Cebu Election 2010

Assessing Cebu for 2010 Election's Areas of Concern

2009-12-10T18:41:00.001-08:00

Police, Comelec to assess province LGUs for hotspots

By Chito O. Aragon, Doris C. Bongcac, Ador Vincent Mayol

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) is looking into reports that some organized crime groups were operating in the towns of Dumanjug and Ronda.

Senior Supt. Jesus Gaquing, CPPO director, said his men arrsted Mario Omboy, an alleged member of organized crime groups operating in these two towns and other southern towns.

He said that they were checking on the presence of these groups in the south since they might be used by political groups during the elections.

He added that Ronda and Dumanjug might be among the towns he would recommend to be classified as immediate area of concern.

Ronda Vice Mayor Mariano Blanco III planned to ask for police security if their town would be identified as among the areas of concern.

Blanco of One Cebu is challenging the reelection bid of Mayor Esteban Sia of the Liberal Party.

Ronda town, about 81.9 km south of Cebu City, was among those identified as areas of concern in the 2007 election due to the intense political rivalry between Blanco's family and Sia.

In 2007, Blanco had asked for police escorts but was just told to be careful since he failed to enter in the police blotter reported threats on his security.

On Nov. 1, 2007, two bodyguards of Sia were shot by men on board a motorcycle. One of the victims died.

Police considered politics and personal grudge as possible motives in the shooting.

The Blancos have dominated Ronda politics for 20 years until sia won in the 2007 mayoral race.

Sia defeated Blanco’s mother, former vice mayor Ma. Victoria Blanco.

In Dumanjug, Nelson Garcia, younger brother of Gov. Gwen Garcia, is seeking election against Christopher Baricuatro, son of outgoing Mayor Cesar Baricuatro who is running for congressman in the 2nd district.

Nelson said he was happy that his family members were supporting his bid.

There are three criteria for identifying a local government unit as an election hotspot: history of violence, intensity of political rivalry and the presence of armed goons.

The Commission on Election provincial office had yet to verify whether or not Ronda town is an election hotspot.

Comelec provincial supervisor Lionel Castillano noted the intense political rivalry in Ronda which he acknowledged may lead to violence later on.

He, however, said they have yet to receive guidelines from their central office concerning the classification of hotspots.

Should Ronda be declared under Comelec control, he said they can order the deployment of army and police personnel to secure the town.

Cebu Governor and Vice Governor Candidates

2009-12-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

Governor
Ajoc, Rafael Jun Cesar (Jun Cesar) – Independent
Berizo, Godofredo Rojas (Fred) – PGRP
Davide, Hilario III (Junjun) – Liberal Party
Garcia, Gwendolyn Fiel (Gwen) – LKCMD Party

Vice Governor
Balicoco, Eladia Mendaro (Eldie) – PGRP
Sanchez, Gregorio Jr. Gallarde (Greg) – LP
Soco, Glenn Anthony Ocampo (Glenn) –LKCMD

Cebu 2010 Election Candidate Profile

2009-12-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

Attention Cebu 2010 Election Canditates

CebuElection 2010 encouraged you to send your profiles/credentials to bethelo(at)yahoo(dot)com for it to be posted here on this site for Voter’s Education purposes. CebuElection 2010 is committed to educate voters online to a more conscientious election process.

It is the right of every voter to know you!

Premature Campaining No More

2009-11-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Is an office aspirant / would-be candidate who engaged in some partisan political acts before the campaign period liable to “premature campaigning” as defined under Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code? Will such an act disqualify him/her from office?

The Supreme Court had already made a ruling on this question as early as November 16, 2006 in the case of Lanot vs. Comelec and Eusebio GR No. 164858. In that case, it held that the essential elements for violation of Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code – Premature Campaining are:

(1) a person engages in an election campaign or partisan political activity;

(2) the act is designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates;

(3) the act is done outside the campaign period.

The second element requires the existence of a "candidate." Under Section 79(a), a candidate is one who "has filed a certificate of candidacy" to an elective public office. Unless one has filed his certificate of candidacy, he is not a "candidate."

Thus, even if an act constituting election campaigning or partisan political activities are committed by the would-be candidate, they are not punishable under Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code. Such acts are protected as part of freedom of expression of a citizen before he becomes a candidate for elective public office.

This ruling of the Supreme Court was later codified into law by the legislature and was embodied in RA 9369 amending certain provisions of RA 8436 or the Omnibus Election Code.

