The People’s Choice T - University of the Philippines Manila · last nine years of the Arroyo...

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 1

V O T E R S ’ E D U C AT I O N K I T O N T H E M AY 2 0 1 0 E L E C T I O N S

The People’s ChoiceThe overwhelming majority of Filipinos suffer chronic poverty and backwardness. The

last nine years of the Arroyo administration have only seen their situation become even worse. Many are hoping that the May 2010 elections will be a fresh start and that new

leadership will address their plight. Yet the elections can only usher in the needed reforms if the people are able to choose national and local leaders who are genuinely pro-people, patriotic and democratic. The country’s problems are huge and demand committed leaders willing to challenge long-standing monopolies of economic and political power. The people have to be critical to see if such leaders are at hand. Elections can be used to put real progressives into government but the reality for now is that they are going to be a minority at best. At the end of the day their strength will come from being

part of a larger effort to build democracy based on people organizing for their democratic rights.

Whatever happens, elections must be a venue for raising the awareness of the people about their democratic rights

and the kinds of leaders that they should have and de-serve. This kind of awareness can be the starting point of struggling for these rights even after the May 2010 elections.elections.

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria22 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s CriteriaThe People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Elections and ambition

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Congressional seat, Pampanga)Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (Congressional seat, Batangas)Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera (Congressional seat, Quezon)

Secretary Hermogenes Esperon of the Presidential Management Staff (Congressional seat, Pangasinan)Secretary Augusto Syjuco of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Congressional seat, Iloilo)

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya (Congressional seat, Camarines Sur) Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (Congressional seat, Bohol)

Secretary Raul Gonzalez, chief presidential legal counsel (Mayor, Iloilo City)Secretary Edgar Pamintuan of the Luzon Urban Beltway (Mayor, Angeles City)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies ap-pear to be using the May 2010 elections to remain in power. They are maneuvering to take national and local positions in the next administration. It

is also likely that there will be renewed efforts at charter change that, among others, includes a shift to a parliamen-tary system that allows former president Arroyo to become prime minister.

For now there are even fears that the elections may fail due to problems with automation, intensifi ed violence, and massive fraud. Scenarios of emergency rule, some kind of martial law and of a “transition government” have also already been fl oated. All these are symptoms of Philippine politics driven by ambition rather than democratic gover-nance and service to the people.

Arroyo administration officials running in May 2010


The promise and perils of automated elections

Facts and figures on the Automated Election System from the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) and the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU)

The Automated Election Sys-tem (AES) promises modern democratic elections in the country with quicker counting that eliminates the conditions for wholesale cheating through the notorious dagdag-bawas.

P7.2 billion Smartmatic-TIM contract

82,200 Precinct Count Optical Scan

(PCOS) machines

1,671 unique ballots

What is ‘automated’ from the old manual

system?

n Voting remains manual, with voters writing their names and filling up ballots by hand

n But vote-counting from the ballots is computerized, with PCOS machines counting and recording votes at the precinct level

n Canvassing is also computer-ized, with recorded votes from precincts sent via Internet to servers for consolidation at mu-nicipal, provincial and national levels

1Pre-election process

n Inadequate testing of machines in actual field conditions

n No real source code review

n No plan for verifying program actually installed in the 82,200 PCOS machines

n Manipulation of lists of voters, candidates lists and precincts/clus-tered precincts

n Possible printing of excess bal-lots to be used for cheating

n Security concerns in storage, packing and delivery of ballots as well as in deployment and testing/sealing of PCOS machines

3Vulnerabilities from canvassing to proclamation

n Possible failure to generate or print election returns (ERs)

n Automated dagdag-bawas in canvassing of ERs, statements of votes, certificates of canvass

n ERs can be digitally signed and encrypted by BEIs and also others who know their passwords, creating the possibility of changing ERs; SOVs and COCs can be similarly altered

n Security concerns regarding the servers consolidating votes

n Power failure and/or communi-cations breakdown

n Unclear procedures in case of conflicting results, connectivity or transmission problems, hardware or software failure, and in adjudicat-ing electoral protests in an auto-mated election

2Election day voting vulnerabilities

n Manipulation of results through compact flash (CF) cards used to configure each PCOS machine

n Confusion from using a new, unfamiliar and more complicated system than in manual elections – ex. possible problems with various election paraphernalia

n Smartmatic-TIM generates and hence knows the digital signatures/ passwords of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs)

n No way to verify integrity of program installed in PCOS upon ini-tialization

n Problems with filling up long ballot, ballot jamming and misread-ing, machine breakdown

n Power failure and/or communi-cations breakdown

The conditions for disarray and con-ditions for fraud are there not just in the presidential elections but also in the other national positions (vice presidential, senatorial) and the local positions vital for the Arroyo circle’s efforts to remain in power Persistence of means of fraud: vote-buying, voter intimidation and harassment, sabotaging voters, fly-ing voters, ballot-switching, spoiled ballots…

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria4

T he problems of the country are long-standing and enormous. It is only reasonable to expect candidates, especially for the country’s highest offices, to already have concrete proposals for dealing

with these. This is a requirement for any real leadership. It is also rea-sonable to expect them to share their program with the public which

shows that they respect the voters. Candidates have to be considered beyond motherhood statements which anyone can

say. The country’s problems are clear – does a candidate have the courage for the diffi cult things that need to be done?

In assessing candidates we can give some weight to public state-ments they make on issues. While mere declarations, they at least show that a candidate is aware of the issue and able to articulate a position

People’s Criteria1Will you work to establish the truth behind

the “Hello, Garci”, NBN-ZTE scam, fertil-izer scam and other anomalies by way of

independent and highly credible bodies? Will you pave the way for the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo, her relatives, her close allies and other government offi cials who have been involved in large-scale graft and corruption, electoral fraud and their cover-up?

P20.9 billion (US$430 million) – To-tal amount of kickbacks, ill-gotten

wealth and payoffs involved in just 16 major corruption cases. (Pagbabago! Re-search Working Group):n IMPSA power scam (US$470 million project; US$14 million kickback)n PIATCO-NAIA Terminal 3 scam (US$425 million project; US$20-70 million kickback)n Jose Pidal accounts (P300-400 million in ill-gotten wealth)n Fertilizer funds scam (P728 million for presidential election campaign)n NorthRail scam (US$503 million project; US$50 million kickback)n Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard scam (P1.1 billion project; P533 million kickback)n Quedancor swine scam (P2.5 billion program; P900 million for presidential election campaign)n Irrigation fund scam (P3.1 billion missing)n Mega-Pacifi c poll automation scam (P1.3 billion project; P500 million kickback)n NBN-ZTE scam (US$330 million project; US$130 million kickback)n Cybereducation project (P27 billion)n Military comptrollers scandal (P71 million in ill-gotten wealth)n “Euro General” scandal (P7 million in ill-gotten wealth)n Jueteng payoffs (P500,000 to P1 million monthly)n PEACE Bonds (P1.4 billion broker’s fee)n Mismanaged PAGCOR/GSIS funds (hundreds of millions of pesos)

ON CORRUPTION

against which he or she can later be measured.More important is what a candidate has done in terms of

pushing formal policies, programs or laws on one side or the other of an issue. This means that their personal position becomes ex-pressed in a way having an impact beyond themselves.

