovered these dubious names after receiving complaints that several persons had been posing as PASG personnel to evade arrest for the unauthorized carrying of firearms.

Not with PASG

In his six-page order dated March 3, Tagle said an investigation by the Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) showed that “there are private individuals listed in the rosters submitted to the CBFSP who are not occupying any plantilla position in the PASG.”

The Inquirer got a copy of Tagle’s order from the public information office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday.

The order was also signed by CBFSP members Chief Supt. Arnold Revilla and Brig. Gen. Rolando Hautea.

Dubious list

What was more surprising, Tagle noted, was that the dubious list of PASG agents had been certified by PASG chief Antonio Villar and his deputy, retired police general Danilo Mangila.

The list had been approved despite an executive order specifying that all PASG agents must come from PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs and other government agencies.

“In sum, the personnel of PASG should be employees of other government agencies and merely detailed [with the PASG],” Tagle said.

Because of this, the Comelec revoked all gun ban exemption permits it had issued to PASG operatives effective Monday, March 8.

“All PASG personnel are directed to cease and desist from bearing, carrying and transporting their firearms outside their residences during the election period without prior written authority from the CBFSP,” the order said.

PNP will abide

Sought for comment, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina said PASG operatives caught carrying guns would be arrested and appropriate charges would be filed.

“We will abide by the Comelec’s order,” Espina said.

According to Tagle, giving gun ban exemptions to civilians posing as PASG agents was a violation of Comelec Resolution No. 8714, which imposed a nationwide firearms ban from Jan. 10 to June 9.

He said the resolution explicitly “provides that only plantilla personnel of law enforcement agencies” were allowed to carry guns during the election period provided they wear their respective uniforms.

Tagle threatened to sue government officials who would “knowingly violate” the gun ban resolution.

Explain or else

The six-page order also directed PASG’s Villar and Mangila to answer, within seven days, the complaints filed by Mayor Sergio Amora of Candijay, Bohol, and Cecilia Claire Reyes of Alicia, Isabela, who had sought the help of the Comelec against bogus PASG agents.

It also asked the PASG officials to furnish certified true copies of the appointments of their agents and their respective payroll for the last three months.

“Failure to comply shall be dealt with accordingly,” Tagle warned.

Comelec bans PASG from carrying guns during poll period

by Marlon Ramos
from Philippine Daily Inquirer

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100305-256834/Comelec-bans-PASG-from-carrying-guns-during-poll-period

Poll exec questions list of PASG agents

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) agents from carrying firearms during the election period after uncovering dubious names seeking exemption from the nationwide gun ban as PASG personnel.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/04/10/ampatuan-silencing-potential-witnesses-hitman

MANILA, Philippines – A man who says he took part in last November’s massacre in Maguindanao province has told Al Jazeera how he now fears he too will be killed as the alleged mastermind of the killings seeks to silence potential witnesses against him.

In an exclusive interview, the man known as “Jesse” told how he had been ordered to kill a witness, and he now fears he will be next after the head of a powerful clan placed a bounty on his life.

“[Datu Unsay] gave the order for me to kill this one guy who could have been a witness against them,” he said.

“I did it. If I didn’t do as told, they would kill me.”

The November 23 massacre in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao was the country’s worst single incident of politically-related violence, leaving at least 57 people dead.

The killings are believed to have been masterminded by a leading member of a powerful local clan, Andal Ampatuan Jr., also known as Datu Unsay, in an attack on the family of a political rival.

More than 20 accompanying journalists and some passers-by were also killed in what investigators say was an attempt by the attackers to cover their tracks.

Ampatuan Jr. is now being held in a Manila jail accused of multiple counts of murder, although his trial was recently suspended indefinitely, pending decisions on motions filed by his lawyers.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Jesse admitted he had taken part in the November killings, but said that as an employee of Ampatuan Jr.’s cousin, he had to either kill or be killed.

And he said the attack was carried out not on Ampatuan Jr’s orders, but on the orders of his father, the clan patriarch and former governor of the province.

“I was there when they met a week prior and talked about the killings,” he said.

“Unsay only does what he is told by Andal Sr… I followed orders too… I fired shots, I don’t know how many I hit … if I hadn’t – well, we know what Unsay is like.”

Now in hiding and using an assumed name, Jesse is awaiting a decision from Philippine authorities on his plea for witness protection in return for his testimony.

In the meantime, he says, Ampatuan Jr. has placed a $45,000 bounty on his head.

Political ties

The Ampatuan clan has fiercely denied any involvement in the massacre.

