Philippine Councilors League - 1st Day

Philippine Councilors League

3rd Series of 2010 Continuing Local Legislative Education Program

Day 1

for more pics pls click the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42803&id=100000603967895

1st Death Anniversary of Amelia J. Gordon

RICHARD GORDON ON FOOD DONATION ACT

Senator Richard Gordon as Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Food Donation Act of 2009 last May 17, 2010 held at the PNRC headquarters.

Present to witness the significant event were Parañaque Congressman Eduardo Zialcita; PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Acting Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Austere Panaderos; National Nutrition Council (NNC) Executive Director Maria Bernardita Flores; Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP) President Benjamin Abalos, Jr.; and Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) President Humprey O’Leary.

According to Gordon’s closing remarks at the occasion, the Food Donation Act is in fact a breakthrough not only for the PNRC but for the Filipinos as a whole whose 285 peso per day income per family is not enough to feed its 5 family members.

“Hunger has been a chronic problem in the country so I encourage food donations even in normal times as well as in times of catastrophes and emergencies,” said Richard Gordon.

“We are not fostering dependence here. However, the poverty and hunger in the country is growing in absurd proportions that we have to take immediate action and take as much leverage as we can. This measure is not intended to serve as a band-aid solution to the alarming hunger crisis. We also persuade beneficiaries to look for decent employment so that they will become less dependent,” he added.

“Providing food to our underprivileged countrymen is just the start; providing jobs and trainings will be the other half of this program,” pledged Gordon who brought investors and created thousands of jobs in Subic Bay Freeport Zone as the first chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

According to Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr., the Food Donation Act of Sen. Gordon is a big step in addressing the welfare of the less-fortunate members of society.

To be qualified as food donations, food surpluses should pass all quality and labeling standards enforced by laws and regulations to ensure that all excess food and leftovers collected are fit for human consumption.

Signed by President Gloria Arroyo on November 25, 2009, the Food Donation Act is a consolidated version of Gordon’s Senate Bill No. 150 and Parañaque Representative Eduardo Zialcita’s House Bill No. 420

Gordon to voters: Don't choose based on emotions

Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard "Dick" Gordon believes the late former President Corazon Aquino's son Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is not yet ready to take on the presidency as he urged voters not to choose based on emotions.

"Kailangan effective ang leader. Kailangan mamili tayo not based on emotion. Kapag may namatay makiramay tayo, pero kung papasok ang anak... Aralin natin kung kaya ng anak (We need an effective leader. We should not choose based on emotion. If someone died, we sympathize, but if the son wins... Let's think carefully if the son can [effectively lead the country])," Gordon said in an interview over radio dzMM's Magandang Morning with Tin-Tin and Julius Babao on Saturday.

Aquino has been leading in pre-election surveys. He had a 12-percentage point lead over his closest rival, Nacionalista Party's Sen. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. in the presidential survey by Pulse Asia.

Gordon has been lagging behind in the surveys.

Gordon urged the voters to ask themselves: "Can you live with a bad president again?"

He said he has a lot to offer, citing his track record on good governance and effective leadership.

"Para makuha ang best, tingnan ang track record (To get the best, look at their track record)," he said as he enumerated his successes as chairman of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Olongapo City mayor, tourism secretary and chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross.

No bills passed

Gordon also questioned Aquino's effectivity as a lawmaker, claiming that as member of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the LP presidential candidate failed to pass any bill.

"Si Noynoy, wala siyang naipasa. Hindi siguro masigasig sa kanyang mga bill (Noynoy failed to pass any bill. Maybe he's not determined to pass his bills)," he said.

Unlike Aquino, he said he was able to pass sponsored or authored bills, including the Tourism Law, Automated Elections Law, International Humanitarian Law, Pre-Patent Law, the Mindanao Economic Development Authority Law and laws on alternative energy and holiday economics.

Gordon said a lawmaker should eagerly pursue his pet bills, whether authored or sponsored, if he or she is really dedicated to his or her advocacies.

In the "anti-smear" section of Aquino's website, it enumerated the LP candidate's "authored" bills, which are focused on protecting workers' rights, human rights protection and corruption. (http://noynoy.ph/anti-smear/issue/wala-ba-talagang-nagawa-si-noynoy-sa-l...)

None, however, was passed into law.

The site quoted an analysis of Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, professor emeritus at De La Salle University and member of the Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution, on Aquino's legislative record.

“[Senator Aquino] believes that a true working democracy provides not only political freedoms but a better life for all Filipinos. A working democracy must be able to provide jobs, education, social services and equitable economic prosperity for everyone, not just the privileged few."

It added that Aquino is "A man of strong convictions, lived up to his constitutional responsibility as an opposition senator to fiscalize the executive branch of government. Noynoy thoroughly examined the General Appropriations Act for 2009 [and every year without fail since his first term as Congressman] and proposed key amendments to the 2009 GAA that seek to tighten congressional oversight on the executive’s use of public funds." abs-cbnNEWS.com

Gordon to QC court: Stop SWS, Pulse Asia surveys

BAGUMBAYAN Party standard-bearer Senator Richard Gordon yesterday asked the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to stop the Social Weather Station (SWS) and Pulse Asia from further conducting and publishing their surveys regarding the 2010 presidential election.