But most revealing is a candidate having actual involvement on a matter as an active participant, direct benefi ciary or in other ways having a vested interest. This is because they can say or formally push one thing while in actual practice be doing the opposite.

A candidate is said to have no clear stand or position when there is none apparent but also when these are made only in ambiguous or general terms.

Do it yourself! The People’s Criteria are our own! Color the birds according to how you would rate them (0 be-ing the worst, 5 being the best) according to their stand

and track record.

HELLO GARCI?... SO I WILL STILL LEAD BY MORE THAN ONE M (MILLION), OVERALL?

nVows to prosecute Pres. Arroyo for her involvement in corruption, and proposes to create a commission to investi-gate the scandals surrounding her administration.

nIn 2005, before the Depart-ment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) revoked the stock distribution option (SDO) in Hacienda Lu-isita, voted against playing the ‘Garci tapes’ and lauded Pres. Arroyo for her “I am sorry” speech.

nAs senator, participated in hearings investigating a number of reported scandals involving the alleged misuse of public funds.

nBeing questioned for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) passing through Haci-enda Luisita which is allegedly overpriced and said to have benefi ted the Aquino family.

nSays Pres. Arroyo should be investigated for scandals during her presidential term including “the NBN-ZTE broad-band scandal, extra-judicial killings, and the road users tax scam”, that his presidency will make sure that evidence collated is strong, and that Pres. Arroyo will be given due process and the matter left to the courts.

nHas reportedly fi led cases against government offi cials before the Ombudsman with himself as the complainant.

nOusted as president in 2001 in a People Power revolt, after a failed impeachment trial on corruption charges, and subsequently convicted for the capital offense of plunder.

nHas no clear stand on the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo, although he distanced himself from opposition calls for an Arroyo resignation after he was granted presidential pardon in 2007.

Benigno “Noynoy”Cojuangco Aquino

John Carlos “JC” Gordon

delos Reyes

Joseph “Erap”Ejercito Estrada

Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

Where the Presidentiables Stand


Economic growth and corporate profits

n Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) dur-ing the last nine years of the Arroyo administra-tion (2001-09) averaged 4.5% annually com-pared to 3.9% under Aquino (1986-91), 3.8% under Ramos (1992-97) and 2.4% under Estrada (1998-2000).

n Net income of Top 1000 corporations in the Philip-pines rose from P116.4 billion in 2001 to average P416.7 billion annually in the period 2002-08 (Business World)

Poverty and inequalityn Number of poor families increased 530,642 since 2000 to 4.7 million poor families in 2006 n Number of poor Filipinos increased 2.1 million since 2000 to 27.6 million in 2006 (NSCB, using low official poverty lines)

P41- Official poverty line or average daily income required for a person to stay out of poverty, according to which the government counts just 32.9% of the population as “poor”- Buys one kilo of rice (P36) and an egg (P5)

n IBON self-rated poverty 69% (January 2010), implying 64.5 million poor Filipinosn P801 billion (US$15.6 billion) - net worth in 2006 of just the 20 richest Filipinos, including close Arroyo allies Lucio Tan, Enrique Razon, Jr., Eduardo Cojuangco, Enrique Aboitiz and others, which was equivalent to the combined income for the year of the poorest 10.4 million Filipino families. (Forbes Asia, NSCB)

nAs chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said that Pres. Arroyo and husband Mike Arroyo along with whistleblow-ers Jun Lozada and Joey de Venecia must be held account-able for the controversial NBN-ZTE deal.

nBelieves that corruption shoos away investments and suggests that the Ombudsman be made an elective position to be more effective in holding erring officials accountable for their crimes.

nBelieves that Pres. Arroyo should face prosecution, saying that large-scale corruption and human rights violations under her term have brought shame to the country.

nSays that anti-graft and cor-ruption measures should not only focus on the “big fish” but also the punishment of politicians for promoting “free trade” policies that support foreign plunder and economic underdevelopment

nAgrees that Pres. Arroyo should be prosecuted for corruption.

nVows to remove corruption in all government agen-cies within his first year in office.

nVows to ensure that anti-corruption initiatives converge with policies and programs aimed at eradicat-ing poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all.

nWill not involve himself in the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo and will “let the justice system work” and “focus on moving the country forward instead”.

nBelieves that transparency, giving incentives and improv-ing the standard of living of government officials will help eradicate corruption.

nHas continuously supported calls for the resignation of Pres. Arroyo for election fraud and corruption

nVows to prosecute not only Pres. Arroyo but all the other officials involved in corruption cases, saying that “no one is above the law”.

nWants Congress to specify plunder as a heinous crime, empower the Office of the Ombudsman, hold rigorous performance reviews, and institutionalize an undersecre-tary for Moral Reforms.

nAs House Speaker, transmit-ted impeachment charges against Pres. Arroyo to the Senate in 2005.

nHas no clear answer on the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo for large-scale corruption except to say that he will leave it to the judicial system.

nBelieves corruption can end through transparency in public biddings, in the statements of assets and liabilities of of-ficials, and in lifestyle checks.

nFaces allegations of corrup-tion on the C-5 road extension project which was reportedly overpriced and made to pass through properties of his cor-porations.

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby”

Madrigal-Valade

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda

Perlas III

Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo”

Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr.

Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines

(B.BAYAN-VNP) Independent Independent Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)

amid


3 Will you protect the national patrimony and environment by opposing large-scale, export-oriented, and foreign-led extractive

industries such as mining and oil exploration? Will you uphold the rights to ancestral land and to self-determination of indigenous peoples and national minorities?

US$11.4 billion – Total minerals ex-ports, 2002-09 (NSO)

2Will you uphold human rights and end poli-cies giving rise to human rights violations such as extra-judicial killing, torture, and

enforced disappearance? Will you stop the per-secution of social activists, dissidents and critics of government? Will you punish perpetrators of human rights violations?

