A New Look and New Form of Content Coming Up

I would like to thank Google for finally noticing Blogger needs to change – and the new things they have introduced are pretty impressive. Now, I have three columns which will allow me to provide more content to you my visitors. For more than three months, my website has been faithfully visited by readers and the comments are very engaging. I learned so many things about politics because of my research required for this site and I will continue to do so even after elections.

But the information given here is only part of the information we’re planning to give out. For nearly one month, I have been setting up a podcast so that I can provide more information. For more information, check out these sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast (popular definition of the word)
http://www.podcastalley.com/ (huge database of podcasts)

I have placed a poll on the side and a few people are still learning about podcast. Basically, it’s a form of online show that you can download and LISTEN in your mp3 player. I’ll be discussing the biggest news of the week and provide some basic information regarding Philippine politics.

That’s it for now. Thank you very much for visiting the site. More posts are coming and your inputs are only pushing this site to better grounds.

Network Sponsored Debates is NEVER a Good Idea

I am a firm believer of debates. Although I'm not good at it, I love watching the way debaters jab at each other. You'll feel like they are going down the pulpit anytime and start throwing punches. This is especially true in college debates. Honestly, they could be a bit annoying but you just have to deal with the bad to get the best.

I also prefer that our candidates show up in debates. Debates will bring out the best in them and the worst in them. I believe that a presidential candidate should be a quick thinking individual and articulate. How can they speak in front of world's leaders if they can't defend themselves with a simple question. Candidates who resort to mudslinging instead of attacking their opponent's opinion are simply dumb. He or she is not there to show what they can do but they are there simply to destroy an opponents' reputation.

This is the reason why I feel frustrated when I learned some candidates are no longer taking part of debates on television. Most would argue that they will just state their case to the people. Well, the political roadshow is a lot different in a debate. They are just there to babble without anyone talking back. They don't want to see the dark side of their ideas.

This is quite unfortunate because Gibo and Erap is no longer taking part on various debates. Gibo can speak well so he could easily present his case. But for some reason, he opted to say "no" along with Edu Manzano. Maybe the reason is Edu Manzano - after all, the upcoming debate is a tandem debate. I also prefer Erap to show up because he's a lot funnier today and with Binay at his side, they can easily lambaste any candidate.

The TV networks can also be blamed why candidates are no longer interested in nationally televised debates. Why have separate debates? I wish they could just meet and set the time and date. ABS-CBN, GMA, TV5, RPN9, NBN, UNTV, IBC and other TV stations can organize one debate without any commercial. But I think that's the way they think. Mr. Percy Lapid, a popular radio commentator is always clamoring for this type of debate.

So the debate with a complete list of presidential candidates is almost impossible. Shame on those who said they have no time and to the TV stations who don't give a damn about the country.

It is Going to be a LOUD Summer

The jingles are coming friends and we have to be prepared for it. This is the first day candidates can practically do anything in order to solicit votes. That includes visiting your home, which is ok. They might also place some stickers or posters in your home if you approve it, which is relatively ok. Or they could have some caucuses so that they could offer their ideas for your town, which is actually fun.

But look out for jingles – the songs will be ripped off from popular tunes and will run continuously until Election Day. Here in Iloilo City, you’ll hear “Nobody, Nobody but (You)” blare with a twist. Take note that it’s not election season yet for the locals. But everyone is guilt of electioneering if the COMELEC is serious about it. Everyone will be disqualified.

Now that we’re starting the campaign period for local officials, we anticipate louder music. Take note that it’s very, very easy to create a minus-one or remove the vocals of a popular tune. Many computer geeks and audio-philes can remove the voice in a minute or two. What you just need is very corny lyrics in a local language.

I admit it, I don’t like it…but we have to acknowledge their effort. After all, this is part of the election. Although no one will learn anything from these jingles, this will increase awareness and people might find more information.

But still it’s going to be a very hot and LOUD summer.

10 Tips for Manny Pacquiao for the Upcoming Election

I always wanted to write about Manny Pacquiao. But since I focus on politics, I never had that chance…until now. Now Manny is also in politics, he could be part of my blog.

