STATEMENT OF UNA SECRETARY GENERAL TOBY TIANGCO ON THE CALL OF LP SPOKESMAN BEN EVARDONE FOR RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW IN THE SUSPENSION OF CEBU GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA

Liberal Party spokesman Rep. Evardone used to be one of Mrs. Arroyo's most loyal defenders and used to insist that Mrs. Arroyo was on the right side of the law each time her regime abused its power.

He now speaks of "letting the legal process prevail” and “respect for the rule of law” in the suspension of Governor Gwen Garcia, UNA’s provincial chair for Cebu and congressional candidate. These words sound very familiar. These are the same words used by Rep. Evardone and other former Arroyo defenders to justify the harassment of the opposition led by Vice President Binay in 2006 and 2007.

Like other Arroyo defenders who shifted loyalties en masse to the ruling party, the LP spokesman is recycling the same excuses meant to justify political harassment. Harassment is harassment. You cannot invoke “respect for the rule of law” and “daang matuwid” to justify a patently illegal act and the abuse of power. Those who are now invoking the rule of law and the righteous path should first examine their tainted political and moral backgrounds to avoid embarrassing themselves and their new masters.

Nothing can justify abuse of power, especially not the recycled statements from defenders of the discredited former regime. No matter what the LP and its apologists say, the people of Cebu know that Martial law has been imposed in their province.

For UNA, respect for the rule of law also means extending courtesy to a co-equal branch of government. Since a case has already been filed before the Court of Appeals, the administration party should allow the courts to decide.

The LP claims that party members are treated in the same manner as Governor Garcia. We want to remind the LP that in the case of Caloocan Mayor Recom Echeverri, an LP member, his suspension was not effectively served and his followers were allowed to camp out in front of City Hall with the least intervention from the police. We did not hear the LP or the administration asking him to follow the suspension order while waiting for the Court of Appeals to decide.

In the case of Governor Garcia, there are glaring violations of the law and clear abuse of power. The LP-affiliated Vice Governor closed down two media outlets on flimsy grounds. The police erected barricades and deployed armalite-wielding policemen to the capitol. Supporters of the Governor and even employees were prevented from entering the grounds.

The leaders of UNA visited Governor Garcia to show their support for a beleaguered member and to make sure that the authorities respect the law. This is hardly a controversial move. It cannot be compared to DILG Secretary Mar Roxas attempting to influence the Sandiganbayan when he accompanied his party mate Grace Padaca when she posted bail for a graft case.

The LP gubernatorial candidate for Cebu has also said that the people of Cebu will render the ultimate judgment in the 2013 elections. This is precisely our point and this is what makes the suspension order nothing more than a power grab by the LP, a desperate and blatant attempt to overturn the decision of the people of Cebu in the 2010 elections. #

UNA BETS DOMINATE PULSE ASIA POLL

Candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) dominated the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia.

The survey conducted from November 23 - 29 involving 1,200 respondents showed UNA could win seven out of the 12 senatorial slots in 2013.

Sen. Francis Escudero led all senatorial bets with a score of 74.1 percent, while Sen. Loren Legarda got 68.3 percent. Both Legarda and Escudero are guest candidates of UNA.

The survey results showed at least five other UNA senatorial bets landing in the Magic 12. San Juan Representative Jose Victor Ejercito is currently in 4^th place with 57 percent and Rep. Juan Ponce “Jack” Enrile Jr. is in 5^th with 53.2 percent.

Incumbent Sen. Gregorio Honasan is in 8^th with 44.9 percent while Vice President Jejomar Binay’s daughter Nancy Binay jumped to 9^th place with 41.3 percent.

Former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri rounds out list in 12^th with 40.5 percent.

Other UNA candidates in the top 20 are former Senator Richard Gordon in 14^th, Grace Poe – Llamanzares in 17^th, former Senator Ernesto Maceda in 19^th and Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco in 20^th place.

3

Tiangco: No UNA CONAs issued to Ampatuans

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) today refuted reports that it issued Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) to some members of the Ampatuan clan.

“We did not issue CONAs to any member of the Ampatuan family,” UNA Secretary General Toby Tiangco said, responding to the Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) report that 34 Ampatuans are running under the coalition.

