The May 2010 elections in the Philippines are viewed as a potential opportunity for change amidst continued poverty and political ambition, particularly from outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies. Concerns about the integrity of the automated election system, alongside issues such as electoral fraud and violence, highlight the challenges to a fair democratic process. The document emphasizes the necessity for voters to critically assess candidates based on their track records and commitment to genuine reforms that address the country's longstanding issues.

1. V O T E R S ’ E D U C AT I O N K I T O N T H E M AY 2 0 1 0 E L E C T I O N S
The People’s Choice
T he overwhelming majority of Filipinos suffer chronic poverty and backwardness. The
last nine years of the Arroyo administration have only seen their situation become even
worse. Many are hoping that the May 2010 elections will be a fresh start and that new
leadership will address their plight.
Yet the elections can only usher in the needed reforms if the people are able to choose national
and local leaders who are genuinely pro-people, patriotic and democratic. The country’s problems are
huge and demand committed leaders willing to challenge long-standing monopolies of economic and
political power. The people have to be critical to see if such leaders are at hand.
Elections can be used to put real progressives into government but the reality for now is that
they are going to be a minority at best. At the end of the day their strength will come from being
part of a larger effort to build democracy based on people organizing
for their democratic rights.
Whatever happens, elections must be a venue for raising
the awareness of the people about their democratic rights
and the kinds of leaders that they should have and de-
serve. This kind of awareness can be the starting point
of struggling for these rights even after the May 2010
elections.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 1

2. Elections and ambition
P
resident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies ap-
pear to be using the May 2010 elections to remain
in power. They are maneuvering to take national
and local positions in the next administration. It
is also likely that there will be renewed efforts at charter
change that, among others, includes a shift to a parliamen-
tary system that allows former president Arroyo to become
prime minister.
For now there are even fears that the elections may fail
due to problems with automation, intensified violence, and
massive fraud. Scenarios of emergency rule, some kind of
martial law and of a “transition government” have also
already been floated. All these are symptoms of Philippine
politics driven by ambition rather than democratic gover-
nance and service to the people.
Arroyo administration officials
running in May 2010
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Congressional seat, Pampanga)
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (Congressional seat, Batangas)
Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera (Congressional seat, Quezon)
Secretary Hermogenes Esperon of the Presidential Management Staff (Congressional seat, Pangasinan)
Secretary Augusto Syjuco of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Congressional seat, Iloilo)
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya (Congressional seat, Camarines Sur)
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (Congressional seat, Bohol)
Secretary Raul Gonzalez, chief presidential legal counsel (Mayor, Iloilo City)
Secretary Edgar Pamintuan of the Luzon Urban Beltway (Mayor, Angeles City)
2 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

3. The promise and perils
of automated elections
3
Facts and figures on the Automated Election System from the Center for People Empowerment Vulnerabilities from
in Governance (CenPEG) and the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU)
canvassing to proclamation
The Automated Election Sys-
n Possible failure to generate or
tem (AES) promises modern print election returns (ERs)
democratic elections in the
country with quicker counting n Automated dagdag-bawas in
canvassing of ERs, statements of
that eliminates the conditions
votes, certificates of canvass
for wholesale cheating through
the notorious dagdag-bawas. n ERs can be digitally signed and
encrypted by BEIs and also others
P7.2 billion who know their passwords, creating
Smartmatic-TIM contract
the possibility of changing ERs; SOVs
82,200
2 Election day voting and COCs can be similarly altered
Precinct Count Optical Scan
vulnerabilities
(PCOS) machines n Security concerns regarding the
servers consolidating votes
1,671 n Manipulation of results through
unique ballots compact flash (CF) cards used to
1
n Power failure and/or communi-
Pre-election process configure each PCOS machine
cations breakdown
W hat is ‘automated’
from the old manual n Inadequate testing of machines
n Confusion from using a new,
unfamiliar and more complicated
n Unclear procedures in case of
conflicting results, connectivity or
system? in actual field conditions system than in manual elections –
transmission problems, hardware or
ex. possible problems with various
software failure, and in adjudicat-
n Voting remains manual, with n No real source code review election paraphernalia
ing electoral protests in an auto-
voters writing their names and mated election
filling up ballots by hand n No plan for verifying program n Smartmatic-TIM generates and
actually installed in the 82,200 hence knows the digital signatures/
n But vote-counting from the PCOS machines passwords of the Board of Election The conditions for disarray and con-
ballots is computerized, with Inspectors (BEIs) ditions for fraud are there not just
PCOS machines counting and n Manipulation of lists of voters, in the presidential elections but also
recording votes at the precinct candidates lists and precincts/clus- n No way to verify integrity of in the other national positions (vice
level tered precincts program installed in PCOS upon ini- presidential, senatorial) and the
tialization local positions vital for the Arroyo
n Canvassing is also computer- n Possible printing of excess bal- circle’s efforts to remain in power
ized, with recorded votes from lots to be used for cheating n Problems with filling up long
precincts sent via Internet to ballot, ballot jamming and misread- Persistence of means of fraud:
servers for consolidation at mu- n Security concerns in storage, ing, machine breakdown vote-buying, voter intimidation and
nicipal, provincial and national packing and delivery of ballots as harassment, sabotaging voters, fly-
levels well as in deployment and testing/ n Power failure and/or communi- ing voters, ballot-switching, spoiled
sealing of PCOS machines
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
cations breakdown ballots…
3