Ampatuan Sr. has controlled Maguindanao province for most of the past decade and had been grooming his son to take his place as governor in national elections scheduled for May.

The family also had close political ties to Gloria Arroyo, the Philippine president who critics say had allowed the Ampatuans to build up a powerful militia in return for delivering votes.

Marga Ortigas, Al Jazeera’s Manila correspondent, says the investigation into the massacre has been seen as a test not only of the Philippine judiciary but of the strength of the country’s democracy as a whole.

While dozens of other clan members have been charged in relation to the killings, only one man – Ampatuan Jr. – has so far been brought to court.

With his trial now suspended, many Filipinos are skeptical that the perpetrators of the massacre will ever be brought to justice.

Court authorities have rejected accusations of political pressure and say they are doing the best they can.

In any case, Jesse told Al Jazeera, inside or outside of jail, the Ampatuan clan has a long reach.

“Unsay has been telling his men to be patient, that he’ll get out. And when he does, he will punish anyone who turned against them,” he said.

FROM: Dr. Ana Maria L. Tabunda
Chief Research Fellow
Pulse Asia, Inc.

RE: Pulse Asia’s February 2010
Pre-election Survey for National Elective Positions

In keeping with our academic nature, Pulse Asia disseminates to the public some findings from its February 2010 Pre-Election national survey.

The survey fieldwork was conducted from February 21 to 25, 2010 using face-to-face interviews. Several developments dominated the news headlines in February 2010. Among these are the: (1) Senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. appearing before his colleagues to put on record his alleged innocence in connection with the C-5 road extension controversy and the subsequent failure of the senators to vote on the report of the Senate Committee of the Whole seeking to censure Senator Villar; (2) Senator Panfilo M. Lacson’s departure from the country days prior to the issuance of a warrant of arrest for him arising from his alleged involvement in the Dacer-Corbito double-murder case; (3) various problems relating to the May 2010 elections such as the delay in the printing of ballots and delivery of PCOS machines, the possibility of cellphone jammers disrupting the transmission of election results, and the lack of telecommunications facilities in certain provinces; (4) the official start of the campaign period for national positions; (5) the COMELEC’s decision to unseat Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio; (6) the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a petition to nullify the poll automation deal between the COMELEC and Smartmatic-TIM; (7) the plans of Lakas-Kampi CMD to field President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as its bet for House Speaker in the 15th Congress; (8) the resignation of appointed government officials running in the May 2010 polls; (9) the continuing selection process for the next Supreme Court Chief Justice; (10) the arrest of 43 health workers who were tagged by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as members of the New People’s Army (NPA); (11) the onset of the El Niño phenomenon which has already caused crop damage amounting to P 3.7 billion; (12) the increase in power rates and fluctuations in oil prices; and (13) the occurrence of rotating brownouts in different parts of the country and the proposal to grant President Arroyo emergency powers to deal with the energy crisis.

For the electoral preference module, Pulse Asia made use of a sample ballot, measuring 8.5” x 26”, that is a facsimile of the COMELEC official ballot. Respondents were asked to indicate their preference on the ballot based on the instructions written.

Based on a multistage probability sample of 1,800 representative adults 18 years old and above, Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey has a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95% confidence level: ± 6% for Metro Manila, ±4% for the rest of Luzon and ±5% for each of Visayas and Mindanao. Face-to-face field interviews for this project were conducted from February 21 to 25, 2010. (Those interested in further technical details concerning the surveys’ questionnaires and sampling design may request Pulse Asia in writing for fuller details, including copies of the pre-tested questions actually used.)

Pulse Asia’s pool of academic fellows takes full responsibility for the design and conduct of the survey, as well as for analyses it makes based on the survey data. In keeping with our academic nature, no religious, political, economic, or partisan group influenced any of these processes. Pulse Asia undertakes pre-election surveys on its own without any party singularly commissioning the research effort.

For any clarification or questions, kindly contact Prof. Ronald D. Holmes, Pulse Asia President at 09189335497 / 9945602 or Dr. Ana Maria Tabunda, Pulse Asia Chief Research Fellow at 09189436816.

Pulse Asia’s February 2010 Pre-Election Survey
Voter Preferences for National Positions
March 5, 2010

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III leads the presidential contenders in late February 2010

With less than three months to go before the May 10, 2010 elections, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” C. Aquino III (LP) again leads the presidential race, garnering 36% of voter preferences nationwide. In second place is Senator Manuel “Manny” B. Villar, Jr. (NP) with 29% voter support. Another candidate, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada (PMP), also obtains double-digit support (18%) in placing third while other candidates record voter preferences of 7% or less. Meanwhile, 6% of Filipino voters have yet to decide on their presidential preference or have no preferred candidate at the time of the survey. 