Third paragraph of the amended Section 15 of RA 8436 reads: For this purpose, the Commission shall set the deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy/petition for registration/manifestation to participate in the election. Any person who files his certificate of candidacy within this period shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy: Provided, That, unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall take effect only upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period: Provided, finally, That any person holding a public appointive office or position, including active members of the armed forces, and officers and employees in government-owned or -controlled corporations, shall be considered ipso facto resigned from his/her office and must vacate the same at the start of the day of the filing of his/her certificate of candidacy.

The second proviso of the third paragraph raises some doubts of whether or not after such an aspirant or a would-be candidate file his certificate of candidacy and during the campaign period may be prosecuted for his premature campaigns or partisan political acts committed prior his filing of certificate of candidacy?

This issue was answered by the Supreme Court last September 11, 2009, the court held a candidate who commits premature campaigning can be disqualified or prosecuted only after the start of the campaign period. However, after reconsideration of the Decision the Supreme Court reverses its decision and held in the case of Penera vs. Comelec G.R. No. 181613 November 25, 2009.

The Court held that it is not what the law says. What the law says is any unlawful act or omission applicable to a candidate shall take effect only upon the start of the campaign period. The plain meaning of this provision is that the effective date when partisan political acts become unlawful as to a candidate is when the campaign period starts. Before the start of the campaign period, the same partisan political acts are lawful. The law does not state that partisan political acts done by a candidate before the campaign period are unlawful, but may be prosecuted only upon the start of the campaign period. Neither does the law state that partisan political acts done by a candidate before the campaign period are temporarily lawful, but becomes unlawful upon the start of the campaign period. This is clearly not the language of the law. Besides, such a law as envisioned in the Decision, which defines a criminal act and curtails freedom of expression and speech, would be void for vagueness.

Comelec: Bloggers can cover 2010 polls

2009-07-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

Comelec: Bloggers can cover 2010 polls
Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net

(From Inquirer.net posted on July 16, 2009)

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will invite bloggers to cover the 2010 elections, from the preparations up to the proclamation of winners, a spokesman for the poll body said Thursday.

The Comelec is formulating a “framework of cooperation” with the blogging community to cover key points in the elections such as voter education and field testing of counting machines, the commision’s spokesman, James Jimenez said.

“We believe that bloggers represent a significant part of the general public to be informed about the most recent developments in elections automation,” Jimenez, who is also a blogger, told INQUIRER.net.

Jimenez cited the potential of blogs to educate the electorate, especially the youth.

Blogger and freelance journalist Tonyo Cruz said bloggers would play a crucial role in the upcoming elections by offering a “more democratic coverage.”

“Bloggers, new media publishers, and Filipino netizens can help democratize the media landscape as the nation gears for the elections,” Cruz said.

Cruz said “reform-minded” bloggers could organize a network of citizen journalists to guard against fraud or help their favored candidates win.

Soon-Ruiz: I will run as Mayor of Mandaue City

2008-12-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

It’s Mandaue, not Lapu-Lapu: Nerissa
Posted in Sunstar 12/13/2008

RIGHT post, wrong city.

Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (Cebu Province, 6th district) denied yesterday that she is running for mayor of Lapu-Lapu City in 2010 and added that the announcement may be meant to confuse voters.

She reiterated she will run for mayor of Mandaue City and also admitted that her husband, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Lito Ruiz, might run for mayor of Lapu-Lapu—if residents and their ward leaders ask him to do so.

Lapu-Lapu City Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Leo Mercado earlier announced that Ruiz will be running for mayor of Lapu-Lapu.

“Panglawgaw,” was how Ruiz described the announcement, saying it was intended to create confusion among her supporters.

She added that her late father Dr. Restituto Soon’s wish was for her to run in Mandaue City. That was why she ran for mayor in 1995 against Thadeo Ouano, she said. (Ouano won. Ruiz, also a former Provincial Board member, eventually returned to Congress.)

Ruiz’s husband Lito, who recently transferred his registration records to Lapu-Lapu, might run for mayor there, “kon hangyoon gyud sa katawhan nga padaganon didto (if the people there request him to run).”

While she admitted her husband is getting ready to meet requirements in case he does run, the undersecretary still needs to consider many other factors, Ruiz added.
She was reportedly asked to consider running for mayor of Lapu-Lapu by Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and her father Rep. Pablo Garcia.

Paz Radaza, the wife of incumbent Mayor Arturo Radaza and an incumbent barangay captain, is gunning for the highest post in that city in 2010.