4. against which he or she can later be measured.
Where the Presidentiables Stand
More important is what a candidate has done in terms of
pushing formal policies, programs or laws on one side or the other
of an issue. This means that their personal position becomes ex-
pressed in a way having an impact beyond themselves.
T
But most revealing is a candidate having actual involvement
he problems of the country are long-standing and enormous. It is on a matter as an active participant, direct beneficiary or in
only reasonable to expect candidates, especially for the country’s other ways having a vested interest. This is because they can say
highest offices, to already have concrete proposals for dealing or formally push one thing while in actual practice be doing the
opposite.
with these. This is a requirement for any real leadership. It is also rea-
A candidate is said to have no clear stand or position when
sonable to expect them to share their program with the public which there is none apparent but also when these are made only in
shows that they respect the voters. ambiguous or general terms.
Candidates have to be considered beyond motherhood statements which anyone can
say. The country’s problems are clear – does a candidate have the courage for the
difficult things that need to be done? Do it yourself! The People’s Criteria are our own! Color
In assessing candidates we can give some weight to public state- the birds according to how you would rate them (0 be-
ments they make on issues. While mere declarations, they at least show ing the worst, 5 being the best) according to their stand
that a candidate is aware of the issue and able to articulate a position and track record.
Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
People’s Criteria
Gordon Ejercito Estrada
Cojuangco Aquino
delos Reyes
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) Partido ng Masang Pilipino
(PMP)
P 1
20.9 billion (US$430 million) – To- Will you work to establish the truth behind
tal amount of kickbacks, ill-gotten the “Hello, Garci”, NBN-ZTE scam, fertil-
wealth and payoffs involved in just 16 izer scam and other anomalies by way of
nVows to prosecute Pres. nSays Pres. Arroyo should nOusted as president in 2001
major corruption cases. (Pagbabago! Re- independent and highly credible bodies? Will
Arroyo for her involvement in be investigated for scandals in a People Power revolt, after
search Working Group): you pave the way for the prosecution of Mrs.
corruption, and proposes to during her presidential term a failed impeachment trial
n IMPSA power scam (US$470 million Arroyo, her relatives, her close allies and other
create a commission to investi- including “the NBN-ZTE broad- on corruption charges, and
project; US$14 million kickback) government officials who have been involved in
gate the scandals surrounding band scandal, extra-judicial subsequently convicted for the
n PIATCO-NAIA Terminal 3 scam (US$425 large-scale graft and corruption, electoral fraud
her administration. killings, and the road users capital offense of plunder.
million project; US$20-70 million and their cover-up?
tax scam”, that his presidency
kickback)
n Jose Pidal accounts (P300-400 million in ill-gotten wealth)
ON C OR RU P T ION nIn 2005, before the Depart- will make sure that evidence nHas no clear stand on the
ment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) collated is strong, and that prosecution of Pres. Arroyo,
n Fertilizer funds scam (P728 million for presidential election campaign)
revoked the stock distribution Pres. Arroyo will be given due although he distanced himself
n NorthRail scam (US$503 million project; US$50 million kickback)
option (SDO) in Hacienda Lu- process and the matter left to from opposition calls for an
n Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard scam (P1.1 billion project; P533 million kickback)
isita, voted against playing the the courts. Arroyo resignation after he was
n Quedancor swine scam (P2.5 billion program; P900 million for presidential
‘Garci tapes’ and lauded Pres. granted presidential pardon in
election campaign)
Arroyo for her “I am sorry” nHas reportedly filed cases 2007.
n Irrigation fund scam (P3.1 billion missing)
speech. against government officials
n Mega-Pacific poll automation scam (P1.3 billion project; P500 million kickback)
before the Ombudsman with
n NBN-ZTE scam (US$330 million project; US$130 million kickback)
nAs senator, participated himself as the complainant.
n Cybereducation project (P27 billion)
in hearings investigating a
n Military comptrollers scandal (P71 million in ill-gotten wealth)
number of reported scandals
n “Euro General” scandal (P7 million in ill-gotten wealth)
involving the alleged misuse of
n Jueteng payoffs (P500,000 to P1 million monthly)
public funds.
n PEACE Bonds (P1.4 billion broker’s fee)
n Mismanaged PAGCOR/GSIS funds (hundreds of millions of pesos)
nBeing questioned for the
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
(SCTEx) passing through Haci-
enda Luisita which is allegedly
HELLO GARCI?... SO I WILL
overpriced and said to have
STILL LEAD BY MORE THAN
ONE M (MILLION), OVERALL?
benefited the Aquino family.
4 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

5. Economic growth
and corporate profits
n Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) dur-
amid Poverty and inequality
n Number of poor families increased 530,642 since 2000 to 4.7 million poor families in 2006
ing the last nine years of the Arroyo administra- n Number of poor Filipinos increased 2.1 million since 2000 to 27.6 million in 2006
tion (2001-09) averaged 4.5% annually com- (NSCB, using low official poverty lines)
P41
pared to 3.9% under Aquino (1986-91), 3.8%
- Official poverty line or average daily income required for a person to stay out of poverty, according to
under Ramos (1992-97) and 2.4% under Estrada
(1998-2000). which the government counts just 32.9% of the population as “poor”
- Buys one kilo of rice (P36) and an egg (P5)
n Net income of Top 1000 corporations in the Philip- n IBON self-rated poverty 69% (January 2010), implying 64.5 million poor Filipinos
pines rose from P116.4 billion in 2001 to average n P801 billion (US$15.6 billion) - net worth in 2006 of just the 20 richest Filipinos, including close Arroyo allies
P416.7 billion annually in the period 2002-08 (Business Lucio Tan, Enrique Razon, Jr., Eduardo Cojuangco, Enrique Aboitiz and others, which was equivalent to the combined
World) income for the year of the poorest 10.4 million Filipino families. (Forbes Asia, NSCB)
Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo Eduardo “Eddie”
Gerardo ”Gibo” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” “Nicky” Pineda Cruz Villanueva
Madrigal-Valade Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr Bamba Villar Jr.
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for Perlas III
a New Philippines
Independent Independent
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay- Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP) ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nAs chair of the Senate Blue nBelieves that Pres. Arroyo nAgrees that Pres. Arroyo
nWill not involve himself in nHas continuously supported nAs House Speaker, transmit-
Ribbon Committee, said that should face prosecution, saying should be prosecuted for
the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo calls for the resignation of ted impeachment charges
Pres. Arroyo and husband Mike that large-scale corruption and corruption.
and will “let the justice system Pres. Arroyo for election fraud against Pres. Arroyo to the
Arroyo along with whistleblow- human rights violations under
work” and “focus on moving and corruption Senate in 2005.
ers Jun Lozada and Joey de her term have brought shame nVows to remove corruption
the country forward instead”.
Venecia must be held account- to the country. in all government agen-
nVows to prosecute not only nHas no clear answer on the
able for the controversial NBN- cies within his first year in
nBelieves that transparency, Pres. Arroyo but all the other prosecution of Pres. Arroyo for
ZTE deal. nSays that anti-graft and cor- office.
giving incentives and improv- officials involved in corruption large-scale corruption except
ruption measures should not
ing the standard of living of cases, saying that “no one is to say that he will leave it to
nBelieves that corruption only focus on the “big fish” nVows to ensure that
government officials will help above the law”. the judicial system.
shoos away investments and but also the punishment of anti-corruption initiatives
eradicate corruption.
suggests that the Ombudsman politicians for promoting “free converge with policies and
nWants Congress to specify nBelieves corruption can end
be made an elective position trade” policies that support programs aimed at eradicat-
plunder as a heinous crime, through transparency in public
to be more effective in holding foreign plunder and economic ing poverty and enhancing
empower the Office of the biddings, in the statements
erring officials accountable for underdevelopment the quality of life for all.
Ombudsman, hold rigorous of assets and liabilities of of-
their crimes.
performance reviews, and ficials, and in lifestyle checks.
institutionalize an undersecre-
tary for Moral Reforms. nFaces allegations of corrup-
tion on the C-5 road extension
project which was reportedly
overpriced and made to pass
through properties of his cor-
porations.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 5