Senator Aquino enjoys a significant lead in the National Capital Region (40%) and among the upper socioeconomic classes ABC (43%) and D (36%), but shares the top spot with Senator Villar in Balance Luzon (33% Aquino; 31% Villar), the Visayas (39% Aquino, 38% Villar) and among the poorest class E (36% Aquino; 33% Villar). Given the survey’s error margin (plus/minus 5 percentage points) for Mindanao as a subnational geographic area, nearly as many voters there prefer Senator Aquino (38%) as would prefer former President Estrada (31%) for the presidency. 
 
Compared to the January 2010 survey, voter support for Senator Aquino is virtually unchanged. On the other hand, voter preference for former President Estrada improves (by 6 percentage points) while that for Senator Villar declines (by 6 percentage points). Meanwhile, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr. obtains a marginal increase in voter support (by 2 percentage points, from 5% to 7%).   
 
As in the January 2010 survey, about the same number of voters with a presidential preference says that they opted for their candidate because he/she is not corrupt (26%) as cites his/her caring for the poor (22%). Other reasons cited for preferring a candidate are that he/she can do/ is doing /will do something (14%); helps/is helping others (11%); is a good person (10%) and is used to governing/has experience (7%).   
 
Senator Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas II continues to lead the vice-presidential race
 
With 43% of voter preferences, Senator Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas II (LP) continues to enjoy a sizeable lead over the other vice-presidential candidates. Senator Loren Legarda (NPC) places second with 27%, followed by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (PDP-Laban) with 15%. Meanwhile, the other contenders obtain voter support of 4% or less. Seven percent (7%) of voters have no vice-presidential preference. 
 
Senator Roxas has the advantage over his opponents across areas and socioeconomic classes except in Balance Luzon and among the poorest socioeconomic class E, where and among whom voter support for him is statistically tied with that for Senator Legarda. Voter preference for him is marginally higher in Balance Luzon (36% vs 31%), while she has a marginal edge over Roxas among the poorest class E (39% vs 35%). 
 
Preferences for the vice-presidential candidates are virtually unchanged since January 2010, there being but marginal increases and marginal declines even among the top four contenders. Mayor Binay and former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando both post marginal gains of 2 percentage points, while Senator Roxas and Senator Legarda register marginal declines of 4 percentage points and 2 percentage points, respectively.   

GORDON IS NOT FOR SALE
 
I commend Senator Gordon for unmasking the real character of Senator and presidential candidate Manuel B. Villar as a man who thinks he can buy his way to the highest position in the land with his billions of money.
 
I understand Senator Gordon has come out to tell the public about the bribe attempt made by Senator Villar through an “emissary” and a “mutual friend.” I confirm that such attempt actually happened and I have no doubt about its veracity because Sen. Gordon told me about it immediately.
 
My recollection is that when I filed the report of the Committee of the Whole on the Ethics complaint involving the C5 controversy, having been signed by 11 Senators with myself as the author acting as Chairman, my Chief of Staff relayed to me by phone that another Senator, who Villar was supporting to replace me as Senate
President, had approached Sen. Gordon to join the plot to oust me and install a new leadership in the Senate.
 
The approach, which came with an offer for a position of Sen. Gordon’s choice under a “Villar Administration” was turned down outright by Sen. Gordon saying “I cannot, in conscience, do such a thing, especially not to Senator Enrile who I regard as a father.”
 
On that same day, upon seeing Sen. Gordon arrive at the Senate session, I embraced him and whispered “Thank you, Dick. I know what happened.” At that time, he seemed surprised at my gesture and just hugged me back.
 
Several days after, when we were about to take up the report on the Floor, I got another report that Sen. Gordon was offered, on top of the first offer for a position if Sen. Villar makes it to the presidency, was likewise offered a huge amount of money to withdraw his signature from my report. I was appalled by this report and felt it was my duty to tell Sen. Gordon that such news was circulating. I called Sen. Gordon and informed him that I will never believe that he will succumb to such a brazen act of bribery.
 
Sen. Gordon privately confirmed to me that such offer was indeed made and that he felt furious and insulted by the temerity and gall of Villar to think that he can be intimidated by money, much less lured by an offer for a position of power. He immediately said NO to this offer.
 
Later, I learned that it went even beyond that; that Sen. Villar offered “reimbursement for what Sen. Gordon had so far spent for his presidential bid with an added premium just to convince him to withdraw from the presidential race.
 