The Ampatuan clan, headed by former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan, Sr., is facing 57 counts of murder for the so-called Maguindanao massacre.

“I am asking PCIJ to furnish us with the CONAs of the Ampatuan family so we could validate them with our records,” he said.

“If indeed an Ampatuan charged in the massacre had been given an UNA CONA, we will withdraw it immediately,” he added.

Tiangco questioned how PCIJ was able to obtain the CONAs from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) when UNA itself did not receive the documents.

He said UNA wants to validate the COMELEC’s copy of CONAs with the coalition’s records.

“There are candidates who supposedly seek UNA’s endorsement but they do not use our CONA. They do this to prevent us from putting our own candidates,” he said.

“This is why we want to know who are those who just want to use UNA’s CONA but are not sincere to run under the coalition’s banner,” he added.

Nancy Binay visits Cavite

Nancy Binay gives away bags of candies to public school elementary pupils in Bacoor City, Cavite while her father, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, looks on.

The Vice President earlier distributed 1,560 certificates of lot award (CELA) to housing beneficiaries living along the Philippine National Railway tracks in Tanza; 57 titles in General Trias; 1,100 CELAs in Kawit; and 644 CELAs in Bacoor. #

Legarda Congratulates President Obama for Successful Re-election

Senator Loren Legarda, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, congratulated US President Barack Obama on his successful bid for a second term as the chief executive of the United States of America.

“I warmly congratulate President Obama for his re-election. The citizens of the United States have once again placed their trust in their incumbent leader to advance the causes of the nation and its people. As a leader of a powerful nation, other countries, including the Philippines, also hope that President Obama will champion vital global issues,” said Legarda.

The Senator also expressed optimism that President Obama’s second term will be more productive and beneficial not only for the people of the US but also for the whole world as the US is one of the most powerful nations.

“I trust that in the next four years, he will be at the forefront of disaster risk reduction politics by further strengthening the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) not only to respond to disasters but also to enhance preparedness and build back more resilient communities. Disaster risk reduction agencies, such as FEMA, are important as the economic crisis that is experienced in many parts of the world is exacerbated by climate change, which leads to loss of lives, homes and livelihoods,” she said.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, stressed that President Obama should be a leader of the world and set an example by reducing USA’s fossil fuel consumption, promote use of renewable energy, provide better support for agricultural workers and vulnerable sectors, and assist developing nations who bear the brunt of disasters caused by climate change.

She also cited Obama’s commitment to provide affordable quality healthcare for all Americans and stressed that it is an inspiring flagship program that should be emulated by leaders worldwide.***

MACEDA: ALMENDRAS APPOINTMENT TO CLIP OCHOA POWERS

Statement of former Senate President and former Executive Secretary Ernesto Maceda on the Appointment of Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras

Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda today warned Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa to beware of becoming irrelevant, following the appointment of Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras. 

 

He said that Palace Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte does not know what she is talking about when she said that Ochoa's powers will not be clipped. "That (Ochoa's powers will not be clipped) is not true. The job description for Almendras' post is definitely transferring powers and authority from the Executive Secretary to Sec. Almendras. The main job of Sec. Almendras is to oversee the implementation of the president’s projects. In that role, Sec. Almendras becomes the deputy president," Maceda explained. 

Maceda added that Executive Order 99 signed on October 31 even gives Sec. Almendras the authority to realign targets; as well as the power to implement the president’s 16 point agenda and the Philippine Development Plan (PPP).  "Almendras will hold office in Malacanang and will report directly to the president. With his reduced responsibilities, Exec. Sec. Ochoa becomes literally only the little president," Maceda added. 

Nevertheless, Maceda believes that the appointment of Almendras is a good move on the part of PNoy. "As a former executive secretary I can tell you that the job of an executive secretary is too big for one man. I used to work at least 18 hours a day to do the work usually ending past midnight in Malacañang." Maceda was Executive Secretary of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Maceda noted that decision-making by the president may become faster now that Almendras has been appointed, because of Almendras' closeness to PNoy. "On a personal basis, Almendras is closer to the president than Ochoa," Maceda observed. "Their friendship dates back to college days at the Ateneo de Manila. With his closeness to the president, Almendras can expand his powers easily. Hopefully, with Almendras as facilitator, decisions in Malacanang will move faster."