Manny Pacquiao is THE best boxer that came out of Philippines. With that said, I’ll never tell him what to do with his career in boxing. I wish I could provide him a tip or two on his singing and acting career (don’t do it), but that’s for other bloggers.

Sir, welcome to the world of politics. I know you’ve been beaten once but you’re back again for another round. This time you’re in Sarangani and you still want the same position. By this time, you already learned a lot about politics and ready to take on the position if you win.

Before you do, here are some tips that you might use. Take note other candidates because you might need these as well.

1. Stay in Sarangani for your campaign – while you’ve been persuaded by Senator Villar, you don’t have to go out and go on a campaign trail with him. Shake hands in your district which will really matter.
2. Don’t spend too much – yes, I know you’re a billionaire but that doesn’t mean you have to spend them all in an election. If you spend more than 20 million (that’s already generous), you have just been fooled by your constituents.
3. Spend your money on sports not posters – people already know who you are so posters are not that good. What people might need there are boxing gloves, uniforms for sports and even dart boards. This might be electioneering but hey, who doesn’t?
4. NEVER use vans that will blare your songs – your songs are pretty ok but that doesn’t mean everyone in your district should hear it everyday until the end of election period.
5. There are only 7 Towns so go on a tour – Sarangani Province only has 7 towns which very, very, very (I could not stress this enough) small.
6. Forget about the Party List PBA (Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta) – they should have started a non-profit organization instead of seeking a seat in congress.
7. In case you lose, do it like before – you bowed out in the election without any complaints which is a sign of a great warrior.
8. In case you win, seek help from your opponent – the Chiongbians are probably the most powerful and wealthy family in Saranggani. No need to fight someone who already knows the game.
9. Seek help from your “friends” – yes, “friends” celebrities that appreciates the way you handle your boxing career. If they are really your friends, they will spend money on plane tickets and go there to endorse you.
10. Don’t buy votes – this will only ruin your reputation permanently. It’s like buying a boxer to drop on a certain round. You don’t do that right?

Fear and Trembling for Iloilo City (and the Philippines)

First of all, this is not an article regarding Kierkegaard's book.

I am writing this article with fear and trembling. I was thinking of covering the latest video of Gordon with Moymoy Palaboy and the hacked website of Villar. But I’ll just forget about them and do something that’s more important to us: our security.

Why? Because no one is protected anymore. You should no longer feel safe at your home. Take this as a word of warning because bad things might happen out of nowhere. Even though you’re not part of the things happening today, it might happen – so watch out. It’s a lot better to be a bit paranoid than being careless and ends up with a body split in half.

Why am I saying this? Read tomorrow’s newspaper from Iloilo. This morning (around 3AM), someone threw a grenade on the ancestral home of Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas. The house is currently owned by his brother. You can read about it online right now.

This incident can be easily pointed to his brother’s possible beef with anyone. But a few weeks ago someone did the exact same thing to the Mayor’s house near the airport. As of this writing, no one was invited for questioning or became the suspect of the grenade bombing.

Does this mean anything to us? A big YES!!! Here are the implications:

• Anyone can become a target and the culprit can get away from it – the City’s most powerful man is susceptible to these attacks. He has an impressive security and we’re just sitting ducks here.
• The police are not ready to do anything – I’m sure they are working double time to find the culprit. But nothing has come out yet. If you become a victim, you’ll most likely end-up looking for a mythical needle in the haystack.

Can we be protected? I don’t know. What we should do for now is to be a bit paranoid about these events. Each candidate could be a target and those who want to inflict harm will do anything to get the job done.

More Statements mean More Concerns for Everyone

For the past few weeks, you’ll always find something like this online and in the newspapers:

Palace Slams Scare Tactics
Palace Assures Transparency in Chief Justice Selection

Please take note of the worlds “Slams” and “Assures” these are verbs that doesn’t really mean anything for our country. These words are actually great for basketball and contact sports but not for Malacañang. I’m sorry Malacañang, but what you’re just saying is to forget about what you do. Everyone is concerned about the recent ruling of the Supreme Court since this will virtually place the current president in an unprecedented position for future power. She can (and might) hire someone that will say “yes you can” to anything she wants and that includes circumventing the laws of the land.

