Kapatiran Presidential bet JC interviewed at ANC

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Olongapo Councilor JC delos Reyes, Presidential standard bearer of Kapatiran Party in Hot Seat interview at ANC Dateline

Related articles on JC & Ang Kapatiran (follow links)

1. Kapatiran’s lone winner keeps party’s flame burning

2. Kapatiran taps simple man with moral duty, KAYA NATIN!

3. Ang Kapatiran website

4. Ang Kapatiran: Birth of a Political Party

5. Renewing the Filipino Political Culture

Jousting with the windmill

Andress Hagad - SunStar

“JC WHO?” might very well be the question the average Filipino voter will ask when told that JC de los Reyes will be one of the candidates for president during the 2010 national elections. The name will certainly ring no bell in the mind of most voters, and well it should not because prior to his announcement last Saturday Mr. John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes was just a city councilor in Olongapo, Pampanga.

JC is neither a practical joker nor a lunatic. A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila and of De La Salle – Zobel, he is a sober and successful businessman, a nephew of Senator Richard Gordon. By his own description a simple man with a moral duty, JC de los Reyes was nominated to run for the presidency by the Kapatiran Party which, judging from its past record, is hands-down and thumbs-up the most moral political party in the Philippines today.

Founded by Mr. Nandy Pacheco during the 2007 national and local elections, Kapatiran then fielded three senatorial candidates: Dr. Martin Bautista, Atty. Zosimo Paredes and Adrian Sison. All three were devout Roman Catholics, successful professionals and as far from the image of the legendary Don Quixote as black is from white. The Party was formed to be the model of what the ideal political party should be (with clean, law-abiding, moral party members, and with a clearly-defined set of party principles), organized to give the Filipino electorate an alternative choice to the traditional politicians that is our daily fare during elections.

In 2010, Kapatiran will attempt to field candidates in both national and local government positions, the better to make its advocacy more visible to the ordinary voter. It will not be lacking in challenges. Even in the local sphere, in the provinces, cities and municipalities, Kapatiran is relatively unknown.

Ninety-five percent of its candidates will probably be first-timers in politics as traditional politicians, the trapos, will never fit into the mold of principles that it has set for prospective members. But the political face that it will present will certainly be refreshing, candidates who can pass the test of morality, integrity and professionalism that ought to be the trademark of all politicians.

It is a testament to how far we still need to travel to reach political maturity that political parties like Kapatiran and candidates like JC de los Reyes appear like Don Quixotes jousting with the seemingly-impregnable windmill. On the other hand, change will come only if more and more people believe like JC, that the windmill is man-made and can be broken by men and women with the resolve to break it down.

From the bottom of Bottomline’s heart, kudos to KC de los Reyes and to the Kapatiran Party!

Related articles on JC

1. http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/search/label/jc

2. http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/search?q=jc+

3. Ang Kapatiran website

Updates on Scarlet Garcia's murder

JC Parker gives updates on Scarlet Garcia's murder

The grisly murder of Viva Hot Babe Scarlet Garcia, 23, in Olongapo City made tabloid headlines and made people think on who would want to murder Scarlet to the extent of even killing her three companions and burning their apartment with the bodies inside.

THE MURDER SCENE. It all happened at 3:00 a.m., Thursday, when the people of Golden Heights, Olongapo City, got the news of a burning home unit reported by a neighbor. The responding firefighters expected nothing more than easily-controllable fire, but they got the shock of their lives when they found out that it was more than a case of arson.




It was massacre, with the bullet-ridden bodies of Scarlet Garcia, her live-in partner George Castro, Jr., Scarlet's cousin Rachelle Estacio, and Rachelle's boyfriend Van Mark Mandehas. Scarlet and Rachelle were discovered in the bathroom on the second floor of the three storey townhouse unit, while the two men were found in the sala.

In an attempt to conceal the murder, the people responsible tried to burn the place.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN SHOCK. Scarlet's mom, Tess Bouffard could only grimace, "Malalim yung galit nung tao [killer], e. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng nangyari, kung bakit naging ganito. Tinawagan ako ni JC [Parker], sabi niya, kasi tinawagan si JC nung best friend ni Scarlet na tawagan ako. Puntahan ko raw si Scarlet sa Olongapo. Sa pagkarinig ko, yung sunog, e, yung sa kapitbahay ni Scarlet. Sabi naman ng anak ko [younger sibling of Scarlet], ‘Ma, paano naman masusunog, e, wala naman kapit-bahay si Ate.'"

Scarlet by the way, was a member of the Viva Hot Babes for two years, with JC Parker as co-manager. Scarlet is Danilo Barrio's first cousin, JC's ex-boyfriend. JC herself was shocked upon hearing about the murder.

"Akala ko nga natutulog sa bahay, 'tapos nasunog yung bahay," JC started. "Yun yung pagkakaintindi ko, e. Kasi umiiyak siya [Scarlet's best friend] nung tumawag siya. Natataranta. Sabi niya, tawagan sina Tita, si Mommy, papuntahin doon. Yung mommy ni Scarlet, tinawagan ko at sinabi ko na pumunta sa bahay ni Scarlet, nasusunugan yata sila. So, pagpunta roon, e, iba ang nakita nila."


When Scarlet's mom arrived at the scene, she was confronted by a traffic enforcer, who said that it was indeed Scarlet's body.

"Sabi ko anak ko yun," Scarlet's mom said when the traffic enforcer informed her of the real news. Mrs. Bouffard, because of shock, can't find the strength to come up and see Scarlet's body. "Ayokong umakyat, ayokong makita yung anak ko."

Close friends of the Hot Babe can't find any reason or motive behind the killings, but JC has one theory:

"Kasi ang kuwento, nagba-buy and sell yung boyfriend ni Scarlet, e. Nakabenta yata ng kotse. Hindi ko alam, kung ano'ng nangyari kasi, kung bakit naging ganito. Masama, e. Brutal. Malalim yung pinanggalingan nung galit nung tao [killer or killers], e. May mga narinig akong kuwento-kuwento, pero I can't say anything unless may report na talaga. Mahirap magbintang."

LOVE AS MOTIVE FOR MURDER. The Olongapo City police have formed up a task force in investigating the murder case. Love triangle and old death-threats to Scarlet's life are possible angles already considered by the task force as priority leads.

JC'S PHONE INTERVIEW. Startalk was able to contact JC through phone for a couple of updates regarding the murder investigation. Startalk host Joey de Leon asked about how the investigation was faring.


"Meron pong task force para po sa mabilis na usad ng inbestigasyon ng kaso," JC said. "Marami po kasing anggulong tinitignan yung pulis. Parang, may nabubuo silang story. Ang gulo po talaga. Kasi po ako, 'pag napapakinggan ko'ng explanations nila, sumasakit ulo ko sa kanila, e."

