IBON- People's Choice (elections), Mar 2010 by Rufino Canlas

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

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 deserve. This kind of awareness can be the starting point of struggling for these rights even after the May 2010 elections.

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Elections and ambition

resident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies appear 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 parliamentary 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 governance 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)

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

The promise and perils of automated elections Facts and figures on the Automated Election System from the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) and the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU)

The Automated Election System (AES) promises modern democratic elections in the country with quicker counting that eliminates the conditions for wholesale cheating through the notorious dagdag-bawas.

n Automated dagdag-bawas in canvassing of ERs, statements of votes, certificates of canvass

Smartmatic-TIM contract

82,200

Election day voting vulnerabilities

Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines

1,671

hat is ‘automated’ from the old manual system?

n Voting remains manual, with voters writing their names and filling up ballots by hand n But vote-counting from the ballots is computerized, with PCOS machines counting and recording votes at the precinct level n Canvassing is also computerized, with recorded votes from precincts sent via Internet to servers for consolidation at municipal, provincial and national levels

Vulnerabilities from canvassing to proclamation

n Possible failure to generate or print election returns (ERs)

P7.2 billion

unique ballots

Pre-election process

n Inadequate testing of machines in actual field conditions n

No real source code review

n No plan for verifying program actually installed in the 82,200 PCOS machines n Manipulation of lists of voters, candidates lists and precincts/clustered precincts n Possible printing of excess ballots to be used for cheating n Security concerns in storage, packing and delivery of ballots as well as in deployment and testing/ sealing of PCOS machines

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

n Manipulation of results through compact flash (CF) cards used to configure each PCOS machine n Confusion from using a new, unfamiliar and more complicated system than in manual elections – ex. possible problems with various election paraphernalia n Smartmatic-TIM generates and hence knows the digital signatures/ passwords of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) n No way to verify integrity of program installed in PCOS upon initialization n Problems with filling up long ballot, ballot jamming and misreading, machine breakdown n Power failure and/or communications breakdown

n ERs can be digitally signed and encrypted by BEIs and also others who know their passwords, creating the possibility of changing ERs; SOVs and COCs can be similarly altered n Security concerns regarding the servers consolidating votes n Power failure and/or communications breakdown n Unclear procedures in case of conflicting results, connectivity or transmission problems, hardware or software failure, and in adjudicating electoral protests in an automated election The conditions for disarray and conditions for fraud are there not just in the presidential elections but also in the other national positions (vice presidential, senatorial) and the local positions vital for the Arroyo circle’s efforts to remain in power Persistence of means of fraud: vote-buying, voter intimidation and harassment, sabotaging voters, flying voters, ballot-switching, spoiled ballots…

Where the Presidentiables Stand

he problems of the country are long-standing and enormous. It is only reasonable to expect candidates, especially for the country’s highest offices, to already have concrete proposals for dealing with these. This is a requirement for any real leadership. It is also reasonable to expect them to share their program with the public which shows that they respect the voters. 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? In assessing candidates we can give some weight to public statements they make on issues. While mere declarations, they at least show that a candidate is aware of the issue and able to articulate a position

People’s Criteria P 1 20.9 billion (US$430 million) – Total amount of kickbacks, ill-gotten wealth and payoffs involved in just 16 major corruption cases. (Pagbabago! Re-

search Working Group):

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Will you work to establish the truth behind the “Hello, Garci”, NBN-ZTE scam, fertilizer scam and other anomalies by way of independent and highly credible bodies? Will you pave the way for the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo, her relatives, her close allies and other government officials who have been involved in large-scale graft and corruption, electoral fraud and their cover-up?

IMPSA power scam (US$470 million project; US$14 million kickback) PIATCO-NAIA Terminal 3 scam (US$425 million project; US$20-70 million kickback) ON C OR RU P T ION Jose Pidal accounts (P300-400 million in ill-gotten wealth) Fertilizer funds scam (P728 million for presidential election campaign) NorthRail scam (US$503 million project; US$50 million kickback) Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard scam (P1.1 billion project; P533 million kickback) Quedancor swine scam (P2.5 billion program; P900 million for presidential election campaign) Irrigation fund scam (P3.1 billion missing) Mega-Pacific poll automation scam (P1.3 billion project; P500 million kickback) NBN-ZTE scam (US$330 million project; US$130 million kickback) Cybereducation project (P27 billion) Military comptrollers scandal (P71 million in ill-gotten wealth) “Euro General” scandal (P7 million in ill-gotten wealth) Jueteng payoffs (P500,000 to P1 million monthly) PEACE Bonds (P1.4 billion broker’s fee) Mismanaged PAGCOR/GSIS funds (hundreds of millions of pesos)

HELLO GARCI?... SO I WILL STILL LEAD BY MORE THAN ONE M (MILLION), OVERALL?

Benigno “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino Liberal Party (LP)

nVows to prosecute Pres. Arroyo for her involvement in corruption, and proposes to create a commission to investigate the scandals surrounding her administration. nIn 2005, before the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) revoked the stock distribution option (SDO) in Hacienda Luisita, voted against playing the ‘Garci tapes’ and lauded Pres. Arroyo for her “I am sorry” speech. nAs senator, participated in hearings investigating a number of reported scandals involving the alleged misuse of public funds.

against which he or she can later be measured. 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 expressed in a way having an impact beyond themselves. But most revealing is a candidate having actual involvement on a matter as an active participant, direct beneficiary or in other ways having a vested interest. This is because they can say or formally push one thing while in actual practice be doing the opposite. A candidate is said to have no clear stand or position when there is none apparent but also when these are made only in ambiguous or general terms. Do it yourself! The People’s Criteria are our own! Color the birds according to how you would rate them (0 being the worst, 5 being the best) according to their stand and track record.