I wish the Palace will not say anything else and let the people complain. Instead of using vague verbs, they should have DONE something about it. They could have asked the SC to appeal the ruling. Better yet, let the current president skip the decision making and retire in June 30. At least, the heat on her will not be as much. If they really want a peaceful transition, they should prepare for the next president and never create any headaches for the next leader of the land and its people.

This recommendation doesn’t only apply to Malacañang. Every government officials should avoid “vows” and “promise” as these are useless statements. Give out concrete plans that can be understood so that we’ll have a better understanding who to vote on Election Day.

These are scary times and we need concrete actions (and verbs). These statements are only increasing our suspicion because you are pushing too hard to bluff the people.

Three OBVIOUS Reasons Why Party List Should be Abolished (Part 3)

Read Part 1 Here

Read Part 2 Here

Final Reason: THEY DON’T WORK

I’m sure marginalized sector from various industries have been represented in the senate. But have I seen their work? NO. Maybe I have seen BAYAN and GABRIELA do their chants on the street but other than that I have not seen one bit of help. The party list group should help a group of people that can’t be easily represented in the senate.

Why I argue they don’t work? Simple: because I’m a regular Filipino. I have encountered fishermen, sugarcane planters, CARTAPS (Carga Tapas or Sacada), really poor individuals, teachers (my parents), urban poor (my in-laws), carpenters, street vendors and I have seen no help that came from party list groups. They don’t do anything except to listen and create speech in the congress. If they do help, they will only help people from their region or their town or to the people they know. It’s NEVER nationwide.

This are the reasons why I want it abolished. No new laws to control party list or no new regulations how the party list will help. I just want this abolished. If you’re part of the party list group, feel free to leave a comment. You may have plans to help the country but when you get up there, you forget about us regular folks. Go on and gobble up to your pork barrel. We’ll just stay here, pay our taxes and hope to God something would happen in the congress that will say get those pseudo-congressmen/women out here! YOU GUYS HAVE NO BALLS!

Three OBVIOUS Reasons Why Party List Should be Abolished (Part 2)

Click HERE for Part 1

The second reason why I don’t like the current party list system is the sheer lack of knowledge of us regular folks. I think the only people who know about the party list procedures are those who are running or involved in a party list. Here’s the common knowledge about the party list – during elections a bunch of groups representing certain people are running for congress. With enough votes they will win. That’s what we know.

So what’s lacking from our basic knowledge?

• We are not sure who represents whom.
• We’re not sure what “enough votes” mean.
• We’re not sure how they will win and what they do in congress.

You can say that there are a lot of people involved in the party list system. But the fact still remains: 7-10 Filipinos are not aware of the party list system. Every party list is polluting the street asking the people for their vote. HOW CAN WE VOTE IF WE DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT YOU? Instead of spending money on streamers, spend it on educating the people what is a party list and who are you.

We can blame the COMELEC. Or you can point your finger on the PPCRV (I won’t) but since you’re there willing to spend money to win, at least have it in your conscience to tell us what a party list is.

Three OBVIOUS Reasons Why Party List Should be Abolished (Part 1)

When the party list system was introduced back in 1998, it was a revolutionary idea that I believed it would help people. I was in high school then and many people explained to me that it’s a chance for the marginalized people to have a voice.

But after 12 years…none. So consider this as my official statement AGAINST the party list system. I did some research and I even have more to complain! Here is my first of the three part problem with the party list system:

First Reason: The Party List is Veiled in Secrecy

By law, party list groups are not required to reveal the names of their candidates. This statement alone makes me angry and highly doubtful about the party list system.

Why is this you ask? Any aspiring party that wants to be accredited are not required naming their candidates. Only AFTER accreditation they will be compelled to name names. Do you know what this means? This simply means anyone can “shop” for an accredited party list.