In a 26-page complaint for damages with application for temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction, Gordon through his legal counsels, Chito Diaz and Carlo Tagalda, also asked the court to order the two survey firms to pay the amount of P500,000 for exemplary damages, P100,000 for nominal and temperate damages and P50,000 for attorney’s fees.

In his complaint, Gordon claimed that upon the start of the campaign period, he together with his running-mate, former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando were always met by huge and enthusiastic crowds who have expressed eager support for them as tried and tested leaders who have a clear vision and platform for the country and its people.

But without regard to their fundamental duty to act with justice and to observe honesty and good faith, Gordon said that the two survey firms, for pecuniary and solely for reasons intended to favor their moneyed clients, have published false, fraudulent, biased and defective surveys which have undermined their campaign and made them as unwinnable contenders for president and vice-president.

In all of the results issued by the two survey firms, Gordon is always ranked a distant fifth among all other presidential candidates while Bayani has only been ranked a poor fourth among the vice-presidential candidates.

Knowing that his continuously low ratings in the surveys of SWS and Pulse Asia were belied by the enthusiasm and approval of the huge crowds which have continuously attended his campaign sorties, Senator Gordon investigated the methods and practices used by the defendants in conducting their surveys.

Gordon, with the aid of his volunteers and noted polling experts, has discovered that the defendants did not use statistically and scientifically sound sampling protocols.

The group of Gordon also discovered that the defendants used methodologies that have long been declared as flawed, outdated and unreliable by majority of the pollsters in the U.S. and advanced countries.

The senator further said that the two survey firms have limited the choice of survey respondents to two candidates and omitted his name and other candidates in some of their interviews.

He also revealed that the two survey forms have allowed politicians to ask their own questions in their surveys for approximately P100,000 per question in addition to their subscription fee ranging from P300,000 to P400,000.

Gordon further contended that without regard to the Fair Election Practices Act and the Code of Professional Standards and Ethical Practices followed by their fellow pollsters, the defendants have failed and still fail and refused to disclose the sponsors who commissioned them, the methodology and sample design used in their surveys, the questions asked and the order they were asked. by Cory Martinez - journal.com.ph

Gordon wins UP mock poll

Bagumbayan presidential bet Senator Richard Gordon on Thursday topped a system-wide mock poll at the University of the Philippines (UP).

Gordon, a UP Law alumnus, garnered 1,236 out of the 3,958 votes cast in a mock election held from March 18-25 in 11 campuses of UP namely: Diliman, Pampanga, Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Tacloban, Manila School of Health Sciences in Leyte, Manila School of Health Sciences in Baler, Mindanao, Open University, and Los Baños.

Gordon was followed by Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro with 923 votes while Nacionalista Party bet Manny Villar Jr had 698 votes.

Senator Benigno Aquino III of Liberal Party is fourth with 591 votes while Bangon Pilipinas’ Bro. Eddie Villanueva had 100 votes, independent candidate Nicanor Perlas got 79 votes, Senator Jamby Madrigal had 32 votes, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino bet former President Joseph Estrada got 22 votes.

Meanwhile, Ang Kapatiran Party bet Olongapo City Councilor JC de los Reyes had 15 votes while disqualified KBL bet financial consultant Vetallano Acosta had three votes.

Earlier, Gordon also topped a mock poll on mass communication students at UP Diliman.

The UP System has 48,860 enrolled students. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)

Richard Gordon unrehearsed, to the tune of ‘In the Jungle’

At the start of the campaign period, presidential aspirant Richard Gordon made one thing clear: "I sing but I don't dance."

One month after, the Bagumbayan standard bearer seemed to have reconsidered his statement. Who would have thought that it would only take two popular Filipino Youtube celebrities—Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill—to change his mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYhfQfHE4E4

In a lip-synched video released on Moymoy’s Youtube site, the 64-year-old senator made a surprise appearance as he danced and sang to the tune of “In the Jungle"—showing the public a glimpse into one side of him that most people never got to see earlier.

Uploaded three days ago, the two-minute video instantly became viral, reaching as much as 50,173 views as of Wednesday evening. Its 500 comments—which were a mixture of praises and disappointment—revealed that most of the viewers wanted to see the soft side of the senator, who is better known for his tough staccato style of talking.

One Youtube user, Kidkilatis, exclaimed: "Panalo (Winner)! It really shows his carefree side. 'Yun yata ang hindi kilala ng nakararaming mga Pilipino (That’s probably what most Filipinos don’t see)."

“This is soo cool," said snakeymcviper040794. “The senator, who is a no-nonsense worker, who's usually very serious, deserves this kind of break! It’s refreshing to see his lighter side,.."

Some disagree, however. Like another Youtube user, notnot0128, who says: "A bit corny, but kudos for the effort, Gordon."

On the campaign trail

Popularly known for being curt and straightforward, Gordon has long been perceived as a strict, no-nonsense leader. When attending presidential forums, he often comes across as a disciplinarian who makes sure that everyone is attentive to his speech. He is quick to react to a noisy audience.

In a campus forum in Zambales on March 19, for example, the Bagumbayan presidential bet was distracted thrice by high school girls who were busy chatting and giggling as he lay down his platforms.

He told them: "Miss, if you are having a conversation there, tatahimik muna ako para marinig ko pinag-uusapan niyo diyan (I will keep quiet for now so I can hear what you are talking about)."

