BRO. EDDIE UNFURLS GIANT FLAG; WANTS JAMBY, PERLAS IN
HIS CABINET
[PHOTO
AT LEFT -
Supporters of Eddie Villanueva unfurl the biggest Philippine flag to
signal the start of the Bangon Pilipinas campaign in Rizal Park yesterday.
Edd Gumban]
MANILA, FEBRUARY 11, 2010 (STAR) By Evelyn Macairan - Presidential aspirant and Bangon Pilipinas standard-bearer Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva led the unfurling of a giant flag at a rally in Rizal Park on the first day of the official campaign period yesterday.
The flag, which measures 180 meters by 92 meters and reportedly cost P10 million, was commissioned by businesswoman Grace Gupana, CEO of ABS Gen Herbs International Corp, according to ABS-CBN news website.
“The Philippine flag is a symbol of the aspirations of the Filipino people. We want to revive genuine patriotism and nationalism,” he said in his speech, adding that the flag is meant to inspire nationalism among Filipinos.
Villanueva and the entire national candidates of the BPP expressed their commitment to herald a new politics with moral leadership and aspire for zero corruption.
At the rally, they chanted their slogan “Anim na Taon Walang Kurapsyon, Pilipinas ay Babangon.”
Villanueva said that if he gets elected he would choose Cabinet members with the four “Cs”—character, competence, courage and compassion.
Villanueva and vice presidential candidate former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Attorney Perfecto Yasay Jr. and senatorial candidates also led in the washing of the feet of people from different sectors like the military, urban poor, women, indigenous community, children, youth and family.
Villanueva cites Jesus’ own washing of the feet of his apostles in the Bible, saying this is their own way of showing servant leadership.
“ This is the strongest gesture of humility and servanthood,” he said.
Meanwhile, Villanueva also said that under his administration, Yasay would be appointed as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary.
Another BPP senatorial candidate lawyer Ramoncito Ocampo said that he envisions turning the Philippines as a retirement country for the elderly, not only for the returning Filipinos but other nationals as well such as the Koreans and Japanese.
The five other senatorial candidates are Dr. Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Alex Tinsay, Count Habib Adz Nikabulin, and Dr. Israel Virgines.
Bro. Eddie wants Jamby, Nick in his Cabinet (The Philippine Star) Updated February 11, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - They might be rivals in the presidential race, but Bangon Pilipinas Party (BPP) standard-bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva said if he becomes president, he would ask Sen. Jamby Madrigal and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas to be his Cabinet members.
“Nick Perlas being the number one noted environmentalist would be qualified as a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary. As for Jamby, whatever is her specialty,” said Villanueva in yesterday’s 2010 Presidential Forum at San Sebastian College in Manila.
He is also considering designating Professor Winnie Monsod to the National Economic and Development Authority, Cielito Habito to the Department of Budget and Management, and Benjamin Punongbayan to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Villanueva, Madrigal, Perlas and senatorial candidate of Ang Kapatiran Rizalino David who represented the party’s presidential bet Councilor JC de los Reyes were the only ones who showed up at the forum, displeasing organizers.
The three candidates are among those at the tailend of surveys.
One of the moderators, Mario Maranan, said those who earlier promised to attend the forum but failed to do so appear to have no palabra de honor.
‘I’d rather be an OFW’
Madrigal said she could see herself becoming an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and leaving the country if Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. ManuelVillar wins.
Madrigal said it would be an “unsavory” government if Villar succeeds in the race, with President Arroyo becoming House speaker and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, Senate president.
“Can you imagine if you have Villar as president, Arroyo Speaker of the House and if he is able to buy the Senate then guess who will be the Senate president of Villar. That’s the promise. Allan Peter has been promised the Senate presidency. That’s an unsavory government to say the least,” Madrigal said.
She said reports that Villar is the “secret” candidate of Malacañang has basis, noting that he and his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, had met Mrs. Arroyo in Syria last year “that showed the unholy alliance.”
Meanwhile, a member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said if the presidential contenders do not stop their word war or their political mudslinging, they should consider withdrawing from the race.
Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said politicians running for president are bad examples to the public, especially when they engage in dirty politics through their bickerings.
“We are supposed to build bridges to love one another and present their platforms and convictions rather than attack others,” he said. – Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee Brago