Thursday, May 20, 2010

Statement of Votes versus elction Returns

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 20, 2010) – The Statement of Votes (left of photo) shows incorrect number of the actual voters against the election return print out (right frame)from PCOS machine of clusterprecinct 21 of barangay Kablacan, Maasim town which led to the erroneous certificate of canvass. Precinct 21 has 800 registered voters with 616 who actually voted. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PPCRV result for Maasim

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 20, 2010) – The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting result shows in the mayoralty race in Maasim, ArtLawa of the SARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD party leading by 48 votes againstJose Zamorro. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayoralty bet sees win after vote count discrepancy

MAASIM, Sarangani (May 20, 2010) – Art Lawa of theSARRO/Lakas-Kampi-CMD party could win the mayoralty race in Maasim based on certified true copy of election returns.

Because of this, Lawa filed a petition to the Office of the Clerk ofthe Commission (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila, on May 17 for thecorrection of the result of the canvassing.

Copy of the statement of votes requested by Lawa from the Commissionon Election Central Office showed an erroneous number of voters (9voters) compared to the election return printed by the PCOS machine(616 voters) which caused the miscounting.

According to election officer Teresita Lucero, clustered precinct 21in barangay Kablacan could have transmitted an erroneous result andmay have read the wrong data on the CF card (Compact Flash), suspectedto be the mock election result conducted earlier with only 9respondents or sample voters.

But based on the certified true copy of the election returns, Lawa got 136 votes against Zamorro who has only 62 votes at clustered precinctand PCOS ID number 8004021 in barangay Kablacan.

Said copy of the election return showed the clustered precinct has atotal of 800 registered voters, 616 of which actually voted.

The certified true copy of the election returns reverses the result ofthe canvass and favors Lawa.Likewise, the PPCRV result of the mayoralty race in the said town alsoshowed Lawa winning against Zamorro.

Lawa garnered a total vote of5,440 while Zamorro had 5,392.“But for sure there is no human intervention of the result. There canonly be an error in the reading of the CF from the PCOS machine,”Lucero said.

Zamorro was proclaimed by the municipal board of canvassers on May 11as leading with only 15 votes.

On the certificate of canvass submitted by the municipal board of canvassers, Lawa has a total vote of 5,306while Jose Zamorro has 5,321 total votes.

“There is no need for a recount but only a correction of the municipal canvassing,” Lawa said over a radio interview.“When the municipal canvassing will be corrected, I’m sure it willshow I win,” Lawa said. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Biggest beach party in Southern Philippines on May 27-29

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 19, 2010) – Local media and events organizersmet at a press call Wednesday (May 19) for the province’s yearlycelebration of the Sarangani Bay Festival on May 27-29.

With the number of guests and visitors tripled during the past threeyears (from 5,700 in 2007 to 17,500 in 2009), Sarangani Bay Festival has become the biggest beach party in this part of the country.“Each year we are improving our celebration of the festival,” Vicente Camacho, executive committee chair for the celebration, said.“This year, we have five new events that will surely add excitement tothis beach summer fun,” Camacho said.

Sepak takraw sa baybayon, which is one of the new events, will be participated in by national andinternational players with seven teams from Luzon, Visayas andMindanao.

For the historic swim-across-the-bay, a 15-kilometer swim relay contest, event organizer Nimrod Butil said his committee has revisedcontest mechanics for the said event.

For his part, municipal tourism chairman of Glan Dr. Tranquilino Ruizsaid what is more important about the celebration is knowing the history and oral literature about Sarangani Bay.

“Sarangani is as old as our very own race, Malay. When Ruy Lopez de Villalobos happened to reach this part of the ocean in their search for provision in 1543, his chroniclers wrote Sarangani to mean “This is our territory” or “We stop here” according to the Indonesian language.”

Ruiz is a known local historian of Glan where the beach sports activities for the festival will be held particularly in Gumasa white sand beaches.

White Haven Beach Resort, Rosal White Sand Beach, CocoBeach (09195330408), and the newly opened Isla Jardin del Mar(09107581239) lead the mushrooming of resorts here.

The three-day festival will kick off in Maasim town’s LemlunayParadise (formerly Southpoint Dive Resort) on the 27th with the opening of the photo contest, POI and ZIP Clinic, and a reggae partyin the evening.

On the second day (May 28), activities will be held in the adjacent White Haven Resort, Rosal White Sand Resort, Coco Beach and IslaJardin del Mar such as Lumba Bugsay, skimboarding, beach football,beach frisbee exhibition games, sepak takraw sa baybayon, beach fair,sand sculpture competition, bay bodies bikini open, and summer nightbeach party.

The 15-kilometer swim-across-the-bay will start at theLemlunay Paradise to Tango in Glan.

On May 29 - bancarera, fun bike ride, beach volleyball, cheerdance andconcert by the bay featuring the Cueshe Band. (Russtum G.Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Origin of Sarangani

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 19, 2010) - Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz III,chairperson on municipal committee on tourism and a councilor-elect inGlan, makes a short presentation to media on the origin of Sarangani Wednesday, May 19, during the Sarangani Bay Festival 2010 press conference at Capitol conference room. Sarangani Bay Festival, whichis the biggest beach party in Mindanao, will be on May 27-29. Also in photo are festival executive committee chair Vicente Camacho, OIC provincial administrator, and festival executive committee member Atty. Arnel Zapatos, provincial legal officer. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

MVP from Sarangani

DAVAO CITY (May 17, 2010) - Reuben Jay Baguio (left) from barangay Banate, Malungon, Sarangani, is awarded as one of the two Talk N Text Regional MVP (Most valuable Player) ng Bayan-Mindanao during its regional elimination round Saturday, May 15, at Woddbridge gymnasium.With Baguio, who advances to the national finals in Manila on June 19,are (from left) Mark Ko, operations manager of 8telcom; WillieMarcial, special assistant to the commissioner of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and chief media bureau, Ricky Santos,operations and technical director of PBA and Ramil Cruz, PBA supervisors of officials. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Friday, May 14, 2010

"Steve, Manny, we can do it," Migs says

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 14, 2010) - Re-elected Governor Migs Dominguez has expressed confidence that with re-elected Vice Governor Steve Solon and Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao, Sarangani province would be a model of unity, hope, and inspiration not only in Mindanao, but in the whole country.

