NOYNOY IN SURIGAO / VILLAR: IF NOYNOY HAS
KRIS I HAVE PACMAN
[PHOTO
AT LEFT - Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, movie
and TV personality Kris Aquino and pro cager James Yap flash the ‘Laban’ sign as
they campaign in Zamboanga City the other day.]
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, MARCH 13, 2010 (STAR) By Aurea Calica - Noynoy doesn't buy transition promise.
Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday warned that President Arroyo’s assurance of a smooth turnover to the next president may be a hollow one.
Aquino said there are indications that Mrs. Arroyo could have been making decisions to ensure her stay in power beyond her term of office on June 30, citing the appointment of Maj. Gen. Delfin Bangit as the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Another instance, Aquino added, is the impending appointment of the next chief justice despite the constitutional prohibition against the President making any appointment during the last few months of her term.
The President on Wednesday vowed to ensure a peaceful turnover of power to the next chief executive on June 30, assuring critics that she would not stay a day longer in office.
Mrs. Arroyo said she would respect the nation’s democratic process and vowed to make way for the next president who would be elected on May 10.
Aquino, however, joined other critics in doubting Mrs. Arroyo’s sincerity.
“Do I trust what she said? I have not been trusting (Mrs. Arroyo) for a while now on what she says,” Aquino said.
Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo, after taking over the botched presidency of Joseph Estrada in 2001, had earlier promised that she would not seek office in 2004.
Mrs. Arroyo later reneged on her word and joined the presidential elections in 2004, winning over the late Fernando Poe Jr. in the most controversial and hotly contested electoral exercise in the country’s political history, including the “Hello, Garci” scandal where she was caught talking to an election commissioner about her votes.
Despite the President’s assurance of a smooth turnover, Aquino said the people must remain vigilant because Mrs. Arroyo has broken her promises before, such as the one she made on Rizal Day 2002 that she would not run in 2004.
“When we err, let’s err on the side of caution. Why should we wait for history to repeat itself?” Aquino said.
On the appointment of Bangit, Aquino said he would give the new AFP chief “the benefit of the doubt.”
The appointment of Bangit has raised widespread speculations that Mrs. Arroyo is plotting to derail the May 10 elections, then take the opportunity to remain president amid the ensuing chaos.
Mrs. Arroyo came under fire from critics who saw the appointment of Bangit, her former Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief, as a move to ensure the May 10 elections would run in her favor.
Bangit took over the command of the AFP from Gen. Victor Ibrado, who retired Wednesday on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu was appointed the new Army commander following the assumption of Bangit as the new AFP chief.
Bangit, for his part, sought to allay critics’ concerns on his appointment by denying charges that he was chosen by Mrs. Arroyo to help her stay in power.
Bangit vowed to keep the AFP out of politics and ensure the May 10 elections would be peaceful and orderly.
Despite the assurances of Bangit, Aquino said he was not totally convinced.
Although the President has the right to appoint the AFP chief, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo should have done better by appointing someone who is not closely identified with her.
“In that sense, give us a legacy or at least give the appearance of neutrality given the importance of this transition,” he said.
Aquino said the appointment of Bangit stirred more controversy since the “Hello, Garci” wiretap scandal that involved Mrs. Arroyo and some high-ranking military officials in the alleged cheating in the 2004 elections remains unresolved.
“Then you put in someone (at the AFP helm) closely identified with the administration,” he pointed out.
Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo was apparently not concerned about the legacy she would leave as leader of the country because of her choice of the new military chief as well as the energy crisis in Mindanao.
“We (are supposed to) have a transition, (so) she should be managing as outgoing president. But once again and consistently, she chose to advance her own interest,” Aquino added.
With close to nine and a half years of leading the country, Aquino said Mrs. Arroyo should be thinking about the country’s stability and her legacy.
“Perhaps we should even be more worried if there are other changes, (if) people not due to retire are retired or advanced to inconsequential posts. That should make us (apprehensive),” Aquino warned.
‘Benefit of the doubt’
Speaker Prospero Nograles led administration allies in defending the appointment of Bangit, appealing to critics to give the new AFP chief the chance to prove his mettle for the sake of national interest.
“Gen. Bangit deserves the respect and confidence of the entire military hierarchy. He is a professional soldier. Doubts may have been instilled by critics, but he deserves the benefit of the doubt as he vowed to insulate the military from partisan politics,” Nograles said.
Nograles defended the appointment of Bangit, saying the President did not deviate from the proper procedure of appointing the next military chief.