But not all students take him sitting down. In Cagayan City two weeks ago, the tough senator had to take a dose of his own pill. (See: Students grill Gordon in Cagayan Colleges Technology forum)

Watch out for the sequel

Meanwhile, Momoy’s manager, Mitch Razote, said her talents came up with the video because they found Gordon as the “most impressive" presidential aspirant. Moymoy and Roadfill, now talent artists of GMA Network, are known for their comic and lip-synched videos uploaded on YouTube.

Aware of the senator’s tough image, the comic duo thought of ways to “show [Gordon’s] other side," she said.

At first feeling intimidated, Razote said her jitters subsided when she saw Gordon all jolly and up for the shoot. “After a while he’ll make you feel relaxed," she said, adding that they were impressed at how the senator quickly adapted to her talents’ gimmick.

Despite his age, she said, they not have a hard time briefing him on what do.

Everything was “impromptu," Razote said, with the video shoot taking only three minutes using Moymoy’s cellphone. Their satisfaction, perhaps, was encapsulated in the video’s caption which read: “Havin[g] fun time! We didn’t know Senator Gordon would be this cool!"

One thing is for sure, said Razote. Her comic duo will “definitely come up with a sequel" to further feature Gordon and his running mate Fernando.—JV, GMANews.TV, AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV

Rally reminds Olongapo folk of Gordon's 1991 style

OLONGAPO CITY—As the red-shirted man who wants to be the next president took center stage at a campaign rally in his home city of Olongapo, Jesse Cao could not help but remember how this same man, now a senator and Bagumbayan party's standard bearer, inspired him to do volunteer work at a time when the city seemed to be dying.

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, not only did it devastate Olongapo City, but it forced all US forces and their dependents to evacuate from the adjacent Subic naval base. Three months later, the Philippine Senate voted not to ratify a US-RP treaty that would have allowed the continued stay of US bases in the country—thus making the US bases pullout final.

Cao, 40, said Olongapeños nearly lost hope at that point. But Sen. Richard Gordon, who was then city mayor, approached his constituents and mobilized them to volunteer instead of being disheartened.

"Binigyan niya ng kakayahaan para gumawa ng paraan kung papano mapapakinabanngan ang bawat isa (He enabled us to find ways to benefit from each other)," he said.

Cao said he volunteered for six months by looking after the abandoned facility and ensuring that it would not deteriorate like what happened to another US base in Sangley Point, Cavite province when it was turned over to the Philippine government in 1971.

“Wala kaming mga sweldo no’n. Tulong-tulong lang, kasi nakikita naming siya nagta-trabaho din (We did not get salaries then. We just helped each other, since we saw that he was also working like us)," he said.

'He ordered the markets to remain open'

Cao was not alone in his 1991 remembrances. A few seats away from him, also attending Gordon's rally, was 62-year-old Prudy Baylon, who narrated how she was inspired to remain in Olongapo even after the 1991 Pinatubo eruption damaged property, livelihood and morale among city residents.

She and her neighbors were scrambling to leave their homes and start anew in some other city, she recalled, when Gordon told his constituents: "Wag kayong umalis, wag kayong umalis. Nandito pa ako, kasama niyo ako."

"Nagpadala siya ng mga truck, bulldozer, at pinabuksan niya yung mga palengke. Sabi niya (He sent in trucks, bulldozers, and ordered the markets to remain open. He said), do business as usual. Make everything normal," Baylon remembered the senator as saying.

Cao and Baylon were among the rally-goers, estimated at less than a thousand, that showed up to support the Bagumbayan standard bearer and his running mate Bayani Fernando during their first campaign sortie in Gordon’s bailiwick.

Gordon thanked his constituents for their support and their role in developing Olongapo—now considered a model city in Central Luzon.

“Lumabas ang galing ng Pilipinong taga-Olongapo [at] tayo ay nagtagumpay laban sa Pinatubo (We showed them the greatness of Filipinos from Olongapo, and we won against Pinatubo)," he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Before becoming a senator, Gordon served as Olongapo mayor for 13 years. He claims having changed the city—then widely perceived as a “sin city" dependent on the US base—to a “model city" worthy of emulation, and in transforming the base into Subic Freeport that he said generated more than 100,000 jobs.

As of 2007, Olongapo has a population of 227,270, and registered voters of about 99,412 by September 2009.

No huge crowds

The Bagumbayan rally, held at the city’s Rizal Multipurpose Hall, was noticeably lacking in crowd power. The number of people attending the rally filled up less than half of the venue, which police officials say could accommodate 15,000.

In a separate interview with GMANews.TV, Gordon said he was unbothered by the crowd turnout, explaining that his visit to his home city was unexpected and that he did not even plan to hold a rally.

“Biglaan lang yung rally kahapon eh (The rally yesterday was impromptu). We are not supposed to hold a rally. We are just supposed to march eh ginawa nilang rally kaya okay lang (but they turned it into a rally, so it’s fine)," he said.

Baylon, for her part, explained that residents of Olongapo are also busy at work, and that was the reason they failed to attend the event. She added that the advisory about Gordon’s visit was given on short notice.

