ON SUNDAY, the day off for most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, Defensor and Zubiri went to the former crown colony “”not to campaign” but to inform OFWs there of their accomplishments.

My golly, how do you call that? Social Studies? Or Arts and Sciences? Or rather Math lessons? Or what else.. Current Events? They should be barred!

– Antonio Costales, San Fernando City, La Union (via e-mail)

HERE’S behind-the-scenes footage from today’s Eleksyon 2007 Podcast recording session.

Senatorial bet Alan Peter Cayetano answered INQUIRER.net reporter Veronica Uy’s question on whether he would seek a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

SINCE detained independent senatorial bet Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan is unable to guest on the Eleksyon 2007 Podcast,  INQUIRER.net provided him a copy of the set of questions we ask the candidates.

Here’s an excerpt from Honasan’s written answers:

Will you push for constitutional reforms in your first three years in office? If so, what mode?

My intention is to provoke a national and in-depth debate on WHAT has to be reformed, and its IMPACT on the country and the people. The mode is a non-issue for as long as it is insulated from partisan politics, upholds the spirit of democracy, and is implemented in such a way that would allow for the people to come to informed and intelligent decisions on it.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

A SIMPLE response to a mammoth challenge this fellow-balikbayan doctor [Martin Bautista] has taken upon himself: sir, more power to Davids like you, who, rightly, have sprung the conventional box, and dare the “windmills.”

Like you, I was thought to be a nitwit when I returned to the Philippines from 38 years in Europe. I chose to stay in Mindanao for the very same reasons you’re trying to wake up this turpid nation of otherwise, warm, good people.

Sir, I’m already campaigning for your party. May more wake up and do something about it, this time. Thank you– from a small but significant spark of a sector of our nation.

– Dra. Georgie Obusan-Roos, Lagao, General Santos City (via e-mail)

AMONG the senatoriables’ podcasts in your site, it is Senator [Panfilo] Lacson’s that stands out.

His answers were direct to the point and with a high sense of integrity.

– Eleazar G. Diaz, Makati City, Philippines (via e-mail)

Francis Pangilinan doesn’t care who he pleases and who he condemns, as long as he can get all the votes he can muster, and win.

He thinks that being neither on the administration’s roster nor on the opposition’s is a big plus for him.

“Trapo ka rin, ‘Noted.’” [You're also a traditional politico, "Noted."]

– Dante Faragas, San Francisco, CA

JOHN OSMEÑA’S anti-VAT [value-added tax] political ad is totally disgusting. It has marks of a populist, anti-development rhetoric. He provides no alternatives to the VAT and gives no concrete justifications for his objection aside from the supposedly anti-poor effects of the law.

As seen in almost all countries, populist policies are actually more anti-poor because of their damaging effects on the economy and the society, as a whole.  

If John Osmeña really thinks that VAT is wrong, then, what is his opinion on his partymates and other GO [Genuine Opposition] candidates who voted in favor of VAT?

AND I thought only Joseph Estrada could use such kanto [street-corner] language as “Pupulutin ka lang sa kangkungan.” ["They'll pick you up in the swamp."]

Noynoy Aquino’s remark shows that the level of maturity of the candidates has not progressed, how Noynoy Aquino has degenerated into a mudslinging politician, wholeheartedly embraced Estrada’s ideals and thoughts, and has given an indication of where the Philippines will surely be once he is elected into office.

“Kawawa naman si Ninoy.” [Poor Ninoy Aquino.]

How could I vote for an Aquino? Let me count the ways:

1. Where was Noynoy when we booted Estrada out?

2. Please answer question no. 1.

– WINIFRED MARANAN, Batangas (via e-mail)

I HOPE Joker Arroyo wins and then becomes Senate president, and then start from there to rebuild our country, so we will go through a regeneration process that will be for the good of all.

Let us rally Filipinos behind this man who should become president.

– JESUSMA LARRAGA, 332 Tile Cross Road, Birmingham, UK (via e-mail)

WE need a leader who has a vision for the nation like Chiz. Yes, it sounds ideal but I am still confident that this archipelago is still far from a wasteland because of him. Filipino voters will now be more intelligent and vigilant this time, and can no longer get fooled by the stupendous antics and nonsense fanfares of the preening lady in Malacanang — ambitious yet unqualified.

The youth sector is now becoming more involved with the affairs of the society because of Chiz. Chiz is undoubtedly now the man, (or to include other noble men and women aspirants) one of the very few “real” candidates who will ignite this uprising, movement or revolution in Philippine politics –crisp and fresh– with a definitive thrust enriched with unwavering enthusiasm to be the voice of Filipinos in the Senate.

I’m praying Chiz will not fail us in the coming years (more importantly) and stay consistent with his dreams for this side of the planet as he prepares his way to the presidency when that time comes.