Counterinsurgency programs Oplan Bantay Laya 1 (2002-06) and 2

(2007-2010); Human rights violations against activists, peasants, workers, church people, national minorities, lawyers, media and others since 2001 (Karapatan): n 1,188 political killingsn 205 enforced disappearances n 223 political prisoners (as of 2009)

n 873,431 victims of forcible evacuation and displacementn 534,717 of indiscriminate fi ringn 84,630 of food and other economic blockadesn 52,310 of illegal search and seizuren 38,616 of hamletting

ON HUMAN RIGHTS

ON NATIONAL PATRIMONY

4Will you work for genuine agrarian reform anchored on the distribution of land to the tillers? Are you in favour of scrapping

schemes such as the stock-distribution option, land use conversion and others that have al-lowed evasion of land reform and endangered food security?

7 out of 10 farmers are landless (KMP)

n There are14 recorded cases of stock distribution option (SDO) nationwide used to avoid distributing land to farmers, such as in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac province (IBON)

n In 2006, almost 75% of the poor were in rural areas where pov-erty incidence is almost three times that in urban areas (World Bank)

The Philippines is the world’s biggest rice importer n 2.4 million tons imported in 2008 were the highest recorded worldwide for that or any other year, and may be exceeded by an even higher 2.6-3.2 million in 2010 (USDA, NFA)n One out of every fi ve spoons of rice Filipinos consume is imported (19% of total consumption)

AGRARIAN REFORM AND AGRICULTURAL

DEVELOPMENT

2cies giving rise to human rights violations such as extra-judicial killing, torture, and

enforced disappearance? Will you stop the per-secution of social activists, dissidents and critics of government? Will you punish perpetrators of human rights violations?

victims of forcible evacuation and displacement

of food and other economic blockades

ON HUMAN RIGHTS

ON NATIONAL PATRIMONY

People’s Criteria

nIn a privilege speech in 2007, expressed commitment to end extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country and criticized the Arroyo gov’t for its weak response on the issue.

nDownplays the Hacienda Luisita (HL) massacre and even insists that only two of seven farmers killed were from HL.

nAs a representative, voted against the Human Security Act (RA 9372, or Anti-Terror Law), which is criticized by human rights groups as a law that will intensify human rights violations.

nOpenly declares opposition to extrajudicial killings, even if only in general terms.

nAs Olongapo City Councilor, pushed for the implementa-tion of Barangay Human Rights Action Centers as mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

nAs president, signed the Compre-hensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

nRampant human rights violations were however recorded during his term with 974 cases of rights vio-lations, according to rights group Karapatan. Among these were the arrests and detention of 301 individuals, 45 victims of summary executions, 14 massacre incidents and 22 enforced disappearances.

nHas no clear stand on the is-sue of large-scale mining.

nSays that the effects of min-ing, oil and natural resources extraction can be further stud-ied and discussed especially with the community.

nSays that he will repeal the Mining Act of 1995 and have strict policies particularly on large-scale mining to prevent the destruction of the environment.

nPlatform declares promot-ing: “a safe, clean, healthy and wholesome environment, particularly zero waste manage-ment; stewardship as a way of life; and the development of parks throughout the country.”

nAs president, vowed to push for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and to investigate the per-mits issued by the National Com-mission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to mining companies.

nHowever, after only a year in offi ce, almost 200 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) were approved cover-ing ancestral lands and some ecologically critical areas.

nAbstained from voting on the pro-landlord CARPer but said on record that he will imple-ment the program if he becomes president.

nIs in favor of joint-venture schemes in agriculture.

nHas refrained from declaring a clear position on the Hacienda Luisita controversy but was re-cently compelled to promise ha-cienda redistribution to farmers by 2014 (the distribution of the 6,453-hectare property should have been distributed in 1967).

nPlatform has no clear stand on agrarian reform programs as existing in the country, although proposes to increase agricul-tural productivity by introducing new technologies and providing support infrastructure towards agricultural development and “a high degree of self-suffi ciency”.

nAs president, declared Eduar-do ‘Danding’ Cojuangco as the “godfather of agrarian reform” and supported corporative agrarian reform.

nUnder his term, there was widespread cancellation of farmer benefi ciaries’ Certifi -cate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) and emancipation patents (EP), reaching at least 1,892 covering 374,266 hect-ares as of May 2000.



delos Reyes


Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

But 68% of gross revenues of all mining fi rms in the Top 1000 corporations are of foreign mining TNCs account (Business World)

10,500 people – Number of monitored victims of human rights violations related to mining proj-ects over the period 1994-2005 (Kalikasan)

n

n


nThinks that the country’s hu-man rights situation is dismal but attributes it to the people who perpetrate the violations and says “it is not the adminis-tration”.

nAs senator, voted for the Hu-man Security Act.

nVoted against the Human Se-curity Act (Anti-Terror Law).

nBelieves that the government should end its total war policy and provide reparation for the families of the victims.

nVows to protect human rights to the fullest extent by cultivating a culture of respect for human rights in all agen-cies and affairs of government as well in the public at large “through appropriate partner-ships with civil society groups”.

nAs defense secretary from 2007 to 2009, was in charge of the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya II that among others explic-itly targets civilian ‘enemies of the state’. During this period, 320 cases of extrajudicial kill-ings, and 43 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded while the number of illegal ar-rests increased from 2006.

nAs a representative, voted against the Human Security Act.

nBelieves that there should be a faster trial of pending cases of those responsible for “shocking injustices” such as extrajudicial killings.

nWants Congress to define syndicated warlordism as a heinous crime.

nSays that upholding human rights is one of his party’s priorities, as well as giving justice to the victims from the Martial Law period up to the present.

nSays that human rights violations can be addressed by strengthen-ing the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Philippine National Police (PNP) and by addressing the concerns of the military.

nAs senator, voted for the Human Security Act and also its principal author.

nBelieves that there is nothing wrong with foreign investors in large-scale mining and natural resources extraction as long as it upholds the way of life of the in-digenous people and the country benefits from it.

nSays that the Marcopper mining disaster in Marinduque in 1996 should not dissuade the govern-ment from reviving the industry noting that “Marcopper was more a damage (sic) of people riding on the issue”.

nAs senator, filed a bill repealing the Mining Act of 1995 and a bill for the imposition of a total log ban.

nBelieves that foreign mining companies and local politicians who have protected them should be penalized for destroying the Philippine environment over the past century.

nSays that government and people should push for a real, drastic and not token shift to renewable energy, genuine forest conservation and regeneration.

nCritical of the Mining Act of 1995 and supports the passage of the so-called Alternative Mining Bill.

nVows to regulate mining opera-tions to make sure that they do not permanently damage the environment and health or oper-ate in watershed and ancestral domain areas; will give prior-ity to small-scale, community-owned mining operations that are ecological sound and socially responsible.