“It was just coincidental that the new chief of staff earned his cap within the term of President Arroyo. You can call this destiny of a deserving officer,” Nograles said.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), on the other hand, said they would hold on to the statement of Bangit that the military will remain non-partisan in the coming polls.
Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said Bangit’s assurances are a welcome development since Comelec is doing its best to make the May 10 elections peaceful and orderly.
“We welcome the statement of Gen. Bangit that they will be our partners (in the elections). He made a statement that he will faithfully perform his duties and he will ensure that the AFP is neutral in this coming elections,” Larrazabal said.
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said Bangit has already outlined his programs to improve efficiency and benefits of servicemen during his term.
Two hours after the turnover ceremonies last Wednesday, Burgos said Bangit immediately called for a command conference and told senior military commanders that one of the priorities would be health services for soldiers.
“He (Bangit) also made mention (of) the improvement of the values of soldiers. Our trainings would dwell not only on equipage and training but also the inculcation of values,” Burgos said.
Burgos added they will enhance the feedback system among the soldiers and strengthen their “indoctrination” to maintain professionalism in the service.
Burgos clarified the system has nothing to do with the allegations that the AFP would be used to manipulate the results of the coming elections. -With Roel Pareño, Alexis Romero, Sheila Crisostomo, Delon Porcalla, Jaime Laude
Noynoy downplays Pacquiao's endorsement of Villar By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated March 13, 2010 12:00 AM
SURIGAO DEL NORTE , Philippines — Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said he was not really threatened if Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao would campaign for his closest rival, Nacionalista Party (NP) bet Sen. Manuel Villar Jr.
Villar had earlier announced that Pacquiao would be his ace against Aquino’s popular sister, Kris Aquino-Yap, a known crowd drawer.
“Why would she need to be pitted against someone when she had only joined me once so far,” Aquino said.
He said Villar was a copycat and could not come up with original campaign ideas.
Aquino and his running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, expressed gratitude for the warm response they were receiving everywhere they went, even without celebrities. He said the motorcade to the rally site was not planned but people lined the streets upon hearing their interview over the radio.
“I get uncomfortable when they kiss my hand and sometimes when they ask to pose for a photograph with me. Some probably do not notice anymore that their hands are already on my butt,” Aquino said laughing.
He said he was enjoying the crowd but the campaign sorties were physically punishing and television interviews, rallies and motorcades sometimes take a toll on their health.
Aquino said he was suffering from a bad cold and could not fly for a few days, while Roxas had flu and a bum stomach.
Roxas said he was thrilled to see that people went out of their homes to see them even if they came without celebrities. He emphasized that they have not spent more than their rivals but were happy that they remain frontrunners.
“That’s the surprising thing. It’s not our primary agenda to (have a motorcade) but the people came out. Who would expect that?” Aquino said, adding that they did not have to give advance notice of four days, like what other candidates would be doing.
“What else can we ask for? But of course we are after the dedication and zeal to continue until Election Day to ensure victory,” he said.
Aquino said they were touring local radio stations, cable television and other media to broaden their reach because they could not possibly meet personally with more than 50 million voters in 90 days.
“We are quite contented with what we are doing. Based on the people’s response I think they have understood our message. What else can we do? Maybe there are things that we would have to entrust to God. So far, whatever shortcomings we have are being filled by people who have faith and belief in us,” he said.
Pulling out the aces
But several NP senatorial candidates downplayed Aquino’s efforts to bring his youngest sister in the campaign.
“Well, it seems they have now loaded the ultimate campaign weapon. Looks like there’s panic on their side,” said NP guest senatorial bet Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna.
Another senatorial candidate Mon-Mon Mitra said veteran actress Annabelle Rama and her daughter beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez should join the NP.
“If Kris and James (Yap) have decided to join the campaign, perhaps we can request Ruffa (Gutierrez) and Tita Annabelle (Rama) to join us,” Mitra said in jest, adding that the NP enjoys the support of other celebrities such as Pacquiao, Sarah Geronimo, Dolphy and Willie Revillame.
Martin Querubin, representing his father detained Col. Ariel Querubin, said the LP move can be seen as desperate because Villar is closing in on Aquino.
Ocampo said Aquino’s move to tap his sister for the campaign only shows that the LP cannot stand on its own feet and needed additional help.
“Sen. Villar’s rating continues to move up, including the entire NP senatorial slate. If you notice almost all of our senatoriables, our rating are moving up,” Querubin said, adding that the party has still much in store for the people in the run-up to the May elections.
“I respect the decision of Ms. Aquino to join the campaign of her brother. It’s her moral obligation to do so as his sister.
“But that’s it. They have used their last special weapon. After that they have no special weapon. We still have plenty,” he said.
Ocampo said Kris has been supportive of him in the past and he hopes that their political differences would not drive a wedge between them. – Christina Mendez
If Noynoy has Kris, I have Pacman - Villar (The Philippine Star) Updated March 12, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. is ready to pit boxing champion Manny Pacquiao against showbiz personality Kris Aquino and her husband, basketball star James Yap.
Upon learning that Kris and James joined the Liberal Party (LP) sorties in Zamboanga City Wednesday, Villar said Pacquiao vowed to campaign with him after his fight with Joshua Clottey in Texas on March 13.
Villar said he is unfazed by Yap’s and Kris’s decision to join the campaign of her brother, LP standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III.
In a videotaped message, Pacquiao, NP candidate for representative in the lone district of Sarangani, has urged Filipinos to elect Villar president on May 10.
The taped message was first played during the political-entertainment rally hosted by television host Willie Revillame during the NP grand rally in Mandaue City in cebu last month.
Revillame, ace comedian Dolphy and singer Sarah Geronimo have endorsed Villar’s presidential bid. - Christina Mendez
Kris wooing Danding to support Noynoy's presidential bid By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated March 12, 2010 12:00 AM
ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – Actress and television host Kris Aquino yesterday revealed she is trying to convince her uncle, business tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., to support the presidential bid of her brother Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
During the campaign sortie of the Liberal Party (LP) held here, Kris told reporters that she would be accompanied by Cojuangco’s daughter Lisa for a meeting with the business tycoon.
“I’ve tried... I have seen him (Cojuangco) in person because we do have a good relationship. I would be accompanied by Lisa if the campaign reaches Iloilo or Bacolod City,” she said.
Kris and Lisa are second cousins. Cojuangco and Kris’ mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, are maternal first cousins.
Kris said she was happy that Lisa decided to go with them even if they were just second cousins. Kris said she felt elated by Lisa’s offer even though she is the first cousin of administration presidential candidate Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“Thank you very much. I hope she (Lisa) can convince her father to support Noynoy... I’ve tried (to convince them) as I said but it’s really their decision,” Kris said.
Kris would not say if their uncle had committed financial support for the campaign of Noynoy. Cojuangco is the founder of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the political party of Teodoro before he moved to the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD.
Lisa, for her part, said she would maintain their family’s stand to support any candidate except Teodoro.
Lisa revealed to ABS-CBN that her father felt insulted when Teodoro bolted the NPC to join the administration party.
“My daddy was hurt. He (Teodoro) was given all the best, better than all the children, then suddenly he left. President Arroyo had nothing to do with this but Gibo became arrogant. He has to learn to be humble,” Lisa said.
Last month, Cojuangco’s wife Gretchen told reporters that her husband would support any candidate except Teodoro.
Mrs. Cojuangco said Teodoro failed to inform his uncle that he was leaving NPC to join Lakas.
She said Teodoro has been receiving help from her husband for the past nine years.
“My husband had the biggest plans for and belief in him, being so intelligent,” Mrs. Cojuangco said.
Botox makeover
Kris joined her brother here during the campaign, talking to reporters in the sidelines, revealing her plans to convince the LP presidential bet to have a makeover.
She wanted her brother to try Botox to be “more presentable.”
“If you notice, the way a person dresses and your overall look is a big thing when you face the people. Actually I advised him, do you want to have Botox? Because wrinkles are developing on his forehead,” Kris told reporters before their rally here Wednesday night.
Kris said she wanted her brother to resemble actor John Lloyd Cruz but he told her, “Why would you like to experiment on my face?”
Kris volunteered to be the stylist of Noynoy and the first thing she asked her brother was to undergo hair loss treatment but he refused.
Noynoy, however, allowed his youngest sister to be his fashion adviser.
And if Noynoy would be elected president, Kris said her role would depend on what her brother would ask of her.
“It’s up to Noy. Because if he wins and he is already the president, he calls the shots. So whatever he would ask of us to do to help him, we would do it,” Kris said.
Noynoy also said his sisters were not really excited to return to Malacañang. Kris, however, clarified they did not really live in Malacañang when their late mother was still president.
She said they never spent a single night in Malacañang but they all lived together in the Arlegui guesthouse.