NEWSFLASH

EDU MANZANO VS. BINAY FOR MAKATI MAYOR

Makati City, May 30, 2000 - Makati Vice Mayor Edu Manzano is warning his show business colleagues that the 2001 elections will be a tough fight for actors and other entertainment personalities.

Despite this, Manzano said he would seek the mayoralty under the Liberal Party and challenge Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Jejomar Binay.

Binay, former mayor of the country’s financial district and a LAMP stalwart, has announced plans to return to his old post.

While acknowledging he does not have the machinery, logistics and finances of Binay, Manzano said he relishes the challenge.

"I have always taken pride in breaking the norm," the vice mayor said.

For instance, he has always refused to sing or dance during campaign sorties. He also keeps his family away from the campaign trail to protect their privacy and ensure normal childhood for his offspring.

"I just sit on the stage and talk to the people," he said. "Anyway, they have very simple questions."

Simple questions like "how do we eat," with "impossible" answers.

"It is not my style to make promises," the vice mayor emphasized. "I always tell them, you have to take hold of your lives, to go beyond relying on politicians.

The Liberal Party has just endorsed Manzano as Makati standard-bearer for the 2001 polls.

The future candidate assessed his chances as "very good."

On a scale of 1 to 10? "Six and going up!" he confidently answered.

Manzano said three persons are being considered as his possible running mates. He said two are women but declined to reveal more details.

For his running mate, Manzano said there are three names being considered; but he declined to give any more details.

While popularity helped him in his first political foray, which he won handily despite the local ruling party’s formidable machinery, Manzano said performance remains the guarantee of longevity in public service.

The vice mayor said his biggest achievement was standing firm, despite threats, on his rejection of vouchers for overpriced supplies.