nBelieves that mining should be aggressively pursued for be-ing among the biggest poten-tials of the country.

nPlans to revive the mining industry in Central Luzon and Davao.

nVows to impose a moratorium on all large-scale open-pit min-ing until Filipinos are ready to have their own mining projects that protect the environment.

nWants to ensure ancestral domains for upland farmers and lead multi-stakeholder consultations in the issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles.

nNot opposed to large-scale mining and natural resources extraction and says that inves-tors should follow the same standards as those in devel-oped countries.

nPlatform includes promot-ing the rights and welfare of indigenous people and migrant dwellers in upland ecosystems.

nAs senator, voted for the CARPer.

nCo-sponsor and author of Sen-ate Bill 3429 (an Act Reform-ing the Administrative Titling Process)

nPlatform says that will work with progressive people’s organizations for genuine agrarian reform, to stop landgrabbing and land con-version to non-food uses, to en-sure adequate farmgate prices and farm pay, and to freely distribute to peasant-tiller cooperatives and associations haciendas previously diverted from land reform.

nAs senator, voted for CARPer although said that, in the spirit of social justice, anti-farmer laws and programs (such as the CARP’s stock distribution option allowing big hacienda owners to evade land transfer) should be abolished.

nVows to speed up the “prop-er” implementation of the government’s agrarian reform program on affected private lands and will accelerate the passage of a comprehensive land use plan for the country that can ensure food security.

nVows to remove local mo-nopolies and oligopolies that suppress the prices of agri-cultural products and which extract usurious lending rates from the poor.

nBelieves that government’s role must stop once an agrar-ian reform program is imple-mented because “it is no lon-ger reform but rather a sort of government-funded peasantry program.”

nSupported calls to pass the CARPer.

nVows to give full support to agriculture, saying his primary agenda is to rejuvenate the ag-ricultural economy as the foun-dation of an economic growth and social justice program.

nDid not vote on the CARPer. Vows to review this program, say-ing that land reform should ensure equitable distribution of land and that effective land distribution and thoroughgoing land reform is important to address landlessness.nKnown to be a landowner and real estate developer and faces allegations of landgrabbing (such as 12.7 out of 200 hectares of irrigated land in Iloilo City being converted for non-agricultural purposes).nVows to review agricultural trade liberalization and provide support and safety nets to protect local producers while giving them access to the global market.



Madrigal-Valade


Perlas III




Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr.Bagumbayan-Volunteers for

a New Philippines(B.BAYAN-VNP) Independent Independent Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-

ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)


Election Facts and FiguresSchedule for the casting of votes

In the Philippines: May 10, 2010, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

For absentee voters abroad: Any day from April 10, 2010 (host country time) to 3:00 pm of May 10, 2010 (Philippine time)

1 1 12230 57 80807661371371,5241,4971,49711,980

98

61798 187291241

2,042463391

4,582 4,0713,945

33,172

President

Vice President

Senators

District representatives

Party-list Representatives

Governors

Vice Governors

Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan

City Mayors

City Vice Mayors

Members of Sangguniang Panglungsod

Municipal mayors

Municipal Vice Mayors

Members of Sangguniang Bayan

POSITIONS AT STAKETOTAL CANDIDATES

RUNNING

2,042

4,582 4,0713,945

33,172

Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Members of Sangguniang Panglungsod

Members of Sangguniang Bayan

RUNNINGWOMEN CANDIDATES

11

14129

4234

2897259

728727608

5,641

Declared net worth of selected presidential candidates:

P1.05 billion – Manuel Villar, Jr.P232.43 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.

P35.86 million – Joseph EstradaP25.62 million – Richard Gordon

P13.94 million – Benigno Aquino, III

[Based on latest available SALN as reported by PCIJ, 7 Feb 2010]

Total TV, radio and print advertising value of selected presidential candidates

from Nov 2009 to January 2010 (three months before campaign period):

P1,024.2 million – Manuel Villar, Jr.P407.4 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.P268.8 million – Benigno Aquino, III

P244.6 million – Richard GordonP90.1 million – Eddie VillanuevaP84.3 million – Joseph Estrada

[Ad value estimates from Nielsen Media as reported by PCIJ, 16 Feb 2010. Actual ad spending may be at a 30-40% discount]

Estimated campaign budgets:P2-6 billion – president

P200-600 million – senatorP15-100 million – congressman

Party list groups in the 14th Congress

15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007 (excluding those for disqualifi ed Batas PL group), out of 45.0 million registered voters 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or 19% out of total 269 representativesProgressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and KabataanDubious party list groups include among others ANAD (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo), Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr)

Palace-backed or -allied party list groups running for 15th Congress

n 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon) n Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)n Ang Galing Pinoy (AG) nAgbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag) nAhon Pinoy (Ahon) nAkbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI) nAan-gat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak) n Babae para sa Kaunlaran (Babae Ka) nBigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis) nByaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy) nKalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) n League of Youth for Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others

n

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There are 76,340 clustered precincts, each with a PCOS machine. There are 37,422 voting centers. There are 37,422 voting centers.

Election Facts and Figures Election-related killings:

1986 - 1531988 - 1881992 - 891995 - 1081998 - 772001 - 1112004 -1892007 -121

2010 -89 reported by PIPVTR as of mid-March

(PNP, PIPVTR)

Private Armies - 57 people were killed in the Ampatuan massacre in No-vember 2009.n The Philippine National police esti-

mates that there are 132 private armies with a combined strength of 10,000 armed men nationwide.n The PNP also estimates that there

are around 1.2 million unlicensed guns in circulation across the country.

Urban Militarization - Military units including the 103rd and 27th Bat-talions of the Armed Forces of the Phil-ippines are currently deployed in various urban-poor areas of Metro Manila such as BASECO, Dagat-dagatan and PNR Site.

Clad in full-battle gear, soldiers are known to ask the resi-dents regarding the wherabouts of progressive Party-list leaders and support-ers.

Total TV, radio and print advertising value of selected presidential candidates

from Nov 2009 to January 2010 (three months before campaign period):

P1,024.2 million – Manuel Villar, Jr.P407.4 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.P268.8 million – Benigno Aquino, III

P244.6 million – Richard GordonP90.1 million – Eddie VillanuevaP84.3 million – Joseph Estrada

[Ad value estimates from Nielsen Media as reported by PCIJ, 16 Feb 2010. Actual ad spending may be at a 30-40% discount]

P10 – presidential candidate’s maximum allowed campaign

spending per voter or P507.2M given 50.7M registered voters

P5 – political party’s maximum allowed campaign spending per

voter or P253.6 million

Basic monthly salaries as of 2009:

President - P82,400 Vice President - P77,637 (highest)

Senator - P67,898 (highest)Congressman - P67,898

In recognition of the need to democratize Congress and include “marginalized” and “underrepresented” sectors, the Party List Law (RA 7941) says that 20% of Congress should consist of representatives from party list (PL) groups to give the poor and marginalized a greater voice there.