"Okey, uminom ka ng gamot," a concerned Joey replied. "Ano'ng susunod n'yong hakbang, at yung magulang nina Scarlet?"

JC made a shocking revelation. "Kasi po yata pati yung magulang, e, nagkakaroon ng threats. Yung mommy ni Scarlet may threat na rin. So, ngayon humihingi kami ng proteksyon sa pulis na bantayan kami sa lamay kasi may mga umiikut-ikot po na sasakyan sa bahay nila."

"Meron ka bang mensahe para sa mga kinauukulan," Joey automatically asked.

JC's breaking voice answered, "Tulungan nyo po kami, at sana po huwag po nating tigilan ang kaso hangga't hindi po naso-solve at hindi nabibigyan ng justice yung Rachelle at si Scarlet." Elyas Isabelo Salaga - PEP.PH

===

Police uniform, cap found in slain FHM model’s car


A police uniform and a ball cap were found by investigators inside the car owned by massacre victim Viva Hot Babe member and FHM magazine model Scarlet Garcia, said a report received by ABS-CBN News Saturday.

The police uniform reportedly belongs to Senior Police Officer 1 Leopoldo Vitug who is assigned at the National Capital Region-Traffic Management Office (NCR-TMO) and reportedly a cousin of Jorge Vitug Castor Jr., one of the victims in the massacre.

The report said that Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, group director of the Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group in Camp Crame, admitted Vitug is indeed an operative of the NCR-TMO. He reportedly said the uniform found by the investigators was borrowed by Castor apparently to avoid arrest in case of a traffic violation while traveling in Metro Manila.

"What Vitug told me is that the uniform was borrowed by Castor," Palad said over the phone. He said Vitug is still reporting for work because no complaint or whatsoever have been filed against the policeman, said the report.

"Wala naman kaso yung tao ko, bakit ko naman ire-restrict," Palad pointed out.

Task Force Scarlet, the investigating panel formed by the Olongapo City police to undertake an in-depth probe on the March 13 massacre, found the uniform inside the car of Garcia and a ball cap.

Castor, and Von Mark Fondejas were found Thursday by responding firefighters lying face down at the receiving room of Apartment 52-B located in Acacia St., Gordon Heights, Olongapo City, while Garcia and his cousin Rachel Estacio, were locked inside the comfort room, all bore bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Earlier, Senior Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, Olongapo City police chief, told reporters that his men are eyeing love triangle and vengeance as possible the motives behind the murder. ABS-CBN

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/fhm-model-three-others-killed-in.html

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/cops-find-indications-of-sexual.html

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/cops-eye-scorned-love-behind-olongapo.html

http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2008/03/cops-form-task-force-scarlet.html

Opinions on JC, Ang Kapatiran and CBCP

Did CBCP intend to rebuke Ang Kapatiran?
ENTHUSIASMS&FOREBODINGS
By Rene Q. Bas - Manila Times


MOST Catholics who try to live their faith—and respect their bishops—are hoping the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) did not deliberately mean to tell the Philippine electorate that Ang Kapatiran’s people and efforts are worthless.

That, sadly, the latest pastoral letter signed on July 12 by CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo does. The absence in the pastoral letter of even a passing oblique reference to that zealously Catholic-doctrine-guided political party made up of laypersons is an insult to the founders, officers and candidates of Ang Kapatiran. It implies that the Philippine bishops do not acknowledge its existence.

Worse, it also could be a rebuke. For it can be read to mean that the bishops do not think the Kapatiran people are “those who are competent, persons of integrity, and committed to change” whom the CBCP are calling on “to get involved directly in principled partisan politics, and become candidates for political election, aware that the common good is above the good of vested interests.”

Act of injustice

That the pastoral letter did not advert to AK, even without mentioning it’s name, is an act of injustice to Ang Kapitiran’s candidate for president, John Carlos Gordon de los Reyes.

JC is the son of the late Sonny de los Reyes, who was president of the Catholic National Council for the Laity and became a good example of a layman who struggled to be a good Catholic. His mother is Barbara Gordon de los Reyes, who, to many touched by her apostolic labors and personal kindness is an example of how to be a Marylike person.

An accomplished man, JC is the nephew of Sen. Dick Gordon. I’m almost sure Dick is not too pleased with his nephew’s presidential run considering that he himself has his eyes on the presidency.

JC de los Reyes is Kapatiran’s candidate because he is convinced it is his moral duty. He considers it his response to the CBCP’s repeated calls for men and women who “are competent, persons of integrity, and committed to change to get involved directly in principled partisan politics, and become candidates for political election, aware that the common good is above the good of vested interests.”

JC is the only Ang Kapatiran candidate who won in the 2007 elections when he ran for councilor in Olongapo. Without a doubt he won not because of his party but because the people of Olongapo love the Gordons—especially his Auntie Kate and Grandma Amelia.

He is giving the kind of speeches the Kapatiran people give: Bring the Christian virtues to politics and governance.

That is exactly what the CBCP has been saying in its pastoral letters about Philippine democracy, even in the post-WW II elections. The message has just been more pointedly made these past nine years of the Arroyo dispensation.

Original, stricter message

The Kapatiran message, is the original and a stricter version of the Kaya Natin! message. Have good men and women who live their Catholic faith run against the political lords—even if they are not sure of winning. Running against the undesirable politicians is a moral duty. Giving speeches against the bad governance and fraudulent ways of the trapos is a moral duty, like doing what John the Baptist did when he spoke out against the corruption of King Herod.

I understand the CBCP’s reluctance to acknowledge the existence of Kaya Natin! In the first place, Gov. Among Ed Panlilio, who is personally convinced that running for president and abandoning the priesthood, came to him after deep prayer and meditation, is violating canon law. That could be seen as a demerit that makes him a person of doubtful integrity­—even if he looks angelically pure beside his enemies in Pampanga.

But the bishops should have given a thought to the heroic stand of Ang Kapatiran.

Its founder Nandy Pacheco is so zealously pro-Life (he founded the Gunless Society too) that he could not bring himself and his Ang Kapatiran to cooperate with another moral-politics movement because the latter is not willing to adopt the Catholic Church’s pro-Life doctrine. In fact, one of Ang Kapatiran’s requirements for anyone who wants to be a member or be adopted as its candidate for any position is to accept the moral and social teachings of the Church. And Nandy does not even want to whine about it and say anything against the bishops.

Did Archbishop Lagdameo and whoever else helped draft this CBCP apostolic letter simply not even know of Ang Kapatiran’s existence and that it has been pushing the CBCP values to the Filipino electorate?