The Bagumbayan standard bearer, meanwhile, asked his constituents to support him in the May elections as they did in the past. “Panahon na para taga-Olongapo naman ang mamuno (It’s high time that someone from Olongapo is given his turn to lead)," he said, adding that none of the other presidential candidates could match his track record.— AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV

Vice mayor and reelectionist Cynthia Cajudo introduces Bagumbayan standard bearer Richard Gordon and his running mate Bayani Fernando before a throng of supporters during their campaign rally in Olongapo, a city with a very distinctive history and considered as Gordon's bailiwick. Aie B. See

Gordon wants to abolish term limits for local officials

Bagumbayan presidential candidate Richard Gordon intends to scrap term limits for local government officials, through Constitution amendment, in case he’s elected in the May elections.

"Gusto ko longer terms for local officials... sapagkat ang nangyayari pagka two years eh kampanya na ng kampanya. At pagka may limit, pinapalit yung kapatid, anak, asawa. Kalokohan lang ‘yan," he said in the GMA News’ election show “Kandidato

(I want longer terms for local officials… because if it’s only two years, there will be almost constant campaigning. And if term limits are imposed, a sibling, child or spouse merely takes [the outgoing official’s place]. That’s foolishness.)

Under the 1987 Constitution, local elective officials like mayors and governors and Lower House representatives are only allowed to serve three successive three-year terms.

During the interview, Gordon said that if he is elected president, he would push for a change in this constitutional provision. His proposal is for local elective officials to serve six years during their first term, then be allowed to run for unlimited four-year terms thereafter.

He did not elaborate on how to handle problems of synchronizing elections that this scheme would entail.

The Bagumbayan standard bearer, who served as mayor of Olongapo City for 13 years before becoming senator, also said a person or family should not be banned from dominating local politics over a certain area as long as they do not intimidate the people or impose on the electorate.

He added that children of politicians often also grow up to become public servants, since it is human nature for a child to follow the footsteps of his parents. “Basta bumoto ang tao, bakit ko naman ipagkakait (If people vote [that way], why should I prevent them)?" he said.

Gordon comes from a prominent family of Olongapo politicians that has produced five of the city's mayors—his father James Leonard T. Gordon, his mother Amelia, himself, his wife Katherine, and his brother James Jr.

JC de los Reyes, himself an Olongapo councilor and presidential candidate of Ang Kapatiran party, is Gordon's nephew.—Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV

Kate Gordon: Erap pardoned too soon

Former Olongapo City Mayor Kate Gordon believes former President Joseph Estrada should not be in the May 10 presidential race.

She, however, clarified this was her own opinion and not her husband's, Bagumbayan standard-bearer Richard 'Dick' Gordon.

In an interview over ANC's Headstart on Wednesday, Mrs. Gordon also said Estrada was pardoned too soon after he was convicted in 2007 for plunder.

"He had the trial for 6 years, he stayed in Tanay, he was very comfortable in Tanay, and then when the decision came out, I think it was after several months when he was pardoned, I think the opportunity should have been given for people to see that our government and the Filipino people are going to be fair. Everybody is equal in the eyes of the law, no matter if you are president, past president, if you are a general, a magsasaka (farmer) or jeepney driver, no matter who you are. The law should be equal among all," Mrs. Gordon aded.

Sen. Gordon and Estrada clashed in the past.

In 1998, after Estrada became president, he ordered Gordon's removal as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Challenging campaign

Mrs. Gordon, meantime, admitted her husband's campaign is a big challenge to them both since they cannot match the resources of their rivals.

She added that she does not believe in surveys since the 3,000 Filipinos questioned in polls cannot represent the voice of all the voters.

"Minsan, medyo nakakalungkot, yung mindset ng tao sa surveys na lamang, dito na lang tayo maniniwala. Ang surveys kasi, 3,000 the most na yan, 3,000 all over the Philipipines. Supposedly, sa apat na sulok ng Pilipinas na kinukuha ang opinyon ng mga tao. So how can 3,000 people decide for the 40 million plus people that will vote for the presidency?" Mrs. Gordon said.

Some have said Gordon should have sought the presidency years ago, but Mrs. Gordon said her husband was still preoccupied with the conversion of Subic from a military base to a free port economic zone.

"It wasn't finished yet. Subic is like 187 hectares. It could provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, and at that time, there were only about 25,000 (jobs). We lost 45,000, marami pa ang humihingi na ipagpatuloy pa ang liderato ni Dick Gordon. It was a difficult decision," she said.

Despite their difficulties in this year's presidential race, Mrs. Godon said both she and her husband are bent on finishing their campaign. By Joel Caballero, ANC

GORDON: ELECTION SURVEYS ARE JUST PROPAGANDA

(STAR) Bagumbayan presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday said surveys conducted by various polling firms are mere propaganda.

In a roundtable discussion with STAR editors and reporters, Gordon said voters should not base their decisions on survey results but on the track record of candidates.

“The surveys are nothing but propaganda. We cherish our electoral process which is very transparent. We vote, they count. I have proven that through automated elections,” he said.

Gordon said the survey firms should publish the names of people who commissioned the surveys.

“In the surveys, they don’t even publish who are paying for these surveys. They must. I demand that they show it. Every presidential candidate, every senator, every congressman, they must show. I demand it. In the United States, they do that,” he said.

Gordon also questioned the method used in the conduct of surveys, pointing out that when he ran for the Senate in 2004, the surveys placed him way out of the winning circle but he was elected anyway, even without votes from the Iglesia ni Cristo.

“I was number 29 when I ran for the Senate and landed number 5 even without the Iglesia. How can I believe that (survey results)?” he said.