Every voter can vote for one (1) party list group, party or organization. Each party list can have 1-3 representa-tives depending on the total votes they get.

What are genuinely progressive party list groups?1. Representing poor sectors in society that, despite their signifi cant numbers, are politically and economi cally marginalized2. Organized and with concrete platforms to advance the interest of their constituencies3. Able to oppose the policies, programs and structures that have marginalized their constituencies

The party list system has allowed a few progressive PLs to enter Congress but traditional ruling elites are subverting the system’s intent and using it to take additional seats in Congress aside from the district representative seats that they have long-dominated.

Party list groups in the 14th Congress

15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007 (excluding those for disqualifi ed Batas PL group), out of 45.0 million registered voters 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or 19% out of total 269 representativesProgressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and KabataanDubious party list groups include among others ANAD (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo), Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr)

Palace-backed or -allied party list groups running for 15th Congress

n 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon) n Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)n Ang Galing Pinoy (AG) nAgbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag) nAhon Pinoy (Ahon) nAkbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI) nAan-gat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak) n Babae para sa Kaunlaran (Babae Ka) nBigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis) nByaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy) nKalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) n League of Youth for Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others

There are 50,723,734 registered voters as of January 15, 2010 out of a total population of 94.0 Million (NSO, medium assumption 2010):Young potential voters aged 18-24 years old number to 12.52 million where 3.76 million are aged18-19 and 8.76 million are aged 20-24


5Will you work for national industrialization? Will you reverse policies of liberalization, privatization and deregulation? Will you

keep economic protectionist measures, restric-tions on foreign ownership of land in the Philip-pine Constitution?

The share of manufacturing in

the economy has fallen to 21.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 which

is even lower than its 24.8% share in 1960, half a century ago (NSCB)

n 60-75% of total manufacturing sales in the Top 1000 corporations in the country in the last fi ve years have been accounted for by foreign trans-national corporations (Business World)

n The price of diesel is 175% higher than nine years ago (from P13.82 per liter in January

2001 to P37.82 in January 2010) and of gasoline 170% higher (from P16.56 to P44.69).(IBON monitoring)

NATIONALIST ECONOMIC POLICIES

6Will you promote job creation and uphold job security by protecting domestic indus-try? Do you support the demand of work-

ers for an increase in minimum wage? Will you reverse labor export and labor contractualization policies to protect working people’s rights and promote their welfare?

True unemployment (NSO data with IBON estimates adjusting for

govt’s change in methodology in April 2005)

n 4.3 million - unemployed in 2009

n 11.2% – unemployment rate (average, 2001-09)

Poor quality of jobs - out of 35.1 Million “employed” in 2009:n 4.2 million “unpaid family workers” (NSO)n 12.2 million “own account workers” mainly in informal sector (NSO)n 11.7 million “wage and salary workers” but without written contracts (IBON estimate based on NSO data)

JOBS AND WAGES

People’s CriterianPlatform is silent on manufac-turing and industrial develop-ment.nAs senator, voted ‘no’ to the controversial JPEPA saying he believed that Filipinos deserved a better-negotiated and mutu-ally benefi cial treaty.nSays that he will form a group to review possible changes to the charter including to the restrictions on foreign invest-ment.nAs representative, voted no to the EPIRA law in 2001. Looked into EPIRA and TRANSCO amendments, and questioned gov’t selling such revenue-generating assets.

nCriticizes globalization for being disadvantageous to small and medium Filipino enterpris-es who cannot compete with cheap foreign goods supported or subsidized by their govern-ments, which causes local jobs and opportunities to be lost.nWill promote ‘industrializa-tion’ by encouraging “useful industries [including] telecom-munications and information technology”.nGenerally against foreign ownership of land but open to exploring “limited ownership” of land by foreigners.

nAs president, his ‘Angat Pinoy’ development program continued the same foreign investment-biased Medium-Term Philippine Development Plans (MTPDP) of previous administrations.

nCampaigned for charter change through Concord, and favored lifting restrictions on foreign investment and grant-ing 100% foreign ownership of land.

nAs senator, sponsored the Productivity Incentives Act granting annual incentives to private sector workers and increasing penalties for non-compliance with increases/ad-justments in workers’ wages.

nHowever, as part owner of Hacienda Luisita, has toler-ated unfair labor practice and unjust workers’ wages.

nSays that he will review the labor code to address the problem of “rampant contrac-tualization”.

nWill generate jobs by allow-ing small and medium enter-prises, including cooperatives, to thrive. This will be done by removing corruption that hampers businesses, exempting small businesses from taxation, and providing credit.

nSays that the social costs of the labor export policy are too high and that OFWs should be provided livelihood and business opportunities to draw them back.

nAs president, ignored calls for minimum wage increases saying that granting a wage hike may “scare away inves-tors” and take away the coun-try’s comparative advantage in labor costs.

nUnder his term, labor export and contractualization con-tinued. Major workers’ strikes were violently dispersed (e.g. PAL, LRT, Manila Hotel).



delos Reyes


Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)Partido ng Masang Pilipino

(PMP)

12.8 million – Part-time work, equivalent to one out of three jobs (NSO)2.7 million – Number of working children (5-17 years old) (NSO) P917 – Family living wage in NCR in 2008 (NWPC)n P382 – Nominal NCR minimum wage (non-agriculture) since 2008 (NWPC)n P399 – Average daily basic pay received by NCR wage & salary workers (April-09, BLES)n P288 – Average daily basic pay received by wage & salary workers in Philippines (April-09, BLES)

Percentage of families earning less than minimum wage in 2006 (BLES) n 46% of families with 1-5 household members, 49% of families with 6-10 members, 50% of families with 11 or more members 8.2 million – Stock of overseas Filipinos in 2008 (4.3 million temporary workers and 3.8 million permanent residents,DFA) 1.29 million – OFWs deployed Jan-Nov 2009, or 3,845 per day (POEA)


nFavors charter change ac-cording to Constitutional means.

nAs Olongapo mayor, con-verted former Subic Naval base into an economic zone attracting foreign and local investments.