“Ako taga Mandaue jud ko bisan unsaon, and based on the law on domicile, I am from Mandaue,” she told reporters yesterday.

When asked if it will complicate matters if both of them will run in two different cities, the congresswoman said it will be up to the people to decide. (OCP)

Georgia Osmeña for Cebu City Mayor?

2008-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Georgia Osmeña will run if.

CEBU - The youngest sister of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña admitted that she is open to the possibility of running for mayor in the next elections, because of several concerns that her brother’s administration has failed to address.

Georgia Osmeña said that she is “open to it” and in fact “thinking about it.”

In an interview over radio station dyLA, Georgia however said that, she has not made a final decision yet.

According to her, she started entertaining the idea of joining politics because of several concerns that allegedly have not been given priority by the present administration.

Georgia said, she thought it would be better to do something rather than sit down and complain. Some of the concerns that Georgia said have not been attended to by the city government are the rampant violations of the anti-noise ordinance and anti-smoking ordinance that ban smoking in restaurants and other public places.

“Ang roads daghang potholes and I wish Cebu was cleaner,” Georgia said.

She also envisioned of having a public park for the city where children can play and not on the streets where it is dangerous for them.

According to her, had there been a public park for children there will be no children playing on the streets.

Although, she seems to be dissatisfied with the delivery of some basic services by the present administration, Georgia did not directly put the blame on her brother, who is now on leave for cancer treatment in the United States.

Georgia said she has already brought up these concerns to Acting Mayor Michael Rama few weeks ago, but she has not observed any changes. She said that if these concerns remain unattended these might compel her to run for mayor in 2010.

Asked if she has already consulted other members of the family, Georgia said it is not necessary although she will be seeking counsel from the elders if she finally decides to run.

Should Georgia decide to run for mayor in 2010, she will be heading on a collision course with Rama, her brother’s anointed candidate for mayor.

Georgia said Rama is her friend but she will be ready by then after all she is an Osmeña.

Rama on the other hand welcomed Georgia as a possible opponent although he said he is not seriously thinking about it yet. Rama said he is focusing his attention right now to the affairs of the city.

He also expressed confidence that the mayor’s endorsement for him to be the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s standard bearer in 2010 will remain until election day even if Georgia is the sister of the mayor.

Georgia and Tomas however are perceived to be not in talking terms. Georgia herself admitted over dyLA that her relationship with the mayor’s family is “estranged.”

Georgia’s admission fuelled rumors that her decision whether or not to run for mayor will depend on her brother’s candidate. Sources said that Georgia will only run for mayor if Margot will be the standard bearer of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

Georgia however refused to comment about it, saying that it is a matter that is personal for the family. But she admitted that her relationship with Margot is “estranged”.

Association of Barangay Councils president Eugenio “Jing-Jing” Faelnar, who is very close to the mayor, said that Margot has never been considered a candidate for mayor.

The first lady also refused to be considered, because she only wants to remain a wife to the mayor and a supporter.

Georgia also denied reports that she has been meeting with former Mayor Alvin Garcia about her political plans.

According to Georgia, it has been long time ago since she last met with Alvin.

She admitted thought that she is close to the Garcias especially Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

But, as to whether or not she will run with the Garcias, Georgia has no ready answer for the moment. — Fred P. Languido/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)

COMELEC Biometrics to purge Voter's Registration List

2008-12-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

To prevent multiple registrations COMELEC has introduced an automated list of voter's captured in biometrics. There are still some 25 million of the 40 million registered voters in the country who are yet to be captured by biometrics.

In the last election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao alone, there were 18,000 multiple registrants purged from the list of voters when this technology was put on the test.

Voters who were not captured by biometrics can possibly vote more than once and significantly tamper the result of the election. To ensure that all will be captured by biometrics the COMELEC is implementing a continuing registration and cleansing of the voters list.

A clean election will start from a clean voters list.

COMELEC Voters' Registration December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2009

2008-11-21T23:15:00.000-08:00

In Resolution No. 8514 promulgated November 12, 2008, the Comelec en banc ruled to adopt the use of biometrics technology for the purpose of “establishing a clean, complete, permanent and updated list of voters.”

In Cebu, the Commission on Elections will conduct the registration of voters from December 2 to 15, 2008, according to Provincial Comelec director Lionel Marco Castillano.said that applications for registration should be personally filed beginning December 2, 2008 to December 15, 209 at the Office of the Election Officer.

Who should register?
Any Filipino citizen who is at least 18 years old and who is a resident in the place where he proposes to vote for at least six months may register to vote.