John Carlos “JC” Gordon delos Reyes Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)

nSays Pres. Arroyo should be investigated for scandals during her presidential term including “the NBN-ZTE broadband scandal, extra-judicial killings, and the road users tax scam”, that his presidency will make sure that evidence collated is strong, and that Pres. Arroyo will be given due process and the matter left to the courts. nHas reportedly filed cases against government officials before the Ombudsman with himself as the complainant.

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

nOusted as president in 2001 in a People Power revolt, after a failed impeachment trial on corruption charges, and subsequently convicted for the capital offense of plunder. nHas no clear stand on the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo, although he distanced himself from opposition calls for an Arroyo resignation after he was granted presidential pardon in 2007.

nBeing questioned for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) passing through Hacienda Luisita which is allegedly overpriced and said to have benefited the Aquino family.

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Economic growth and corporate profits

amid

n Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) during the last nine years of the Arroyo administration (2001-09) averaged 4.5% annually compared to 3.9% under Aquino (1986-91), 3.8% under Ramos (1992-97) and 2.4% under Estrada (1998-2000). n Net income of Top 1000 corporations in the Philippines rose from P116.4 billion in 2001 to average P416.7 billion annually in the period 2002-08 (Business World)

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (B.BAYAN-VNP)

nAs chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said that Pres. Arroyo and husband Mike Arroyo along with whistleblowers Jun Lozada and Joey de Venecia must be held accountable for the controversial NBNZTE deal. nBelieves that corruption shoos away investments and suggests that the Ombudsman be made an elective position to be more effective in holding erring officials accountable for their crimes.

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade Independent

nBelieves that Pres. Arroyo should face prosecution, saying that large-scale corruption and human rights violations under her term have brought shame to the country. nSays that anti-graft and corruption measures should not only focus on the “big fish” but also the punishment of politicians for promoting “free trade” policies that support foreign plunder and economic underdevelopment

Poverty and inequality

n Number of poor families increased 530,642 since 2000 to 4.7 million poor families in 2006 n Number of poor Filipinos increased 2.1 million since 2000 to 27.6 million in 2006 (NSCB, using low official poverty lines)

P41

- Official poverty line or average daily income required for a person to stay out of poverty, according to which the government counts just 32.9% of the population as “poor” - Buys one kilo of rice (P36) and an egg (P5) n IBON self-rated poverty 69% (January 2010), implying 64.5 million poor Filipinos n P801 billion (US$15.6 billion) - net worth in 2006 of just the 20 richest Filipinos, including close Arroyo allies Lucio Tan, Enrique Razon, Jr., Eduardo Cojuangco, Enrique Aboitiz and others, which was equivalent to the combined income for the year of the poorest 10.4 million Filipino families. (Forbes Asia, NSCB)

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III Independent

nAgrees that Pres. Arroyo should be prosecuted for corruption. nVows to remove corruption in all government agencies within his first year in office. nVows to ensure that anti-corruption initiatives converge with policies and programs aimed at eradicating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all.

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Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

Bangon Pilipinas (BP)

nWill not involve himself in the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo and will “let the justice system work” and “focus on moving the country forward instead”. nBelieves that transparency, giving incentives and improving the standard of living of government officials will help eradicate corruption.

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr. Nacionalista party (NP)

nHas continuously supported calls for the resignation of Pres. Arroyo for election fraud and corruption

nAs House Speaker, transmitted impeachment charges against Pres. Arroyo to the Senate in 2005.

nVows to prosecute not only Pres. Arroyo but all the other officials involved in corruption cases, saying that “no one is above the law”.

nHas no clear answer on the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo for large-scale corruption except to say that he will leave it to the judicial system.

nWants Congress to specify plunder as a heinous crime, empower the Office of the Ombudsman, hold rigorous performance reviews, and institutionalize an undersecretary for Moral Reforms.

nBelieves corruption can end through transparency in public biddings, in the statements of assets and liabilities of officials, and in lifestyle checks. nFaces allegations of corruption on the C-5 road extension project which was reportedly overpriced and made to pass through properties of his corporations.

People’s Criteria C

ounterinsurgency programs Oplan Bantay Laya 1 (2002-06) and 2 (2007-2010); Human rights violations against

Will you uphold human rights and end policies giving rise to human rights violations such as extra-judicial killing, torture, and activists, peasants, workers, church people, enforced disappearance? Will you stop the pernational minorities, lawyers, media and others secution of social activists, dissidents and critics since 2001 (Karapatan): of government? Will you punish perpetrators of n 1,188 political killings human rights violations? n 205 enforced disappearances ON H UM A N R IG H T S n 223 political prisoners (as of 2009) n n n n n

873,431 victims of forcible evacuation and displacement 534,717 of indiscriminate firing 84,630 of food and other economic blockades 52,310 of illegal search and seizure 38,616 of hamletting

S$11.4 billion – Total minerals exports, 2002-09 (NSO)

n But

68% of gross revenues of

all mining firms in the Top 1000 corporations are of foreign mining TNCs account (Business World) n 10,500 people – Number of monitored victims of human rights violations related to mining projects over the period 1994-2005

Will you protect the national patrimony and environment by opposing large-scale, export-oriented, and foreign-led extractive industries such as mining and oil exploration? Will you uphold the rights to ancestral land and to self-determination of indigenous peoples and national minorities?