COMELEC actually tries to avoid this problem by only allowing candidates that came from the same category. For example, if you’re representing the fishermen – you have to be a fisherman. But here’s the kicker:

Sec. 9, RA 7941 the nominee is not necessary someone poor or the traditional idea of a fisherman. The nominee is not necessarily someone who “wallow in poverty, destitution and infirmity as there is no financial status required in the law. It is enough that the nominee of the sectoral party/organization/coalition belongs to the marginalized and underrepresented sectors, that is, if the nominee represents the fisherfolk, he or she must be a fisherfolk, or if the nominee represents the senior citizens, he or she must be a senior citizen.” This simply means any billionaire could be part of a party list as long as a he has a small business within the same industry.

“Shopping” for a party list is actually possible no one really knows the nominees.

Stay tuned for the second part.

Why this Election is Fatal to Everyone

There I said it: this election can kill everyone. In the coming weeks before the election and the first few months afterward is a very dangerous chapter of our history. If you make it alive next year reading my blog, I just I hope I’m also well enough to write quirky things for the world to read.

So now you ask: how come this election fatal to everyone? I know there’s violence from the goons and lunatics of the political candidates but that can be easily avoided: simply stay away from politics (also, read my blog). But I’m not talking about that danger, we are facing something more sinister and fatal that without swift action, death to those who can’t face the challenges will come.

Unfortunately, election came in one of the most trying times in our country. El Niño couldn’t have arrived in a much worst situation. In just a few weeks, farmers were brought to its knees and everyone felt the searing heat of the sun. Personally, I have never experienced this temperature before. I have two personal experiences why we are experiencing record breaking heat:

• My laptop can’t take it anymore – I need help. I have to purchase a brand new laptop because this one is going into white screen more than six times a day. Before the searing heat, my laptop only goes to unexplained white screen once in two days. (Donations – please follow the link on paypal :) ).

• It’s too hot outside – Every time I go home, I have this terrible headache that only wanes after four hours. The sun’s heat (even at 5pm) is still unbearable.

So how come nature is mentioned in politics which can kill us? Because this disaster will be exploited at our disadvantage:

• There is still bickering about the “emergency state” since some will see this as a chance to exploit the poor. This is true and they will delay their funding. Worst, the funding will only be given to those who kiss the politician’s *ss in the coming election. So with the searing heat – farmers and people who stand by their principles are left to rot or wither under the sun.

• The blackout in Mindanao is getting a lot worst. Eight hours of rotating blackouts will put me out of business. Imagine small hospitals and even government hospitals that can’t support this type of power challenges. People will die everyday because there is no solution or no solution was made to prevent this problem.

I don’t know what we can do about this. I tried staying in the mall for more than eight hours but I can’t do anything in that place – besides, it’s too expensive there.

How about you? Any thoughts on how we can survive? Please…

News with Good Idea but Worst Implications this Week

This week, we take a look at three recent news that seemed good but has a bigger chance that it's just be another bust.

Bacolod asking for Exemption from Donation
News Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/247308/bacolod-seeks-exemption-elections-ban

The logic is simple: COMELEC has to exclude Bacolod City with the ruling of donations during election period because it could disrupt certain spending as they are regarded as donation. The recipients of the donation and assistance are the teachers, the police and the poor people who need help.

While the reason for exemption is noble, it is quite impossible that it'll never be part of politics. This is especially true in Bacolod City since politics is way muddier than an unkempt road in the sugarcane fields during the rainy season.

Gibo's Plan for Pork Barrel for Local Government Unit
Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/247186/gibo-push-pork-barrel-lgus

While reading the article, I was thinking: this is actually a great plan because it will cut down middle-men (AKA Congressmen) in distributing funds. But then I remembered the danger of money when given to politician located in a very far and unknown area. I mean, just look at the Ampatuans. I'm sure they have billions everywhere because of the power they wield. Since they are in Mindanao, no one can easily check what they do. This is also true in other towns in Visayas and Northern Luzon. No one is there to audit what they do with the money.