Deactivitated voters may also apply for reactivation of their registration records during the period prescribed.

When is the registration?
Registration period is from December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2008. Registration starts at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Where is the registration conducted?
Registration is to be conducted in every town and city. In Cebu City, COMELEC office is located at Lapu-Lapu Street, Cebu City at the back of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In Mandaue City, Comelec office is at the Mandaue City Sports Complex

What to bring during registration?
Valid Identification cards such as:

employee's ID
postal ID
student's ID
senior citizen's ID
driver's license
NBI/PNP clearance
passport
SSS ID
GSIS ID
IBP ID
PRC license.

Full text of Comelec Resolution No. 8514

On Charter Change and 2010 Election

2008-11-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

After the infamous and insolent prayer of Press Secretary Jesus Dureza to extend the service of the critique stricken Mrs. Arroyo, efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution is enlivened. Speaker Prospero Nograles said that at least for now only 15 votes needed to clinch it and pave the way for CHACHA. House Resolution 737, a bill to lift the equity restrictions in the 1987 Constitution already mustered 163 votes from the Congressmen. 178 votes or 3/4 of the 238 member HR is needed to introduce amendments to the 21 year old constitution.

Skeptics speculate that this is another grand opera orchestrated by Malacanan.The the tongue slip of Secretary Dureza is a subtle prologue of a masterpiece that is NO ELECTION. Blueprints however scheming is sketched by putting the lines together.

Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo was very quick to dismiss term extension allegation. "Term extension is zero level" he said. Critics aka Presidentiables should not fret over the move as this was just a resolution calling for a constituent assembly that lets senators and congressman to sit down and discuss what changes could be done in the Constitution.

Public is aware however of the pledge/commitment rating of the Arroyos. It was an Arroyo who told the whole country on a Rizal day that notorious "I will not run" big lie.

Commission on Elections(COMELEC) Chairman Jose Melo meanwhile, threatened that he and other poll officials would resign if there will be no elections in 2010. The Comelec is already preparing for the resumption of voters' registration and the full automation of the 2010 election.

Benhur Salimbangon for Governor in 2010?

2008-11-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

Sonny: Erap wants to field Behur

AFTER months of keeping a low profile, former senator John “Sonny” Osmeña yesterday reported that Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu Province, 4th district) may run for governor in 2010.

Sun.Star Cebu tried but failed to get confirmation yesterday from Salimbangon, a first-term congressman allied with the administration.

In a radio DYLA interview, Osmeña said that former president Joseph Estrada met with Salim-bangon and his sister Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung last Nov. 5 and that
Estrada supposedly urged the congressman to run for governor.

Osmeña said he will meet today or tomorrow with Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr., a former gubernatorial candidate, and discuss Estrada’s proposal.

When reminded that Salimbangon ran as part of the administration-allied ticket led by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Osmeña replied: “I don’t think that Benhur was always a staunch follower of the Garcias. He is a candidate of convenience.”

Salimbangon defeated Martinez’s son, Celestino III, in the congressional elections of May 2007.

More surprising than the former senator’s political forecasts, however, was his expression of concern for his cousin, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is in the United States for treatment of urinary bladder cancer.

In a text message, Margot Osmeña said that the mayor began chemotherapy last night.

“Please join us as we ask God to guide the people through whom His own healing hands work. We also ask you to pray that we continue to hold tightly God’s hand as Tommy takes his initial step towards being cured. Your prayers keep us strong and determined. We are truly blessed.”

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano dismissed speculations he will be running for governor when President Arroyo’s term ends in 2010.

He said he would rather focus on his work of promoting tourism, rather than jockeying for another office.

Osmeña openly speculated that Governor Garcia may seek higher office, such as the Senate, in 2010. The governor, however, has repeatedly said she intends to stay in Cebu. She is eligible for one more term as governor. (GMD)

Source URL: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/erap-wants-field-benhur-sonny

2008-11-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

Garcia and Sanchez richest Capitol officials
Fred P. Languido and Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Cebu Province, the richest local government unit in the country, is also governed by a tandem of multi-millionaires, based on the latest Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of the provincial officials released by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Vice Governor Gregorio “Greg” Sanchez remained the richest official in the province with over P100 million declared net worth as of December 31, 2007. Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is tailing with P92.5 million.

The vice governor declared a total of P154.6 million in assets, which are mostly real properties including a P39-million house and lot in Maria Luisa Village and a total liability of P55.4 million. His businesses include the Lacto Pafi Techno Resources Incorporated and the Blue Ocean Distribution Company.