ON N AT ION A L PAT R I MON Y

Benigno “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino Liberal Party (LP)

nIn a privilege speech in 2007, expressed commitment to end extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country and criticized the Arroyo gov’t for its weak response on the issue. nDownplays the Hacienda Luisita (HL) massacre and even insists that only two of seven farmers killed were from HL. nAs a representative, voted against the Human Security Act (RA 9372, or Anti-Terror Law), which is criticized by human rights groups as a law that will intensify human rights violations.

nHas no clear stand on the issue of large-scale mining. nSays that the effects of mining, oil and natural resources extraction can be further studied and discussed especially with the community.

(Kalikasan)

out of 10 farmers are landless (KMP)

There are14 recorded cases of stock distribution option (SDO) nationwide used to avoid distributing land to farmers, such as in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac province (IBON)

Will you work for genuine agrarian reform anchored on the distribution of land to the tillers? Are you in favour of scrapping schemes such as the stock-distribution option, land use conversion and others that have allowed evasion of land reform and endangered food security?

A G R A R I A N R E F OR M A N D A G R IC U LT U R A L n In 2006, almost 75% of the poor were in rural areas where povDE V E LOP M E N T

erty incidence is almost three times that in urban areas (World Bank)

he Philippines is the world’s biggest rice importer n

2.4 million tons imported in 2008 were the highest recorded worldwide for that or any other year, and may be exceeded by an even higher 2.6-3.2 million in 2010 (USDA, NFA) One out of every five spoons of rice Filipinos consume is imported (19% of total consumption)

nAbstained from voting on the pro-landlord CARPer but said on record that he will implement the program if he becomes president. nIs in favor of joint-venture schemes in agriculture. nHas refrained from declaring a clear position on the Hacienda Luisita controversy but was recently compelled to promise hacienda redistribution to farmers by 2014 (the distribution of the 6,453-hectare property should have been distributed in 1967).

John Carlos “JC” Gordon delos Reyes Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)

nOpenly declares opposition to extrajudicial killings, even if only in general terms. nAs Olongapo City Councilor, pushed for the implementation of Barangay Human Rights Action Centers as mandated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

nSays that he will repeal the Mining Act of 1995 and have strict policies particularly on large-scale mining to prevent the destruction of the environment. nPlatform declares promoting: “a safe, clean, healthy and wholesome environment, particularly zero waste management; stewardship as a way of life; and the development of parks throughout the country.”

nPlatform has no clear stand on agrarian reform programs as existing in the country, although proposes to increase agricultural productivity by introducing new technologies and providing support infrastructure towards agricultural development and “a high degree of self-sufficiency”.

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

nAs president, signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). nRampant human rights violations were however recorded during his term with 974 cases of rights violations, according to rights group Karapatan. Among these were the arrests and detention of 301 individuals, 45 victims of summary executions, 14 massacre incidents and 22 enforced disappearances.

nAs president, vowed to push for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and to investigate the permits issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to mining companies. nHowever, after only a year in office, almost 200 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) were approved covering ancestral lands and some ecologically critical areas.

nAs president, declared Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco as the “godfather of agrarian reform” and supported corporative agrarian reform. nUnder his term, there was widespread cancellation of farmer beneficiaries’ Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) and emancipation patents (EP), reaching at least 1,892 covering 374,266 hectares as of May 2000.

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (B.BAYAN-VNP)

nThinks that the country’s hu-

man rights situation is dismal but attributes it to the people who perpetrate the violations and says “it is not the administration”.

nAs senator, voted for the Hu-

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade Independent

nVoted against the Human Security Act (Anti-Terror Law). nBelieves that the government should end its total war policy and provide reparation for the families of the victims.

man Security Act.

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III Independent

nVows to protect human rights to the fullest extent by cultivating a culture of respect for human rights in all agencies and affairs of government as well in the public at large “through appropriate partnerships with civil society groups”.

Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

Bangon Pilipinas (BP)

nAs defense secretary from 2007 to 2009, was in charge of the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya II that among others explicitly targets civilian ‘enemies of the state’. During this period, 320 cases of extrajudicial killings, and 43 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded while the number of illegal arrests increased from 2006.

nSays that the Marcopper mining

disaster in Marinduque in 1996 should not dissuade the government from reviving the industry noting that “Marcopper was more a damage (sic) of people riding on the issue”.

nAs senator, voted for the CARPer. nCo-sponsor and author of Senate Bill 3429 (an Act Reforming the Administrative Titling Process)

nAs senator, filed a bill repealing the Mining Act of 1995 and a bill for the imposition of a total log ban.

nCritical of the Mining Act of 1995 and supports the passage of the so-called Alternative Mining Bill.

nBelieves that foreign mining companies and local politicians who have protected them should be penalized for destroying the Philippine environment over the past century.

nVows to regulate mining opera-

nSays that government and

people should push for a real, drastic and not token shift to renewable energy, genuine forest conservation and regeneration.

nPlatform says that will work with progressive people’s organizations for genuine agrarian reform, to stop landgrabbing and land conversion to non-food uses, to ensure adequate farmgate prices and farm pay, and to freely distribute to peasant-tiller cooperatives and associations haciendas previously diverted from land reform. nAs senator, voted for CARPer although said that, in the spirit of social justice, anti-farmer laws and programs (such as the CARP’s stock distribution option allowing big hacienda owners to evade land transfer) should be abolished.

nBelieves that mining should be aggressively pursued for being among the biggest potentials of the country.

nSays that upholding human rights

nWants Congress to define

can be addressed by strengthening the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)Philippine National Police (PNP) and by addressing the concerns of the military.

syndicated warlordism as a heinous crime.

nVows to impose a moratorium

on all large-scale open-pit mining until Filipinos are ready to have their own mining projects that protect the environment.

industry in Central Luzon and Davao.

nWants to ensure ancestral

nVows to speed up the “prop-

nBelieves that government’s role must stop once an agrarian reform program is implemented because “it is no longer reform but rather a sort of government-funded peasantry program.”

nSupported calls to pass the CARPer.