nAdvocates genuine, pro-Filipino industrialization and a nationalist economy, including Filipino-controlled manufactur-ing nAs senator, voted against the JPEPA and supported the cam-paign against its ratifi cation.nWill reverse “free market” policies imposed by the IMF, WB, WTO and ADB and replace them with the pro-Filipino policies and against removing nationalistic economic provi-sions in the Constitution. nFiled bills to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law as well as recover ownership of Petron and Malampaya.

nSays that trade liberalization will be undertaken only in the context of reducing poverty and social justice.

nSays that a constitutional convention can be convened in 2013 but is opposed to provi-sions selling out the patrimony of the country including land ownership by foreigners.

nBelieves that the Philip-pines can enter into principled partnerships with foreign countries for the development of its resources as long as the country’s rights are recognized and respected

nWill not reverse neoliberal policies and seeks to attract new foreign investors for the country’s industrial enclaves and freeport zones.

nSupports charter change and removing the national-ist economic provisions of the Constitution.

nVows to review treaties that have adverse effects on the economy such as JPEPA, AFTA, and GATT.nBelieves that agriculture must be vigorously protected from unfair global trade.nWants to stop oil deregulation and the oligopolistic practices of oil fi rmsnWants to either revise or repeal the EPIRA Law to lower the cost of electricitynEconomic program focuses on encouraging small and medium enterprises.

nSays that a viable manufactur-ing sector is key to economic growth.nSays that the policy of liberal-ization and blind adherence to globalization must be reviewed. However, as senator, voted ‘yes’ to JPEPA.nFavors charter change al-though says that the economic provisions in the current charter do not hinder economic growth. Says foreign fi rms can have access to land through a lease system.nSays that oil industry remains an oligopoly and called for a re-view of oil deregulation in 2004.

nVows to create jobs at home through attracting foreign investments, so that Filipinos will not need to work abroad.

nBelieves that tourism is the best way to generate jobs so proposes to develop tourism zones and an entrepreneurial spirit.

nBelieves that a genuine and pro-Filipino industrialization will ensure adequate and de-cently paying jobs so that Fili-pinos will no longer be pushed to migrate abroad.

nSays Filipino labor must be adequately protected and nurtured through living wages, regularization of work tenure, banning of contractualization and agency-hiring, and defense of migrant rights. Platform supports nationwide P125 daily hike in wages across-the-board

nSays meaningful employment for the poor will be created by increasing government resources for agriculture and fi sheries and prioritizing poli-cies and programs to eradi-cate poverty.

nSays there is a need for more job-creating opportuni-ties especially in the indus-try and services sectors.

nProgram for job creation is reliant on attracting foreign investment rather than strengthening domestic industry.

nVows to create jobs at home through increased domestic and foreign investments, which will also make overseas unem-ployment an option rather than a necessity.

nSupports calls for higher wages and decent living for workers, and is against con-tractualization.

nBelieves that a reason-able, legislated wage hike is an option alongside the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards in addressing demands for wage hikes.

nBelieves that government should provide a stimulus package to immediately address the need of laborers and employees for a just and decent wage.

nProgram for job creation is based on attracting foreign investments into the country.



Madrigal-Valade


Perlas III





a New Philippines(B.BAYAN-VNP) Independent Independent Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-

ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)


7Will you stop the commercialization and privatization of education and health services? Will you put an end to automatic

debt servicing? Will you prioritize spending government funds for needed economic pro-grams and social services over debt servicing and military spending?

In 2010, the Arroyo administration is spending only P6.85 per Filipino per

day on education, P1.10 on health and 16 centavos on housing – while paying P21.75 in debt service. (IBON computations on DBM data)

Government debt was P4.40 trillion as of end-2009 which is equivalent to P74,000 per work-

ing age Filipino and more than double the P2.17 trillion debt inherited from the previous Estrada government. The administration has effectively been borrowing an additional P250 billion annually since coming to power. (BTr)

Over 2001-2010, the Arroyo administration has paid (IBON computations on BTR and DBM data):n P5.85 trillion – debt service, which is over three times the P1.8 billion in debt payments

made over 15 years by the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations combinedn P1.59 trillion – educationn P197 billion – health n P42 billion – housing

SOCIAL SERVICES

8Are you in favour of scrapping the reformed value added tax (RVAT) and other regres-sive taxes that unduly burden the people?

Will you work for a progressive taxation pro-gram?

Value-Added Tax Reform Law (RA 9337, or RVAT Law) implemented since No-

vember 2005:n Increased VAT rate from 10% to 12%, paid by all Filipinos rich and poorn Corporate income tax rate decreased from 32% to 30% (only temporarily raised to 35% in 2006-08)

Because of RVAT Law:n Filipinos paid P363.0 billion in additional taxes over the period 2006-09 (DOF)

n In effect, each Filipino 15 years old and over paid the government P6,025 in additional taxes in 2006-09 (IBON computations on DOF data)n Meanwhile corporations will pay P15.9 billion less because of the lower corporate income tax rate of 30%

While billions in pesos worth of revenues are lost, uncollected or foregone due to corruption and investor-biased policies:

n Uncollected corporate taxes – P82.0 billion (2006, NTRC)n Uncollected VAT – P56.9 billion (2002, NTRC)n Foregone revenues from smuggling – P64 billion (DOF), P100 billion (2004, FPI), P174 billion (2004, FTA)n PEZA tax and duty-free import incentives – P152.1 billion (2003, DOF)n Redundant BOI fi scal incentives – P51.8 billion (2004, Reside)n Trade liberalization (tariff cuts) – P100 billion (IBON)

TAXES

People’s Criteria Benigno “Noynoy”Cojuangco Aquino


delos Reyes


nNo clear position on social services, debt service, and military spending.

nRecognizes that some foreign debts “must be hon-ored” while open to possibil-ity of “debt condonation if necessary”.

nPlatform does not have clear position on social services, debt service, and military spending.

nAs president, allocated relatively more of budget for social services compared to the Aquino, Ramos and Arroyo administrations. Nonetheless debt servicing was still prioritized over education, health and other social services.

nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to the RVAT Law (RA 9337) and so-called Sin Taxes Law (RA 9334).

nOpen to imposing new taxes to address the budget defi cit.

nSays he will lower the VAT on electricity, food and water.

nHas no record of pushing for progressive taxation even when he was president.