‘Be not afraid’

Did they simply not know that JC de los Reyes believes that going into politics, combating the wicked and corrupt politicians, are serious moral duties for a Catholic? And that (as the Inquirer quoted him as saying) “We should not be afraid of battling trapos (traditional politicians) even if they can count on money, their machinery, or their popularity”?

Apart from the unfortunate slight on or unjust rebuke of Ang Kapatiran, however, the CBCP’s pastoral letter does a perfect job of calling on the laity to do its duty in the realm of politics and governance.

rqb@manilatimes.net rq_bas@yahoo.com

= = =

Making a joke of the polls

Emil Jurado - To the point - Manila Standard Today

In the past, there were perennial nuisance candidates, among them the late Racuyal who was best known for filing his candidacy for president every time there was an election. Come to think of it, we at the 365 Club at the Hotel Intercon also had the late Lucio de Gala, who would challenge every presidential candidate.

For the forthcoming 2010 polls, we also have coming out of the woodwork candidates who believe they could be president. They are the ones who almost always get 1-to-2-percent ratings in Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia surveys. Yet they continue to make noise about their aspirations. Are they running for the funds of it?Justify Full

Now comes the biggest joke of all—the candidacy of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, a priest on leave, who invokes the name of God in his discernment to run for the highest seat in the land. Some gall, indeed, for somebody whose election as governor of Pampanga is now being questioned, who believes that good intentions and idealism are enough to govern well, and who thinks he is the only honest official in Pampanga.

Not to be outdone, my good friend Nandy Pacheco of Ang Kapatiran is fielding an unknown Olongapo councilor, whose name escapes me, to be presidential candidate. This makes the 2010 presidential polls a circus. Send in the clowns, as the song goes!

Panlilio should face reality and refrain from making a joke out of himself. But then, in our kind of democracy, everybody—retired priests included—is free to make a fool of himself.


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Political party tells CBCP: Don’t ignore ‘JC’

By Christian V. Esguerra - Philippine Daily Inquirer


If Nandy Pacheco is scratching his head these days, it’s not because he needs a shampoo.

It’s rather that, much to his chagrin, it hasn’t apparently washed over the Catholic Church hierarchy that the political party he had organized based on Christian precepts has become real with a true-blue presidential candidate.

The founder of Ang Kapatiran party Sunday was incensed upon reading on the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that the prelates saw “no qualified ‘presidentiables’ so far.”

“The bishops know that we have a candidate, so I don’t know why this came out,” Pacheco said. “How can they say that when our party was founded precisely on the social teachings of the Church?”

In its latest pastoral statement released this month, the CBCP said “our present situation poses a great and urgent challenge for active lay participation in principled partisan politics.”

“Many even believe that politics as practiced in our country is a structure of evil. It is alarming that crippling apathy and cynicism has crept in even among our young,” the bishops said.

Pacheco, an advocate of nonviolence who also founded the “Gunless Society,” maintains that Kapatiran has been responding to such a call since 2004 when the party was established.

JC is the name

In May, the party announced that it would field a presidential candidate in the 2010 elections—John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, a low-key councilor and a member of the Gordon clan in Olongapo City.

Delos Reyes was the lone winner from among Kapatiran candidates in the 2007 elections.

Pacheco also rued that the party has yet to be invited to any of the forums gathering prospective presidential candidates.

“We’re the only party with an official presidential candidate so far yet we’ve not been invited to these forums,” he told the Inquirer.

Asked if organizers were probably not taking the party and its candidate seriously, he said: “That’s how it appears.”

“This is our passion and our crucifixion,” Pacheco said. “What we’re doing is difficult because we are swimming against the current. But it’s faith that keeps us going.”

He said he was “hurt” with the CBCP story, but clarified that he was not blaming the bishops. He said some of the prelates had been accommodating the party’s request for visits in their dioceses.

‘Man of pure heart’

Pacheco described Kapatiran’s candidate as “a man of pure heart fighting big-money politics.”

“With JC at the wheel, I can sleep because I know where we are going,” he said.

On Sunday, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to stop the forums and debates for the presidential aspirants, saying they were “premature and inappropriate.”

“Right now, we still don’t have a single presidential candidate. What we have now are individuals supposedly aspiring or planning to be presidential candidates. So it is not correct to be staging so-called ‘presidential’ forums this early,” TUCP secretary-general Ernesto Herrera said in a statement.

According to Herrera, an individual’s “self-proclamation” that he or she is interested in running for president does not make him or her a legitimate presidential candidate.

‘This is silly’

“Right now, just about anyone dreaming to run for president can join the so-called ‘presidential’ forums. This is silly,” Herrera said.

The TUCP, a registered party-list group, did not say if it would file a formal petition in the Comelec to ban such forums.

“What is happening now is that a number of individuals are merely using the untimely forums as platforms to project themselves as possible presidential candidates, and collect political contributions, or to promote their secondary political plans to run for vice president or senator,” Herrera said.

He suggested that sponsors call their forums anything they like, except describing them as “presidential.”

Real presidential forums or debates may only be held after the Nov. 30 deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy set by the Comelec, the former senator added.

Might that be a reason why Kapatiran’s official candidate has not been invited to these talk shows? Or why the bishops have not taken notice of JC? With a report from Jerome Aning

PUBLIC HEARING ON TRANSPO

A Public Hearing was held in the Sanggunian Session Hall last July 16 which discussed the possible amendments of Ordinance No. 32 (Series of 2001) entitled ‘An Ordinance Repealing All Ordinance Related to the Operation of ‘For Hire’ Public Utility Jeepneys in the City of Olongapo and Establishing the Norms for Operation of such Applicable to the Present Time’.

Kagawad JC Delos Reyes spearheaded the said hearing as the head of the Council’s Committee on Transportation which was participated-in by members of the Transportation group composed of the officials and representatives from the organizations of drivers like the SRF-GODA and 6th TODA, operators/owners of jeepneys, Office of the Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS), Land Transportation Office (LTO), City Planning Development Office (CPDO) and the ordinary Olongapeños.

Along with Kgd. JC Delos Reyes were Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo and Col. Jose Aquino also facilitated the discussions.

The said hearing focused mainly on two issues, namely the proposal to amend sec. 13 of City Ordinance No. 32 (Series of 2001) particularly the provision providing a P500 penalty on the Traffic Citation Ticket and the proposal to amend Rule III, Sec. 1-A (Disobedience to Traffic Officer) of City Ordinance No. 6, S-67.

“Minsan po ang nasabing violation partikular ang Disobedience to Traffic Officer ay nagiging dahilan ng pangungutong ng ilang mga pulis,” a driver said in relation to the second issue discussed during the hearing.

“Ang babayaran ng ating mga drivers na nag-commit ng anumang traffic violation ay P100.00 na lamang sa halip na tumataas ang halaga nito mula P100.00 (first offense) hanggang P500 sa fourth offense. Tulong na rin ito sa kanila sa hirap ng buhay ngayon,” Kagawad JC Reyes stated.