Garcia, on the other hand, declared a newly-acquired house and lot in Cebu City with an estimated fair market value of P9 million. She likewise own a residential building, agricultural and commercial lots in Ormoc City with an estimated market value of P74.8 million and a Mitsubishi Pajero she acquired in 2003 at P1.4 million.

Among the business interests of the governor are the GGC Group, Incorporated and GGC Services where she is a shareholder and as a proprietor of the GGC Enterprises. All of these business entities are however located in Ormoc City.

Garcia has the most number of relatives in government than any other provincial officials. She declared 16 relatives holding various government positions.

These include her father, Cebu 2nd District Rep. Pablo Garcia, her brother and Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia and another brother Winston Garcia, who is the current president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System.

Two other brothers of the governor, Byron and Nelson, are also in government. Byron serves as the Capitol consultant on security while Nelson serves as chief of staff of Pablo in congress.

The governor also has eight cousins and three nephews in government, some of them in the Capitol.

Based on the Ombudsman’s files, the provincial board is also dominated by millionaires with only two of its members do not belong to the millionaires’ list. Most of the board members have declared a net worth of more than a million pesos.

However, three board members’ files have yet to be included because they were not found as of yesterday. Board members Juan Bolo, Victoria Corominas and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Bea Calderon have either not submitted their SALN or their files were mixed with that of the other filers.

Two board members who declared a net worth of less than a million are PB member Julian Daan with declared net worth of P824,000 and Joven Mondigo, Jr. with P570,000.

Those who belong to the millionaires list include Agnes Magpale with P42.6 million; Peter John Calderon, P9.9 million; Victor Maambong, P4.5 million; Rosemarie Durano, P4.093 million; Teresita Celis, P3.8 million; Jose Maria Gastardo, P3.4 million; Wilfredo Caminero, P3.1 million; Wenceslao Gakit, P3.02 million and Ian Zambo, P1.2 million.

Meanwhile, only one of the reported six Cebu City councilors whose SALN were not found by the anti-graft office has not actually filed her documents.

Councilors Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, Roberto Cabarrubias, Nestor Archival, Edwin Jagmoc and Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa all said they were able to file their respective SALN last April like the rest of the other government officials.

Sanguniang Kabataan Federation President Rengelle Pelayo admitted she was not able to file the said document because there was a change among her office staff earlier this year.

Source:
The Freeman

Mike Rama as Cebu City Mayor for 2010?

2008-11-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Nalzaro: Mike Rama’s dilemma
By Bobby Nalzaro
Saksi Monday, May 12, 2008

THERE’S a lot of reason why Vice Mayor Michael Rama should be rejoicing these days. Mayor Tomas Osmeña has anointed him as the next mayor of Cebu City. At least, as of this writing. Dismissing speculations that another member of the Osmeña family will succeed him, Tomas announced last week the Mike Rama-Joy Agustus Young tandem for the mayoralty and vice mayoralty position of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) party for the 2010 local and presidential elections.

But political pundits warned the vice mayor not to be overexcited and overconfident. The election is still two years from now and many things can happen along the way. Some promises are made to broken. Mahulog man gani ang mumho nga naa na sa baba, kanang pa kahang saad ang dili mahimong pakyason. We cannot predict our future. God sets our destiny. But it’s also better to prepare ourselves for the future.

Because of the early endorsement, Mike is faced with a dilemma. From now on until 2010, he can no longer show his independent stand and assert his right as vice mayor and presiding officer of the City Council. He has to be careful not to make a move that might offend or antagonize the hizzoner. Meaning, he will be Tomas’ political slave. A “yes” man and a political lapdog at that. Kanunay na siyang pagpasilong sa pulitikanhong landong ni Tomas.

Why? Well, simply because we cannot read the mind of Tomas. If Mike somehow does something that might displease his political patron, the mayor can dismiss him anytime. I am not a fan of the mayor. I think everybody knows that. But I can say without fear of contradiction that Tomas is calling the shots in the political setting of Cebu City. One cannot be a member of his own political aggrupation if he does not like you. The latest victim of his vindictiveness is Cebu City South District Rep. Tony Cuenco, a longtime political ally. Nabugto ug mi-aslum na ang pulitikanhong relasyon ni Tony ug Tomas.