Gordon said it is hard to believe that he has an approval rating of only one percent in the surveys when he got 13 million votes when he ran for the Senate.

“They have surveyed 1,500 people. Have you met anyone who was surveyed? How can I get only one percent when I got 13 million votes last time? I think at least I’ll get 10 out of 100,” he said.

Gordon said that in the previous presidential election, President Arroyo was supposed to win over her closest rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr. in the metropolis. But when the votes were counted, Poe won in all of Metro Manila except Las Piñas.

“We are enriching the people who do the surveys,” he said, adding that one of the owners of a survey firm now reportedly has a big house in an upscale subdivision.

“Who are running the surveys? What questions are they asking? Is my name even there?” he said. – By Mike Frialde

Gordon eyes 24/7 offices

Bagumbayan-volunteers for a New Philippines Party standard bearer Sen. Richard Gordon, yesterday said that when elected president, he will require key government offices, including the Office of the President, to be open 24 hours a day, a press release from his office said.

Gordon, speaking before students of the Central Philippines University in Iloilo City, said that the first step in curbing corruption is the prompt reporting of an incident, adding that a 24-hour government office would ensure that the people can report all sorts of crime at any time of the day.

The Bagumbayan Party presidential candidate said eradicating corruption is a two-way scheme. The government must go after the culprits, but the public must also “blow the whistle” when they see something irregular or illegal, Gordon said in the press release.

He added that he would be a president who is very accessible to the people so that when the public’s concerns are not given proper and immediate attention, they can go straight to the president.

Crime and corruption are eradicated when there is effective governance, which could be attained if the government is focused, fast, friendly, flexible, and forward-looking, Gordon added

Gordon vows to make RP investor-friendly

Bagumbayan presidential candidate Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon wants to replicate what he did in Olongapo and at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the whole country if he becomes the next President of the Philippines.

In a roundtable discussion with editors, columnists and reporters of The Philippine STAR yesterday, Gordon said he would create an environment that would make the Philippines investor-friendly. This, he said, is the formula that spurred economic growth in Olongapo and in the Subic economic zone.

Gordon, a lawyer and a degree holder of history and government, served as founding chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from 1992 to 1998. He served twice as mayor of Olongapo City from 1980 to 1986 and from 1988 to 1993.

He said that to attract investors, the government must put in place the proper infrastructure and must be consistent with its policies.

Gordon noted that when he headed Subic, he was able to bring in global freight companies FedEx, United Parcel Service and DHL. This, he said was done by providing them adequate infrastructure such as roads, runways, airports and seaports.

As such, he believes that there is a need to put the proper linkages between growth areas in the provinces and in Metro Manila. This would also help decongest Metro Manila so that population growth wouldn’t be overtaking economic growth.

There would also be strong communication between local government units and the national government to ensure that policies are consistent.

“We have to have consistency. We can’t change rules in the middle because we can’t attract investors. We won’t be able to grow,” Gordon said.

He also said that in building the necessary infrastructure projects, his government would enter into Build-Operate-Transfer contracts with the private sector so that state resources can be used in other areas.

“We will have BOT projects. We won’t use government money,” Gordon said.

He believes the Philippines needs a steady growth of seven to nine percent to be able to create the “impetus” for change.

Gordon, who is running on a transformational platform, said he would also overhaul the current system in the country where only the oligarchs have control over the resources of government.

“The oligarchy does nothing but accumulate wealth,” he said. This paves the way for a system of patronage among the country’s political leaders, he added.

“We have to break this cycle,” he said.

Speaking on specific areas of the economy, Gordon said, he would prioritize agricultural growth by investing in irrigation facilities.

In the area of power, he said President Arroyo must be made accountable on the current power crisis and must be asked to explain why it is happening.

He said his government would promote the use of alternative energy and is even willing to look into tapping nuclear energy to resolve the crisis.

Gordon, who served as secretary of tourism from 2001 to 2004 said he would continue to make the Philippines an attractive tourism destination.

Citing Singapore and Hong Kong as ideal models in the region, Gordon said that if he becomes president, he would make the Philippines the one with the “cleanest and most honest government in Asia.” By Iris C. Gonzales (The Philippine Star)

Nothing wrong with Gordon's ads, says Red Cross executive

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in the Philippines yesterday said there’s nothing wrong with the political advertisement of presidential candidate Sen. Richard Gordon showing his achievements as chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

ICRC in the Philippines head Jean-Daniel Tauxe said it is normal for politicians to show their achievements during campaigns. He said many Red Cross officers are in politics.

“We have to make it clear that he is not a Red Cross candidate; that should be kept in mind,” Tauxe said in a media briefing at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Ortigas.He said Red Cross officials should always remember that the organization is an international one and they should be impartial.

“We had already discussed it with Sen. Gordon and he told us what it means,” Tauxe said.

Gordon’s 30-second advertisement, which started airing late last year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RWnXiW2nuo), uses the Christmas song “Silent Night” and shows Gordon attending to evacuees from the rumbling Mayon Volcano, the victims of the Christmas Eve fire at the Pasay-Makati border, and victims of the sinking of the M/V Baleno off the coast of Mindoro Oriental on Dec. 26.

By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)

It also has the slogan “Hindi Natutulog si Dick Gordon (Dick Gordon does not sleep).”

Gordon is standard-bearer of the Bagumbayan Party with former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando as his running mate.

GORDON: unity, stability and transformation

Palace hopefuls to business: Investment-friendly climate

Bets zero in on curbing corruption, reducing transaction cost

PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS yesterday wooed business leaders by promising an investment-friendly business climate.

Speaking at a presidential forum organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI), the candidates vowed to lower the cost of doing business and streamlining procedures.

Only six candidates were present: Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III of the Liberal Party, former president Joseph E. Estrada of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Senator Richard J. Gordon of Bagumbayan, former Defense secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. of Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats, evangelist Eduardo C. Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas and Senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr. of the Nacionalista Party.

Four candidates did not confirm their attendance, said organizers. They were: Vetallano Acosta (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan), Senator Ma. Ana Consuelo A. S. Madrigal (independent), Nicanor Jesus P. Perlas III (independent) and John Carlos G. delos Reyes (Ang Kapatiran).

Mr. Teodoro said: "My policy would be to engage the private sector in synergic dialogues and make sure that the measures that have evolved out of these dialogues would be implemented."

He also promised to secondary and tertiary education "so that at postgraduate level they would become efficient members of the private sector," build major thoroughfares to ship goods and simplify business procedures.

For his part, Mr. Villar said he would focus on tourism development, the entry of foreign investments and strengthening labor-intensive sectors.

"The next President should be a good marketing man who is extremely competitive, he said, adding he would prioritize the rationalization of fiscal incentives.

Mr. Aquino, who is tied at the top with Mr. Villar in independent surveys, said his first priority is to eliminate graft and corruption and strengthen law enforcement.

"I will also offer tax breaks for businesses... for example for those that import raw material, VAT (value-added tax) will be imposed at point of sale and not at the time of manufacture," he said.

Mr. Villanueva echoed the war against corruption. "What’s important is the character, will and integrity to implement policies."

He noted the importance of revitalizing the domestic market by providing financial assistance to small and medium enterprises.

Mr. Estrada, who was ousted in 2001 on plunder charges, told businessmen that track record is more important over yet-to-be fulfilled promises.

"During my time we have attained the status of being food self-sufficient. Also during my time there were low levels of kidnapping and carnapping... Are we better off today than in 2000 when I was your President?"

Mr. Gordon, former Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman, zeroed in on a three-way platform: unity, stability and transformation.

"First I would unite the country, stop the war in Mindanao, for there can never be real economic progress for the country if not all issues in all parts of the country are addressed, and I would address corruption and poverty to be able to provide stable living conditions for the citizens. Finally, I would venture on the road to transformation by investing in education and inculcating the value of work ethic in Filipinos," he said.

The presidential candidates also noted the importance of consistency in policies so as not to drive away foreign investments.

Asked about their position on the P7.3-billion tax row between the Bureau of Customs and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., all said they are against indiscriminate changes in business policies.

On the issue of amending the Constitution to afford foreigners more access to land, education, professions and the media, all favored adjusting the foreign ownership base to include all proposals except land, which they said, should be reserved for Filipinos.

Miguel B. Varela, PCCI chairman emeritus and head of the organizing committee said in his opening statement, "Job generation, economic recovery, poverty alleviation, and business competitiveness are some of the most pressing issues that the country is facing today. It is important that the next President has definite strategies on how to address these concerns." -- J. F. S. Valdez - bworldonline.com

Gordon to do a Cory, plans not to live in Malacañang

Bagumbayan standard bearer Richard Gordon on Friday said he might not reside in Malacañang Palace should he win the presidency in May—the same thing that the late President Corazon Aquino did more than 20 years ago.

Instead, Gordon said he has been thinking of moving the seat of power "somewhere in Central Luzon"—most probably in Clark Field in Pampanga province, one of the country’s free ports that is being promoted as "hub for the Asian operations of various medium-sized and larger companies."

"I probably would not want to stay in Malacañang Palace," he said at a forum held in St. Paul University in Manila. "I don’t like it. I do not like to live there."

Central Luzon is the third biggest region in the country in terms of registered voters, after Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

Bagumbayan presidential bet Richard Gordon, shown here on the first day of his campaign sortie, says he is not interested in living in Malacañang if he gets elected. Aie Balagtas See

Gordon said the Palace, located in Manila’s exclusive San Miguel district along the Pasig river, was not a "very good place" as an official residence of the president as it was not very accessible to the public.

He added that the Office of the President should be near the people, and vowed to be an “accessible president" if elected into office.

Gordon’s proposal was reminiscent of what Mrs. Aquino did during her stint as president from 1986 to 1992.

Saying she and her family were mere “guests" in Malacañang, Aquino had refused to live in the Palace, and instead chose an old house in the neighborhood—what has come to be known as the Arlegui guest house, where windows were not even bullet-proof.

Aquino was catapulted into power through a people's uprising against the Marcos administration. She is considered an icon of democracy and the country's most loved president, according to a recent survey by Pulse Asia.

However, it was also during Aquino's term that Gordon, who was then mayor of Olongapo, was removed from office. A year later, he joined the campaign against the 1987 Constitution by framed by the Aquino-appointed constitutional convention.

There has been several proposals to relocate the seat of government in neighboring provinces.

Late last year, then acting Public Works and Highways Secretary Victor Domingo said there were suggestions to move the seat of government to Pampanga, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's home province, after cyclone Ondoy caused heavy flooding in Metro Manila last September.—JV, GMANews.TV

Gordon and Fernando 'the transformers' get their act on the road

Historic Imus town in Cavite province was right at the center of the old Philippine revolution against Spain. It was here that the Philippine flag was first seen waving in the thick of battle.

Now, two politician-administrators who pride themselves as "modernizers" have chosen this same town to launch their campaign to win the Philippines' top two posts in the coming May elections, and apply to the entire country what they say they achieved in Olongapo City and Marikina City, respectively.

At their proclamation rally in Imus on Tuesday, Bagumbayan standard bearer Sen. Richard Gordon and his running mate Bayani Fernando vowed to take their "Transformers" image seriously, and improve the education system and provide modernization to ensure progress for the country.

'Infrastructure czar'

Addressing the question of the Sangley Point port facility, Gordon wisely chose to focus on his now-familiar theme of taking a seemingly hopeless case and turning it into a success story.

He said among the first thing he would rehabilitate in Cavite once elected was Sangley Point, and modernize it into a container port. Projects like this, he said, would generate jobs for the people.

Gordon has repeatedly claimed that among his biggest achievements so far was the conversion of the huge Subic Bay Naval Base, a huge US naval facility adjacent to Olongapo City, into the Subic Bay Freeport under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Sangley Point, a former US naval base in Cavite, was turned over much earlier to the Philippine government in 1971 but quickly deteriorated thereafter.

In that regard, Gordon said he would appoint Fernando, former chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, as "infrastructure czar" that would oversee all the government projects for modernization, including railways and roads.

Fernando, an engineer by profession, stressed the need to provide modernization in the country, which would include construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure, which he said would benefit the poor.

But the former MMDA chair said he was not really eyeing any specific position in the government apart from serving as vice-president, and would gladly accept any post where he could help.

P40,000 teacher's salary

According to Gordon, the use of "mahirap (poor)" is already "panis (out of fashion)" and instead, the people should be empowered.

He reiterated the need to improve the country's deteriorating education system to enable the country to produce "smarter" citizens that could compete with neighboring countries.

He further said that through proper education the people would be given a chance to hone their skills and make them more competitive in the market.

He likewise vowed to raise the salary of teachers to P40,000 from the current P10,000 should he win in May.

"Hahanguin namin kayo sa kahirapan. Aalisin namin kayo sa putikan. Magiging marangal ang bawat Pilipino (We will lift you out of poverty. We will pull you out of the quagmire. Every Filipino will become honorable)," echoed Fernando.

Nonetheless, both leaders reminded the people that initiative and the willingness to cooperate with the government are essential to achieving progress.

A bit of theatrics allowed

Among the 5,000 people who attended the duo's three-hour proclamation rally were musician-singer-actress Aiza Seguera, Filipino comic and singing duo Moymoy Palaboy, and aspiring actor Mueggie Cobarrubios.

Fernando earlier said their team doesn't have funds to splurge on celebrities but they welcome those who would volunteer to endorse.

For a brief moment, the political stage turned into a theatrical one after performers from Marikina city sang and danced for the crowd. The appreciative audience also cheered as Fernando sang the classic plebeian song Pitong Gatang and later serenaded his wife Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando.

The stage was also filled with the tandem's tarpaulin streamers carrying the slogan "Tama na ang salita, iboto ang gagawa (Enough of talk, vote for the men of action)!"

The plaza also became a hub for street vendors who grabbed at the opportunity to earn money.

The promises of Gordon and Fernando, who called themselves "transformers" and brought along a towering Transformer dummy robot for their first campaign sortie to drive home their point, generated various reactions from the audience. Others cheered and applauded them, while some were left wanting.

A 14-year-old Cavitena who went to the rally, although she was way below the voting age, said she was still unsure if she would endorse the Gordon-Fernando team to her parents.

"Parang hindi pa po ako impressed (I don't feel impressed yet)," she said.

But those from the cities of Olongapo and Marikina, where Gordon and Fernando first honed their skills as no-nonsense mayors, thought otherwise.

Gloria Mohammed of Olongapo said she has already witnessed the leadership of Gordon up close and could vouch for his effectiveness.

"Definitely I will vote for him and Bayani, kasi magkapareho sila (because they're similar). They are teaching the people to be self-reliant and effective," she said.

Cresencia Conde, 69, echoed this, saying that in Olongapo, Gordon provided the citizens with decent living. "Malay mo, pag siya naupo, mas madagdagan pa (If he becomes president, who knows, maybe we'll have more of that)."

Rey Quebec said he was unsure if he would give Senator Gordon his vote. Nonetheless, former MMDA chairman Fernando has already won his vote. "Naniniwala ako kay Fernando. Nandito ako para sa kanya (I believe in Fernando. I'm here for him)."

But Trece Martires resident Gloria Fulgencio had a different reason for considering the duo: because what they advocate is different from the rest. "Walang mawawala kung pipili ka naman ng iba na talagang committed sa pagbabago (You don't lose anything if you chose someone different this time, someone truly committed to change)."—JV, GMANews.TV

Lyceum mock poll shows Gordon most capable

Senator Richard Gordon, standard-bearer of the Bagumbayan party, is the most capable among presidential aspirants in the 2010 elections, a poll from the Lyceum of the Philippines showed.

Gordon received the highest number of votes during a mock election that followed the Lyceum Presidential Forum last Wednesday which was attended by students from different universities, foreign diplomats and business leaders.