(PMP)




Madrigal-Valade


Perlas III




Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr.

nSays he wants to call for a moratorium on debt servicing to fund basic social services although, as sena-tor, made statements that government should address the national debt in a way that avoids credit rating downgrades.

nAdvocates capping debt payments, repudiating oner-ous debt, and demanding and exacting reparations and restitutions for previous unfair trade and onerous debt.

nWill prioritize public fund-ing for nationalist education including canceling govern-ment foreign debt service and unfair trade payments and rechanneling these to the construction of classrooms and other facilities.

nSays he will distinguish between two kinds of debts: legitimate and illicit. All legitimate debts will be honored while he will work to change laws that auto-matically pay for illicit debts obtained through graft and corruption.

nWill continue with automatic debt servicing and believes that borrowing is good as long as there is effi cient fi nancial management.

nEven as a representative, consistently lobbied to increase the budget for the military and to increase the size of the armed forces.

nVows to call for a debt moratorium aside from push-ing for improved revenue collection.

nAs senate president, passed national budgets allocating more funds for debts than for social services.

nHowever, now vows to vigor-ously pursue various forms of debt relief from international fi nancial institutions and for-eign banks and to prioritize the allocation of funds for basic social services.

nAuthored the Sin Taxes Law imposing taxes on commodi-ties such as cigarettes and liquor.

nAs senator, voted against the RVAT law and other tax measures.

nVows to lessen the tax burden on the poor. Will review tariffs, import duties and trade agree-ments, eradicate corruption in tax collection and disburse-ment, and make sure that the neediest get the most appro-priate allocations from taxes collected.

nOpen to imposing new taxes, including raising the VAT from 12% to 15 percent.

nBelieves that government should reduce the tax burden on corporations and fi xed-income earners.

nSays he wants to apply the principle of progressive taxa-tion, i.e. increasing percent-age of land taxes for increas-ing large holdings (to make it undesirable to have too much land while others have none).

nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to the RVAT and Sin Taxes Law.

nOpen to imposing new taxes.

Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines

(B.BAYAN-VNP) Independent Independent Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)



9Will you work for an independent foreign policy? Are you in favor of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement and other

unequal military agreements? Will you put a stop to US and other troops’ permanent presence on Philippine territory? Will you keep the anti-bases and nuke-free provisions in the Philippine Constitution?

From 2001-2010, US$384 million in direct military aid from the United

States (US) aside from at least US$400 in “socioeconomic aid” spent in communities to support the US military presence (US State Department) Since 2002 up to 500 US Special Forces personnel have been permanently deployed in Mindanao in a “forward op-erating base”, supported and participated in combat operations, as well as built fi xed facilities. Over 50,000 US soldiers have come into the country to Albay, Basilan, Batanes, Capiz, Cavite, Cebu, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Leyte, Masbate, Palawan, Pampanga, Bataan, Sorsogon, Sulu, Tarlac, Quezon and Zamboanga for large military “exercises” such as the annual Balikatan. Aside from these are scores of other smaller exercises – with for instance 163 exercises just in 2008 – and concealed operations. (IBON monitoring)

FOREIGN POLICY

10 Are you in favour of stopping govern-ment’s “all-out war” policy as the means of resolving armed confl icts

and instead pursue the current peace negotia-tions with the National Democratic Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front?

Formal peace talks with NDFP stalled since August 2004

n Non-implementation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) n No talks on Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER)

Peace talks with MILF erratic since aborted MOA-AD in August 2008

PEACE PROCESS

11Do you uphold gender equality? Do you favor expanding opportunities for women, gays and lesbians in the

exercise of their political, economic, cultural and other rights?

n There were 507,000 more female (2.4 million) than male “unpaid family workers” in 2009 (NSO)n In 2008, female wage and salary workers in the private sector worked three-and-a- half hours longer than males per week but were on average paid P5 less per day (NSO)n Only three out of ten (32.2%) Certifi cates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) are held by women (DAR)n One in fi ve women aged 15-49 years old have experienced physical violence since age 15; three in twenty married women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by their husbands (NSO)n Women occupy only a little over two out of ten of elective positions (23.2%). (COMELEC)

GENDER

12Will you promote a culture that em-phasizes nationalism and service to the people? Will you uphold Filipino

as the national language?

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Article XIV, Section 6 states:

n “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.”

Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 210 (May 2003) increasing the use of English as a medium of instruction – as a second language from grade one, in teaching Science,

Math and English from grade three, and as the primary medium of instruction in high school.

NATIONAL CULTURE

People’s CriterianFavors the US military presence in the country and supports a review of the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) towards chang-ing provisions to ensure that it continues.

nSays that he is against the US military presence in Mindanao and that the VFA can be reviewed.

nPlatform declares “[pursuing] peace based on love, justice, rec-onciliation, active nonviolence and progressive disarmament.”

nAs president, has no record of working for an independent for-eign policy. The controversial VFA was ratifi ed during his administra-tion.

nHas no clear stand on peace talks except that he believes the root causes must be addressed to get to the right solutions.

nHas no clear stand on peace talks although the party platform on peace and order proposes a gen-eral amnesty and fi nancial rewards “with no questions asked and without incurring any criminal or civil liability” for those voluntarily surrendering unlicensed fi rearms.

nLaunched an ‘all-out war in Min-danao’ against Moro communities.

nImplemented the counter-insur-gency campaign Oplan Makabayan during his term.

nNo clear stand on specifi c gender issues although declares intent to promote equal gender opportunity in all spheres of public policies and programs.

nDisagrees that Filipinas should be liberal “to the effect that they shout women’s rights” and says that “allowing a situation where women demand their rights and the state gives it [results in] a social imbalance [and] a legal imbal-ance [that erodes] the dignity of woman” where “the effect [is] that she [would] needlessly compete with the Filipino man.”

nPenchant for undisguised wom-anizing is an indication of how he views gender equality.

nNo clear stand. nNo clear stand.nSupports giving incentives to fi lmmakers in “historical fi elds where they teach patriotism and nationalism”.nParty platform advocates: strengthening education in the sci-ences, mathematics, engineering and English.



delos Reyes



(PMP)


nFully supports the VFA and wants greater cooperation with the US military, although says that the US should respect the jurisdiction of the Philippines especially on custodial issues.

nCampaigned for the US mili-tary bases to remain in 1991.

nPlatform declares keep-ing the Philippines free from foreign military intrusion and nuclear weapons, stopping the interference of foreign military forces, and repealing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Mutual Logistics Sup-port Agreement (MLSA) and the Military Assistance Pact.

nHas expressed concern about possible constitutional violations of the continued presence of US troops.

nBelieves that the country can enter into principled partnerships with foreign countries for the development of its resources as long as the rights of the Philippines are recognized and respected.

nFully supports deeper RP-US military relations and ar-gues that these bring great benefits.

nAvid defender of the VFA, from his time as defense secretary, and says that the country should even have more VFAs or Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) with other countries.

nFavors the VFA “as long as the VFA is helping our soldiers” and the Philippine government has custody over American soldiers committing crimes in the country.