Speaking of Mindanao:

Mindanao Now in the State of Calamity
Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/247343/mindanao-under-state-calamity

If there's a specific part of the country that needs more help than anyone - it's the folks in Mindanao. Nature is under heat, literally, and its destroying crops. To deal with the problem, they declared a state of calamity.

Now, I fully support this decision because this will allow farmers or just about anyone in Mindanao access to the needed funds. But, how are they going to get these funds? Of course, they will have to approach a politician and these funds will be used to gain advantage in the election.

Any stories like these? Add the news in comments :)

(Image: trap door spider from Wikicommons)

5 Types of Facebook Comments on National Candidates

For those who stay in front of their computers for more than 12 hours a day, Facebook is not just a way to kill time and chat with friends. The social networking site has become the source of news and comments on different political candidates. This is the reason why I became a "Fan" of every popular candidate - so that I know where they are and what their webmaster would like to share with us.

But one thing I noticed about each post is the different types of comments. I think I'm having more fun reading the comments rather than reading the link or anything they want to share. So without further ado, here are the 5 types of comments on Facebook. I limited the screen shots to protect the user and myself :). These were taken from random posts by the national candidates.

The Regular Type



Boring but at least they have shown their support to the candidate. Maybe they haven't read the link so they just opted to give a generic comment.

The Passionate Comment

These guys should be part of the candidate's entourage in every sortie. To those who belong to this group: please note that the font in comments are so small that it's hard to read. If you're writing an essay in your comment, post it in your blog…and email me about it.

Broken Caps Lock Follower

This group can be broken down into two more: the PURE CAPS or the SomeTIMes CApS. The comments are pretty generic but at least they had the creativity to get everyone's attention…or their fingers are stuck in the SHIFT key...or their caps lock is busted.

First Person Message

This is my favorite form of comment. Conveying your message to the candidate through comments in Facebook is like sending out a paper boat in a river here in the Philippines thinking Kim Jong Il would receive it and end his dictatorship in North Korea. Harsh? Because it's true.

The Comment Stirrer

Sometimes, someone became a "Fan" not necessarily to give support but to create controversy. Instead of a fan based comments, the comments became a heated debate you only see in PEP articles.

That's it? Any more comments?

Physical Violence During Elections - This Line Should NOT Be Crossed

I always love politicians debate. Listening to their tirade to destroy each other's reputation is always entertaining. This simply shows that each candidate has a skeleton in their closet. I even listen to paid political programs just to say bad things about the opponent. You have to give them credit for doing their best and braving the storm and dangers of insulting another candidate on the radio.

But when something physical is done to a political candidate, that's just plain wrong. Last year, the whole world was shocked about the Ampatuan Massacre. The thought of people dying because of political power is just wrong and those who do this is pure evil.

Why am I saying this? Because a few days ago our current Mayor's (Jerry Treñas) restaurant which is located beside the Mayor's residence became the recipient of a live grenade. No one died but someone got hurt.

This just muddled the situation of the already sticky state of our election. Why should you care even if you're not in Iloilo City? Because this can happen to anywhere and this scenario will most likely happen.

And what did just happened?

The victim (Mayor Jerry Treñas) cried foul - he has the right to do so because it has endangered his other source of living and his family. No one should die during the election and anyone who did this should be dealt with immediately. He is now pointing to politics and to those who understood (read: everyone else), he is suspecting his opponent: none other than Raul Gonzales Sr.

The opponent (Raul Gonzales Sr.) of course denies the accusation. I mean, who in the right mind will come to the radio and say "Yes, I did it and I'm angry right now because the guys who threw the grenade missed". I'm not saying he did it because it's quite stupid he really commissioned the act. He knows it will just ruin his reputation. But he launched his tirade saying that it's just another stunt.

This has left everyone confused. The voters will be clouded by these incidents instead of making a smart decision on the right candidate.

I wish I could blame the law enforcement officers but the real culprit are the leaders or those who planned this sabotage. Please, our country is already having problem select the right leader do not add to the problem if you can't provide any solution.