Maceda also believes that Almendras is more qualified that Ochoa to be a senior adviser to the president. "Almendras has the advantage of being an experienced corporate manager. He is more qualified than Ochoa to be the president's senior adviser with a wider perspective," Maceda said. 

MACEDA URGES CONGRESS TO PASS LAW AGAINST POLITICAL DYNASTIES

Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda today called on members of Congress to go beyond their personal interests and pass the anti-dynasty law as prescribed by the Constitution. 

"The constitution is clear in saying that political dynasties are prohibited and it is brazenly a violation of the Constitution not to pass an anti-dynasty law," Maceda said. 

Maceda said the proposal of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago could be a start, with the minimum requirement being the prohibition of relatives within the second degree of consanguinity from running in the same province, city or municipality. 

He clarified, however, that it should not be extended to all relatives like nephews and nieces, cousins, uncles and aunts. He also said there must be exceptions, for example, if the politician's father served many, many years ago.

Maceda said that this is to give other candidates who are not as powerful as the incumbent an opportunity to serve the people as well. "It is also a valid point that just like the rationale of the party list law, all citizens should be given an equal chance to win in public office," he said. 

(End) 

Nancy Binay is UNA’s 12th senatorial candidate

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) today announced the selection of Nancy Binay, eldest daughter of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, as its 12^th senatorial candidate.

“We are encouraged by Nancy’s consistently strong performance in the surveys. She has always landed in the winning circle in both Pulse Asia and SWS with the least effort,” said UNA Secretary General Toby Tiangco in a statement.

“There has also been a groundswell of support for her candidacy coming from sectoral groups and non-governmental organizations nationwide. We cannot ignore these voices and their commitment to help Nancy and the entire senatorial slate of UNA,” he added.

Tiangco said the younger Binay will contribute the “Binay brand of outstanding public service” once elected to the Senate.

While serving as mayor of Makati, the Vice President received local and international recognition for his trailblazing programs in education, health and senior citizens welfare.

“With her father working tirelessly in the Executive Department, we can now be assured that there will be additional legislative support in Congress that will bring the social benefits currently being enjoyed by the citizens of Makati to all Filipinos,” Tiangco said.

Ms. Binay, 39, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She served as personal assistant to her father during his term as mayor and for housing concerns after his election as Vice President.

Tiangco also noted that the Vice President initially opposed his daughter’s candidacy, but he relented when former President Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile voted for her to run.

UNA STATEMENT ON NANCY BINAY

Nancy Binay is UNA’s 12th senatorial candidate

Nancy Binay is UNA’s 12^th senatorial candidate

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) today announced the selection of Nancy Binay, eldest daughter of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, as its 12^th senatorial candidate.

“We are encouraged by Nancy’s consistently strong performance in the surveys. She has always landed in the winning circle in both Pulse Asia and SWS with the least effort,” said UNA Secretary General Toby Tiangco in a statement.

“There has also been a groundswell of support for her candidacy coming from sectoral groups and non-governmental organizations nationwide. We cannot ignore these voices and their commitment to help Nancy and the entire senatorial slate of UNA,” he added.

Tiangco said the younger Binay will contribute the “Binay brand of outstanding public service” once elected to the Senate.

While serving as mayor of Makati, the Vice President received local and international recognition for his trailblazing programs in education, health and senior citizens welfare.

“With her father working tirelessly in the Executive Department, we can now be assured that there will be additional legislative support in Congress that will bring the social benefits currently being enjoyed by the citizens of Makati to all Filipinos,” Tiangco said.

Ms. Binay, 39, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Tourism at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. She served as personal assistant to her father during his term as mayor and for housing concernsafter his election as Vice President.

Tiangco also noted that the Vice President initially opposed his daughter’s candidacy, but he relented when former President Joseph Estrada and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile voted for her to run.

PDP Laban Fields Nancy Binay to Complete UNA Senatorial Slate

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Secretary General Toby Tiangco today confirmed that PDP Laban's Nancy Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, will run for senate, replacing businessman Joey de Venecia who backed out last minute from the UNA slate. 