Gordon received 59 votes, followed by Gilbert Teodoro (23), Sen. Benigno Aquino III (20), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (17), Nicanor Perlas (10), Former President Joseph Estrada (9), Sen. Manny Villar (7), and Olongapo Councilor JC Delos Reyes (2).

During the forum, Gordon explained his policy of governance and sent a clear message that everyone must take part in transforming the nation and breaking free from a transactional society.

“When I look at governance I always think in terms of vision, values, volunteerism equals victory. To my mind, leaders ought to know where they are going. They have to uplift the level of values, of dignity, of behavior and performance of their people; uplift not just the standard of living, but also the standard of values; not just making them receive the hand-out, but making sure that all hands are carrying the load of the nation,” he said.

Gordon said the Philippines is faced with many challenges, primarily the cycle of disaster and poverty, ongoing war in Mindanao, and corruption not just in the government but in the whole society which should be solved by the country's next leader.

He explained that these problems can be solved by a government that is focused, fast, friendly, flexible and forward-looking, but the people should start selecting worthy and true leaders in the 2010 elections.

Gordon also presented his governance agenda, which included his top six policies: (1) Responsible budget deficit reduction program by minimizing fraud, waste and abuse, while maximizing revenues and services; (2) Burden-sharing by forging genuine partnership with local government units and the private sector; (3) Investing in people by ensuring quality population through quality education; (4) Disaster proofing the nation to end the cycle of disaster and poverty; (5) Strong political will and leadership by example; and (6) Re-engineering the government through a system of meritocracy.

“This is how Gordon’s governance will be. People must be part of the process of change. I will try to explain my vision to the people. Vision is a mental picture of the future which is certainly better than what is today. Vision will require challenges; work ethic, a sense of duty, dignity and determination are required for us to achieve our vision,” he said. By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN - Manila Bulletin

Gordon: It's the record of service that matters, the real survey is still on May 10, 2010

More than the surveys that appear left and right, it is the record of service that truly matters, Senator Richard Gordon, the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Party standard-bearer, said.

Gordon, who was one of the presidential aspirants present at the Kilalanin Presidential Forum at the De La Salle-Zobel in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, said that the qualifications and track record of a candidate is what the electorate must look into, adding that the real survey is still on May 10.

"Kung maniniwala tayo sa mga surveys ngayon, eh di huwag na tayo mag-eleksyon, magpa-survey na lang tayo. Ang tunay na survey ay 'yung survey sa May 10, yung lahat bibilangin, hindi lamang 1,200 (respondents)," he said.

Gordon explained that when he ran for Senator in 2004, he was number 29 in the surveys, but after the elections, he placed number five.

He said that the people had chosen him based on what he has done--as mayor of Olongapo, founding chairman of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and secretary of Tourism--and not on money, pedigree or popularity.

"Hindi ako umasa sa mga malalaking tao, walang malalaking grupo ang sumama sa akin, pero ni-respeto ng tao ang record ko. It is your record of service, your track record and not the surveys, that matters. Kaya mo ba yung trabaho? Bago ka ba umalis sa probinsiya mo naayos mo ba ang bayan mo?" Gordon stressed.

He added that surveys could even lead to "regulatory capture" because several rich or powerful individuals, who seek to protect their personal interests and maintain their place in the society, tend to support a candidate who they think has the biggest chance to win based on surveys.

"Minsan habang lalo kang tumataas sa survey, mas madaming malalaking tao ang nagbibigay sa 'yo ng pera, kaya malaki na ang utang na loob mo sa kanila ngayon. Kaya ang surveys madali yan. Kung may pera ka, magpa-survey ka. Magpalabas ka ng madaming advertisements, sikat ka. Pero ang talagang survey ay yung survey ng taongbayan sa May 10," said Gordon.

Gordon's Free Patent bill OK’d

CONGRESS has ratified the Free Patent bill which would allow 39 million Filipinos, mostly low-and-middle income individuals, to legally obtain title to the lands they have been possessing for at least 10 years now.

Sen. Richard Gordon, author of Senate Bill 3429 or an Act Reforming the Administrative Titling Process, said the measure will ease the requirements and procedures in the titling of residential and commercial land.

“Many landowners, despite possession of their land, have only rights or tax declaration due to the high cost, long delay and inconvenient procedures of judicial titling,” he said.

Under the present law, residential and commercial landholders can acquire a title only through the court, which would entail hiring of a lawyer, paying for a survey, securing testimonies from neighbors, clearances from the barangay and filing of a court petition, among others.

Gordon said this situation, where many land parcels remain untitled, make for bad economics because landowners cannot secure loans using their property for business and home improvement.

“Without a title, landowners will not be secure in their possession, becoming victims of illegally issued land titles by criminal syndicates,” he said, adding that the Chamber of Thrift Banks and the Makati Business Club have been anticipating the enactment of the Free Patent Act which is seen to benefit the economy.

“This measure is expected to stimulate bank lending with better collateral, allowing homeowners’ access to credit in banking institutions,” said Pascual Garcia III, president of CTB, in his letter to Gordon.

Alberto Lim, MBC executive director, said titled land has more value than untitled land. This will increase the local government’s tax base.

“Aside from more business tax, there will also be more legitimate property transactions so the take from transfer fees, documentary stamps, and capital gains taxes will increase,” he said. By: Bernadette E. Tamayo - Peoples Journal