nWants to provide an inde-pendent framework of foreign policies defined by what is best for Filipinos.

nBelieves that the VFA should be reviewed as well as other unequal economic, military and other foreign treaties.

nPlatform promises to chart a foreign policy based on respect for national sover-eignty and ensuring mutual benefit.

nBelieves that the solution to armed conflict in Mindanao is prog-ress and “meaningful autonomy”.

n Platform supports “sincere” negotiations with the NDF and MILF based on social justice, national sovereignty and genuine reforms.

nFavors renegotiating the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with special provisions, among others, for adequate consultation on both Muslim and Christian sides.

nVows to reopen negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and ensure that all peace negotiations are anchored on government’s will

nDoes not believe that social, economic and political problems are the root causes of armed conflict and is categori-cally opposed to negotiations between parties as equals.nHas expressed frustration with the ‘winning hearts and minds’ approach, indeed blaming this for the lingering insurgency, and advocates increasing the use of the state’s coercive powers and armed forces.

nVows to take long-term steps for the peace agenda including equitable distribution of national wealth and income, federalism, focus on the agricultural sector, distribution of abandoned lands for poverty alleviation, putting up of basic facilities, and the reorienta-tion of the AFP-PNP.

nBelieves that the peace process should continue but also thinks that peace can be attained by strengthening and modernizing the AFP.

nSays that the problem of armed conflict can be solved through economic development.

nSays that all forms of gender inequality should be opposed and ended, although no clear stand in practice.

nSays that all forms of gender inequality should be opposed and ended, including unequal pay for equal work, discriminatory access to work, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, rape, and sexist culture and biases.

nOther than opposition to human trafficking, has no clear stand.

nNo clear stand on gender issues. n Vows to strengthen existing gender and development main-streaming programs to bridge policy gaps that weaken pro-women and pro-children laws

nHas no clear stand on gender equality but was quoted as saying that gender rights are important “but divisive matters (like gay rights and marriage) are not a priority.”

nWill promote deeper nationalist education and attitudes, especially on nationalist economics, and also through the primary use of Filipino as medium of instruction

nNo clear stand. nNo clear stand.

nBelieves that English should be the medium of instruction. In his platform, he vows to improve the arts and culture so “we will not lose our soul.”

nNo clear stand.nSays the country needs strong leaders who are clearly against corruption, focused on the coun-try’s problems, and are not willing to bend the rules for the Filipino elite or foreigners.

nVows to make the national lan-guage a priority in education.

nBelieves in promoting patriotism “as a way of life, not simply a rhetoric” and the need to nurture love for country and the next generation”.



Madrigal-Valade


Perlas III





a New Philippines(B.BAYAN-VNP) Independent Independent

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)



PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change is a movement of reform-ori-ented and progressive individuals and groups aspiring for meaningful change -- one that is not just issue-based but carrying a more comprehensive reform program. Pagbabago! adresses the un-derlying problems of Philippine Society and resonates with the people’s basic demands and most deeply held aspira-tions for economic progress, social justice, and genuine national indepen-dence and dignity as a people.

IBON is a research-education-information development institution. IBON studies the socioeconomic issues confronting Philippine society and the world today. It explores alternatives and promotes a new understanding of socio-economic issues that best serve the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people. IBON commits to bring this knowledge and in-formation to the greatest number so that the people may effectively participate in building a self-reliant and progressive Philippines, a nation that is sovereign and democratic.

5 easy steps to vote

1Introduce yourself to the precinct’s Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). Sign the Elec-tion Day Voters’ Computerized List (ED-

VCL). Get the ballot, secrecy folder and marker from the BEI.

2Using the marker provided by the COM-ELEC, fully shade the oblong beside the name of your chosen candidate/s. You can

vote for less but not more than the number of positions at stake or your balllot will be invali-dated. (1 president, 1 vice president, 12 sena-tors, 1 partylist and so on.)

3Bring your ballot to the Precinct Count Opti-cal Scan machine. Insert the short portion of the ballot into the PCOS. Wait for the machine

screen to fl ash this message: “Congratulations, your vote has been registered.”

4Return the secrecy folder as well as the mark-er to the BEI.

5Have the nail of your index fi nger marked with indelible ink. Also, put

your thumbmark on the desig-nated space on the EDVCL.

Based on “5 Easy Steps sa Pagboto sa AES” by the Workers’ Election Watch (WE-Watch)

Where the Presidentiables Stand: References

1. A Reading of the Estrada administration: One Year Later (http://www.philsol.nl/solcon/Miriam-Coronel-99.htm)2. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Philippines) (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/eap/8371.htm)3. Government workers unite! COURAGE position paper on the Estrada administration (http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54a/121.html)4. Halalan 20105. Para sa Mahirap? (http://www.philsol.nl/A01a/Erap-Kompil-nov00.htm)6. Political Arena (http://ph.politicalarena.com)7. Possible Presidentiables for the 2010 Elections (http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offi ces/cosca/2010)8. Presidential Promises (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/opinion/view/20090701-213294/Presi-dential-promises)9. The Estrada Government Amidst the Crisis: Can it deliver its promises to the poor? (http://www.philsol.nl/fora/NL99a-Morales.htm)10. The Estrada Trial (http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/theestradatrial/view.php?db=1&article=20071102-98301)11. The Indigenous People’s Rights Act (http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Indigenous_Peoples/PHI/chap-ter_4.pdf)12. The Road to the 2010 Presidential Elections (http://www.elections.ph/01-richard-dick-gordon-zte-prosecut-ing-arroyos-marcos-erap-case-dzbb-interview/)13. Unity Statement, 2nd Congress of Migrant International (http://list.jca.apc.org/public/asia-apec/2000-Janu-ary/001387.html)14. Noynoy Aquino website (http://www.noynoy.ph)15. Joseph Ejercito Estrada website (http://www.erap.ph)16. Jamby Madrigal website (www.jambymadrigal.com)17. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro website (http://75.125.2.19/)18. Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva website (http://blog.broeddie.ph)19. Manny Villar website (http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph)20. http://www.scribd.com/doc/25368600/2010-Presidentiables-Voting-Record21. http://www.fes.org.ph/uploads/documents/issue03_PoP2010.pdf22. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:81yzJt4RLooJ:www.saprin.org/philippines/research/phi_min-ing_sum.pdf+mining+policy+Pres+Estrada&hl=tl&gl=ph&sig=AHIEtbT-tzBtjixuuwGBaOG2uUyQD1I2PQ23. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/183992/5-presidential-bets-vow-to-go-after-arroyo-over-hello-garciand various news reports

The People’s Choice T - University of the Philippines Manila · last nine years of the Arroyo...

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