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

nSays that human rights violations

Security Act and also its principal author.

nPlans to revive the mining

nVows to remove local monopolies and oligopolies that suppress the prices of agricultural products and which extract usurious lending rates from the poor.

is one of his party’s priorities, as well as giving justice to the victims from the Martial Law period up to the present.

nAs senator, voted for the Human

tions to make sure that they do not permanently damage the environment and health or operate in watershed and ancestral domain areas; will give priority to small-scale, communityowned mining operations that are ecological sound and socially responsible.

er” implementation of the government’s agrarian reform program on affected private lands and will accelerate the passage of a comprehensive land use plan for the country that can ensure food security.

Nacionalista party (NP)

nBelieves that there should be a faster trial of pending cases of those responsible for “shocking injustices” such as extrajudicial killings.

nAs a representative, voted against the Human Security Act.

nBelieves that there is nothing wrong with foreign investors in large-scale mining and natural resources extraction as long as it upholds the way of life of the indigenous people and the country benefits from it.

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr.

domains for upland farmers and lead multi-stakeholder consultations in the issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles.

nVows to give full support to agriculture, saying his primary agenda is to rejuvenate the agricultural economy as the foundation of an economic growth and social justice program.

nNot opposed to large-scale

mining and natural resources extraction and says that investors should follow the same standards as those in developed countries.

nPlatform includes promot-

ing the rights and welfare of indigenous people and migrant dwellers in upland ecosystems.

nDid not vote on the CARPer. Vows to review this program, saying that land reform should ensure equitable distribution of land and that effective land distribution and thoroughgoing land reform is important to address landlessness. nKnown to be a landowner and real estate developer and faces allegations of landgrabbing (such as 12.7 out of 200 hectares of irrigated land in Iloilo City being converted for non-agricultural purposes). nVows to review agricultural trade liberalization and provide support and safety nets to protect local producers while giving them access to the global market.

Election Facts and Fig Declared net worth of selected presidential candidates:

Schedule for the casting of votes

(th

In the Philippines: May 10, 2010, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

P1.05 billion – Manuel Villar, Jr. P232.43 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. P35.86 million – Joseph Estrada P25.62 million – Richard Gordon P13.94 million – Benigno Aquino, III

For absentee voters abroad: Any day from April 10, 2010 (host country time) to 3:00 pm of May 10, 2010 (Philippine time)

POSITIONS AT STAKE

T val

TOTAL CANDIDATES RUNNING WOMEN CANDIDATES

President 9 1 1 Vice President 8 1 1 Senators 61 12 14 District representatives 798 230 129 Party-list Representatives 187 57 Governors 291 80 42 Vice Governors 241 80 34 766 Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan 289 2,042 City Mayors 463 137 72 City Vice Mayors 391 137 59 1,524 Members of Sangguniang Panglungsod 728 4,582 Municipal mayors 1,497 727 4,071 Municipal Vice Mayors 1,497 608 3,945 11,980 Members of Sangguniang Bayan 5,641 33,172 8

[Based on latest available SALN as reported by PCIJ, 7 Feb 2010]

[Ad v

Estimated campaign budgets: P2-6 billion – president P200-600 million – senator P15-100 million – congressman

Party list groups in the 14th Congress

n 15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007 (excluding those for disqualified Batas PL group), out of 45.0 million registered voters n 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or 19% out of total 269 representatives n Progressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan n Dubious party list groups include among others ANAD (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo), Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr) Palace-backed or -allied party list groups running for 15th Congress n 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon) n Adhikain ng mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)n Ang Galing Pinoy (AG) nAgbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag) nAhon Pinoy (Ahon) nAkbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI) nAangat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak) n Babae para sa Kaunlaran (Babae Ka) nBigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis) nByaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy) nKalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) n League of Youth for Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

gures

Total TV, radio and print advertising lue of selected presidential candidates from Nov 2009 to January 2010 hree months before campaign period):

P1,024.2 million – Manuel Villar, Jr. P407.4 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. P268.8 million – Benigno Aquino, III P244.6 million – Richard Gordon P90.1 million – Eddie Villanueva P84.3 million – Joseph Estrada

value estimates from Nielsen Media as reported by PCIJ, 16 Feb 2010. Actual ad spending may be at a 30-40% discount]

P10 – presidential candidate’s maximum allowed campaign spending per voter or P507.2M given 50.7M registered voters P5 – political party’s maximum allowed campaign spending per voter or P253.6 million

Basic monthly salaries as of 2009: President - P82,400 Vice President - P77,637 (highest) Senator - P67,898 (highest) Congressman - P67,898

In recognition of the need to democratize Congress and include “marginalized” and “underrepresented” sectors, 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.

Election-related killings: 1986 - 153 1988 - 188 1992 - 89 1995 - 108 1998 - 77 2001 - 111 2004 -189 2007 -121 2010 -89 reported

by PIPVTR as of mid-March (PNP, PIPVTR)

There are 76,340 clustered precincts, each with a PCOS machine. There are 37,422 voting centers.

Private Armies - 57 people were

killed in the Ampatuan massacre in November 2009. n The Philippine National police estimates that there are 132 private armies with a combined strength of 10,000 armed men nationwide. n The PNP also estimates that there are around 1.2 million unlicensed guns in circulation across the country.

Urban Militarization - Military units including the 103rd and 27th Battalions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are currently deployed in various 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 residents regarding the wherabouts of progressive Party-list leaders and supporters.