Vetellano Acosta - Douche of the Year? Probably

A few months ago, the Filipinos and other those from countries who cared scratched their heads when COMELEC approved Vetellano Acosta out of nowhere. According to Mr. Acosta, he's the official standard bearer of KBL which used to be the party of the Marcoses. Yes, the public got accustomed to his name and gradually accepted his claim. But the clamor for information about this guy is never lacking. In fact, one of the top articles in my site is my little research about this guy which yielded nearly nothing.

But after a few months, COMELEC (like the supreme court) changed their mind regarding this guy. Apparently Acosta is no longer interested in spending for the campaign. He will just let God push him to presidency. Smart move Mr. Acosta but that's not enough. You see, no one knows you. Jay Sonza, which supposed to be your VP do not have an idea about you. Bong Bong Marcos will never recognize you even if he hits you in the face. In gist - no one knows you, except the COMELEC.

If the smart guys at the COMELEC disqualifies you last week of December, then I could have forgiven and even praised them. But they disqualified him just a few days ago - after 9 million ballots have been printed!!! That's a waste of money - a lot of money. I don't think LP are not the only guys who should be *issed on this situation. Everyone should be. What do we do with the ballot? The system? Even if we erase his name manually we will still end up spending more just to remedy the situation.

Unfortunately, the damage is already done. We're left with 9 million ballots worthless than toilet paper. But instead of cursing the wind, here's what we do:

* Let the LP Fund the Reprints - If the LP is so angry about the late disqualification and possible ramifications, let them churn out some funds. Or at least help the government reprint the ballots.

* Sue Mr. Vetellano Acosta - Please, saying he "may" face criminal charges means you're not sure. He SHOULD answer to the law because he just wasted tax payers money, COMELEC's time and even the name of KBL.

Should Elections Be Held in November?

by Nick

At present, elections are held in May. The schedule for the Barangay
election is October. Formerly, elections were held in November.

I am 58 years old and have gone through many elections. I would like to air
this personal observation. May is the month when Filipinos spend a lot.
There are so many fiestas, festivals and summer affairs and Filipinos would
not want to miss the events. They would even borrow money just to please
their relatives, friends and visitors during fiestas. It seems the May
spending is a yearly obligation. When the dry season begins early, there
would be poor harvest or even none at all. The temptation to accept money
offered by politicos would be very strong.

I have witnessed November elections. November is usually harvest time. The
majority of Filipinos who are farmers have money. Employees have bonuses or
are expecting them in the next few days. There are practically no fiestas.
Filipinos can think well.

I am afraid that money will decide the result of the election this May 2010
especially because of the El Nino. People can’t think well because of
financial constraints.

Election Dreams

By Nick

Politicians make people dream during elections and give them nightmares once they are in office. This has always been the case but why do we hold on to the dream? Are Filipinos still asleep? Yes!

Let us wake up. No matter who gets elected, our lives would still be the same. Graft and corruption will still be there. Poverty will still be there. Pollution will still be there. Population explosion will still happen. Power shortage will still be there. Prices will still go up. Justice will still be for the rich. Heinous crimes will still be there. Why? Simple. Political dynasties and warlords will still be there. They will still be in control of the lives of the people especially the poor. What will the poor get? Empty promises and dole-outs at the most. Keep their hopes alive until the next election.

Why are the barangays roads better during elections? Why are there so many government projects during elections? Why are improvements undertaken during elections? Why are those not in the administration promising a better future? It is because getting elected is what matters. Once the incumbents get reelected, life will still be the same. Once the challengers get elected, expect their ROI moves.

Shall we go on dreaming? Or, shall we go ahead with striving to make our lives better in spite of whoever gets elected. If we don’t give importance to politicians, things will be very different for us. Citizens in progressive countries don’t mind political ads. They only mind the character and personalities of government officials and candidates for different positions in government.