“Ilalatag rin natin na ang halagang P100.00 na bayad sa mga offenses ay may kaakibat na kaparusahan, tulad ng pagkukumpiska ng drivers license o dalawang araw na suspensiyon sa pagdra-drive at maaari ding i-require ang mga violators na mag-attend ng seminar regarding his violation bago payagang magmaneho uli,” JC Reyes added.

Kgd. Delos Reyes further said that he is going to take up the discussions on the Committee level especially the suggestions of the public regarding the punishments that would go along with the P100.00 penalty.

“Nakonsulta na natin ang publiko at naibigay na nila ang kanilang stand at ilang suggestions sa issue, so ‘yung next step natin ay dalhin ang proposed amendments sa Committee on Transportation for reporting and further discussions,” according to Kagawad JC Reyes.

After the Committee Report, the first draft of the resolution will be submitted to the Council for approval.

PAO/melai

JC got bishops' support

Two bishops go for ‘Kapatiran’

BY GERARD NAVAL - malaya.com.ph

LIPA Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra yesterday said they are supporting the Ang Kapatiran party and its presidential candidate, John Carlos delos Reyes, a councilor of Olongapo City.

"I’m supporting JC de Los Reyes and other Ang Kapatiran candidates but that is my personal position," said Navarra.

"I am endorsing JC de Los Reyes and other Ang Kapatiran candidates. Some will say that di naman sila mananalo pero that is my position," said Arguelles.

The two said they both believe it is only Ang Kapatiran that is sincere in bringing political change.

"Sila lang kasi nakikita ko na may sincerity, honest and with clear platform of government," said Arguelles.

The statements of Arguelles and Navarra came as a surprise because the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has been very firm in being non-partisan in elections.

Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz, a Canon Law expert and former CBCP president, said Arguelles and Navarra did not violate any Church law.

"There is no canonical violation, strictly speaking, but it could be pastorally imprudent as of the moment," Cruz said.

JC to be featured in GMAnews.TV

Two presidential aspirants to be featured in GMANews.TV web shows

On September 24, two presidential aspirants will answer questions from Internet users in real time on the second webcast of Exchange, the first ever Philippine live chat forum for 2010 candidates and experts.

Environmentalist Nicanor “Nicky" Perlas declared his intention to run for the presidency last June 17, 2009. He has never occupied any public office but has extensive experience in advocacy work and policy-making. He says that his bid for the highest office is motivated by his desire for change.

“Somebody has to step up there, somebody that can give the people who want change a real choice," Perlas said.

Ang Kapatiran’s JC de los Reyes is a city councilor of Olongapo city. He is one of the youngest presidential aspirants and is perceived to be one of the "alternative candidates" in next year’s elections.

Web users may chat with the two candidates by registering at www.allaccess.com.ph and logging on to www.gmanews.tv.

Exchange is the first ever live chat forum where Filipinos from all over the world can log in and chat on real time with the election candidates. This gives Internet users a chance to personally interview 2010 aspirants about their opinions, plans, and advocacy platforms. (Click here to visit the Facebook fan page ofExchange.)

Nicky Perlas will be online at 11 AM (Philippine time) while JC delos Reyes will chat with users at 3 PM (Philippine time).

They will also be interviewed for Examine, a question-and-answer web show that will be aired at a later date. Users may email their questions to examine@gmanews.tv before September 24.

Examine features election candidates and experts who will answer the top ten questions received from the public. Questions will be sent in and pooled from various sources including text messaging, email and social media websites like Facebook and Twitter.-GMANews.Tv

Olongapo councilor JC formalizes presidential bid

Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos “JC" De los Reyes on Monday formalized his presidential bid in the 2010 elections by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), becoming the 16th aspirant for the country's top elective post.

De los Reyes, the 39-year-old bet of the Ang Kapatiran National Political Party, filed his COC with the Comelec law department at 2:10 p.m.

Interviewed by reporters, De los Reyes said he filed his candidacy early “to get it over with."

"We also wanted it to coincide with the Mass just held at the Sta. Cruz Church. It’s just a general message to the lay faithful that even if we perfect the automation, if we elect rotten leaders, everything will still go to waste," he said in Filipino.

De los Reyes was accompanied by his running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr., and his party’s seven senatorial candidates: social scientist Rizalito David; lawyers Jo Aurea, Zosimo Paredes, and Adrian Sison; teachers Reginald Tamayo and Hector Tarrazona; and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr.

He said his party’s bets might not be popular but are all "local gems" who do not practice traditional politics.

In the 2007 elections, De los Reyes was the only winner among the Kapitaran Party candidates. He placed second in the 10 slots for the Olongapo City council. He studied B.A. Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, USA. After graduating, he taught Philosophy at the University of Asia and Pacific.

He later pursued his graduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1999 and his law degree at the Saint Louis University in Baguio City in 2005.

In September, De los Reyes appeared as guest on GMANews.TV’s web show "Exchange" where he talked about the implications of being an independent candidate.

The Olongapo City councilor is married to Dunia Valenzuela with three children, Gabriel 10, Santiago, 7, and Barbara 5.

Since Friday, 21 presidential aspirants, one vice presidential aspirant, and 10 senatorial aspirants have filed their COCs with the Comelec. - RSJ, GMANews.TV

Ang Kapatiran's presidential bet JC De los Reyes, together with running mate Dominador Chipeco Jr. and senatorial candidate Reginald Tamayo, formalizes his bid for the government's highest post in 2010. - Andreo Calonzo

Kapatiran taps simple man with moral duty

OLONGAPO CITY – ANG KAPATIRAN Party’s presidential nominee is, in his own words, a simple man with a moral duty.

“Win or lose, I will make an impact,” declared the 39-year-old John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, a member of the Gordon political clan and the only Kapatiran candidate who won in the 2007 elections – as a councilor of Olongapo.

“Engaging in politics is a moral duty,” Delos Reyes told the Inquirer. “And we should not be afraid of battling trapos (traditional politicians) even if they can count on money, their machinery, or their popularity.”

Delos Reyes said he accepted the tack of leading his party in 2010 elections against well-known politicians because “those who can would not submit” to Kapatiran’s process in choosing its presidential nominee.

“I am shocked that no one would do it … If we want change, we have to ask ourselves: “What are we going to do about it?’ Instead of just complaining, the Kapatiran party and its supporters have chosen to fight for what we believe in,” he said, adding:

“I am a simple man. If it’s only me, I cannot do it. I’d rather just be a husband and father … [But] we have an ambitious platform and principles that, if implemented, could radically [heal] the ills of this country.”