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Ma. Lourdes Nancy Binay scored an impressive 12th to 15th place with 27.4 percent of the votes. The survey was conducted among 1,200 individuals from Aug. 31 to Sept.7.

Binay fulfilled the qualifications that UNA elders were seeking for the UNA slate, described by PDP Laban Secretary General Peping Cojuangco as "someone who would be committed to and uphold the values of the party". 

(End)

AFP: Philippines' Estrada defiantly returns to politics

Philippines' Estrada defiantly returns to politics

By Jason Gutierrez (AFP) 

Story HERE

UNA Misamis Oriental candidates to file COCs today

MEDIA ADVISORY: 

Vice President Jejomar Binay to join UNA local candidates of Misamis Oriental at 1pm tomorrow, October 5, as they file their certificates of candidacy at the COMELEC-Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City.

Statement of Senator Gringo Honasan in the Inquirer

via the Philippine Daily Inquirer: 

Aquino, UNA should work together to fight poverty – Honasan

By Philippine Daily Inquirer
Norman Bordadora

Senator Gringo Honasan

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Gregorio Honasan said the United Nationalist Alliance has not been and would not be the bad guy in President Benigno Aquino III’s campaign for good governance on the so-called tuwid na daan (straight path).

But he said Aquino’s self-righteous supporters could be.

Honasan, UNA’s only reelectionist exclusively in its fold, said President Aquino and their coalition’s have been facing common enemies in “poverty, hunger, ignorance and, in this case, too much partisan politics.”

“I am convinced that the UNA is not the enemy of the President,” Honasan told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview.

“The permanent enemy of the President and the UNA, including the administration coalition … is poverty, hunger, ignorance and, if I may add in light of the recent developments, too much partisan politics,” Honasan added.

Honasan said that with President Aquino and UNA’s leaders—Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Joseph Estrada—all enjoying high trust ratings, they could do much more to rally the country to economic growth even beyond 2016.

Honasan was reacting to President Aquino’s remarks during his proclamation of the senatorial candidates of the administration coalition.

Aquino said that if the members of the Liberal Party-led coalition were on the right path, how could those running against them—in apparent reference to the UNA slate members—also be on the right way.

Honasan expressed belief that President Aquino didn’t mean to disparage the members of the UNA coalition but made the remark only in the context of promoting the LP slate.

“I’m not referring to the President but there are those who pass themselves off as competent, all-knowing and clean but who are not and who are talking too much.

“To me, no one really cares what they think,” Honasan said.

“What’s important is President Aquino, Vice President Binay, Senate President Enrile and former President Estrada must combine and take a long term view.

“These elections would end and we will have to buckle down to work…. UNA is a critical ingredient in pursuing the President’s programs,” Honasan added.

Honasan said no set of national officials, whether elected or appointed, could match the combined trust ratings of the four officials.

Asked what alternative UNA could present to the people if it’s not the enemy of President Aquino, Honasan said, “Then we’ll move into high political ground.”

“If the people below the President would insist on a position of self-righteousness—as what I’ve said passing themselves off as competent, knowledgeable and clean, even when they’re not—then UNA is diametrically opposed to that,” Honasan said.

Honasan said the fact that UNA has in its fold supporters of former President Joseph Estrada, stalwarts of the Arroyo administration and independents shows the alliance’s long-term view of national unity.

“If the people below the President, the President’s subordinates take a different view, then UNA will be diametrically opposed to that because it’s in the way of political unity and economic development, economic prosperity and social cohesion, which are the desires of national security,” Honasan said.

Honasan, however, wouldn’t ascribe any ill-motive to Sen. Franklin Drilon’s statement on common candidates of the LP and UNA being discouraged from joining UNA rallies.

“I am not in a position to pass judgment on Senator Drilon’s statements,” Honasan said, adverting to the tradition of senators not questioning the motives of other senators.

Sen. Francis Escudero, Sen. Loren Legarda and Grace Poe-Llamanzares are common candidates of the LP coalition and the UNA.

STATEMENT OF UNA SECRETARY GENERAL TOBY TIANGCO ON THE UNA COALITION AND THE PRESIDENT'S REFORM AGENDA

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) is a coalition of two major political parties whose support for the reform agenda of President Aquino is beyond question.

In the Senate, the senators allied with UNA have firmly stood behind the President’s legislative priorities. And if there is one test of UNA’s support for the rule of the law, transparency and accountability in government, one need only to recall how our senators voted in the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice. 

UNA should be seen as a partner of the Aquino administration. We are not obstructionist critics.  We will support and commend programs and policies that will benefit our people. But we will also point out shortcomings and misguided policies. This we owe to the people.

We believe that the reform agenda of our President is best served not by blind obedience but by responsible vigilance. We must make sure that the abuse of power for personal and political ends and the widespread corruption and misuse of public funds during the previous regime will not be repeated.

There are those in the administration coalition who are attempting to recast themselves as true-blue believers in reform and good governance. The truth is that these personalities were among the most rabid defenders of Mrs. Arroyo when she was in power, but have found it politically convenient to wear yellow and proclaim themselves as advocates of Tuwid na Daan. These political hypocrites know who they are.

In contrast, most of the leaders and members of UNA have proven their commitment to truth, freedom, and good governance.

Mula pa noong panahon ng batas militar, noong Rebolusyon sa EDSA, at hanggang administrasyon ni Mrs. Arroyo, naroon at lumaban ang marami sa mga kasapi ng UNA.

Noong dinaya si FPJ, lumaban kami na noon ay kasapi ng Genuine Opposition para manaig ang tunay na tinig ng bayan. Noong isampa ang impeachment kay Mrs. Arroyo, naroon kami at lumaban din sa Kongreso, sa harap ng pagharang ng mga kaalyado niyang higit marami sa amin ang bilang. 

Halos lahat ng mga humamak kay FPJ, halos lahat ng mga humarang sa impeachment ni Mrs. Arroyo ang ngayo'y bahagi ng administrasyon. Nandiyan pa ang mga nagsabing handa silang kupkupin si Mrs. Arroyo sa kanilang probinsya kung ayaw na ng mga taga-Metro Manila sa kanya. Ganyan ang klase ng suporta na ibinigay kay Mrs. Arroyo ng mga ngayon ay nagmamalinis at pumuposturang maka-reporma.

Hindi namin inaalis ang karapatan ng halos lahat ng mga dating kaalyado ni Mrs. Arroyo, sa pambansa at lokal na antas, na sumama sa koalisyon ng administrasyon. Malaya silang pumili ng kanilang sasamahan. May ilan sa kanila na kasama din namin. Para sa UNA, ang mahalaga ay nagkakaisa tayo para sa interes ng sambayanan.

Naninindigan ang UNA na ang halalan sa 2013 ay hindi dapat labanan ng “kami” at “sila.” Ang kalaban natin ay hindi ang isa’t-isa. Ang kalaban natin ay ang gutom at kahirapan.

Naririto ang UNA upang samahan ang mamamayan sa laban na ito. Kung may mga kasama kami na pumupuna, ito ay nagmumula sa hangarin na ituwid ang sa kanilang tingin ay mali at tiyakin na hindi nalilihis ang ating pagtahak sa tuwid na landas. Sana ay hindi ito masamain dahil ito po ay bahagi ng demokrasya. Magkaroon man ng hindi pagkakaunawaan o pagkakaiba ng opinyon, ang layunin naman natin ay iisa: maisulong ang mga reporma upang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang lahat ng Pilipino. # 

MACEDA: CYBERCRIME LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda today joined the protest against the Cybercrime Law saying it is unconstitutional and violates freedom of speech and expression. 

"I have taken a stand in the past supporting the decriminalization of libel. This law that criminalizes libel online is a step backward in our democracy," Maceda said. 

In his twitter account @SenMaceda, former Senator Ernesto Maceda bashed incumbent senators who passed the Cymbercrime Law. He tweeted: "Were the legislators sleeping when the #CybercrimeLaw was on the senate floor? Why did they let it pass without amending it?"

Maceda also praised Senator TG Guingona for being the only one who took a stand against the passage of this law. 

Erap files COC for Mayor of Manila (photos)

UNA Candidates File Certificates of Candidacy accompanied by UNA "3 Kings"

 At Manila Hotel ...

L-R: Mitos Magsaysay, Ernesto Maceda, JV Ejercito-Estrada, Joseph Estrada, Jejomar Binay, Juan Ponce Enrile, Miguel Zubiri, Gringo Honasan, Richard Gordon, Jack Enrile, Tingting Cojuangco. Front: Manny Pacquiao

At Comelec ...
 

The Three Kings/Kingmakers

Senatorial Candidate Tingting Cojuangco with PDP Laban Sec Gen fmr Cong. Peping Cojuangco

Statement of Mr. Joey de Venecia on Withdrawal from Senate Race

From Joey De Venecia III: Statement on Senatorial Candidacy

During this past month, I have been seriously reflecting on my senatorial candidacy guided by my desire to serve the people and encouraged by my achievements in public governance as Executive Vice President of PDP-Laban and senior advisor to the Vice President of the Philippines. At the same time I have been continuously involved in private business generating investments and creating jobs particularly in the BPO, call centers and technology sectors.

I am humbled in being included in the senatorial line-up of the prestigious United Nationalist Alliance. I am particularly grateful to Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Manong Johnny Ponce Enrile, and former President Joseph Estrada for their support.

I would also like to thank the Filipino people who recognize my contribution in our fight against corruption and acknowledge my capability to bring employment to our workforce. A recent Laylo Research Strategies survey placed me tied for the 13^th position without my having to engage in any form of campaigning or broad public exposure. I thank the Filipino people for indicating in the survey that they want me to serve in the Senate.

I have made a choice.

My efforts in business have resulted to substantial and wide-reaching investment agreements in BPO, call center, technology and other sectors. These investments guarantee numerous jobs for the Filipinos. However, since I am a pioneer in the call center and broadband technology business, my direct involvement in these industries is necessary; which means that if I run for the Senate, I will have to delay these private sector initiatives until I finish my term in office.

Through these businesses, I have the opportunity to provide investments and jobs for our country immediately today. Through these businesses, I have the opportunity to help government realize Filipino aspirations especially among the poor immediately today.

I have therefore decided not to run for the Senate in 2013. Instead, I will pursue these immediate business endeavors bringing investments and jobs to our country. In so doing, I shall have achieved through business what I will only begin achieving through the Senate.

My time in the Philippine Senate will come. It is clear to me that public service is part of my life’s mission. I will continue to work for the prosperity of as many Filipinos as possible  and at the appropriate time in the future prepare myself for the Senate.

I thank everyone for your support.

Joey De Venecia III

-oOo-

UNA senatorial slate for 2013 polls complete – Binay

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday said that the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has already finalized its senatorial slate for the 2013 polls.
In an interview with reporters after he gave his speech at the Liga ng mga Barangay National Convention in Pasay City, Binay said that UNA has decided to include Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Margarita Tingting Cojuangco in its senatorial slate.
“We are including him (Escudero) in the slate,” Binay said when asked about the status of the alliance’s talks with Escudero.
Binay also noted that he was 99.9 percent sure that Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco, aunt of President Benigno Aquino III, would be included in the ticket.
Cojuangco is the wife of UNA vice president and former congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr.
UNA is the new coalition formed between Binay’s PDP-Laban and former President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.
During a press conference last Monday, UNA announced that Senator Loren Legarda had accepted the party’s invitation to run as a guest candidate for the senatorial slate.
Among those who earlier made it in the slate were Senators Gregorio Honasan, San Juan Representative JV Ejercito, Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce-Enrile Jr., former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Ernesto Maceda and Richard Gordon, Zambales Rep. Milagros “Mitos’ Magsaysay and businessman Joey de Venecia.
Binay and Estrada had also said that Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares was already an “adopted candidate.”
Binay said that he was not bothered by reports that Legarda had talks with President Aquino, saying that Legarda would campaign with UNA.
“Legarda is UNA’s candidate. She will join UNA’s political activities,” Binay said.
Asked about the campaign arrangements for Escudero, Binay said that it would be like the arrangement for Llamanzares, who he had earlier described as an “exception to the rule.”
Escudero and Llamanzares had both been reported to be likely adopted by the Liberal Party (LP).
However, Binay noted that they would not force Llamanzares to join the campaign if she would not be allowed by the LP.
Llamanzares, in earlier reports, had noted that she had not yet received final instructions from Aquino.
Binay had also earlier announced that UNA candidates would be filing their certificates of candidacies on October 1, 1 p.m.

 

 

 

 

GRACE POE THANKS ERAP FOR INCLUSION IN UNA LINE UP

GRACE POE THANKS ERAP FOR INCLUSION IN UNA LINE UP

Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares thanked former President Joseph Estrada today for having included her in the line up of the United Alliance (UNA).

Estrada made the announcement yesterday at a press conference of UNA at the Coconut Palace. UNA is the coalition between the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party of Estrada and the PDP Laban headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Poe is the daughter of Estrada's best friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr, who ran for president when Estrada was incarcerated in 2004.

"Ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Pangulong Erap at Vice President Binay sa kanilang pagsama sa akin sa line up ng UNA bilang isang guest candidate. Sadyang hindi matatawaran ang pagkakaibigan ng aking ama na si FPJ at ni President Erap. Kaya naman nakakataba ng puso na dahil sa samahan ng tunay na magkaibigan, walang pagdadalawang-isip ang patuloy na suporta sa akin ng aking Ninong," Poe said in a statement.

Estrada maintains that FPJ was the winner of the 2004 presidential elections but was cheated by proclaimed winner Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

(End)

LOREN, GRACE, MACEDA CONFIRMED AS UNA CANDIDATES

LOREN, GRACE, MACEDA CONFIRMED AS UNA CANDIDATES 

Senator Loren Legarda, former Senate President Ernesto Maceda and Movie Television Review and Classification Board Chairman Grace Poe-Llamanzares were confirmed today as candidates in the line up of the United Alliance for the 2013 elections. The United Alliance or UNA is the coalition between the parties PDP-Laban of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former President Joseph Estrada.

At a press conference today at the Coconut Palace, Estrada officially announced that Legarda and Poe are in the UNA line up. Legarda was former running mate of Estrada's best friend and 2004 presidential contender the late Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) while Poe is the daughter of FPJ.

Maceda, meanwhile, who was present at the press conference and likewise declared as part of the line up, was the campaign manager of the Estrada-Binay campaign in 2010. 

The complete line up of UNA was not announced, as talks are still ongoing after the UNA Executive Meeting held at noon today, due to the recent confirmation by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia that she will no longer run for the senate. 

UNA candidates will file their certificates of candidacy together on October 1. 

The line up now includes: Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Gringo Honasan, San Juan Congressman JV Ejercito, Cagayan Cong. Jack Enrile, Zambales Cong. Mitos Magsaysay, former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, former Senator Richard Gordon, former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, MTRCB Chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares, businessman Joey de Venecia.

UNA is only waiting for a formal announcement from Senator Chiz Escudero before formally including him in the line up but UNA elder former Senate President Ernesto Maceda said he is already considered part of the UNA family. Escudero was also spokesman of FPJ in the 2004 elections and a godson of Estrada. 

The last slot is still under discussion, pending the formal acceptance by former Tarlac Governor Tingting Cojuangco, who is the wife of PDP Laban Secretary General Jose 'Peping' Cojuangco. Other names being considered are Binay's daughter Nancy Binay and Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian. The decision will be announced later this week. 

MACEDA: I WILL GET SENIOR CITIZEN VOTES

Senator Maceda said he will get the votes of senior citizens. "I am honored to be a candidate of this team that is led by the wisdom of senior citizens. Enrile is 88, Estrada is 75 and Binay is 69 but as you can see, UNA is stronger than ever," Maceda observed. 

"The plight of senior citizens is very important to us in UNA," Maceda said. "We are taking the cue, of course, from Vice President Jojo Binay, who has led the campaign to uplift the lives of senior citizens even back when he was mayor of Makati City."

"It is not enough that we give our senior citizens more avenues for recreational activities but we need to also give them opportunities to contribute to nation-building, which at this age we are eager to do. When you have reached senior citizen status, what you want to do is give back to your community, to your country," Maceda said. 

Maceda also emphasized that the social pension program should be increased to P 3 Billion to cover indigent senior citizens. He added that the allowance of P500 as part of social pension for senior citizens should be increased to P 1400, the amount given for CCT beneficiaries.

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