Every voter can vote for one (1) party list group, party or organization. Each party list can have 1-3 representatives 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 3. Able to oppose the policies, programs and structures that have marginalized their constituencies The party list system has allowed a few progressive PLs to enter Congress but traditional ruling elites are subverting the system’s intent and using it to take additional seats in Congress aside from the district representative seats that they have long-dominated. IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

There are 50,723,734 registered voters as of January 15, 2010 out of a total population of 94.0 Million (NSO, medium assumption 2010): Young potential voters aged 18-24 years old number to 12.52 million where 3.76 million are aged18-19 and 8.76 million are aged 20-24

People’s Criteria T 5 he share of manufacturing in the economy has fallen to 21.8% of

gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 which

is even lower than its 24.8% share in 1960, half a century ago (NSCB)

Will you work for national industrialization? Will you reverse policies of liberalization, privatization and deregulation? Will you keep economic protectionist measures, restrictions on foreign ownership of land in the Philippine Constitution?

n 60-75% of total manufacturing sales in the Top 1000 corporations in the country in the N AT ION A L I S T last five years have been accounted for by foreign transnational corporations (Business World) n The price of diesel is

E C ONOM IC P OL IC I E S

175% higher than nine years ago (from P13.82 per liter in January 170% higher (from P16.56 to P44.69).(IBON

2001 to P37.82 in January 2010) and of gasoline monitoring)

rue unemployment

(NSO data with IBON estimates adjusting for govt’s change in methodology in April 2005)

n 4.3 million - unemployed in 2009 n 11.2% – unemployment rate (average, 2001-09)

Will you promote job creation and uphold job security by protecting domestic industry? Do you support the demand of workers for an increase in minimum wage? Will you reverse labor export and labor contractualization policies to protect working people’s rights and promote their welfare?

JOBS oor quality of jobs - out of 35.1 Million “employed” in 2009: n 4.2 million “unpaid family workers” (NSO) n 12.2 million “own account workers” mainly in informal sector (NSO) n 11.7 million “wage and salary workers” but without written contracts

AND WAGES

(IBON estimate based on NSO data)

12.8 million – Part-time work, equivalent to one out of three jobs (NSO) 2.7 million – Number of working children (5-17 years old) (NSO) P917 – Family living wage in NCR in 2008 (NWPC)

n P382 – Nominal NCR minimum wage (non-agriculture) since 2008 (NWPC) n P399 – Average daily basic pay received by NCR wage & salary workers (April-09, BLES) n P288 – Average daily basic pay received by wage & salary workers in Philippines (April-09, BLES)

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)

nPlatform is silent on manufacturing and industrial development. nAs senator, voted ‘no’ to the controversial JPEPA saying he believed that Filipinos deserved a better-negotiated and mutually beneficial treaty. nSays that he will form a group to review possible changes to the charter including to the restrictions on foreign investment. nAs representative, voted no to the EPIRA law in 2001. Looked into EPIRA and TRANSCO amendments, and questioned gov’t selling such revenuegenerating assets.

nCriticizes globalization for being disadvantageous to small and medium Filipino enterprises who cannot compete with cheap foreign goods supported or subsidized by their governments, which causes local jobs and opportunities to be lost. nWill promote ‘industrialization’ by encouraging “useful industries [including] telecommunications and information technology”. nGenerally against foreign ownership of land but open to exploring “limited ownership” of land by foreigners.

nAs president, his ‘Angat Pinoy’ development program continued the same foreign investment-biased MediumTerm Philippine Development Plans (MTPDP) of previous administrations.

nAs senator, sponsored the Productivity Incentives Act granting annual incentives to private sector workers and increasing penalties for noncompliance with increases/adjustments in workers’ wages.

nSays that he will review the labor code to address the problem of “rampant contractualization”.

nAs president, ignored calls for minimum wage increases saying that granting a wage hike may “scare away investors” and take away the country’s comparative advantage in labor costs.

nHowever, as part owner of Hacienda Luisita, has tolerated unfair labor practice and unjust workers’ wages.

nWill generate jobs by allowing small and medium enterprises, including cooperatives, to thrive. This will be done by removing corruption that hampers businesses, exempting small businesses from taxation, and providing credit.

nCampaigned for charter change through Concord, and favored lifting restrictions on foreign investment and granting 100% foreign ownership of land.

nUnder his term, labor export and contractualization continued. Major workers’ strikes were violently dispersed (e.g. PAL, LRT, Manila Hotel).

nSays that the social costs of the labor export policy are too high and that OFWs should be provided livelihood and business opportunities to draw 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 families 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)

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (B.BAYAN-VNP)

nFavors charter change according to Constitutional means. nAs Olongapo mayor, converted former Subic Naval base into an economic zone attracting foreign and local investments.

nVows to create jobs at home

through attracting foreign investments, so that Filipinos will not need to work abroad.

nBelieves that tourism is the

best way to generate jobs so proposes to develop tourism zones and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade Independent

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III Independent

nAdvocates genuine, proFilipino industrialization and a nationalist economy, including Filipino-controlled manufacturing nAs senator, voted against the JPEPA and supported the campaign against its ratification. nWill reverse “free market” policies imposed by the IMF, WB, WTO and ADB and replace them with the pro-Filipino policies and against removing nationalistic economic provisions in the Constitution. nFiled bills to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law as well as recover ownership of Petron and Malampaya.

nSays that trade liberalization will be undertaken only in the context of reducing poverty and social justice.

nBelieves that a genuine and pro-Filipino industrialization will ensure adequate and decently paying jobs so that Filipinos will no longer be pushed to migrate abroad.

nSays meaningful employment for the poor will be created by increasing government resources for agriculture and fisheries and prioritizing policies and programs to eradicate poverty.

nSays Filipino labor must be adequately protected and nurtured through living wages, regularization of work tenure, banning of contractualization and agency-hiring, and defense of migrant rights. Platform supports nationwide P125 daily hike in wages across-the-board

nSays that a constitutional convention can be convened in 2013 but is opposed to provisions selling out the patrimony of the country including land ownership by foreigners.

Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

Bangon Pilipinas (BP)

nWill not reverse neoliberal policies and seeks to attract new foreign investors for the country’s industrial enclaves and freeport zones. nSupports charter change and removing the nationalist economic provisions of the Constitution.

nBelieves that the Philippines can enter into principled partnerships with foreign countries for the development of its resources as long as the country’s rights are recognized and respected

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

nSays there is a need for more job-creating opportunities especially in the industry and services sectors. nProgram for job creation is reliant on attracting foreign investment rather than strengthening domestic industry.

nVows to review treaties that have adverse effects on the economy such as JPEPA, AFTA, and GATT. nBelieves that agriculture must be vigorously protected from unfair global trade. nWants to stop oil deregulation and the oligopolistic practices of oil firms nWants to either revise or repeal the EPIRA Law to lower the cost of electricity nEconomic program focuses on encouraging small and medium enterprises.

nVows to create jobs at home through increased domestic and foreign investments, which will also make overseas unemployment an option rather than a necessity. nSupports calls for higher wages and decent living for workers, and is against contractualization.

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr. Nacionalista party (NP)

nSays that a viable manufacturing sector is key to economic growth. nSays that the policy of liberalization and blind adherence to globalization must be reviewed. However, as senator, voted ‘yes’ to JPEPA. nFavors charter change although says that the economic provisions in the current charter do not hinder economic growth. Says foreign firms can have access to land through a lease system. nSays that oil industry remains an oligopoly and called for a review of oil deregulation in 2004.

nBelieves that a reasonable, legislated wage hike is an option alongside the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards in addressing demands for wage hikes. nBelieves that government should provide a stimulus package to immediately address the need of laborers and employees for a just and decent wage. nProgram for job creation is based on attracting foreign investments into the country.

People’s Criteria I

n 2010, the Arroyo administration is spending only P6.85 per Filipino per day on education, P1.10 on health and 16 centavos on housing – while paying P21.75 in debt service. (IBON computations

on DBM data)

Will you stop the commercialization and privatization of education and health services? Will you put an end to automatic debt servicing? Will you prioritize spending government funds for needed economic programs and social services over debt servicing and military spending?

Benigno “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino Liberal Party (LP)

nNo clear position on social

services, debt service, and military spending.

overnment debt was P4.40 trillion as SOCIAL SERVICES of end-2009 which is equivalent to P74,000 per working age Filipino and more than double the P2.17 trillion debt inherited from the previous Estrada government. The administration has effectively been borrowing an additional P250 billion annually since coming to power. (BTr)

John Carlos “JC” Gordon delos Reyes

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada

Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)

Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

nRecognizes that some

nAs president, allocated

foreign debts “must be honored” while open to possibility of “debt condonation if necessary”.

nPlatform does not have

clear position on social services, debt service, and military spending.

relatively more of budget for social services compared to the Aquino, Ramos and Arroyo administrations. Nonetheless debt servicing was still prioritized over education, health and other social services.

ver 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

alue-Added Tax Reform Law (RA 9337, Are you in favour of scrapping the reformed value added tax (RVAT) and other regresor RVAT Law) implemented since Nosive taxes that unduly burden the people? vember 2005: Will you work for a progressive taxation pron Increased VAT rate from 10% to 12%, gram? paid by all Filipinos rich and poor n Corporate income tax rate decreased TAX E S from 32% to 30% (only temporarily raised to 35% in 2006-08)

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 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%

nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to

the RVAT Law (RA 9337) and so-called Sin Taxes Law (RA 9334).

nSays he will lower the VAT on

electricity, food and water.

nHas no record of pushing

for progressive taxation even when he was president.

nOpen to imposing new

taxes to address the budget deficit.

W n n n n n 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) Uncollected VAT – P56.9 billion (2002, NTRC) Foregone revenues from smuggling – P64 billion (DOF), P100 billion (2004, FPI), P174 billion (2004, FTA) PEZA tax and duty-free import incentives – P152.1 billion (2003, DOF) Redundant BOI fiscal incentives – P51.8 billion (2004, Reside) Trade liberalization (tariff cuts) – P100 billion (IBON)

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (B.BAYAN-VNP)

nSays he wants to call

for a moratorium on debt servicing to fund basic social services although, as senator, made statements that government should address the national debt in a way that avoids credit rating downgrades.

nAuthored the Sin Taxes Law

imposing taxes on commodities such as cigarettes and liquor.

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade Independent

nAdvocates capping debt

payments, repudiating onerous debt, and demanding and exacting reparations and restitutions for previous unfair trade and onerous debt.

nWill prioritize public fund-

ing for nationalist education including canceling government foreign debt service and unfair trade payments and rechanneling these to the construction of classrooms and other facilities.

nAs senator, voted against

the RVAT law and other tax measures.

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III Independent

nSays he will distinguish

between two kinds of debts: legitimate and illicit. All legitimate debts will be honored while he will work to change laws that automatically pay for illicit debts obtained through graft and corruption.

nVows to lessen the tax burden on the poor. Will review tariffs, import duties and trade agreements, eradicate corruption in tax collection and disbursement, and make sure that the neediest get the most appropriate allocations from taxes collected.

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

Bangon Pilipinas (BP)

nWill continue with automatic

debt servicing and believes that borrowing is good as long as there is efficient financial management.

nVows to call for a debt

moratorium aside from pushing for improved revenue collection.

nBelieves that government

should reduce the tax burden on corporations and fixedincome earners.

nAs senate president, passed

national budgets allocating more funds for debts than for social services. ously pursue various forms of debt relief from international financial institutions and foreign banks and to prioritize the allocation of funds for basic social services.

consistently lobbied to increase the budget for the military and to increase the size of the armed forces.

including raising the VAT from 12% to 15 percent.

Nacionalista party (NP)

nHowever, now vows to vigor-

nEven as a representative,

nOpen to imposing new taxes,

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr.

nSays he wants to apply the

principle of progressive taxation, i.e. increasing percentage of land taxes for increasing large holdings (to make it undesirable to have too much land while others have none).

nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to

the RVAT and Sin Taxes Law.

nOpen to imposing new taxes.

People’s Criteria 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 of the Visiting Forces Agreement and other States (US) aside from at least US$400 in “socioeconomic aid” spent in communities unequal military agreements? Will you put a stop to US and other troops’ permanent presence on to support the US military presence (US Philippine territory? Will you keep the antiState Department) bases and nuke-free provisions in the Philippine Since 2002 up to 500 US Special Constitution? Forces personnel have been permanently deployed in Mindanao in a “forward opFOREIGN POLIC Y 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)

ormal peace talks with NDFP stalled Are you in favour of stopping governsince August 2004 ment’s “all-out war” policy as the n Non-implementation of Comprehensive means of resolving armed conﬂicts Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and instead pursue the current peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front and the and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front?

No talks on Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER)

Benigno “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino

John Carlos “JC” Gordon delos Reyes

Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada

Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP)

Liberal Party (LP)

Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)

nFavors the US military presence in the country and supports a review of the US-RP Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) towards changing provisions to ensure that it continues.

nSays that he is against the US military presence in Mindanao and that the VFA can be reviewed.

nHas no clear stand on peace talks except that he believes the root causes must be addressed to get to the right solutions.

nHas no clear stand on peace talks although the party platform on peace and order proposes a general amnesty and financial rewards “with no questions asked and without incurring any criminal or civil liability” for those voluntarily surrendering unlicensed firearms.

nLaunched an ‘all-out war in Mindanao’ against Moro communities.

nNo clear stand on specific gender issues although declares intent to promote equal gender opportunity in all spheres of public policies and programs.

nDisagrees that Filipinas should be liberal “to the effect that they shout women’s rights” and says that “allowing a situation where women demand their rights and the state gives it [results in] a social imbalance [and] a legal imbalance [that erodes] the dignity of woman” where “the effect [is] that she [would] needlessly compete with the Filipino man.”

nPenchant for undisguised womanizing is an indication of how he views gender equality.

nNo clear stand.

nSupports giving incentives to filmmakers in “historical fields where they teach patriotism and nationalism”. nParty platform advocates: strengthening education in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and English.

nNo clear stand.

PEACE PROCESS

nPlatform declares “[pursuing] peace based on love, justice, reconciliation, active nonviolence and progressive disarmament.”

nAs president, has no record of working for an independent foreign policy. The controversial VFA was ratified during his administration.

nImplemented the counter-insurgency campaign Oplan Makabayan during his term.

Peace talks with MILF erratic since aborted MOA-AD in August 2008 n There were 507,000 more female (2.4 n

n n n

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 In 2008, female wage and salary workers exercise of their political, economic, cultural in the private sector worked three-and-a- and other rights? half hours longer than males per week GENDER but were on average paid P5 less per day (NSO) Only three out of ten (32.2%) Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) are held by women (DAR) One in five women aged 15-49 years old have experienced physical violence since age 15; three in twenty married women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by their husbands (NSO) Women occupy only a little over two out of ten of elective positions (23.2%). (COMELEC)

T n

he 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Will you promote a culture that emArticle XIV, Section 6 states: phasizes nationalism and service to “The national language of the Philippines the people? Will you uphold Filipino is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further as the national language? developed and enriched on the basis of existing NATIONAL CULTURE Philippine and other languages.” 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, Math and English from grade three, and as the primary medium of instruction in high school.

The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria

Richard Juico “Dick” Gordon

Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (B.BAYAN-VNP)

nFully supports the VFA and wants greater cooperation with the US military, although says that the US should respect the jurisdiction of the Philippines especially on custodial issues. nCampaigned for the US military bases to remain in 1991.

nBelieves that the solution to armed conflict in Mindanao is progress and “meaningful autonomy”.

Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal-Valade Independent

Nicanor Jesus “Nicky” Pineda Perlas III Independent

Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo ”Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr

Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

nPlatform declares keeping the Philippines free from foreign military intrusion and nuclear weapons, stopping the interference of foreign military forces, and repealing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) and the Military Assistance Pact.

nHas expressed concern about possible constitutional violations of the continued presence of US troops.

nFully supports deeper RP-US military relations and argues that these bring great benefits.

nBelieves that the country can enter into principled partnerships with foreign countries for the development of its resources as long as the rights of the Philippines are recognized and respected.

nAvid defender of the VFA, from his time as defense secretary, and says that the country should even have more VFAs or Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) with other countries.

n Platform supports “sincere” negotiations with the NDF and MILF based on social justice, national sovereignty and genuine reforms.

nFavors renegotiating the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with special provisions, among others, for adequate consultation on both Muslim and Christian sides.

nDoes not believe that social, economic and political problems are the root causes of armed conflict and is categorically opposed to negotiations between parties as equals. nHas expressed frustration with the ‘winning hearts and minds’ approach, indeed blaming this for the lingering insurgency, and advocates increasing the use of the state’s coercive powers and armed forces.

nVows to reopen negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and ensure that all peace negotiations are anchored on government’s will

nSays that all forms of gender inequality should be opposed and ended, although no clear stand in practice.

nSays that all forms of gender inequality should be opposed and ended, including unequal pay for equal work, discriminatory access to work, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, rape, and sexist culture and biases.

nSays the country needs strong leaders who are clearly against corruption, focused on the country’s problems, and are not willing to bend the rules for the Filipino elite or foreigners.

nWill promote deeper nationalist education and attitudes, especially on nationalist economics, and also through the primary use of Filipino as medium of instruction

nOther than opposition to human trafficking, has no clear stand.

nNo clear stand on gender issues.

nNo clear stand.

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change

Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz Villanueva Bangon Pilipinas (BP)

nFavors the VFA “as long as the VFA is helping our soldiers” and the Philippine government has custody over American soldiers committing crimes in the country. nWants to provide an independent framework of foreign policies defined by what is best for Filipinos.

Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar Jr. Nacionalista party (NP)

nBelieves that the VFA should be reviewed as well as other unequal economic, military and other foreign treaties. nPlatform promises to chart a foreign policy based on respect for national sovereignty and ensuring mutual benefit.

nVows to take long-term steps for the peace agenda including equitable distribution of national wealth and income, federalism, focus on the agricultural sector, distribution of abandoned lands for poverty alleviation, putting up of basic facilities, and the reorientation of the AFP-PNP.

nBelieves that the peace process should continue but also thinks that peace can be attained by strengthening and modernizing the AFP.

n Vows to strengthen existing gender and development mainstreaming programs to bridge policy gaps that weaken prowomen and pro-children laws

nHas no clear stand on gender equality but was quoted as saying that gender rights are important “but divisive matters (like gay rights and marriage) are not a priority.”

nVows to make the national language a priority in education.

nNo clear stand.

nBelieves in promoting patriotism “as a way of life, not simply a rhetoric” and the need to nurture love for country and the next generation”.

nBelieves that English should be the medium of instruction. In his platform, he vows to improve the arts and culture so “we will not lose our soul.”

nSays that the problem of armed conflict can be solved through economic development.

easy steps to vote

Introduce yourself to the precinct’s Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). Sign the Election Day Voters’ Computerized List (EDVCL). Get the ballot, secrecy folder and marker from the BEI. IBON is a research-education-information development institution. IBON studies the socioeconomic issues confronting Philippine society and the world today. It explores alternatives and promotes a new understanding of socio-economic issues that best serve the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people. IBON commits to bring this knowledge and information to the greatest number so that the people may effectively participate in building a self-reliant and progressive Philippines, a nation that is sovereign and democratic.

PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change is a movement of reform-oriented and progressive individuals and groups aspiring for meaningful change -- one that is not just issue-based but carrying a more comprehensive reform program. Pagbabago! adresses the underlying problems of Philippine Society and resonates with the people’s basic demands and most deeply held aspirations for economic progress, social justice, and genuine national independence and dignity as a people.

Where the Presidentiables Stand: References 1. A Reading of the Estrada administration: One Year Later (http://www.philsol.nl/solcon/Miriam-Coronel-99.htm) 2. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Philippines) (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/ eap/8371.htm) 3. Government workers unite! COURAGE position paper on the Estrada administration (http://www.hartford-hwp. com/archives/54a/121.html) 4. Halalan 2010 5. Para sa Mahirap? (http://www.philsol.nl/A01a/Erap-Kompil-nov00.htm) 6. Political Arena (http://ph.politicalarena.com) 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/Presidential-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/chapter_4.pdf) 12. The Road to the 2010 Presidential Elections (http://www.elections.ph/01-richard-dick-gordon-zte-prosecuting-arroyos-marcos-erap-case-dzbb-interview/) 13. Unity Statement, 2nd Congress of Migrant International (http://list.jca.apc.org/public/asia-apec/2000-January/001387.html) 14. Noynoy Aquino website (http://www.noynoy.ph) 15. Joseph Ejercito Estrada website (http://www.erap.ph) 16. Jamby Madrigal website (www.jambymadrigal.com) 17. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro website (http://75.125.2.19/) 18. Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva website (http://blog.broeddie.ph) 19. Manny Villar website (http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph) 20. http://www.scribd.com/doc/25368600/2010-Presidentiables-Voting-Record 21. http://www.fes.org.ph/uploads/documents/issue03_PoP2010.pdf 22. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:81yzJt4RLooJ:www.saprin.org/philippines/research/phi_mining_sum.pdf+mining+policy+Pres+Estrada&hl=tl&gl=ph&sig=AHIEtbT-tzBtjixuuwGBaOG2uUyQD1I2PQ 23. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/183992/5-presidential-bets-vow-to-go-after-arroyo-over-hello-garci and various news reports

Using the marker provided by the COMELEC, fully shade the oblong beside the name of your chosen candidate/s. You can vote for less but not more than the number of positions at stake or your balllot will be invalidated. (1 president, 1 vice president, 12 senators, 1 partylist and so on.)

Bring your ballot to the Precinct Count Optical Scan machine. Insert the short portion of the ballot into the PCOS. Wait for the machine screen to flash this message: “Congratulations, your vote has been registered.”

Return the secrecy folder as well as the marker to the BEI.

Have the nail of your index finger marked with indelible ink. Also, put your thumbmark on the designated space on the EDVCL. 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