Member of Gordon clan

Born on Feb. 14, 1970, Delos Reyes is the son of the late Sonny delos Reyes (who served as President of the Council of the Laity of the Philippines for nine years) and Barbara Gordon (an elder sister of Sen. Richard Gordon and Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr.).

Even as a member of a political clan, Delos Reyes said he would put public interest at the top of his priorities.

“The great evil in dynasties is the implied agreement to work for the interests of the family, not necessarily of the community. I am the exception … You have to stand up and fight for your principles and convictions,” he said.

A source said some members of the clan were “shocked and devastated” to learn that Delos Reyes planned to run for president.

“They thought this may well divide the Gordon clan,” said the source, who asked not to be named because of the delicate subject matter.

The source said Delos Reyes’ decision “might get in the way of Senator Gordon’s ambition to become president.”

“Senator Gordon and JC have not been speaking to each other for years over ideological differences. They are not close. But there is mutual respect between them, nevertheless,” the source said.

Open nomination

Delos Reyes himself declined to discuss his relationship with the senator.

According to Delos Reyes, Kapatiran conducted “open process” with members nominating prospective presidential candidates within or outside the party.

Among those nominated were Chief Justice Reynato Puno, NBN-ZTE whistle-blower Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, Gawad Kalinga’s Tony Meloto, businessman Manny Pangilinan, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and Senator Gordon and Manuel Roxas who all declined.

Also nominated and evaluated were the three party members who made an unsuccessful run for Senate seats in 2007 – Martin Bautista, Jesus Zosimo Paredes and Adrian Sison.

Kapatiran leaders said Delos Reyes was selected to become the party’s standard-bearer in 2010 because he represented its ideals – one who is God-fearing, who places morals above pragmatic compromises, and who strives to rise above traditional politics.

Credentials

While he builds a career in local politics, raising three children with his Brazilian wife, Dunia Valenzuela, is the “source of so much blessing in my life for which I am grateful,” Delos Reyes said.

An Alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Zobel, Delos Reyes obtained a degree in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio in the United States, went to the University of the Philippines for postgraduate studies in public administration, and completed a law degree at the Saint Louis University in Baguio City.

In recent years, he led a growing enterprise, LegoBrick Systems, a clay brick manufacturing company.

Delos Reyes was first elected councilor of Olongapo in 1995; he did not seek re-election in 1998.

As an incumbent councilor, he has spoken against the deaths of workers in the Korean-owned shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport, the establishment of a coal-fired power plant in the Freeport, and the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and raised such issues as workers’ welfare, peace and order, and environmental protection.

He chairs the Olongapo council’s committee on human rights and has filed a number of graft cases against certain local officials.

Challenge

During the interview, Delos Reyes presented a scroll containing his party’s core principles and ideals.

“Kapatiran candidates will work to achieve the goals outlined here. The people can grade us against these principles,” he said.

He expressed the party’s hope “that the youth will rise up to the challenge of our times.” He said the party was working to fill its candidate list “in all levels and in every part of the country.”

Delos Reyes conceded that Kapatiran was not as well-financed, as well-connected or as popular as those of leading presidential aspirants, but said he would work to turn his perceived weaknesses into real strengths.

“People should ask not just what you have done, but what you did not to do, and what you are willing to do. We say we want change, so we should all be prepared to do something other than what we have been doing for ages. This time, give a chance for the good to prevail,” he said.

He said he hoped that “people will give Kapatiran and our candidates the chance to serve and change the government for the common good.”

“Let it not be said that no one dared … and that the Kapatiran party gave the people a choice,” Delos Reyes said.

“We know that there must be great changes made in our country. The question is, What will you, as a voter and as a citizen, do about it?” he said.

Passing of the torch

On the phone with the Inquirer, Kapatiran founder Nandy Pacheco said “it’s time we were given a real choice.”

Pacheco added: “We have to decide for ourselves what we really want. As I am getting old, the torch needs to be passed to the succeeding generation. I am confident that with JC in the driver’s seat of our party, we will be headed in the right direction.”

--By. Robert Gonzaga – Inquirer

PUBLIC HEARING ON USE OF MABAYUAN RIVER AS A WATER SOURCE

A public hearing was held to take up the issue on Subic Water’s plan to make Mabayuan River a water source. It was the second hearing held regarding the issue.

City Councilor JC G. de los Reyes led the public hearing which was also attended by Councilor Ellen Dabu, City Attorney Angelito Orozco, concerned citizens and representatives from the barangays who will be affected by the amendment of the permit that will allow Subic Water to tap Mabayuan River.

One of the issues discussed in the public hearing was whether the water of Mabayuan River is safe for human use and consumption.

According to Orozco, they will submit a petition opposing the proposed amendment of Subic Water’s permit. Concrete facts and evidence are currently being collated to support the petition, he said.

It can be recalled that Councilor de los Reyes has already raised the issue to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. He also said that whether or not Subic Water already has an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is another matter to look into.

City Councilors JC G. de los Reyes and Ellen Dabu, City Attorney Angelito Orozco and concerned citizens during the public hearing held on July 29, 2008 at the Session Hall of the Olongapo City Hall. Opinions of the concerned citizens were discussed regarding the proposed amendment of the permit of Subic Water that will allow it to use Mabayuan River as a water source.

PAO/Don

Presidential bet JC Delos Reyes tops CBCP ‘survey’

He may be faring poorly in polls conducted by big survey firms, but presidential candidate and Olongapo City Councilor Juan Carlos “JC" delos Reyes topped a “survey" conducted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The CBCP said Delos Reyes, standard bearer of “Ang Kapatiran" party, topped its survey because most of his positions on issues that concern the CBCP matched the perspective of the Church.

“(The survey was conducted not to endorse candidates, but was made) so that people may know the positions of the candidates on issues such as mining, human rights, and many others," CBCP spokesman Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III said on the CBCP news site.

In contrast to Delos Reyes, Liberal Party bet Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III ranked low in the survey.

“Aquino ranked low because most of his positions contradict with that of the Church," the CBCP said.

Ranking second in the survey were independent bets Nicanor Perlas and Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby" Madrigal, and evangelist Brother Eduardo “Eddie" Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas).

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., ranked fifth, Aquino sixth, Sen. Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan) seventh, administration bet Gilberto Teodoro Jr. eighth, and former President Joseph Estrada last.

The CBCP survey results were presented in a “Matrix of Presidentiables on Key Issues."

In the matrix, the candidates were judged based on their positions on issues such as reproductive health, death penalty, gun ban in public places except for law enforcers, political dynasties, transparency in government transactions and pork barrel.

Other issues in the matrix include agrarian reform, environment, Charter change, visiting forces agreement, gambling, and the reintroduction of the nuclear power as energy source.

Quitorio maintained the matrix was not meant to endorse any candidate but to “educate" the voters.

“It’s up to the voters now. Whether they are for or against RH bill, for example, they will have to take a serious decision," he said.

Quitorio also said information on the matrix was culled from the candidates’ responses to letters, media interviews and from their interventions in the legislature.

“We have also culled them from observers who collaborated in our study, and viewed them from the perspective of the pastoral statements of the CBCP," he said.

Some lay groups will republish the matrix in national broadsheets and reproduce them for distribution in all dioceses across the country. — LBG, GMANews.TV

‘’SALAMAT OLONGAPO’’

Pinangunahan nina City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. at bagong Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo kasama ang mga bagong halal na kagawad ng lungsod ang pasasalamat sa mga opisyales at kawani ng Olongapo na nagbigay suporta at pagtitiwala sa Gordon Ticket.

‘’Saludo ako sa lahat ng Olongapeñong nakiisa sa katatapos na halalan at nakibahagi sa mahalagang araw. Ang eleksyon ay isang araw lamang, simulan na natin ang higit pang pagta-trabaho para sa Olongapo,’’ mensahe ni Mayor Bong Gordon nitong ika-21 ng Mayo 2007 kaalinsabay sa Flag Raising Ceremony sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

Naging emosyonal rin ang pasasalamat ni Kagawad Cynthia Cajudo na nahalal bilang Vice-Mayor, ‘’Asahan ninyo na ako ay higit pang magiging mabuti at tapat na public servant. Salamat sa inyong tiwala!.’’

Isa-isa ring ipinakilala ni Mayor Gordon ang walo (8) sa sampung (10) kagawad ng lungsod na dumating sa programa kabilang na ang mga re-electionist na sina Kagawad Gina Perez, Kagawad JC Gordon delos Reyes, Kagawad Marey Beth Marzan, Kagawad Edwin Piano at Kagawad Elmo Aquino.

Ipinakilala rin ang mga bagong uupong miembro ng konseho na sina Gie Baloy at Ellen Dabu. Bagamat hindi nakarating sa programa si Jong Cortez ay nagpa-abot rin ito ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng nagbigay suporta sa kanyang kandidatura.

Opisyal na magsisimulang manungkulan ang mga bagong opisyal sa ika-1 ng Hulyo 2007 matapos ang isasagawang ‘’Oath Taking Ceremony’’ sa buwan ng Hunyo.

Isa-isang ipinakilala ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang mga bagong miembro ng konseho na sina: (From R-L) Ellen Dabu, Gie Baloy, Rodel Cerezo, JC Gordon delos Reyes, Gina Perez, Edwin Piano, Elmo Aquino at Marey Beth Marzan. INSET: Si Mayor Bong Gordon at Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo habang nagbibigay pasasalamat sa mga opisyales at kawani ng Lokal na Pamahalaan nitong ika-21 ng Mayo 2007 sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

Olongapo's Presidential bets made good in Harapan

as 'JC' urges youth to keep the faith

by Maria Althea Teves, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak

Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes, 39, appealed to the youth not to abandon their idealism when they vote in the coming elections.

De los Reyes issued the appeal during the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) forum “Harapan” with 7 presidential candidates held Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila.

The youngest presidential aspirant said that the first thing he would do if he wins is to go on a retreat and pray to God, and ask his guidance so he can face the problems of the country.

He emphasized that he is the youngest candidate from the Ang Kapatiran party. As part of the youth, he said that he will set a good example and try to change the old, corrupt government with the party’s programs that make moral leadership possible.

De los Reyes said the party's members chose him to run for president because they believe he can lead with the youth's idealism, which is what the country needs.

“I will not be sorry for my idealism,” he said. Idealism is needed because “this country should be infused with nationalism," which would make moral change in the country possible.

Filipinos should be humble

De los Reyes said that after asking for God’s guidance, he would ask the people to be humble and accept that the country's problems are the result of a moral crisis in society.

After asking people to be humble, he would implement the platform of the Ang Kapatiran party.

“I am only a conductor in an orchestra producing good music,” he said.

He said he is a leader who will lead people with “good music” in their hearts or good moral character. He said the change in the people's moral character would be inspired by his leadership.

In his first 100 days in Malacañang, he said he will instill in people's hearts faith in God. He will also strengthen family bonds and bring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) back to the country.

‘GMA is not a good example to youth’

De los Reyes said President Arroyo’s congressional bid is “not a good example to the youth.”

“Naghahanap ng huwaran ang kabataan… Bagama’t legal, hindi maganda (The youth is looking for a role model. Although President Arroyo’s bid is legal, it would is not good),” said de los Reyes.

If he wins in the 2010 elections, de los Reyes said he would “use moral influence” and powers so that Arroyo will not become House Speaker.

Anti-political dynasty, patronage politics

De los Reyes said that he is against political dynasties and patronage politics.

He said the ongoing problem in Maguindanao which resulted in the November 23 massacre is due to the current administration's policy that tolerates or encourages political dynasties and patronage politics.

“Kung hindi na pinadrino yan ni President Arroyo, hindi iyan mangyayari (If President Arroyo did not embrace patronage politics, the massacre will not happen),” he said.

To prevent such an incident from happening, he proposed a gun ban. He said the fight for a gunless society was started by Ang Kapatiran's Nandy Pacheco. A bill was certified as urgent by then President Aquino, but has been archived in Congress for 23 years.

“Maraming balasubas na bumabaril dahil may basbas ng Malacañang (There are a lot of unruly people who gun down civilians because of the blessing of Malacañang),” de los Reyes said. He added the massacre would not have happened if people were not armed.

The government must also get leaders that are truly representative of the people in Mindanao. “Principle and what they fight for” are things a president should consider in appointing Cabinet members and other officials, not loyalty to the appointing power.

Simple man

De los Reyes also disclosed that he only owns two houses: a brick house in Baguio City he built because of his brick manufacturing business, and a P2 million lease-to-own house in Olongapo City, Subic Bay. His lease payment amounts to P50,000 a month.

He also claimed to be in debt. “I am negative P5 million because I started my brick business,” he said.

De los Reyes also said that he and his wife would waive their right to bank secrecy in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

“Simpleng tao lamang ako (I am only a simple man),” he said.

Aside from de los Reyes, those who joined the forum were: Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, Joseph Estrada, Richard Gordon, Nicanor Perlas, Gilbert Teodoro, and Eddie Villanueva.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YkzO9xlNfk

JC Gordon Delos Reyes at Payatas sortie

Ang Kapatiran’s JC De los Reyes vows to fight poverty in Payatas sortie

ANDREO C. CALONZO, GMANews.TV

Ang Kapatiran's standard-bearer John Carlos de los Reyes on Tuesday vowed to fight poverty in the party's proclamation rally held in Payatas, Quezon City—site of Metro Manila’s largest garbage dump and home to thousands of urban informal settlers whose livelihoods depend mostly on scavenging the dump.

De los Reyes said the party chose Barangay Lupang Pangako (“Promised Land") in Payatas as the venue of the proclamation rally because it is “a symbol of the failure of the government to address the needs of the poorest of the poor."

“’Yung mga lider dapat bumaba sa taong bayan para malaman nila ang realidad. Dito sa Payatas makikita ang pinaka-inkredibleng realidad ng bansa (Leaders should go down to the people for them to be able to see reality. It is here in Payatas where one can see the country’s most incredible reality)," de los Reyes told GMANews.TV during the rally.

“Nung umikot ako rito, nakita ko na (When I went around the place, I saw that) life here is without dignity, and our fellow Filipinos experience it. Ang sinisimbolo ng Payatas ay isang Pilipinas na lagapak sa kahirapan (Payatas symbolizes a Philippines mired in poverty)," he added.

De los Reyes said he would fight poverty under his administration by empowering barangays (village-level communities)—the smallest administrative division of the government.

“We should empower barangays, because [they] should serve as lifelines for every Filipino—in health, in education and in peace and order," he said.

De los Reyes, a councilor from Olongapo City, said he would do this by allotting more resources for these political units.

“Give them [barangays] resources and autonomy—devolution and decentralization. We need to overhaul the system," he said.

The official proclamation of De los Reyes as the party’s presidential bet was witnessed by about a hundred residents—mostly children and housewives living near the dumpsite—who also benefited from food packs containing bread and pancit distributed during the rally.

The candidacy of the party’s vice-presidential bet Dominador Chipeco and eight senatorial aspirants were also formalized during the rally.

Ang Kapatiran’s senatorial slate include: social scientist Rizalito David; lawyers Jo Imbong, Zosimo Paredes, Grace Plazo and Adrian Sison; Aparri councilor Reginald Tamayo; Col. Hector Tarrazona; and former United Nations executive Manuel Valdehuesa.

Also present during the proclamation rally were the party’s 49 bets for local positions nationwide.—JV, GMANews.TV

KAYA NATIN

By Jc Delos Reyes - The audacity of hope (in the Philippines)

Hope, according to the Catholic Dictionary by Fr. John Hardon, S.J., is the virtue, which instills a confident desire of obtaining a future good that is difficult to obtain which draws out a person’s volition. It is the opposite of despair.

Barack Obama has assumed office. Not only America but also the whole world waited for the ushering in of what was once a taboo presidency—an African American assuming the most powerful office in the world. Amidst the tension in the Middle East and the global economic meltdown, the US president symbolizes hope and a new beginning not only for Americans but also for the world. This was seen in the celebration and merrymaking at his electoral victory featured in CNN across the globe and then on the day of his inauguration last week.

His interesting personal and political profile was just what the Democrats needed and his rise to national prominence was expedited by his speech entitled, “The Audacity of Hope,” delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Obama said:

“I’m talking about something more substantial. It’s the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a mill worker’s son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!”

His prophecy of “that place for him” happened to be the presidency and it was his boldness to hope and to represent the hopes and dreams of others that got him where he is today. Despite my criticisms of his moral stand on a number of issues, particularly abortion and his “people-pleaser” politics, he indeed captured the minds and hearts of Americans, despite all odds. This is what makes his story historical.

The Obama phenomenon highlights the hope we all aspire for ourselves, our families and our country. It is in shattering stereotypes, in fulfilling dreams, slaying giants and dragons and impossibilities that hope becomes contagious and invigorates. These are unique but very rare stories that allow us to dream and bring out hidden or sleeping ideals deep within our spirit.

Speaking of hope and ideals, the same air of hope and glad-tidings in America whisked through us when a Marine major whose dying sister suffering from cancer refused millions of pesos of drug money to keep the integrity of his office, or when a self-made internationally renowned architect who could have been a million dollars richer in exchange for his signature, refused and instead opted to battle corruption. And what about a five year old national political party fighting an uphill battle against warlords and traditional politicians who continue to enslave a people so desensitized and hopeless even wary about new, alternative leaders who could free them from the shackles of political hypocrisy and witchcraft. The Filipino people I liken to a child so abused it cannot comprehend good parents . . . we could no longer comprehend good politics.

Alexander Pope could not have said it better. “Hope springs eternal,” said he, and as long as there are those hoping and dreaming for a new Philippines, these people will infect others with their passion to be more patriotic.

If America’s Obama has transformed his country to Obama’s America where “a skinny kid with a funny name” who believes America has a place for him, became president, then I want to believe and dream and hope and wishfully think and most importantly act that one day, all traditional politicians retire and realize that their self perpetuation hurts the Filipino people in more ways than one. I hope and pray that Kaya Natin! succeeds and that the Movement for Good Governance steps up to achieve not only 10 million signatures but actually 10 million soldiers for democracy and clean politics and governance.

I long for the day when the Convergence Team converges into the political mainstream through a political party where all those who dream big for our country act big as councilors, mayors, governors and congressmen. I hope that one-day a passport holder of the Ang Kapatiran’s New Philippines, one man or woman (who is realistically idealistic) who took all those principles, platforms and objectives to heart, becomes President of this virtuous country. I have hope, . . . I hope . . . and if in America change has come, I believe that in the Philippines, in the words of Nandy Pacheco, “the process of Change has begun.”

[John Carlos “J.C.” G. de los Reyes is City Councilor of Olongapo. He is active with the National Renewal Movement and the ‘Ang Kapatiran’ or the Alliance for the Common Good, a registered national political party that seeks to promote a platform-based politics and a political culture centered on genuine social concern. His passion and mission is to unceasingly work to fight massive, enslaving poverty caused by trapo politics or the politics of greed and hypocrisy.]

*For more information about Kaya Natin!, you can contact Kai Pastores at kayanatin@yahoo.com or at (02) 426-5657* Manila Times

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 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)

Expressways brace for city return

Expressways are getting ready for the return of city dwellers who spent their Holy Week break in the provinces as businesses and offices set to resume operations Monday.

The Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX), and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), said ambulant tellers will be deployed starting this afternoon (April 11) and during peak hours on April 12 to 13 to ease any traffic buildup at the toll gates.

The TMC is expecting a holiday peak of 10 percent to 15 percent of normal traffic volume along the NLEX during the period. SCTEX also expects an increase in vehicle volume, particularly on the Subic side of the expressway.

Ambulant tellers will also be deployed in other high traffic plazas like the Bocaue toll plaza, NLEX/Mabalacat (Formerly Clark Logistics), Tarlac and Tipo toll plazas. By JC RUIZ - Manila Bulletin

=============

GABAY MANLALAKBAY 2009

Motorists who left Metro Manila bound for Olongapo-Subic took seven hours to reach their destination last Wednesday afternoon. The bottleneck at Subic tollgates was unbearable... more than three hours at the waiting line. It would had been faster had they exited Dinalupian interchange and used the Zigzag road going to Olongapo.

Travellers are advised to take Olongapo Zigzag road and enter SCTEX thru Dinalupian interchange when returning to Metro Manila. As of this writing, there is more than a kilometer queue going to SCTEX tollgate at Subic. Olongapo Telecom Board

‘GAPO SUPORTADO ANG ‘BREAST-FEEDING’

Inaprubahan na ni Mayor Bong Gordon noong ika-30 ng Hulyo ang Resolution No. 71 Series of 2007 na nag-uutos sa Olongapo City Health Office sa pamumuno ni Dr. Arnildo Tamayo at James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital sa pamumuno ni Dr. Arturo Mendoza na maglunsad ng maigting na kampanya ukol sa ‘’breast feeding’’ bilang sandata laban sa ‘’urban poverty’’ sa lungsod.

Ang nasabing resolusyon na ini-sponsor ni Kgd. JC Gordon Delos Reyes ay pinagtibay ng lahat ng miembro ng Sangguniang Panlungsod sa isang ‘’regular session’’ na ginanap noong ika-11 ng Hulyo 2007.

Iminumungkahi ng resolusyong ito ang pagpapasuso ng gatas ng ina sa mga sanggol sa halip na infant formula na mula sa mga pamilihan.

Ipinapaliwanag ng resolusyon na sa kabila ng pagiging libre at natural nang gatas ng ina ay subok rin ito sa pagiging pinaka-epektibo tungo sa magandang kalusugan ng mga sanggol; higit sa lahat, nakatutulong ito upang protektahan ang mga sanggol laban sa anumang mikrobyo na maaaring masagap sa kapaligiran at maging sanhi ng karamdaman sa mga unang araw nito pagkasilang.


Matatandaan na noong ika-20 ng Oktubre 1986 nang naisabatas ang Milk Code sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order No. 51 bilang tugon na rin ng bansa sa itinatadhana ng International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes.

Pao/jms

Gordon-BF to harness volunteerism for 2010 bid

They boast of their and their wives’ successes in local governance

Senator Richard Gordon and recently resigned Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando on Tuesday formalized their team-up and filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for president and vice president, respectively.

They filed under their newly formed party, Bagumbayan-Volunteers for A New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP), to symbolize how they succeeded in harnessing community action during their stint as local officials.

Gordon, as mayor of Olongapo City for 11 years and chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, was known to have led the rebuilding of the area’s economy after the the American military bases closed down. He was succeeded as mayor by his wife, Kate.

In running for president, Gordon will be facing his nephew, Olongapo Councilor JC delos Reyes, who filed his COC a few days earlier.

Fernando also turned Marikina from being a crime-ridden city into a model in basic service delivery and investor-friendliness during his mayorship for 9 years. He was succeeded by his wife, Marides.

Fernando earlier expressed his intention to run for president, but failed to get the nomination of his party, the ruling Lakas.

Vote 1, take 4

Gordon said that he and Fernando possess the same values, vision, and political will. He said they have “proven leadership” that can inspire Filipinos “to face the challenges of indifference and apathy.”

“Walang tamad sa tambalang ito, walang tanga sa tambalang ito (Nobody’s lazy, nobody’s stupid in this teamup),” Gordon said of their “transformational leadership.”

Gordon said that he and Fernando have no big funders or backers, but they still have enough resources to sustain their cam[aign. This way, he said, they can avoid becoming “pedigree, money-class politicians.”

In voting for their tandem, Gordon said, “You buy one, you take four mayors.”

The newly formed party has no senatorial slate, but Gordon said have fielded candidates in some localities. By Reynaldo Santos Jr., ABS CBN Newsbreak

Forum Hinggil sa Regulasyon ng mga Night Clubs, Ginanap

Matagumpay at mabungang ginanap ang forum hinggil sa regulasyon ng operasyon ng mga night clubs, bars, music lounges at iba pang katulad na establisimiento sa lungsod sa pangunguna ng Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD) nitong ika-26 ng Nobyembre 2007 sa FMA Hall ng Olongapo City Hall.

Dinaluhan ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang naturang forum kasama ang mga concerned department heads at city officials pati ng ilan pang barangay chairmen na kaakibat ng lungsod sa hangarin nitong mapangalagaan ang imahe at kapakanan ng mga Olongapeño. Nakiisa rin sa pulong ang mga may-ari ng mga nabanggit na establisimiento.

Para sa unang bahagi ng pagpupulong, pinangasiwaan ni Kgd. Gina Perez ang talakayan hinggil sa City Ordinance No. 51 (Series of 2007) o Anti-Prostitution Ordinance. Dito ay inilahad ni Perez ang mga karampatang parusa para sa mga indibidwal at establisimiento na kumukunsinte sa prostitusyon. Binigyang-diin din niya ang kahalagahan ng pangangalaga sa dignidad ng mga kababaihan at mga kabataan na kadalasang nagiging biktima nito.

Tinalakay naman ni Kgd. JC Delos Reyes ang City Ordinance No.28 (Series of 1995) o ang Prohibition of Indecent Acts in Public. Sakop ng ordinansa ang pagbabawal sa mga night clubs na i-tolerate ang mga malalaswang palabas gayundin ang pagkalat at pagbebenta ng mga x-rated films.

Highlight din sa forum ang executive order na ipinalabas ni Mayor Gordon nitong ika-12 ng Nobyembre2007 na bumuo sa isang composite team na susubaybay sa implementasyon ng mga batas na magre-regulate sa operasyon ng mga night club sa lungsod. Ang composite team ay binubuo ng limang miyembro kabilang ang City Administrator, Business Permit and Licensing Division Officer, City Legal Officer, City Health Officer at City Director ng Olongapo City Police Office.

Samantala, pangakong kooperasyon naman mula sa mga owners ng mga bars at night clubs sa Olongapo ang naging bunga ng forum. Anila ay maaasahan ng lungsod ang kanilang pagtalima sa mga alituntunin hinggil sa tamang paraan ng pamamalakad ng kanilang negosyo.

Sa huli ay nagbigay ng updates si Neal Perez patungkol sa mas pinadaling proseso ng aplikasyon at renewal ng Mayor’s Permit ng mga business establishments sa lungsod kasama na ang iba pang programa at proyekto ng BPLD.

Magugunitang nagpagawa at malapit nang buksan ang Taxpayers’ Lounge na air-conditioned at may “free coffee” at “cookies” bilang pagpapahalaga sa mga nagbabayad ng buwis at iba pang “fees” na ginagamit ng gobyerno sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo at mga proyektong inprastraktura.

PAO/jpb