It is just as easy for Tomas to turn his back on Mike. The mayor can create a scenario that Mike is not a popular choice to succeed him. Maybe he will ask his barangay captains to pass a resolution or come up with a united stand that they prefer First Lady Margot Osmeña to be the standard bearer of the BO-PK. Or come up with a survey that will show that Mike is not acceptable to BO-PK supporters. There are so many ways to skin a cat.

Basin sa umaabot nga mga adlaw modoul si Tomas ni Mike ug mo-ingon: “Mike kon akoy pabut-on ikaw gayod akong gustong magmayor. Pero unsa-on man nga ang gusto sa atong mga supporters si Margot man. Si kinsa ba akong mobalidad sa awhag ug kagustuhan sa haring lungsod.” Aw, dili na makalalis si Mike ana kon mosandig si Tomas sa haring lungsod.

Okay granting that there are no hitches and Mike will succeed Tomas at City Hall. How long do you think will Tomas allow Mike to run the affairs of the City Government? Only for one term and again, Tomas might make a comeback. Iya lang patilawon si Mike ug unsay mayor? Or will he allow Mike to finish three full terms? That’s a total of nine years.

Some political observers said the reason Tomas picked Joy Young as Mike’s runningmate is because Joy Young can easily neutralize Mike through the City Council if Mike decides to make it on his own, like what former mayor Alvin Garcia did. Young is perceived as an Osmeña loyalist and BO-PK councilors by then will most likely still dominate the council.

This is the nagging question: Will Mike be able to run the affairs of the City Government without Tomas’ interference? Can he shake off the image of being Tomas’ political lapdog? If he can overcome these, I will congratulate my friend Mike and I will even join him in singing his favorite song, “The way you look tonight.”

(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/0916-6644999)

Source:
Sunstar Website

Biography of Michael Rama a.k.a. Mike Rama

2008-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

Date of Birth : October 28, 1954
Residence : Lemon St. Rama Compound, Basak, Cebu City

OFFICES
Vice - Mayor, City of Cebu (2001–2004, 2004-2007, 2007-present) President, Vice Mayor League of the Philippines

1st City Councilor of Cebu City (1998-2001) National President, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Chairman on People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), North District Chairman on Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC) Cebu City Zoning Board Cebu Tourism Council Chairman, Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II Advisory Council Chairman, Committee on Education, Employment, Livelihood Programs, & Cooperatives, SP Cebu City Executive Board Member, Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP), Cebu City

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Elementary, Basak Elementary School, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, Valedictorian
High School, University of Southern Philippines, Cebu City
College, Velez College, Cebu City, Pre-Medicince
College of Law, San Beda College, Metro Manila, Bachelor of Laws, 1983 Bar Examination

AFFILIATIONS
Member, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Member, Young Lawyers Association of Cebu (YLAC)
Member, Rotary Club of Cebu Gaudalupe
Past Member, Board of Regents, Cebu Normal University
President, Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators of Cebu
President, Young Lawyers Association on Voluntary Arbitration (PAVA) - Visayas
Chairman, Cebu City Youth Development Commission Education

FAMILY BACKGROUND
Father: The late Fernando Rama, past Cebu City Councilor
Mother: Natividada Lopez Children : Michaeline F. Rama and Mikel F. Rama

PROMINENT RELATIVES
Grandson of Vicente Rama, Senator and Father of Cebu City Charter, Congressman, Mayor and Cebu City Councilor
Nephew of Osmundo Rama, past Governor of Cebu Province
Nephew of Napoleon Rama, publisher of Manila Bulletin
Annabelle Rama the mother of Ruffa, Richard and Raymond Gutierrez

TRIVIA
Mike Rama is serving his last term as Vice-Mayor of Cebu City. Many had already speculated what will be his next career moves. While his statements were conceived as congenial to that of Mayor Tomas Osmeña's stances his actions seems to confused Cebuanos of what to expect from him in 2010 elections.

Here are some points Frank Malilong had correctly observed:

Mike voiced his displeasure over the summary execution of suspected criminals even as Tommy was practically endorsing it in calling for a tougher stance against crime.
Mike rejected a land deal that Tommy proposed with the Provincial Government.
The City Council, under Mike’s leadership, invited Tommy to explain the closure of the South Coastal Road. In an attempt to soften its impact, the Council would later say they merely wanted the mayor to enlighten them on the issue but who’s kidding who?

Apparently, Mayor Tommy Osmeña has learned his lesson with Mayor Alvin Garcia.

Sources:
Cebu City Website

Gwendolyn Garcia a.k.a. Gwen Garcia Profile

2008-11-10T20:09:00.002-08:00

Birthday October 12, 195
Stage Name Gwen Garcia
Current Position Governor
Party Affiliation One Cebu, KAMPI

Offices

2004 – 2007 Cebu Province Governor (first woman governor)
2007 – present Cebu Province Governor

Educational Background

Elementary St. Theresa College, Cebu Honor Student
HighSchool St. Theresa College, Cebu Honor Student

College University of the Philippines (Diliman)
Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication

Doctorate Cebu Normal University
Doctor of Humanities

Cebu State College of Science and Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management

Family Background

Father
Pablo P. Garcia Congressman 2^nd District (2007 – present)
Deputy Speaker (2008 - present)
Cebu Governor (1995-2004)
Vice Governor (1969-1971)
Congressman 3^rd District (1987-1995)

Mother
Judge Experanza Fiel-Garcia (Retiree)

Famous Brothers
Pablo John Congressman (2007 – present)
Byron CPDRC, famous for his youtube videos
Winston GSIS President

Trivia

In 2004 Gwen Garcia leads her opponent for the governor’s office with 7,000 votes.
In 2007 she leads in an overwhelming majority leading a half million votes.

The governor filed a libel case against broadcaster and newspaper columnist Leo Lastimosa. Lastimosa published commentaries on allegations raised against the governor at the height of the construction of the multi-million-peso Cebu International Convention Center.

On July 2007 the KBP-Cebu appealed to Garcia to transfer the venue of the civil case from the RTC of Barili towm to Cebu City where she holds office.

Damages suit was dismissed February 2008 for non-compliance with the venue requirement.

The rift between Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Governor Gwen Garcia has been a constant media item for years. Their wrangling and feisty exchange of strong words has caught the attention of every Cebuano. Their dispute was brought by the aftermath of the land swap deal between the province and the city of Cebu that collapsed during the negotiation. Both parties were adamant on their position and considers no compromise.

Sources:
Pablo John Garcia Website
Cebu Governor Profile

3rd Quarter 2008 SWS Survey: President

2008-11-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Third Quarter 2008 Social Weather Survey:
Noli De Castro, Manny Villar, and Loren Legarda
are people's top recommendees for 2010

Social Weather Stations

Vice-President Noli De Castro, Senate President Manny Villar, and Senator Loren Legarda are the top recommended successors to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010, according to the Third Quarter 2008 Social Weather Survey, fielded over September 24-27, 2008.

To the survey question, "Sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang Konstitusyon, ang termino ni Pang. Arroyo ay hanggang sa taong 2010 lamang at magkakaroon ng halalan para sa pagka-pangulo sa Mayo 10, 2010. Sinu-sino sa palagay ninyo ang mga magagaling na lider na dapat pumalit kay Pang. Arroyo bilang Presidente? Maaari po kayong magbanggit ng hanggang tatlong sagot." [Under the present Constitution, the term of Pres. Arroyo is up to 2010 only, and there will be an election for a new President in May 2010. Who do you think are good leaders who should succeed Pres. Arroyo as President? You may give up to three names], 29% named Vice-President De Castro, 28% named Senate President Villar, and 26% named Sen. Legarda.

No list of names was provided to prompt the respondents.

They were followed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson (17%), Sen. Francis Escudero (16%), former President Joseph Estrada (13%), and Sen. Mar Roxas (13%).

The survey found 1% mentioning Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Sen. Mirriam Defensor-Santiago, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Cong. Jose De Venecia, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, and Sen. Pia Cayetano.

Nine percent could not give an answer, and 9% had no one to recommend.

Compared to the previous quarter, those with an increase in mentions were: Senate President Villar, by 3 points, Sen. Escudero, by 2 points, former President Estrada, by 2 points, and Sen. Lacson, by 1 point. The question wording has been exactly the same in the past five quarterly surveys shown in Table 1.

The mentions of Vice-President De Castro's name went down by 2 points, while the mentions of Sen. Legarda and Sen. Roxas were steady.

Survey Background

The Third Quarter of 2008 Social Weather Survey was conducted over September 24-27, 2008 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±2.5% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao, and ±4% for Balance Luzon). The area estimates were weighted by National Statistics Office medium-population projections for 2008 to obtain the national estimates.

The survey item on the recommended leaders to succeed Pres. Arroyo is not commissioned, but is done on SWS's own initiative and released as a public service, with first printing rights assigned to BusinessWorld.

Table 1

7 November 2008

RA 7941 : Party List System Act

2008-11-07T03:31:00.000-08:00

The heart of democracy is the idea that everyone should be heard. In promoting proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives, RA 7941 is enacted. Through this law, registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations or coalitions will have representations in congress. This will enable Filipino citizens belonging to marginalized and under-represented sectors, organizations and parties, and who lack well-defined political constituencies but who could contribute to the formulation and enactment of appropriate legislation that will benefit the nation as a whole.

The Party-List System Act provides the definition of a party list and the conduct of Party list election.

Download RA 7941 Party List System Act

RA 9006 : Fair Election Act

2008-11-07T03:16:00.000-08:00

RA 9006 is enacted to ensure equal access to media time and space. This law aims to promote the equitable right to reply, the right to public information in regards to campaigns to assure a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections.

Media is the main subject of the Fair Election Act. It regulates election propaganda whether on television, cable, radio, prints or any other medium like blogs.It also covers rules on election surveys and polls.

Download RA 9006 Fair Election Act

RA 6646 : Electoral Reforms Law

2008-11-07T02:41:00.000-08:00

Change is inevitable. RA 6646 changed some provisions of the Omnibus Election Code and provide some reforms in the electoral system of the country.

This law is particularly very controlling in the administration of the COMELEC.

Download RA 6646 Electoral Reforms Law

RA 7166 : Synchronized National and Local Elections Act

2008-11-07T02:24:00.000-08:00

RA 7166 provides among others the important dates for the conduct of national and local elections except for the election of barangay chairman or kagawad.

According to this law, there shall be an election for President, Vice-President, twenty-four (24) Senators, all elective Members of the House of Representatives, and all elective provincial, city and municipal officials on the second Monday of May, 1992. Thereafter, the President and Vice-President shall be elected on the same day every six (6) years; while the Senators, elective Members of the House of Representatives and all elective provincial, city and municipal officials shall be elected on the same day every three (3) years, except that with respect to Senators, only twelve (12) shall be elected.

This law supplements to Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines by providing rules in case of contingencies not describe by BP 881.

Download Synchronized National and Local Elections Act

BP 881 : Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines

2008-11-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

The Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines shall govern all election of public officers and to the extent appropriate, all referenda and plebiscites.

This is the main election law of the Republic of the Philippines. It provides for the rules in the conduct of election from registration, filing, campaign, election, canvassing up to proclamation.

Downlad BP 881 or the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines

Blogging 2010 Elections

2008-11-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

Toral: Preparing bloggers for 2010 elections
By Janette Toral
Digital Filipino

LAST Saturday, I presented during the iBlog mini summit, a program for bloggers to get involved in the 2010 elections. Its goal is to discuss issues of importance that will assist voters in deciding who to vote for in 2010. It will tap volunteers to get in-depth 2010 election coverage at the national and local levels.

With a blog site focusing on it, there can be a facility where Filipinos can discuss, compare party platform, and go beyond motherhood statements.

Why do it? There is no website or blog online, at the moment, where issues in relation to the election can be discussed ahead of time. This lack of information makes it hard to decide who to vote for during elections. I think this is also the reason that many Filipinos were not motivated enough to vote and participate in the electoral process.

It is important to involve Filipinos worldwide who are concerned about the future of the country and provide a venue for a discussion of issues of importance for the 2010 elections.

There are also numerous election monitoring groups that have personnel and volunteers capable of blogging. A lot of them have websites or blogs, but many had been unable to maximize the medium.

If this initiatve pushes through, its target audience would include political parties, media, the Comelec, election monitoring groups, independent and volunteer citizen bloggers, and voters.

If the University of the Philippines -Internet Society Program goes ahead with it, the organization can provide training and organize discussions from 2008 to 2010, which would ramp up participation of bloggers in the 2010 elections. Training topics can include election coverage 101, creation of a bloggers and election handbook, information on politicians, platform, parties, critical issues, technologies and tools for election coverage and country case studies, among others.

It can also create a blog aggregator site that can receive feeds from bloggers who have joined or volunteered. It aspires to have a Philippine election map that provides dynamic information, wiki on candidates’ information, videos, podcast, issues monitor, live chat sessions and survey polling experiences, among others.

This initiative won’t overlap with existing ones as it intends to tap the “wisdom of the crowd.” It will work with various interest groups to help make this collaborative project a success.

If done well, this whole exercise can contribute to transparency as raw coverage can be read. There can also be balance as various points of view will be posted as well, to inspire discussion while having the commitment to stick to the truth.