"Let Sarangani be the model province that will usher in the new Philippines kung saan ipapakita ng buong probinsiya ang pagkakaisa, ang pagsisikap, na kung saan ito'y magiging ehemplo, isang simbolo, hindi lamang para sa Mindanao, pero sa buong Pilipinas. Steve, Manny, kayang-kaya natin gawing number one ang Sarangani province," Dominguez said after the proclamation of winning candidates in the May 10 elections by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC).

The proclamation was held at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at around 11:50 p.m., Thursday (May 13).

Dominguez also welcomed the new elected officials of Sarangani province who were proclaimed by the PBOC.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Solon congratulated Congressman-elect Pacquiao for winning the congressional race.

"Siguro ngayon panahon na para mag-unite ang probinsiya. Tapos na ang pulitika, it's time to serve the people," Solon asserted.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, said he would do his best to deliver what he had promised to the people during the campaign period.

"Asahan niyo po gagawin ko ang aking makakaya para matupad yung mga pangako ko. Nais kong i-congratulate lahat ng mga nanalo at sa lahat ng hindi pinalad, sana magkaisa na tayong lahat para sa pagbabago ng ating Sarangani at matulungan natin yung mga taong naghihirap," Pacquiao said.

Dominguez, Solon, and Pacquiao were proclaimed by the PBOC chaired by Atty. Michael Abas, regional election officer.

Abas said Dominguez got 89,668 votes, Solon acquired 88,269 votes, and Pacquiao had a total of 120,052 votes, the highest number of votes cast for their positions.

Abas also proclaimed the winning Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. They were Elmer de Peralta, Cornelio Martinez, Limuel Gacula, and Bryan Alexander Reganit for the first district; and Hermie Galzote, Eugene Alzate, Eleonor Saguiguit, Virgilio Tobias, Benedicto Ruiz, and Abdul Pangolima for the second district. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Gov. Steve proclaimed winners

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 13, 2010) – Provincial Board of Canvassers chair Michael Abas raises the hands of Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon as the re-elected governor and vice governor of Sarangani Province, respectively. Dominguez and Solon were proclaimed at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at 11:50 p.m. Thursday, May 13. Dominguez got 89,668 votes, while Solon acquired a total of 88,269 votes, the highest number cast for the said positions. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarangani provincial officials

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 13, 2010) – The Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) proclaim as winners re-elected Governor Migs Dominguez, ViceGovernor Steve Solon, and Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Thursday night. From left to right are PBOC vice chairman Felipe Velasco, Gov. Migs Dominguez, Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao, PBOC chair Michael Abas,Vice Gov. Steve Solon, and PBOC secretary Cesario Cagas. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Re-elected Governor Migs Dominguez and Juan Domino

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 13, 2010) – Re-elected Governor Migs Dominguez meets his political opponent Juan Domino (left) shortly before the proclamation of the winning candidates in Sarangani Province at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Thursday night, May 13.(Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Show of support

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 13, 2010) – Supporters of Governor Migs Dominguez congratulate him as he arrives at the Provincial Capitol lobby, Thursday night for the proclamation of winners in the May 10 elections by the Provincial Board of Canvassers. Dominguez arrived together with Vice Governor Steve Solon and some members of their family. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Supporters cheer Gov. Migs

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 13, 2010) – Re-electeed Governor Migs Dominguez is warmly greeted by his supporters before he enters the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Thursday night for the proclamation of winning candidates in the May 10 elections. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Gov. Migs & Steve tandem to continue

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 12, 2010) – Incumbent Governor Migs Dominguez is leading against his political opponent Juan Domino for the gubernatorial race in Sarangani Province.

Based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) consolidated official and unofficial tally of votes from the seven municipalities of the province, it showed that Governor Dominguez is ahead of 6,463 votes compared to Domino.

Dominguez got the highest number of partial and unofficial votes from Malungon, where he posted a total of 5,055 votes higher than Domino.

The Comelec said as of Tuesday night (May 11), Alabel, Maitum, Maasim,and Malapatan were the only municipalities which had official results.

Based on the official result, Governor Dominguez is leading in the canvassing of votes.

Observers believe it is possible that Dominguez’s lead can climb up to 8,000 when the Comelec’s canvassing of votes resumes today

.Contrary to the report of a local television station which said that Domino was leading in the counting of votes, the same data from the Comelec was released and announced in a quick count conducted by Bombo Radyo General Santos and RMN DXMD-Gensan, considered as two dominating radio stations in General Santos City.

The television station only referred to the data released from the municipality of Maitum where Dominguez had only 6,287 votes, lower by 2,323 votes compared to that of Domino’s 8,610 votes.

Meanwhile, in the vice gubernatorial race, Dominguez’s partymate Vice Governor Steve Solon is also leading over his opponent, Fred Basino.

In an official result from Maasim, Solon won with 10,635 votes compared to Basino who only had 6,864 votes.

Same was true in Maitum where Solon also took the lead with 7,140 votes, while Basino only had 6,550.

In the congressional race, Manny Pacquiao was leading against his opponent, Roy Chiongbian.

In Maitum, Pacquiao got 11,037 votes, while Chiongbian had 4,465 votes.

In Maasim, on the other hand, Pacquiao got 5,941 more votes than Chiongbian.

In a report published in Brigada News Philippines on May 11, it said that there was a massive vote buying in Sarangani Province.

The report said voters were given cash money amounting from P300 to P1,000 and sacks of rice.

It added that the voters themselves made the testimony about the massive vote buying in the province.

According to the report, candidates started the massive vote buying onSunday night until the day of the elections.

However, Col. Restito Gatera, provincial director of Sarangani,claimed that the election process in Sarangani was peaceful.He said the PNP has not monitored untoward incidents or anyelection-related violence on May 10.“So far, walay mga untoward incidents nga atong namonitor. Generally,peaceful naman ang proseso ng eleksiyon. We deployed more than 300 PNPpersonnel in the whole province,” Gatera said.

Gatera added that Sarangani had a “well detailed security plan.” Asidefrom the deployed uniformed policemen, his office also coordinatedwith the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by Col.Edgardo de Leon.

The May 10 election is the first ever automated polls in the history of the country.

In Sarangani Province, it was learned that a total of 6,000 votes were wasted because of the incorrect way of shading ofvoters, thus the ballots were not accepted by the Precinct CountOptical Scan (PCOS) machines. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Monday, May 10, 2010

Precinct # 125a

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 10, 2010) - After more than two hour of waiting outside this polling precinct, Governor Migs Dominguez finally casts his vote Monday, May 10, in Maribulan Elementary School. (CocoySexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Governor Migs votes

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 10, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez joins other voters as they line up to cast their votes Monday, May 10, in Maribulan Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATIONOFFICE)

Voters

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 10, 2010) - Voters queue up as they wait for their turn to cast their votes Monday, May 10, at Maribulan Elementary School. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

PCOS machine

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 10, 2010) - PCOS machine jams during its actual operation in one of the precincts in Maribulan, Alabel, Monday, May10. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Governor Migs

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 8, 2010) - “Don’t vote for me, if you don’t vote for Roy for congressman” is Governor Migs Dominguez’ appeal to thousands of supporters during the miting de avance of his local party SARRO on the last day of campaign Saturday, May 8, at the municipal kiosk of Kiamba.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Gibo thanks TUCP, 18 more party-list groups for their support

Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gibo Teodoro has thanked the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and 18 more party-list groups for endorsing his candidacy, saying their backing is not just a support for him but a collective commitment to an agenda for genuine change and sustainable national development into the next decade.

“I am humbled by their declaration of support, which is not just an endorsement of my presidential bid but a collective support for a roadmap for genuine change and sustainable growth and development that the next Administration has to carry out with the backing of the various sectors,” Gibo said.

Gibo said TUCP and the other party-list groups deserve to be represented in Congress to ensure that all sectors, most especially the marginalized ones, are adequately heard as the next government seeks a national consensus behind such a roadmap for change and development.

The TUCP, for instance, is the country’s biggest organized labor bloc with a combined nationwide membership of 1.2 million workers spread out across almost 30 federations in all sectors from industry to agriculture.

It is one of the 19 party-list groups that expressed full support for Gibo via a manifesto that they public released in a news conference in Quezon City last Tuesday.

These party-list groups’ endorsement came on the heels of an announcement Sunday night in Davao City by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy “self-appointed Son of God” and founder of the six million-strong Kingdom of Jesus Christ: The Nambe Above Every Name that Gibo should be the country’s next President.

Aside from TUCP, the party list organizations that signed the manifesto were: AT (Aangat Tayo), ANAD (Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy), Senior Citizens, Ang Kasangga, BANAT (Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency), KAKUSA (Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong Na Walang Sala), ABAKADA-Guro, ARC (Alliance for Rural Concerns) and ABS (Arts, Business and Science Professionals).

The pro-Gibo manifesto was also signed by UNI-MAD (United Movement Against Drugs), 1 Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon), YACAP (You Against Corruption And Poverty), ALAGAD, COOP-NATCCO (Cooperatives-National Confederation of Cooperatives), VFP (Veterans Freedom Party), AA-KASOSYO, and ALIF (Ang Laban ng Indiginong Filipino).

In the Manifesto of Support, the party-list representatives said they “believed in Gibo’s vision for the country and the Filipino people, and are willing to support him for the realization of his vision.”

They said the former defense secretary possesses the qualities that “we are looking for in a leader to lead us through this nightmare of life.”

Gibo said, “I am particularly humbled by the TUCP endorsement because my late father had such a personal and fruitful relationship with its founder, the esteemed labor leader Democrito Mendoza.”

Mendoza, in an earlier interview in Cebu City, said he is personally vouching for Gibo when the group hosted a lunch for him in one of his sorties in the vote-rich province.

“Gibo is the most qualified to run our country and effect the changes needed for a better Philippines,” Mendoza said.

“Though major labor groups enjoy various statutes under Philippine law, I feel these are not enough. I believe they should also have representation in Congress,” the Harvard-trained lawyer and 1989 bar topnotcher said.

Gibo said earlier that pushing good governance policies, investing in human capital by providing Filipinos with quality education and health care, and completing large-scale infrastructure projects that would interconnect the country’s ports and seaports, would entice more investors to perk up the economy and thereby generate quality and better-paying jobs for Filipinos.

“He alone can mend the factionalism in our public service that is creating havoc in our bureaucracy,” the manifesto said. “He alone can patch up the rift caused by the regionalization of our people, hindering unity and progress.”

The manifesto also took a dig at “questionable survey results”

“We strongly dispute the notion coming from the profit-driven survey firms that the battle for the presidency has been narrowed down to two candidates,” it noted. “The survey results do not truthfully reflect the sentiments of the voting public at the national level.”

The manifesto urged the Filipino people to “vote for the right and most competent candidate who could lead this nation towards greater economic prosperity and social progress.”
“We appeal to our people to join us in the crusade for a better Philippines. Join us now in support of Gibo. His vision is our vision. His mission is our mission,” the 19 party-list groups said in the manifesto. -30-

Youth vote to propel Gibo victory, says spokesman

With less than a week before judgment day, the camp of Lakas-Kampi-CMD Teodoro has expressed confidence of a victorious ending amid the grueling campaign, which saw his poll chances surging at this homestretch, on the strength of the formidable support of young voters.

Apart from the youth vote, former press secretary Mike Toledo said Gibo’s candidacy is also riding high on the wings of last Sunday’s endorsement by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ: The Name Above Every Name.

This congregation, which is headquartered in Davao City, boasts some six million members spread across the Philippines and over a hundred more countries worldwide.

Toledo, Gibo’s campaign spokesman and director of the G1BO 2010 Media Bureau, stressed anew the ruling party is pinning high hopes on the voters, especially the young Filipinos who are at the frontlines of his “green” corps of volunteers.

“Isa sa mga talagang lakas o pillars ng support para sa kandidatura ni Gibo ay ang kabataan. At alam naman natin, 52% ng boboto sa darating na halalan ay manggagaling sa kabataan. (One of the real strength or pillars for the candidacy of Gibo is the youth. We know for a fact that 52% of the voters comes from the youth),” Toledo said in a radio interview.

Playing down the survey results of polling firms based in Manila, Toledo pointed out there are surveys from non-traditional groups that show Gibo in No. 1 or No. 2 spots.

“Kaya makikita mo, may mga surveys na talagang nagna-No.1 na siya, nagna-No. 2. Kaya para sa amin, tinitingnan namin iyan, sige, however, we do not rely on that, we base it on our campaign and what we see on the ground, at kami po’y naniniwala na magiging maganda ang kalalabasan sa May 10, 2010 (If you see, there are surveys that he is number one or number two already. We just look at those surveys, however, we do not rely on them. Based on our campaign and what we see on the ground, we believe the outcome of May 10, 2010 will be favorable to him),” Toledo said.

Gibo rammed home the message of the vital importance of every Filipino vote on May 10 in a recent sortie in Siquijor.

“Tatayo tayo at hindi tayo papayag na hindi madinig kasi kahit gaano ka-pobre ang isang tao, ang kanyang boto sagrado [We will all stand and we will not agree not to be heard, no matter how poor a person is, because his vote is sacred], and nobody can say that that vote is taken for granted,” Toledo said on radio.

Last Saturday in Cebu City, a total of 128 incumbent congressmen, governors and candidates of the ruling party vying for local positions converged anew in the vote-rich province in yet another impressive show of force to reaffirm their 100% support for Gibo.

Amids green banners and the crescendo of cheers of Cebu-based Gibo volunteers and supporters, a manifesto of support entitled ”The Cebu Declaration.” was signed by the officers and members of the ruling party present at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel.

In an impressive show of solidarity, the 128 delegates, vowed to continue their support for Gibo’s presidential bid “to the very end,” and to rally their respective constituents to break their silence and make their support felt for the Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet this last week leading to Election Day.

Also in Cebu last week, more than 100,000 people combined flocked to the different rallies and other engagements of Gibo in his two-day Cebu campaign offensive, capped Wednesday night by the attendance of more than 30,000 people here who braved rainfall to listen to him talk about the road to change and a better Philippines.

Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, third district) has said that his family and One Cebu are campaigning hard for Gibo in a bid to rack up 60 percent of Cebu’s 1.8 million votes in his favor, or roughly one million votes.

President Arroyo is believed to have won over her chief rival, the late Fernando Poe Jr., in the 2004 presidential elections partly because of the one million votes that she got in Cebu.

Two weeks ago, Gibo was also in vote-rich Cebu province to bask in the support showered on him by at least 41 incumbent governors and gubernatorial candidates led by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia who comprise the Governors for Gibo (G4G) or Team Palabra de Honor.

G4G is the new caucus of governors that met at the Marco Polo Hotel to vow to stand by the Lakas-Kampi CMD standard-bearer and deliver for him the highest possible number of votes in their respective localities come Election Day.

On top of these governors, at least 168 congressional candidates, 71 of them incumbent legislators, also pledged their support for Gibo's presidential bid in a meeting at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, which was held a day before the Marco Polo meeting in Cebu City.

On Saturday night, an estimated 10,000 volunteers and supporters of Gibo jammed, danced, prayed and whooped it up with rock bands Rivermaya and Razorback at the exhilarating Miting de Avance on Labor Day at the Folk Arts Theater grounds near Roxas Boulevard.

Dubbed “Sakay Na, Sulong Na! Gibo Rocks the Youth Vote 2010,” the “party” featured Tarlac Rep. Nikki Teodoro, wife of the former defense secretary, and local celebrities who had been toiling anonymously in the “Green Team,” including celebrities David Celdran, Joey Javier Reyes, Manoling Morato, Miriam Quiambao and Hermie Esguerra, among others.

Most of those who attended the concert came from either of the five convergence points in the metropolis where motorcades with the participation of over 500 vehicles combined had taken off in the afternoon en route to ground zero.

Toledo reiterated that the Lakas-Kampi-CMD juggernaut and his apparent lock on the votes of students and other young voters—they make up the majority of this year's electorate—will ensure his victory come May 10.

Among the volunteer groups mounting parallel “green rallies” to broaden Gibo’s constituency and ensure his victory in the presidential race are Volunteers for Gibo of Andrew Masigan; Mahal Ko, Bayan Ko of Evelyn Kilayko; Green Team 2010; G-Squad; Animo Gibo; Palit-Galing Movement; Friends of Ramos for Teodoro; and GTBrigada Gibo. -30-

Gibo's positive campaign spurs campaign surge

The consistent stance of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gibo Teodoro of rising above the political fray despite the spate of demolition jobs against him has transformed the former defense chief into the “people’s candidate” who is now riding on an unstoppable campaign surge in the remaining weeks prior to the May 10 polls, his spokesman has said.

Lawyer and former press secretary Mike Toledo said on radio that Gibo’s move to remain unaffected by the smear jobs against him—much less fight engage in mudslinging himself—has distinguished him among the current crop of presidential candidates, some of whom have taken turns attacking each other instead of focusing on the relevant issues or national concerns crying to be discussed in this election campaign.

Toledo, who also heads the G1BO 2010 Media Bureau, said in a radio interview that voters now see Gibo as the best choice among the presidentiables as he has proven himself to be the “most decent and most principled” among the contenders.

Gibo’s decision not to dignify the attacks against him or to also attack his opponents has endeared him to voters who have gotten tired of the “gutter politics” in this year’s elections, Toledo noted.

“Gusto niyang ipakita sa taong-bayan na pwede tayong umangat sa ganyang klaseng pamumulitika na tawag natin ay gutter politics. (Gibo wants to show our countrymen that we can rise above such kind of politics, which we call gutter politics). And even patronage politics,” Toledo said in the radio interview.

Toledo said Gibo’s decision to stick to his style of positive campaigning despite the black propaganda hurled against him has even generated “sympathy votes” to his side.

“The support for Gibo continues to surge and he is now being called the ‘people’s candidate,’ ” Toledo said. “People have crossed party lines and they are voting for Gibo because they say that he is a cut above the rest.”

Toledo said that instead of wasting time answering baseless attacks against him, Gibo would rather present to the people his vision for the country and platform of government because he believes that “the Filipino people deserve better” than the politics of hate that they are now witnessing in the campaigns of other presidential candidates.

He noted that Gibo can count on over 200 congressional and gubernatorial candidates who have remained loyal to him and vowed to continue their campaign for his victory in the May 10 elections.

At least 41 incumbent governors and gubernatorial candidates led by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia met just recently to reinstate their commitment of support for Gibo's presidential bid.Gibo also has the backing of 168 congressional candidates, 71 of them incumbent legislators.

Toledo said that besides these factors, among the other reasons for Gibo's surging campaign, are the nationwide reach of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD campaign machinery and his ever-growing army of young volunteers across the country, who have hailed him as the "people's candidate."

Among the volunteer groups mounting parallel “green rallies” to broaden Gibo’s constituency and ensure his victory in the presidential race are Volunteers for Gibo of Andrew Masigan; Mahal Ko, Bayan Ko of Evelyn Kilayko; Green Team 2010; G-Squad; Animo Gibo; Palit-Galing Movement; Friends of Ramos for Teodoro; and GTBrigada Gibo.

Daisy Bardoquillo, who heads the Kilusan ng mga Aktwal na Naninirahan sa Estado ng Payatas (Kanepa), said Gibo has emerged as the frontrunner, along with Estrada, in the mock polls in Metro Manila's highly populated slum districts.

Toledo said the Lakas-Kampi-CMD juggernaut and the Gibo's apparent lock on the votes of students and other young voters, which make up the majority of this year's electorate, will ensure his victory on May 10.

The Green Army Komunidad, a multisectoral group consisting of tens of thousands of Gibo volunteers, have mobilized and launched a nationwide grassroots campaign, anchored on positivity, to convince voters to choose Gibo as the country's next president.

Gibo volunteers all over the country have also vowed to take to the streets in major urban centers in the last two weeks leading to the May 10 elections in order to mount spontaneous “green rallies” in support of Gibo. -30-

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

'Coalition of Hope' to spell Gibo victory, LAKAS-KAMPI stalwart say

The silent majority fed up with the mudslinging that sets apart the 2010 presidential campaign has spawned the “Coalition of Hope” across the countrythat will spell the victory of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gibo Teodoro on Election Day, according to at least 128 incumbent elective officials and candidates backing his candidacy.

In a manifesto issued at the end of a Cebu City caucus last weekend, these ruling party stalwarts called on these millions of “coalition” members to“link the archipelago with their cries for new politics” and let their collective be heard by voting for Gibo who they regard as “the best and the brightest” among this year’s crop of presidentiables.

“We, the leaders, in consultation with our constituents, have made our choice,” said these officials in the Cebu declaration that they signed atthe Marco Polo Hotel in that city. “We have chosen the best and the brightest. The most deserving and the worthiest. The man who can lead ournation in achieving our dreams and aspirations and the man who can bringpride and honor to our country.”

They added in this manifesto that, “Millions of our countrymen agree with us and have joined us in our cause to make him the next president of our country.”

“Sec. Teodoro has quietly attracted millions of Filipinos from all walks oflife who now form the “coalition of hope” across the nation – the youth,students, farmers, fisher folk, urban and rural poor, professionals,entrepreneurs, business leaders, local and regional political leaders andmembers of the religious,” they said.

“And we call upon the provincial, congressional, city, municipal andbarangay leaders who, having gone this far to keep faith with our politicalideals, must now lead the march forward with decisive steps toward victory on May 10 for Sec. Gibo Teodoro, the Lakas-kampi-CMD presidentialcandidate,” they said.

They noted that the millions of Filipinos comprising the pro-Gibo coalition“have refused to be drowned by the political noise and be carried away by the propaganda, the biased surveys and manipulations of the mass media.”

“We call on all of them now to let the nation hear their voice, feel their strength and their power. Together let us prevail upon those who have been misled by their anger, their hatred, greed and prejudice and urge them toput the country first and above themselves,” they said.

The silent majority has been increasingly drawn to Gibo, they said, because“no other candidate for president comes close to….his keen grasp of theissues of our people and the programs to achieve the goals he seeks in theshortest possible time to benefit the greatest number of Filipinos in thisgeneration.”

Moreover, “Sec. Teodoro has not engaged in the politics of hate or in the rhetoric of mudslinging and smear, and he alone stands out as the face, thevoice, the hope, and the torch-bearer of the new politics that will put an end to divisiveness and hate in our country,” they added.

Signatories to this manifesto were 128 incumbent legislators, governors andcandidates of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD vying for local positions who converged anew last Saturday at Marco Polo Hotel to reaffirm their 100%support for Gibo’s presidential bid.

They included 95 members of the House of Representatives (25 from Luzon, 34from the Visayas and 36 from Mindanao) and 33 governors (11 from Luzon, 10from the Visayas, and 12 from Mindanao) belonging to the “Governors forGibo” or G4G.

Also dubbed “Team Palabra de Honor” because of the distinction of being true to their word of honor of sticking it out with Gibo Teodoro till May 10,this new caucus of governors led by Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu had met twice last month to declare their unwavering support for the ruling party’spresidential bet.

These governors first meet at the Discovery Suites to coincide with ameeting of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD executive committee at the nearby LindenSuites in Pasig City in early April, where both groups declared their continued support for Gibo.The G4G governors met againon April 20, also at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City, to reiterate their support for Gibo.

Those present included 41incumbent governors and gubernatorial candidates.A day before that Marco Polo Hotel meeting, 168 congressional candidates, 71 of them incumbent legislators, met at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati Cityto similarly declare their support for Gibo’s presidential bid.

Governor Garcia, head of G4G and hostess of the landmark event, said the signing of the Cebu Declaration “solidifies the groundswell of overwhelming support for Gibo.”

“We are leaders in our respective provinces and districts,” she said. “So when we go back, we will start moving our respective machineries for the victory of Gibo.”

The Governor did not hide her happiness over the declaration, as it proved,she said, “that ‘*palabra de honor* (word of honor)” is alive and well in Philippine politics.”

“It’s the new politics in action,” she noted. “And to those who jump ship,the public now has a stricter standard to judge you. After the CebuDeclaration, switching alliances, which used to be acceptable behavior, isnow a sure path to political suicide.” -30-

Gibo pushes ecotourism sustainability in Cebu

CEBU CITY—The two-day campaign offensive of Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gibo Teodoro saw him not only humbled by the Cebuanos’ tremendous supportfor his candidacy but also made him better appreciate the province’s ecotourism spots that could all be turned into one big hide-away paradise.

The former defense secretary flew by chopper to Camotes Island and Bantayan Island to campaign during his two-day sorties, which had drew over 100,000 Cebuanos combined to his rallies, and was enthrall by the amazing natural beauty of these places.

“Napapakagandang (marine) reserves, pinapasukan na ng domestic tourism,kaya kelangan ipreserve sila. Maswerte sila may fresh water na areasila. (These are very beautiful marine reserves that have already been drawing indomestic tourists, so there’s a need to preserve them. They are lucky tohave fresh water areas),” said Gibo, also a licensed pilot.

“The last time that I visited these areas was a long time ago,” he said in achance interview in Argao.“Ang importante doon, meron ng plano yan sa fifth district kung papaano ang sustainable development nila. (The important thing there is that the fifthdistrict has already a plan for their sustainable development),” Gibo said.

Once elected President, Gibo said he would help these two remote butbeautiful places through the implementation of road projects and theimprovement of their ports.Particularly for Camotes, Gibo said its future lies in sustainable tourismbecause its marine sanctuaries there are so beautiful.

Resort owners planning to develop beach fronts there should abide strictly by local and national laws to protect the environment, the Harvard-trained lawyer and 1989 bar topnotcher said.

Gibo visited the islands of Camotes and Bantayan with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia,who had been showing her sun burnt skin in rallies as proof that she has been campaigning hard for the former defense secretary.Garcia noted that everywhere they went, the crowd reception was overwhelming, with at least 20,000 people attending in Bantayan Island.

In all, Gibo’s two-day Cebu offensive attracted over 100,000 people combined in separate rallies, capped Wednesday night by the attendance of more than 30,000 people in Mandaue City who braved rainfall to listen to him talkabout the road to change and a better Philippines.

The governor, her brother Rep. Pablo John Garcia and their father, DeputySpeaker Pablo Garcia, led the mammoth crowds in an overwhelming show of support in these rallies for the former defense secretary, thereby bolstering the Garcias’ claim that this vote-rich province is “Gibocountry.”

The governor and congressman are the respective founder-president and secretary-general of One Cebu, the local political party founded in 2004 that has, since then, emerged as the most dominant power bloc in the over400-year history of the province.

In a fiery speech kindled by the Cebuanos’ massive show of support, Gibo urged those who want real change across the country to show their might byrallying behind him if they want a better Philippines.

“The Cebu spirit must spread in the next 10 days sa buong Pilipinas. At sabihin natin sa Filipino na sawa na sa systema, nag-umpisa kami dito,gayahin nyo na kasi gusto natin magandang future para sa ating mga anak.Ayaw na natin na kawawa ang Pilipino, sawa na tayo sa mga arogante sapolitika. Ang tao dapat ang manguna!* (The Cebu spirit must spread in thenext 10 days across the whole Philippines. And let us tell our fellowFilipinos who are tired of the system that we have started here, so take thecue from us because we want a better future for our children. We no longerwant the Filipino to be pitiful, we are fed up with arrogant politicians.The people must take the lead!),” said Gibo, with the crowd erupting indeafening cheers.

Amid his highly-charge speech that was interrupted many times by wild applauses and chants of “Gibo! Gibo!,” the Harvard-trained lawyer and 1989 bar topnotcher remained firm in calling for reconciliation and unity so thecountry could finally move forward to greater glory.

Cebuanos from all walks of life brushed elbows with each other, filling the grounds of the Cebu International Convention Center that literally turned into a sea of green—Gibo’s campaign color.

Rep. Garcia told reporters in a chance interview in Toledo City last Tuesday that his family and One Cebu are campaigning hard for Gibo in a bid to deliver their targeted 60 percent of Cebu’s 1.8 million votes—roughly one million votes—to the presidential aspirant. -30-

Political kingpins working on Gibo win in Misamis

OROQUIETA CITY—Political kingpins in Misamis Occidental and Misamis Orientalhave pledged to work doubly hard for the poll victory of Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro in Northern Mindanao.Misamis Occidental executives led by second district Rep. Herminia Ramiroand Oroquieta Mayor Jorge Almonte reiterated their support for Gibo duringthe former defense chief’s recent visit here that was capped by a rally attended by over 10,000 people.

“Gibo has a word of honor. He promised to visit Oroquieta and he did,” saidRamiro, who is seeking the gubernatorial post.“He is determined to win with clear and doable plans. He also possesses thequalities of a good leader,” she added.Ramiro said that local government leaders in Misamis Occidental supportiveof Gibo “will work doubly hard” to bring him 160,000 to 200,000 votes out ofthe total voters’ population of some 360,000.

For his part, Almonte praised Gibo for his sterling record in governmentservice and his untainted credibility.“Gibo is second to none in leadership and in qualification,” said Almonte.

In nearby Misamis Oriental, Gov. Oscar Moreno assured Gibo that he and other local leaders are also working hard to ensure his victory in the province.“All areas in Misamis Oriental are for Gibo,” said Moreno earlier, revealingthat this was achieved following a caucus with the municipal leaders.Heaping lavish praises on Gibo, Moreno noted that the ruling party’sstandard-bearer is really a good presidential material.“He is good, sincere, dedicated and with discernment. He possesses highethical standards,” Moreno said.

Moreno’s projection that Gibo would emerge the winner in the province basically boosted the forecasts by other local political stalwarts inMindanao.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and Rep. Anton Lagdameo of Davao delNorte earlier said that Gibo’s concrete program for the country—plus his all-out support for Mindanao in times of local conflicts and natural calamities—has endeared the presidential bet to Mindanaoans.

They said the formidable support of Mindanao gives Gibo a head start in the electoral race, considering that the Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet is likely to secure, at the minimum, around 45% to 50% of the South’s estimated24 million voters. That’s at least 12 million sure votes for Gibo, stressed Dominguez, who is also president of Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

“What differentiates Gibo from the rest of the presidential candidates isthat he alone has a concrete program to move the country forward—and togreater heights,” said Dominguez.

“On top of this distinction that makes Gibo the most qualified among thisyear’s batch of presidential contenders, the Mindanao vote is virtually inthe bag because he has endeared himself to us Mindanaoans as he has always been there for us in times of calamities and conflicts,” Dominguez said.

“We will exert all efforts to ensure Gibo’s victory in the South as webelieve that he has all the qualifications and the traits to lead thecountry to progress into the next decade,” Lagdameo said.

“He has shown a genuine concern for lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.”

More than 10,000 people flocked to Gibo’s rally here, proving once anew his growing drawing power that cuts across different social classes as the May10 balloting draws nearer.

This city extended a ”rock star” treatment to Gibo the other day with thousands of people fighting for space in the streets to get a good glimpse of the former defense secretary, and later on listen to his platform of government seeking to transform the Philippines anew into an Asian powerhouse.

Gibo, a Harvard-trained lawyer and 1989 bar topnotcher, held a motorcade around this city and walked some 500 meters to the rally venue at the ABC gym after emerging from a meeting with local leaders at the Rhovic’s Resto.

From Rhovic’s to the ABC gym, Gibo was mobbed like a celebrity, with peopleinching their way for photographs, shake his hand, hugging or kissing him.The ABC gym was filled to the brim, with many others not allowed inside toavoid over-packing the facility.

Thanking the large crowd, Gibo vowed to improve port facilities andfarm-to-market roads to further improve the competitiveness of the area onceelected as the next president. -30-

Monday, May 3, 2010

Thanksgiving prayer

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) – At the Consecration, Governor Migs Dominguez prays and gives thanks to the Heavenly Father during his Thanksgiving Mass Sunday, May 2, with his family and supporters. Gov. Dominguez escaped the roadside bombing Monday, April 26, while on his way back to General Santos City from Glan where he personally investigated the attempted ambush on political ally and incumbent Mayor Yoyong Yap. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thanking his supporters

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) – Governor Migs shakes hands with supporters who attended his Thanksgiving Mass with his family, friends and supporters Sunday, May 2, at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Thanking the parishioners

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez thanks churchgoers and parishioners who joined him on his Thanksgiving Mass Sunday, May 2, at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Volunteer hugs Gov. Migs

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 2, 2010) – A volunteer of Sarangani Volunteer Brigade hugs Governor Migs Dominguez as the latter walks together with other people who volunteered to campaign for his partymates in Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO). The Sarangani Volunteers Brigade was launched simultaneously Saturday, May 1, in seven municipalities of Sarangani. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Secure your future

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 2, 2010) - "Receive the money, Vote for good candidates, Secure your future." These are the words that the children of Lun Padidu, Malapatan, in Sarangani Province try to comprehend as they read a streamer. For the children, they could still not grasp the meaning behind these words which serve as a reminder to their parents to decide with their conscience in the upcoming May 10 elections to ensure the future of their children. Political observers say a political party in Sarangani is using guns, goons, and gold in the province which was known as a peaceful community for 18 years. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

SARRO volunteers

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 2, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez is elated as thousands of people volunteer Saturday, May 1, to campaign for the candidates of Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO) during the launching of Sarangani Volunteers Brigade. The volunteers will altogether conduct a house-to-house campaign for the victory of all SARRO candidates. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rebel returnees campaign for SARRO

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 2, 2010) – More than a hundred rebel returnees, onboard their motorcycle, join the launching of Sarangani Volunteers Brigade Saturday, May 1. The rebel returnees volunteered to be a part of the program in order to encourage people in the hinterlands to vote for the candidates of Sarangani Reconciliation and Reformation Organization (SARRO). (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Prayer for peace

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) - The (Sarangani Reformation and Reconciliation Organization) SARRO/Lakas-Kampi CMD municipal slate and incumbent Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon join hands together with the Sarangani Volunteers Brigade with a prayer Saturday morning, May 1. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Reaching out

MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) – Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon reaches out to supporters during a campaign sortie Sunday, May 2, in barangay Lun Padidu, Malapatan where a thousand people attended the rally of Sarangani Reformation and Reconciliation Organization. (Romina Rabina/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Glan Cop dismyaed over fiscal's decision

GLAN, Sarangani (May 3, 2010) - Municipal police chief P/Insp. Jude del Carmen was upset over the decision of Prosecutor I Kayugenn Mato Kuda Jr. who ordered the release of five suspects charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms before the Prosecutor’s Office on April 27.

Based on the Release Order of Kuda dated April 29, del Carmen released the five suspects from Glan PNP detention cell at around 5 p.m. of April 30, the day the Order was delivered to his office.

In a phone interview, del Carmen questioned why the Release Order was delivered to his office in the afternoon of April 30 when in fact, the document was dated April 29.

“It seems that (the fiscal) is trying to squeeze us. It seems that they handcuffed us when they issued the Release Order so we could not answer it and file a Motion for Reconsideration because it is Friday,” del Carmen said.

“I had no choice, but release the suspects,” he said.But del Carmen was quick to add that he will not surrender in the battle by filing a Motion for Reconsideration as soon as possible.

“I was really upset with the decision of the fiscal. It was stated in the Release Order that we had an illegal arrest, but we had complete evidence. We followed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the PNP, I myself called for witnesses so they will know that the firearms were not planted,” the police official said.

Del Carmen asserted it is possible that Prosecutor Kuda was persuaded by the speculation of Manny Pacquiao’s legal counsel that the firearms recovered inside the vans were only planted. One of the vans was registered under the name of Manny’s wife Jinkee Pacquiao.

“We had a lot of witnesses who can testify that the firearms were not planted. Our witnesses have affidavits. Even one of the team leaders of Manny Pacquiao (in postering) named Rene Bracero was there during the search operation,” del Carmen said.

Del Carmen, however, admitted that during the search operation, he was tried to convince by a person who introduced himself as Sarangani congressional bet Manny Pacquiao not to pursue with the inspection of the two Toyota Hi-Ace vans, which were later discovered to have firearms and which was used by the suspected gun-for-hire men tagged in the alleged ambush try of outgoing Glan Mayor Enrique “Yoyong” Yap.

Del Carmen said before the police opened and inspected the two vans with plate numbers MDM-577 and RBR-709, a person who claimed to be Manny Pacquiao called up a People’s Champ Movement (PCM) team leader, who was one of the witnesses in the recovery of the firearms seized inside the vans.

“Actually, he did not call in my cellphone. He called up Rene Bracero, one of PCM’s team leaders in postering, who was there as a witness during the inspection. He (Bracero) passed his cellphone to me and said, “Gusto makipag-usap sayo ni Sir Manny Pacquiao.”

When I answered the phone, the man on the line said, “pag-usapan na lang natin” but I told him that I could not settle the incident with him, there are a lot of witnesses and it was already known to the mayor (Yap). The voice in the next line was obviously worried that his name might be dragged in the incident,” he asserted.

When queried how firm is the decision of the police officer not to agree with what “Manny” wanted to happen, del Carmen said. “I am not biased. I am just standing with what is the truth.”

It was learned that two weeks before the incident, police already monitored that there are unidentified persons with firearms using the vans.

“Based on our monitoring, may mga sumasakay sa mga vans na naka-uniform ng camouflage, meron pang nakita na naka-uniform ng police two weeks before the incident happened,” del Carmen said.

On the other hand, he disclosed that they are conducting background check of the suspects, especially Jimmy Mier, who admitted to be the owner of the armalite rifle.

“We are conducting background check sa mga suspects and we found out na itong si Jimmy Mier, na taga-Zamboanga del Sur, is an alleged amateur gun-for-hire sa kanilang lugar,” he said.

“Itong si Mier, allegedly, na-link din daw sa Kuratong Baleleng, pero wala pa kaming enough evidence,” he added.

Kuratong Baleleng was an organized crime syndicate that was once an anti-communist vigilante group. The group was engaged in robbery/hold-up, illegal drugs, murder for hire, and other crimes. ###