6. People’s Criteria Benigno “Noynoy”
Cojuangco Aquino
Liberal Party (LP)
John Carlos “JC”
Gordon
delos Reyes
Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)
Joseph “Erap”
Ejercito Estrada
Partido ng Masang Pilipino
(PMP)
C 2
ounterinsurgency programs Will you uphold human rights and end poli-
Oplan Bantay Laya 1 (2002-06) and 2 cies giving rise to human rights violations
(2007-2010); Human rights violations against such as extra-judicial killing, torture, and
activists, peasants, workers, church people, nIn a privilege speech in 2007, nOpenly declares opposition to nAs president, signed the Compre-
enforced disappearance? Will you stop the per-
expressed commitment to end extrajudicial killings, even if hensive Agreement on Respect for
national minorities, lawyers, media and others secution of social activists, dissidents and critics extrajudicial killings and enforced only in general terms. Human Rights and International
since 2001 (Karapatan): of government? Will you punish perpetrators of disappearances in the country and Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
n 1,188 political killings human rights violations? criticized the Arroyo gov’t for its
n 205 enforced disappearances nAs Olongapo City Councilor,
weak response on the issue. nRampant human rights violations
n 223 political prisoners (as of 2009) ON H UM A N R IG H T S pushed for the implementa-
nDownplays the Hacienda Luisita tion of Barangay Human Rights were however recorded during his
(HL) massacre and even insists that term with 974 cases of rights vio-
n 873,431 victims of forcible evacuation and displacement Action Centers as mandated by
only two of seven farmers killed lations, according to rights group
n 534,717 of indiscriminate firing were from HL. the Department of Interior and
Karapatan. Among these were
n 84,630 of food and other economic blockades Local Government (DILG).
nAs a representative, voted against the arrests and detention of 301
n 52,310 of illegal search and seizure the Human Security Act (RA 9372, or individuals, 45 victims of summary
n 38,616 of hamletting Anti-Terror Law), which is criticized executions, 14 massacre incidents
by human rights groups as a law that and 22 enforced disappearances.
will intensify human rights violations.
U 3
S$11.4 billion – Total minerals ex- Will you protect the national patrimony
ports, 2002-09 (NSO) and environment by opposing large-scale,
export-oriented, and foreign-led extractive
nHas no clear stand on the is- nSays that he will repeal the nAs president, vowed to push for
industries such as mining and oil exploration?
n But 68% of gross revenues of Will you uphold the rights to ancestral land and
sue of large-scale mining. Mining Act of 1995 and have the repeal of the Mining Act of
strict policies particularly on 1995 and to investigate the per-
all mining firms in the Top 1000 to self-determination of indigenous peoples and
nSays that the effects of min- large-scale mining to prevent the mits issued by the National Com-
corporations are of foreign mining national minorities? destruction of the environment. mission on Indigenous Peoples
ing, oil and natural resources
TNCs account (Business World) (NCIP) to mining companies.
ON N AT ION A L PAT R I MON Y extraction can be further stud-
n 10,500 people – Number of ied and discussed especially nPlatform declares promot-
monitored victims of human rights ing: “a safe, clean, healthy nHowever, after only a year
with the community.
and wholesome environment, in office, almost 200 mineral
violations related to mining proj- particularly zero waste manage- production sharing agreements
ects over the period 1994-2005 ment; stewardship as a way of (MPSAs) were approved cover-
(Kalikasan) life; and the development of ing ancestral lands and some
parks throughout the country.” ecologically critical areas.
7 out of 10 farmers are landless
(KMP)
4
Will you work for genuine agrarian reform
anchored on the distribution of land to
the tillers? Are you in favour of scrapping nAbstained from voting on the nPlatform has no clear stand nAs president, declared Eduar-
n There are14 recorded cases of stock schemes such as the stock-distribution option, pro-landlord CARPer but said on agrarian reform programs as do ‘Danding’ Cojuangco as the
distribution option (SDO) nationwide land use conversion and others that have al- on record that he will imple- existing in the country, although “godfather of agrarian reform”
used to avoid distributing land to lowed evasion of land reform and endangered ment the program if he becomes proposes to increase agricul- and supported corporative
farmers, such as in Hacienda Luisita food security? president. tural productivity by introducing agrarian reform.
new technologies and providing
in Tarlac province (IBON) A G R A R I A N R E F OR M nIs in favor of joint-venture support infrastructure towards nUnder his term, there was
A N D A G R IC U LT U R A L schemes in agriculture. agricultural development and “a
widespread cancellation of
n In 2006, almost 75% of the poor were in rural areas where pov- high degree of self-sufficiency”.
DE V E LOP M E N T farmer beneficiaries’ Certifi-
erty incidence is almost three times that in urban areas (World Bank) nHas refrained from declaring a
clear position on the Hacienda
cate of Land Ownership Awards
(CLOA) and emancipation
T he Philippines is the world’s biggest rice importer Luisita controversy but was re-
cently compelled to promise ha- patents (EP), reaching at least
n 2.4 million tons imported in 2008 were the highest recorded worldwide for that or any
cienda redistribution to farmers 1,892 covering 374,266 hect-
other year, and may be exceeded by an even higher 2.6-3.2 million in 2010 (USDA, NFA)
by 2014 (the distribution of the ares as of May 2000.
n One out of every five spoons of rice Filipinos consume is imported (19% of total
6,453-hectare property should
consumption)
have been distributed in 1967).
6 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

7. Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo Eduardo “Eddie”
Gerardo ”Gibo” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” “Nicky” Pineda Cruz Villanueva
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for Madrigal-Valade Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr Bamba Villar Jr.
Perlas III
a New Philippines
Independent Independent
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay- Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP) ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nThinks that the country’s hu- nVoted against the Human Se- nVows to protect human nAs defense secretary from 2007 nBelieves that there should nSays that upholding human rights
man rights situation is dismal curity Act (Anti-Terror Law). rights to the fullest extent by to 2009, was in charge of the be a faster trial of pending is one of his party’s priorities, as
but attributes it to the people cultivating a culture of respect implementation of Oplan Bantay cases of those responsible for well as giving justice to the victims
who perpetrate the violations nBelieves that the government for human rights in all agen- Laya II that among others explic- “shocking injustices” such as from the Martial Law period up to
itly targets civilian ‘enemies of the present.
and says “it is not the adminis- should end its total war policy cies and affairs of government extrajudicial killings.
tration”. and provide reparation for the as well in the public at large the state’. During this period, nSays that human rights violations
families of the victims. “through appropriate partner- 320 cases of extrajudicial kill- nWants Congress to define can be addressed by strengthen-
ings, and 43 cases of enforced ing the leadership of the Armed
nAs senator, voted for the Hu- ships with civil society groups”. syndicated warlordism as a
disappearances were recorded Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-
man Security Act. heinous crime. Philippine National Police (PNP)
while the number of illegal ar-
rests increased from 2006. and by addressing the concerns of
the military.
nAs a representative, voted nAs senator, voted for the Human
against the Human Security Act. Security Act and also its principal
author.
nBelieves that there is nothing nAs senator, filed a bill repealing nCritical of the Mining Act of nBelieves that mining should nVows to impose a moratorium nNot opposed to large-scale
wrong with foreign investors in the Mining Act of 1995 and a bill 1995 and supports the passage of be aggressively pursued for be- on all large-scale open-pit min- mining and natural resources
large-scale mining and natural for the imposition of a total log the so-called Alternative Mining ing among the biggest poten- ing until Filipinos are ready to extraction and says that inves-
resources extraction as long as it ban. Bill.
tials of the country. have their own mining projects tors should follow the same
upholds the way of life of the in- nBelieves that foreign mining nVows to regulate mining opera- that protect the environment. standards as those in devel-
digenous people and the country companies and local politicians tions to make sure that they do nPlans to revive the mining oped countries.
benefits from it. who have protected them should not permanently damage the
be penalized for destroying the industry in Central Luzon and nWants to ensure ancestral
nSays that the Marcopper mining environment and health or oper- Davao. domains for upland farmers nPlatform includes promot-
Philippine environment over the ate in watershed and ancestral
disaster in Marinduque in 1996 past century. and lead multi-stakeholder ing the rights and welfare of
domain areas; will give prior-
should not dissuade the govern- nSays that government and ity to small-scale, community- consultations in the issuance indigenous people and migrant
ment from reviving the industry people should push for a real, owned mining operations that of Certificates of Ancestral dwellers in upland ecosystems.
noting that “Marcopper was more drastic and not token shift to are ecological sound and socially Domain Titles.
a damage (sic) of people riding renewable energy, genuine forest responsible.
on the issue”. conservation and regeneration.
nAs senator, voted for the nPlatform says that will work with nVows to speed up the “prop- nBelieves that government’s nSupported calls to pass the nDid not vote on the CARPer.
CARPer. progressive people’s organizations er” implementation of the role must stop once an agrar- CARPer. Vows to review this program, say-
for genuine agrarian reform, to government’s agrarian reform ian reform program is imple- ing that land reform should ensure
stop landgrabbing and land con- equitable distribution of land and
nCo-sponsor and author of Sen- program on affected private mented because “it is no lon- nVows to give full support to that effective land distribution
ate Bill 3429 (an Act Reform- version to non-food uses, to en- lands and will accelerate the ger reform but rather a sort of agriculture, saying his primary and thoroughgoing land reform is
ing the Administrative Titling sure adequate farmgate prices and passage of a comprehensive government-funded peasantry agenda is to rejuvenate the ag- important to address landlessness.
Process) farm pay, and to freely distribute land use plan for the country program.” ricultural economy as the foun- nKnown to be a landowner and
to peasant-tiller cooperatives and real estate developer and faces
that can ensure food security. dation of an economic growth
associations haciendas previously allegations of landgrabbing (such
and social justice program.
diverted from land reform. as 12.7 out of 200 hectares of
nVows to remove local mo-
nAs senator, voted for CARPer irrigated land in Iloilo City being
nopolies and oligopolies that converted for non-agricultural
although said that, in the spirit suppress the prices of agri- purposes).
of social justice, anti-farmer laws cultural products and which nVows to review agricultural
and programs (such as the CARP’s extract usurious lending rates trade liberalization and provide
stock distribution option allowing support and safety nets to protect
from the poor.
big hacienda owners to evade land local producers while giving them
transfer) should be abolished. access to the global market.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 7

8. Election Facts and Fig
T
Declared net worth of selected
Schedule for the casting of votes val
presidential candidates:
(th
In the Philippines: May 10, 2010, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
P1.05 billion – Manuel Villar, Jr.
For absentee voters abroad: Any day from April 10, 2010 (host P232.43 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
P35.86 million – Joseph Estrada
country time) to 3:00 pm of May 10, 2010 (Philippine time)
P25.62 million – Richard Gordon
P13.94 million – Benigno Aquino, III
[Based on latest available SALN
TOTAL CANDIDATES as reported by PCIJ, 7 Feb 2010]
POSITIONS AT STAKE WOMEN CANDIDATES
RUNNING
[Ad v
1 President 1 9 Estimated campaign budgets:
P2-6 billion – president
1 Vice President 1 8 P200-600 million – senator
P15-100 million – congressman
12 Senators 14 61
230 District representatives 129 798
57 Party-list Representatives 187 Party list groups in the 14th Congress
80 Governors
42 291 n 15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007
(excluding those for disqualified Batas PL group), out of
80 Vice Governors
34 241 45.0 million registered voters
n 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or
766 Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan 289 2,042
19% out of total 269 representatives
n Progressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan
Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan
137 72 463
n Dubious party list groups include among others ANAD
City Mayors (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo),
Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr)
137 City Vice Mayors
59 391 Palace-backed or -allied party list groups
running for 15th Congress
1,524 Members of Sangguniang Panglungsod 728 4,582 n 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon) n Adhikain ng
mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)n Ang Galing
1,497 Municipal mayors
727 4,071 Pinoy (AG) nAgbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag) nAhon
Pinoy (Ahon) nAkbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI) nAan-
gat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak) n Babae para sa
1,497 Municipal Vice Mayors
608 3,945 Kaunlaran (Babae Ka) nBigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis)
nByaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy)
11,980 Members of Sangguniang Bayan 5,641 33,172
nKalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) n League of Youth for
Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others
8 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

9. gures
P10 – presidential candidate’s Election-related
maximum allowed campaign Private Armies - 57 people were
killings: killed in the Ampatuan massacre in No-
spending per voter or P507.2M
given 50.7M registered voters vember 2009.
1986 - 153 n The Philippine National police esti-
Total TV, radio and print advertising mates that there are 132 private armies
lue of selected presidential candidates P5 – political party’s maximum 1988 - 188
from Nov 2009 to January 2010 allowed campaign spending per 1992 - 89 with a combined strength of 10,000
voter or P253.6 million armed men nationwide.
hree months before campaign period): 1995 - 108
n The PNP also estimates that there
1998 - 77
P1,024.2 million – Manuel Villar, Jr. are around 1.2 million unlicensed guns
2001 - 111 in circulation across the country.
P407.4 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
P268.8 million – Benigno Aquino, III Basic monthly salaries 2004 -189
P244.6 million – Richard Gordon as of 2009: 2007 -121 Urban Militarization - Military
P90.1 million – Eddie Villanueva President - P82,400 2010 -89 reported
Vice President - P77,637 (highest)
units including the 103rd and 27th Bat-
P84.3 million – Joseph Estrada by PIPVTR as of mid-March
talions of the Armed Forces of the Phil-
Senator - P67,898 (highest) (PNP, PIPVTR)
value estimates from Nielsen Media as reported by PCIJ, 16 Feb Congressman - P67,898 ippines are currently deployed in various
2010. Actual ad spending may be at a 30-40% discount] urban-poor areas of Metro Manila such as
BASECO, Dagat-dagatan and PNR Site.
Clad in full-battle gear, soldiers are
known to ask the resi-
dents regarding
the wherabouts
of progressive
Party-list
leaders and
There are 76,340 clustered precincts, support-
ers.
each with a PCOS machine.
In recognition of the need to democratize Congress and There are 37,422 voting centers.
include “marginalized” and “underrepresented” sectors,
7 the Party List Law (RA 7941) says that 20% of Congress
should consist of representatives from party list (PL)
groups to give the poor and marginalized a greater voice
there.
Every voter can vote for one (1) party list group, party
or organization. Each party list can have 1-3 representa-
tives depending on the total votes they get.
What are genuinely progressive party list groups?
1. Representing poor sectors in society that, despite their
significant numbers, are politically and economi
cally marginalized
2. Organized and with concrete platforms to advance the
interest of their constituencies There are 50,723,734 registered voters as of January 15, 2010
3. Able to oppose the policies, programs and structures
that have marginalized their constituencies out of a total population of 94.0 Million (NSO, medium assumption 2010):
Young potential voters aged 18-24 years old
The party list system has allowed a few progressive PLs to
enter Congress but traditional ruling elites are subverting number to 12.52 million
the system’s intent and using it to take additional seats in where 3.76 million are aged18-19
Congress aside from the district representative seats that
they have long-dominated. and 8.76 million are aged 20-24
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 9