I have known Sen. Gordon from his younger days, and one thing I can say is that this man cannot be bought. Sen. Villar is dead wrong about Sen. Gordon. You do not put a price tag on everyone, especially not Dick Gordon.
 
Actually, I knew about the plan to oust me since last December. On the last day of our sessions before the Christmas break, Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, on orders of his master, Sen. Villar, in no uncertain terms, delivered the threat to my Chief of Staff that if I make a move to gather enough votes in support of my Committee Report, Sen. Villar wants me to know that he will have no other choice but to take the Senate Presidency either for himself or for another Senator of his choice.
 
As things developed and the co-perpetrators of the coup plot against me began to show their real colors, I surmised that the “emissary” to Sen. Gordon and Sen. Villar’s nominee could be no other than Senator Edgardo J. Angara.
 
Sen. Angara later feigned ignorance about the plot and professed his loyalty to me. Of course! After all, it did not succeed. But I know first hand that from the Senators themselves who signed the resolution to remove me that he was Villar’s nominee as my replacement.
 
Sen. Angara is a man whose career I helped to start, and nurture: first, as a young lawyer, placing him no less than as the lead and founding partner of the law firm I established (the ACCRA or Angara, Concepcion, Cruz, Regala & Abello Law Offices), and later as President of the University of the Philippines by recommending him to former President Marcos.
 
Sen. Angara now says that it was the late former President Corazon C. Aquino who launched his career in government. So be it. I don’t anymore care to claim credit for his career nor his success in weaving his way into the corridors of power over the years. I would rather associate myself with more honorable men.
 
This attempt of Villar is similar to the offer made by another “emissary” to former President Estrada, our standard bearer in the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino- “reimbursement in exchange for withdrawal.” President Estrada rightly turned down this indecent proposal. President Estrada’s candidacy is NOT FOR SALE.
 
I had earlier revealed that Sen. Villar himself tried to bribe me into not proceeding with the investigation by the Committee of the Whole, offering me “help” for whatever it was I needed. As I said, I replied to him that I can only advice him to participate in the hearings and introduce evidence to counter the charges and evidence against him, and that I am giving him that advice for free, without any consideration. I wish to reiterate to Sen. Villar: I AM NOT FOR SALE.
 
If you tie all these things up with Sen. Villar’s unprecedented campaign spending for advertisements, cash give-aways to local officials and supporters, his media budget and sum it all up, then you have a complete picture of the man who is now presenting himself as the “best” alternative for the presidency.
 
Sen. Villar is a pretender posturing as a pleasant and decent person and using his poverty during his childhood days to project himself as pro-poor. It is as if having been once poor was equivalent to really having the heart for the poor.
 
Villar has to answer what he has done for the poor since he became a multi-billionaire and in his long career as a politician apart from his expensive “give-aways” , helping OFW’s, giving livelihood, building homes for the poor by shelling out money ALL FOR PROPAGANDA.
 
Sen. Villar must be asked what he did for the poor that he did not make sure was covered by media so he can use it for his campaign propaganda. He should be asked what social cause he has really championed as a legislator, not an ordinary one, by the way, for he served as no less than Speaker of the House and Senate President.
 
He should he asked how he victimized the poor and the taxpayers of this country with his financial schemes in the housing business, and about the collapse of his own bank, Capitol Bank, mysteriously leaving him richer, not poorer.
 
Amongst all who are now running for President, Villar stands out, indeed, as the RICHEST and one who thinks that everyone can be bought: the people through his misleading advertisements, some media people who are obviously in his “payola”, political leaders who are vulnerable to his offer to partake of his financial largesse, and all his attempts to bribe even his colleagues and fellow aspirants to the Presidency.
 
Sen. Villar may have succeeded to a large extent in deploying the huge fortune he acquired, perhaps some by honest means, but definitely, a large part, by the immoral use of his political position, power and clout to advance his own business interests as borne out by the evidence in Senate Ethics case and, much earlier, by the shenanigans exposed on the Floor of the Lower House by Sen. Joker Arroyo.
 
But on May 10, he must be taught a hard and painful lesson by no less than the electorate. He must be unmasked and rejected as a fake leader in order for the nation to redeem itself. We must clearly send the strongest message to Senator Manuel “Manny” B. Villar, as Senator Richard J. Gordon has said, that THE PRESIDENCY OF THIS NATION, THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, AND THE PHILIPPINES ARE NOT FOR SALE.

MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Richard Gordon Tuesday accused Sen. Manuel Villar, one of his rivals for the presidency, not only of bribery and bullying but also of buying off members of the media.