Finally Common Sense Wins in Supreme Court - But Damage is Already Done

A few months ago, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a decision that "favors" appointed officials. Instead of automatic resignation upon filing of CoCs, they still should resign, terminated by the President or win the election. If none of these happens, they stay in power - even if they are running for a government position. Upon hearing this news, I decided that it's a "WTF-moment" for the SC. They should have used their common sense instead of deliberately ignoring the consequences of their decisions.

Fortunately, they have reversed the said decision. This means the appointed employees by the government are now considered resigned. What's even better is that COMELEC would go after the candidates who will not remove themselves from their office.

I wish they have used their common sense before the historic 8-6 vote to allow government officials to abuse their power to gain the votes of the people. Yes, it can be argued that some candidates are still good at heart and may not abuse what they have. But giving them power and not using them to gain votes is like giving someone a gun, place their finger on a trigger, tickle them incessantly but reminding them not to use the gun because it's against the law. Like a gun toting ticklish maniac, government officials who stay in power after filing their CoCs will surely pull the trigger - and it's aimed at us.

But I think the damage is already done. Too much power were already given to these candidates. They will gladly step down now because they have already used their power to gain every vote they can. I just hope I'm wrong on this one or else our country will suffer more.

For the SC…please consult a common sense oracle before making decisions like this one.

For the candidates who don't want to step down after filing CoCs, please don't be drunk with power. People may kiss your as* but the world knows how you abuse your power.

Track Record and Integrity

Post by Nick

Erap as mayor was good. His performance as senator was very poor. As Vice
President and as Anti-Organized Crime Czar his performance was a big
question mark. As President, he relied on his midnight cabinet. His
imprisonment for plunder gave him historical notes.

Gibo as congressman was just like other congressmen who join the Amen
Hallelujah chorus for Malacañang. As Defense Secretary he performed well
during natural disasters. Topping the Bar Exam gives him some points.

Flash Gordon has made several notable achievements as Olongapo Mayor, SBMA
Chairman and Red Cross Chairman. As administration senator he performed his
task for Gloria.

Manny Villar made a name for himself as a man who rose from rags to riches.
As Congressman and Speaker of the house he also left a mark because of his
impeachment speech. As Senator and Senate President the Sword of Damocles
kept hanging over his head because of the C-5 controversy.

Noynoy Aquino as Congressman and Senator did nothing wrong. But it seems he
also did nothing else. He becomes good when his parents are mentioned. Kris
Aquino would see to it that he does.

Eddie Villanueva preaches well. He is straightforward and persuasive. He
knows how to count sheep especially when he is awake.

The other presidentiables have yet to make themselves known.

This time they make promises and pledges. Surely, this is not the first time
we heard pledges and promises. Did Cory, Fidel, Erap, and Gloria fulfill
their promises and pledges? Hehehe!

When will we ever learn?

Extra Note: We're planning to add content in this website through podcasting. What is a podcast? Basically, it's a radio program that can be downloaded as an MP3 or streamed in your computer. We're hoping you can provide some input or vote in the poll if this is a good idea.

A New Threat to Candidates: Weather and Heat

Political candidates are risking their lives as they vie for various positions in the land. The threats are coming from almost everyone: they have to deal with their opponents who might try to end their life just to win, some bandits who just want some money for "protection" and even a random accident along the way. This is especially true for national candidates as they try to visit various places in the country. Our flying coffins a.k.a. planes and helicopters can end their life.

But something is out there that threatens the life of a candidate: the sun. El Niño is here and he has taken off his gloves in an official boxing tournament. He doesn't joke around from 8am to 5pm. Stay under the sun for 4 hours without any cover and you're fried. Don't think that you'll be safe simply because you have an umbrella, a cap or a sun-visor. These are only shadows and the sun's heat will still be there. If you're not healthy, you can bet your life (literally) that this is your last election.

If you think you will be safe even under this tremendous heat (which I doubt), think of your followers. Some are very old and very frail so staying under the heat of the sun just to listen to your speech for hours can be lethal.

So for everyone's safety, here are my tips:

* Give out caps, bottled water and umbrella with your name on it - I highly recommend the first two because they are very inexpensive. A small bottled water is just 8 pesos and a cap could cost no more than 20 pesos.

* Set-up first aid huts in your sorties and other festivities - this set-up will be helpful to everyone. If you have the money (I'm sure you have) set-up first aid stalls in festivities. March and April are fiesta months so grab the opportunity.

* Start your sorties late in the afternoon - start at 5.30 pm or 6 in the evening. This means your sortie should last for 3 hours max since 9pm is already late and people will be hungry or homesick (hehehe).

Please consider these options : This year's national and local election has fierce blend of nature so you don't just get out and say your platforms. Protect the people that supports you because they are no use if they die of heatstroke.

A Look at Senatorial Candidate's Website (Part 3)

We continue looking at the senator's website. In this article, we'll be scrutinizing the website's of Alexander Lacson, Raul Lambino, Regalado Maambong, Bong Bong Marcos and Liza Maza.

Alexander Lacson (http://alexlacson.net)

Information: 5 - it's quite difficult for a candidate to provide almost every possible information about him so that he or she can gather votes. But this website clearly provides ample data about Alexander Lacson. If you're patient, you can read extensive articles writing by and about the candidate.

Interaction: 5 - A good website is highly accessible and doesn't require the user to wait for the data needed. Somehow, the major tabs that provides a preview looked great and easy to use.

Aesthetics: 4 - I'm still bothered why web designers have to provide a wide border in the side. This is the only I'm complaining as everything else is easily laid out. The links could have been placed in the right or left side of the website instead of the border.

Overall, a very informative website that's easy to understand and navigate.

Raul Lambino (http://www.raullambino.com/)

Information: 3 - I could have provided a higher score but all I have read was news on where he went (including his twitter posts). Unfortunately, this is not a travel website. The theme "Feel ko and Pinagdaanan Mo" is quite cliche.

Interaction: 3 - there's a slide show on the latest news, Facebook and Twitter. Although quite extensive and interactive for those who wanted to follow the candidate, not much is happening. The rating could have been higher but the forum doesn't have any posts except the welcome message for the programmer.

Aesthetics: 4 - one thing that I noticed about the site is that the font is a bit bigger which is why you need to scroll a bit more. But this is actually better compared to smaller fonts in other websites.

A good looking site but the data is not that extensive as it doesn't provide more about the candidate.

Regalado Maambong (http://www.maambong.com/)

Information: 3 - the website can be compared to Lambino's website since the data provided is actually interesting but it will leave you wanting for more. As someone who has worked in the government for many years there should have been more with regards to what he has actually done.

Interaction: 2 - the only redeeming factor are the interesting links regarding law and election. The twitter link is not actually a real personal link so I assume it was only placed there for aesthetic purposes.

Aesthetic: 2 - looked ok but a lot more could have been done to improve it's look. The only good part of the website is the front page.

You have to give credit to the candidate for setting up a website. Maybe he should give advice to his presidential candidate to set-up something online so that he can increase his visibility.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr (http://bongbongm.com/)

Information: 4 - there are good amount of data that can be read. But as I've already pointed out - if you have been in the office for many years, your web page should be as extensive as the encyclopedia.

Interaction: 5 - the site has a few interesting links and data. Youtube and free downloads of his jingle is never lacking. Additional websites such as Imee's website and another website of Bongbong is included.

Aesthetics: 4 - the website looked great but the fonts are very small. This is very common but it can easily hurt someone's eye especially the articles are long.

Good looking site with interesting links but we need more data and the font should be bigger.

Liza Maza (http://www.lizamaza.com/)

Information: 4 - the data provided is good as it provides a background for the candidate. But as part of the congress, I think they should have placed her speeches on the site

Interaction: 5 - the power of social networks especially YouTube is used is here. She even has something unique: a ning web page which is rare for the candidate. Her twitter feed is also active which is also impressive.

Aesthetics: 4 - Although the combination of white font on tabs, red border and pink background might look good, it might not work for everyone.

A relatively good site. Take note of her twitter page as the updates are more related to her work rather than the places she has visited during the election campaign.