10. People’s Criteria
Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes
Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)
T 5
he share of manufacturing in
the economy has fallen to 21.8% of
gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 which
Will you work for national industrialization?
Will you reverse policies of liberalization,
privatization and deregulation? Will you nPlatform is silent on manufac-
turing and industrial develop-
nCriticizes globalization for
being disadvantageous to small
nAs president, his ‘Angat
Pinoy’ development program
keep economic protectionist measures, restric- ment.
is even lower than its 24.8% share in 1960, and medium Filipino enterpris- continued the same foreign
tions on foreign ownership of land in the Philip- nAs senator, voted ‘no’ to the es who cannot compete with
half a century ago (NSCB) cheap foreign goods supported investment-biased Medium-
pine Constitution? controversial JPEPA saying he
n 60-75% of total manufacturing sales in believed that Filipinos deserved or subsidized by their govern- Term Philippine Development
the Top 1000 corporations in the country in the N AT ION A L I S T E C ONOM IC a better-negotiated and mutu- ments, which causes local jobs Plans (MTPDP) of previous
and opportunities to be lost.
last five years have been accounted for by foreign trans- P OL IC I E S ally beneficial treaty. administrations.
national corporations (Business World) nSays that he will form a group nWill promote ‘industrializa-
to review possible changes to tion’ by encouraging “useful nCampaigned for charter
the charter including to the industries [including] telecom- change through Concord, and
n The price of diesel is 175% higher than nine years ago (from P13.82 per liter in January restrictions on foreign invest- munications and information favored lifting restrictions on
2001 to P37.82 in January 2010) and of gasoline170% higher (from P16.56 to P44.69).(IBON ment. technology”.
foreign investment and grant-
monitoring) nAs representative, voted nGenerally against foreign ing 100% foreign ownership of
ownership of land but open to
no to the EPIRA law in 2001. exploring “limited ownership” land.
Looked into EPIRA and TRANSCO of land by foreigners.
amendments, and questioned
gov’t selling such revenue-
generating assets.
T rue unemployment
(NSO data with IBON estimates adjusting for
govt’s change in methodology in April 2005)
6
Will you promote job creation and uphold
job security by protecting domestic indus-
try? Do you support the demand of work-
nAs senator, sponsored the nSays that he will review the nAs president, ignored calls
n 4.3 million - unemployed in 2009 ers for an increase in minimum wage? Will you
Productivity Incentives Act labor code to address the for minimum wage increases
reverse labor export and labor contractualization
n 11.2% – unemployment rate policies to protect working people’s rights and
granting annual incentives to problem of “rampant contrac- saying that granting a wage
(average, 2001-09) private sector workers and tualization”. hike may “scare away inves-
promote their welfare?
increasing penalties for non- tors” and take away the coun-
JOBS AND WAGES
P oor quality of jobs - out of 35.1 Million “employed” in
2009:
n 4.2 million “unpaid family workers” (NSO)
compliance with increases/ad-
justments in workers’ wages.
nWill generate jobs by allow-
ing small and medium enter-
prises, including cooperatives,
try’s comparative advantage in
labor costs.
n 12.2 million “own account workers” mainly in informal sector (NSO) nHowever, as part owner of to thrive. This will be done nUnder his term, labor export
n 11.7 million “wage and salary workers” but without written contracts Hacienda Luisita, has toler- by removing corruption that and contractualization con-
(IBON estimate based on NSO data) ated unfair labor practice and hampers businesses, exempting tinued. Major workers’ strikes
unjust workers’ wages. small businesses from taxation, were violently dispersed (e.g.
12.8 million – Part-time work, equivalent to one out of three jobs (NSO)
and providing credit. PAL, LRT, Manila Hotel).
2.7 million – Number of working children (5-17 years old) (NSO)
nSays that the social costs of
P917 – Family living wage in NCR in 2008 (NWPC) the labor export policy are
n P382 – Nominal NCR minimum wage (non-agriculture) since 2008 (NWPC) too high and that OFWs should
n P399 – Average daily basic pay received by NCR wage & salary workers (April-09, BLES) be provided livelihood and
n P288 – Average daily basic pay received by wage & salary workers in Philippines (April-09, business opportunities to draw
BLES) them back.
Percentage of families earning less than minimum wage in 2006 (BLES)
n 46% of families with 1-5 household members, 49% of families with 6-10 members, 50% of fami-
lies with 11 or more members
8.2 million – Stock of overseas Filipinos in 2008
(4.3 million temporary workers and 3.8 million permanent residents,DFA)
1.29 million – OFWs deployed Jan-Nov 2009, or 3,845 per day (POEA)
10 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

11. Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo
Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo
Eduardo “Eddie” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” Gerardo ”Gibo”
Madrigal-Valade
“Nicky” Pineda Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr Cruz Villanueva Bamba Villar Jr.
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for
a New Philippines
Perlas III Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
Independent Independent Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP) ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nFavors charter change ac- nAdvocates genuine, pro- nSays that trade liberalization nWill not reverse neoliberal nVows to review treaties that nSays that a viable manufactur-
cording to Constitutional Filipino industrialization and a will be undertaken only in the policies and seeks to attract have adverse effects on the ing sector is key to economic
means. nationalist economy, including context of reducing poverty new foreign investors for the economy such as JPEPA, AFTA, growth.
Filipino-controlled manufactur- and GATT. nSays that the policy of liberal-
and social justice. country’s industrial enclaves
nAs Olongapo mayor, con- ing and freeport zones. nBelieves that agriculture ization and blind adherence to
verted former Subic Naval nAs senator, voted against the nSays that a constitutional must be vigorously protected globalization must be reviewed.
JPEPA and supported the cam- from unfair global trade.
base into an economic zone convention can be convened in nSupports charter change However, as senator, voted ‘yes’
paign against its ratification. nWants to stop oil deregulation
attracting foreign and local nWill reverse “free market” 2013 but is opposed to provi- and removing the national- to JPEPA.
and the oligopolistic practices
investments. policies imposed by the IMF, sions selling out the patrimony ist economic provisions of the of oil firms nFavors charter change al-
WB, WTO and ADB and replace of the country including land Constitution.
nWants to either revise or though says that the economic
them with the pro-Filipino ownership by foreigners.
repeal the EPIRA Law to lower provisions in the current charter
policies and against removing the cost of electricity
nationalistic economic provi- nBelieves that the Philip- do not hinder economic growth.
pines can enter into principled nEconomic program focuses on Says foreign firms can have
sions in the Constitution. encouraging small and medium
nFiled bills to repeal the Oil partnerships with foreign access to land through a lease
countries for the development enterprises.
Deregulation Law as well as of its resources as long as the system.
recover ownership of Petron country’s rights are recognized nSays that oil industry remains
and Malampaya. and respected an oligopoly and called for a re-
view of oil deregulation in 2004.
nVows to create jobs at home nBelieves that a genuine and nSays meaningful employment nSays there is a need for nVows to create jobs at home nBelieves that a reason-
through attracting foreign pro-Filipino industrialization for the poor will be created more job-creating opportuni- through increased domestic able, legislated wage hike
investments, so that Filipinos will ensure adequate and de- by increasing government ties especially in the indus- and foreign investments, which is an option alongside the
will not need to work abroad. cently paying jobs so that Fili- resources for agriculture and try and services sectors. will also make overseas unem- Regional Tripartite Wages
pinos will no longer be pushed fisheries and prioritizing poli- ployment an option rather than and Productivity Boards
nBelieves that tourism is the to migrate abroad. cies and programs to eradi- nProgram for job creation a necessity. in addressing demands for
best way to generate jobs so cate poverty. is reliant on attracting wage hikes.
proposes to develop tourism nSays Filipino labor must be foreign investment rather nSupports calls for higher
zones and an entrepreneurial adequately protected and than strengthening domestic wages and decent living for nBelieves that government
spirit. nurtured through living wages, industry. workers, and is against con- should provide a stimulus
regularization of work tenure, tractualization. package to immediately
banning of contractualization address the need of laborers
and agency-hiring, and defense and employees for a just and
of migrant rights. Platform decent wage.
supports nationwide P125 daily
hike in wages across-the-board nProgram for job creation is
based on attracting foreign
investments into the country.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 11

12. People’s Criteria Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)
I
7
n 2010, the Arroyo administration is
Will you stop the commercialization and
spending only P6.85 per Filipino per
privatization of education and health
day on education, P1.10 on health and services? Will you put an end to automatic
16 centavos on housing – while paying debt servicing? Will you prioritize spending nNo clear position on social nRecognizes that some nAs president, allocated
P21.75 in debt service. (IBON computations government funds for needed economic pro- services, debt service, and foreign debts “must be hon- relatively more of budget
on DBM data) grams and social services over debt servicing and military spending. ored” while open to possibil- for social services compared
military spending? ity of “debt condonation if to the Aquino, Ramos and
G overnment debt was P4.40 trillion as
of end-2009 which is equivalent to P74,000 per work-
ing age Filipino and more than double the P2.17 trillion
SOCIAL SERVICES
necessary”.
nPlatform does not have
Arroyo administrations.
Nonetheless debt servicing
was still prioritized over
debt inherited from the previous Estrada government. The clear position on social education, health and other
administration has effectively been borrowing an additional P250 billion annually since coming to services, debt service, and social services.
power. (BTr) military spending.
Onver 2001-2010, the Arroyo administration has paid (IBON computations on BTR and DBM data):
P5.85 trillion – debt service, which is over three times the P1.8 billion in debt payments
made over 15 years by the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations combined
n P1.59 trillion – education
n P197 billion – health
n P42 billion – housing
V 8
alue-Added Tax Reform Law (RA 9337, Are you in favour of scrapping the reformed
or RVAT Law) implemented since No- value added tax (RVAT) and other regres-
vember 2005: sive taxes that unduly burden the people?
Will you work for a progressive taxation pro- nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to nSays he will lower the VAT on nHas no record of pushing
n Increased VAT rate from 10% to 12%,
gram? the RVAT Law (RA 9337) and electricity, food and water. for progressive taxation even
paid by all Filipinos rich and poor
so-called Sin Taxes Law (RA when he was president.
n Corporate income tax rate decreased TAX E S 9334).
from 32% to 30% (only temporarily raised to 35% in 2006-08)
nOpen to imposing new
B ecause of RVAT Law:
n Filipinos paid P363.0 billion in additional taxes over the period 2006-09 (DOF)
n In effect, each Filipino 15 years old and over paid the government P6,025 in additional
taxes to address the budget
deficit.
taxes in 2006-09 (IBON computations on DOF data)
n Meanwhile corporations will pay P15.9 billion less because of the lower corporate
income tax rate of 30%
W
n
hile billions in pesos worth of revenues are lost, uncollected or foregone
due to corruption and investor-biased policies:
Uncollected corporate taxes – P82.0 billion (2006, NTRC)
n Uncollected VAT – P56.9 billion (2002, NTRC)
n Foregone revenues from smuggling – P64 billion (DOF), P100 billion (2004, FPI), P174
billion (2004, FTA)
n PEZA tax and duty-free import incentives – P152.1 billion (2003, DOF)
n Redundant BOI fiscal incentives – P51.8 billion (2004, Reside)
n Trade liberalization (tariff cuts) – P100 billion (IBON)
12 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

13. Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo Eduardo “Eddie”
Gerardo ”Gibo” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” “Nicky” Pineda Cruz Villanueva
Madrigal-Valade Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr Bamba Villar Jr.
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for Perlas III
a New Philippines
Independent Independent
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay- Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP) ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nSays he wants to call nAdvocates capping debt nSays he will distinguish nWill continue with automatic nVows to call for a debt nAs senate president, passed
for a moratorium on debt payments, repudiating oner- between two kinds of debts: debt servicing and believes moratorium aside from push- national budgets allocating
servicing to fund basic social ous debt, and demanding legitimate and illicit. All that borrowing is good as long ing for improved revenue more funds for debts than for
services although, as sena- and exacting reparations and legitimate debts will be as there is efficient financial collection. social services.
tor, made statements that restitutions for previous unfair honored while he will work management.
government should address trade and onerous debt. to change laws that auto- nHowever, now vows to vigor-
the national debt in a way matically pay for illicit debts nEven as a representative, ously pursue various forms of
that avoids credit rating nWill prioritize public fund- obtained through graft and consistently lobbied to increase debt relief from international
downgrades. ing for nationalist education corruption. the budget for the military financial institutions and for-
including canceling govern- and to increase the size of the eign banks and to prioritize
ment foreign debt service armed forces. the allocation of funds for
and unfair trade payments basic social services.
and rechanneling these to the
construction of classrooms and
other facilities.
nAuthored the Sin Taxes Law nAs senator, voted against nVows to lessen the tax burden nOpen to imposing new taxes, nSays he wants to apply the nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to
imposing taxes on commodi- the RVAT law and other tax on the poor. Will review tariffs, including raising the VAT from principle of progressive taxa- the RVAT and Sin Taxes Law.
ties such as cigarettes and measures. import duties and trade agree- 12% to 15 percent. tion, i.e. increasing percent-
liquor. ments, eradicate corruption age of land taxes for increas- nOpen to imposing new taxes.
in tax collection and disburse- nBelieves that government ing large holdings (to make it
ment, and make sure that the should reduce the tax burden undesirable to have too much
neediest get the most appro- on corporations and fixed- land while others have none).
priate allocations from taxes income earners.
collected.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 13

14. People’s Criteria
Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)
F 9
rom 2001-2010, US$384 million in Will you work for an independent foreign
direct military aid from the United policy? Are you in favor of the abrogation
States (US) aside from at least US$400 in of the Visiting Forces Agreement and other
nFavors the US military presence nSays that he is against the US nAs president, has no record of
“socioeconomic aid” spent in communities unequal military agreements? Will you put a stop in the country and supports a military presence in Mindanao and working for an independent for-
to support the US military presence (US to US and other troops’ permanent presence on review of the US-RP Visiting Forces that the VFA can be reviewed. eign policy. The controversial VFA
State Department) Philippine territory? Will you keep the anti- Agreement (VFA) towards chang- was ratified during his administra-
bases and nuke-free provisions in the Philippine ing provisions to ensure that it nPlatform declares “[pursuing] tion.
Since 2002 up to 500 US Special
Constitution? continues. peace based on love, justice, rec-
Forces personnel have been permanently onciliation, active nonviolence and
deployed in Mindanao in a “forward op- FOREIGN POLIC Y progressive disarmament.”
erating base”, supported and participated in combat operations, as well as
built fixed facilities.
Over 50,000 US soldiers have come into the country to Albay, Basilan, Batanes,
Capiz, Cavite, Cebu, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Leyte, Masbate, Palawan, Pampanga,
Bataan, Sorsogon, Sulu, Tarlac, Quezon and Zamboanga for large military “exercises” such
as the annual Balikatan. Aside from these are scores of other smaller exercises – with for
instance 163 exercises just in 2008 – and concealed operations. (IBON monitoring)
F 10
ormal peace talks with NDFP stalled Are you in favour of stopping govern-
since August 2004 ment’s “all-out war” policy as the
n Non-implementation of Comprehensive means of resolving armed conflicts nHas no clear stand on peace talks nHas no clear stand on peace talks nLaunched an ‘all-out war in Min-
Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and instead pursue the current peace negotia- except that he believes the root although the party platform on danao’ against Moro communities.
causes must be addressed to get to peace and order proposes a gen-
and International Humanitarian Law tions with the National Democratic Front and the eral amnesty and financial rewards
the right solutions. nImplemented the counter-insur-
(CARHRIHL) Moro Islamic Liberation Front? “with no questions asked and gency campaign Oplan Makabayan
n No talks on Comprehensive Agreement without incurring any criminal or
on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER)
PEACE PROCESS civil liability” for those voluntarily
during his term.
surrendering unlicensed firearms.
Peace talks with MILF erratic since aborted MOA-AD in August 2008
11
n There were 507,000 more female (2.4 Do you uphold gender equality? Do
million) than male “unpaid family you favor expanding opportunities
workers” in 2009 (NSO) for women, gays and lesbians in the nNo clear stand on specific gender nDisagrees that Filipinas should nPenchant for undisguised wom-
n In 2008, female wage and salary workers exercise of their political, economic, cultural issues although declares intent to be liberal “to the effect that they anizing is an indication of how he
in the private sector worked three-and-a- and other rights? promote equal gender opportunity shout women’s rights” and says views gender equality.
half hours longer than males per week in all spheres of public policies and that “allowing a situation where
but were on average paid P5 less per day (NSO) GENDER programs. women demand their rights and the
state gives it [results in] a social
n Only three out of ten (32.2%) Certificates of Land Ownership Awards imbalance [and] a legal imbal-
(CLOAs) are held by women (DAR) ance [that erodes] the dignity of
n One in five women aged 15-49 years old have experienced physical violence since age 15; woman” where “the effect [is] that
three in twenty married women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by their she [would] needlessly compete
husbands (NSO) with the Filipino man.”
n Women occupy only a little over two out of ten of elective positions (23.2%). (COMELEC)
T
12
he 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Will you promote a culture that em-
Article XIV, Section 6 states: phasizes nationalism and service to
n “The national language of the Philippines the people? Will you uphold Filipino
is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further nNo clear stand. nSupports giving incentives to nNo clear stand.
as the national language? filmmakers in “historical fields
developed and enriched on the basis of existing where they teach patriotism and
Philippine and other languages.” NATIONAL CULTURE nationalism”.
P res. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 210 (May 2003) increasing the use of
English as a medium of instruction – as a second language from grade one, in teaching Science,
nParty platform advocates:
strengthening education in the sci-
ences, mathematics, engineering
14
Math and English from grade three, and as the primary medium of instruction in high school. and English.
The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

15. Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo Eduardo “Eddie” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” Gerardo ”Gibo”
“Nicky” Pineda Cruz Villanueva Bamba Villar Jr.
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for Madrigal-Valade Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr
a New Philippines Perlas III Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
Independent Independent ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP)
nFully supports the VFA and nPlatform declares keep- nHas expressed concern nFully supports deeper RP-US nFavors the VFA “as long nBelieves that the VFA
wants greater cooperation ing the Philippines free from about possible constitutional military relations and ar- as the VFA is helping our should be reviewed as well
with the US military, although foreign military intrusion and violations of the continued gues that these bring great soldiers” and the Philippine as other unequal economic,
says that the US should nuclear weapons, stopping presence of US troops. benefits. government has custody over military and other foreign
respect the jurisdiction of the interference of foreign American soldiers committing treaties.
the Philippines especially on military forces, and repealing nBelieves that the country nAvid defender of the VFA, crimes in the country.
custodial issues. the Visiting Forces Agreement can enter into principled from his time as defense nPlatform promises to chart
(VFA), Mutual Logistics Sup- partnerships with foreign secretary, and says that the nWants to provide an inde- a foreign policy based on
nCampaigned for the US mili- port Agreement (MLSA) and countries for the development country should even have pendent framework of foreign respect for national sover-
tary bases to remain in 1991. the Military Assistance Pact. of its resources as long as the more VFAs or Status of Forces policies defined by what is eignty and ensuring mutual
rights of the Philippines are Agreements (SOFA) with other best for Filipinos. benefit.
recognized and respected. countries.
nBelieves that the solution to n Platform supports “sincere” nFavors renegotiating the nDoes not believe that social, economic
nVows to take long-term steps nBelieves that the peace process
armed conflict in Mindanao is prog- negotiations with the NDF and MILF Memorandum of Agreement on and political problems are the root
for the peace agenda including should continue but also thinks
ress and “meaningful autonomy”. based on social justice, national Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with causes of armed conflict and is categori-
special provisions, among others, equitable distribution of national that peace can be attained by
sovereignty and genuine reforms. cally opposed to negotiations between
for adequate consultation on both wealth and income, federalism, strengthening and modernizing
parties as equals.
Muslim and Christian sides. focus on the agricultural sector, the AFP.
nHas expressed frustration with the
distribution of abandoned lands for
‘winning hearts and minds’ approach,
nVows to reopen negotiations with indeed blaming this for the lingering poverty alleviation, putting up of nSays that the problem of armed
the National Democratic Front of basic facilities, and the reorienta- conflict can be solved through
the Philippines (NDFP) and ensure insurgency, and advocates increasing the
tion of the AFP-PNP. economic development.
that all peace negotiations are use of the state’s coercive powers and
anchored on government’s will armed forces.
nSays that all forms of gender nSays that all forms of gender nOther than opposition to human nNo clear stand on gender issues. n Vows to strengthen existing nHas no clear stand on gender
inequality should be opposed and inequality should be opposed and trafficking, has no clear stand. gender and development main- equality but was quoted as
ended, although no clear stand in ended, including unequal pay for streaming programs to bridge saying that gender rights are
practice. equal work, discriminatory access policy gaps that weaken pro- important “but divisive matters
to work, sexual harassment, sexual women and pro-children laws (like gay rights and marriage) are
exploitation and abuse, rape, and not a priority.”
sexist culture and biases.
nSays the country needs strong nWill promote deeper nationalist nVows to make the national lan- nNo clear stand.
nNo clear stand. nNo clear stand.
leaders who are clearly against education and attitudes, especially guage a priority in education.
corruption, focused on the coun- on nationalist economics, and also nBelieves that English should be
try’s problems, and are not willing through the primary use of Filipino nBelieves in promoting patriotism
the medium of instruction. In his
to bend the rules for the Filipino as medium of instruction “as a way of life, not simply a
rhetoric” and the need to nurture platform, he vows to improve the
elite or foreigners. arts and culture so “we will not
love for country and the next
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
generation”. lose our soul.”
15

16. 5 easy steps to vote
1
Introduce yourself to the precinct’s Board
of Election Inspectors (BEI). Sign the Elec-
tion Day Voters’ Computerized List (ED-
VCL). Get the ballot, secrecy folder and marker
from the BEI.
IBON is a research-education-information PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for
development institution. IBON studies Change is a movement of reform-ori-
the socioeconomic issues confronting ented and progressive individuals and
Philippine society and the world today. groups aspiring for meaningful change
It explores alternatives and promotes a -- one that is not just issue-based but
2
new understanding of socio-economic carrying a more comprehensive reform
issues that best serve the interests and program. Pagbabago! adresses the un-
Using the marker provided by the COM-
aspirations of the Filipino people. IBON derlying problems of Philippine Society ELEC, fully shade the oblong beside the
commits to bring this knowledge and in- and resonates with the people’s basic name of your chosen candidate/s. You can
formation to the greatest number so that demands and most deeply held aspira-
the people may effectively participate tions for economic progress, social
vote for less but not more than the number of
in building a self-reliant and progressive justice, and genuine national indepen- positions at stake or your balllot will be invali-
Philippines, a nation that is sovereign dence and dignity as a people. dated. (1 president, 1 vice president, 12 sena-
and democratic.
tors, 1 partylist and so on.)
3
Bring your ballot to the Precinct Count Opti-
Where the Presidentiables Stand: References cal Scan machine. Insert the short portion of
the ballot into the PCOS. Wait for the machine
1. A Reading of the Estrada administration: One Year Later (http://www.philsol.nl/solcon/Miriam-Coronel-99.htm) screen to flash this message: “Congratulations,
2. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Philippines) (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/
eap/8371.htm) your vote has been registered.”
3. Government workers unite! COURAGE position paper on the Estrada administration (http://www.hartford-hwp.
com/archives/54a/121.html)
4. Halalan 2010
4
5. Para sa Mahirap? (http://www.philsol.nl/A01a/Erap-Kompil-nov00.htm)
6. Political Arena (http://ph.politicalarena.com) Return the secrecy folder as well as the mark-
7. Possible Presidentiables for the 2010 Elections (http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/cosca/2010)
8. Presidential Promises (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/opinion/view/20090701-213294/Presi- er to the BEI.
dential-promises)
9. The Estrada Government Amidst the Crisis: Can it deliver its promises to the poor? (http://www.philsol.nl/fora/
NL99a-Morales.htm)
10. The Estrada Trial (http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/theestradatrial/view.php?db=1&artic
le=20071102-98301)
11. The Indigenous People’s Rights Act (http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Indigenous_Peoples/PHI/chap-
ter_4.pdf)
12. The Road to the 2010 Presidential Elections (http://www.elections.ph/01-richard-dick-gordon-zte-prosecut-
ing-arroyos-marcos-erap-case-dzbb-interview/)
13. Unity Statement, 2nd Congress of Migrant International (http://list.jca.apc.org/public/asia-apec/2000-Janu-
ary/001387.html)
5
14. Noynoy Aquino website (http://www.noynoy.ph)
15. Joseph Ejercito Estrada website (http://www.erap.ph)
16. Jamby Madrigal website (www.jambymadrigal.com)
Have the nail of your
17. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro website (http://75.125.2.19/) index finger marked with
18. Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva website (http://blog.broeddie.ph)
19. Manny Villar website (http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph) indelible ink. Also, put
20. http://www.scribd.com/doc/25368600/2010-Presidentiables-Voting-Record
21. http://www.fes.org.ph/uploads/documents/issue03_PoP2010.pdf your thumbmark on the desig-
22. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:81yzJt4RLooJ:www.saprin.org/philippines/research/phi_min-
ing_sum.pdf+mining+policy+Pres+Estrada&hl=tl&gl=ph&sig=AHIEtbT-tzBtjixuuwGBaOG2uUyQD1I2PQ
nated space on the EDVCL.
23. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/183992/5-presidential-bets-vow-to-go-after-arroyo-over-hello-garci
and various news reports
16 Based on “5 Easy Steps sa Pagboto sa AES” by the Workers’ Election Watch (WE-Watch)
The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria