Aquino-Roxas 2010! Tuloy ang Laban!

Hello everyone! It has been a few days since I haven't blogging here. How the events unfolded has took me to decide to start a new blog. A blog that can be attuned to what is the current situation.

I am inviting everyone to follow and read my new blog, NoyMar: Tuloy ang Laban! Blog where I will be now blogging about articles and other matters related to Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas.

Spread the word and let's support the NoyMar tandem in 2010!

Visit http://aquinoroxas2010.blogspot.com now!

Thursday, October 8, 2009 | posted in , , , | 3 comments [ More ]

Noynoy, Mar launch Operation Tulong Bayan

Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas launched Operation Tulong Bayan as they urged supporters and volunteers to set aside political work and focus on organizing relief effort for thousands of families displaced by typhoon Ondoy.

Aquino and Roxas, along with former Senate President Franklin Drilon, this afternoon will visit the Tatalon area in Marikina, among the hardest hit by floods caused by Ondoy, to distribute relief goods to the affected residents there.

The two senators had cut short their consultation sorties in Mindanao to help in relief operations for Ondoy’s victims in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Aquino urged supporters and volunteers to bring their donations to the following Operation Tulong Bayan Centers:
  • Cubao, Quezon City: Balay, Expo Centro Filipino, EDSA corner General McArthur St., Araneta Center. Former Seafood Market, Inside the parking lot fronting farmers market. Hotline : 9137122, 9136254, 9133306. Manilyn 09086579998 Jenn 09393633436
  • Makati City: 2314 Pasong Tamo Ext. (Dasma side) between Cantinetta and Makati Faith Chistian School. Tel 7108804 Rosanna 0917-8305053 Cris 09178435137
Earlier, Aquino announced that funds from the Piso-piso para Kay Noynoy will be used to buy relief goods for the victims of Ondoy.

Aquino and Roxas have converted their headquarters in Expo Centro in Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City as Operation Tulong Bayan Center. They met their supporters in Expo Centro yesterday to mobilize more volunteers and collect more relief goods.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 | posted in , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas seeks Senate probe on stricter SALN access

Senator Mar Roxas today sought a Senate inquiry into new restrictions imposed by the Ombudsman on public access to a public document that reveals the net worth and properties of all public officials and employees amid ongoing media investigation of the alleged inexplicable ballooning wealth of President Arroyo and her family.

Roxas filed Senate Resolution No. 1374, asking the appropriate Senate committee to look into the validity and legality of the Office of the Ombudsman Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2009, or the Revised Guidelines Governing Access to Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth or SALNs filed with the Ombudsman.

He said the new Ombudsman rules requires those who want access to SALNs to fill up forms and need to swear under oath from fiscals or public prosecutors the purpose or purposes they have in accessing those documents.

These new guidelines issued by the Ombudsman “obstruct rather than reinforce constitutional mandates of transparency and accountability in public service as well as undermine constitutional rights of access to information by the people,” Roxas insisted.

As author of the proposed Free Information Act that is still pending approval in both chambers of Congress, Roxas pointed out that the Constitution compels all public officers and employees to submit a declaration under oath of their assets, liabilities and net worth upon their assumptions to office, which shall be disclosed to the public.

The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) also requires public officials to “prepare and file a true, detailed and sworn statement of assets and liabilities” while the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) “reinforces the public’s constitutionally protected right to information and access to public documents by providing that the (SALNs) of public officials shall be made available for inspection at reasonable hours and copying or reduction.”

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez issued the new guidelines on June 16 this year, amidst calls for an investigation into the alleged unexplained wealth of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her family.

At the time the new guidelines came out, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) was doing a research on and conducting an examination of the SALN of President Arroyo, which it noted had allegedly grown significantly based on her 2008 SALN. The report also said Mrs. Arroyo got rich faster than the three presidents before her.
"The motivation and timing of the release of the Ombudsman Memorandum Circular is questionable, coming at a time when the SALNs of the President and her immediate family were under intense public inspection," the Visayan senator said.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas' speech declaring his VP bid with Aquino in 2010

Below is the speech of Senator Mar Roxas as he accepted the offer of Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Noynoy Aquino to be his running mate in the 2010 elections. As we move forward, let us continue to support this tandem for change and for reforms:
Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Magandang tanghali po. Happy Holidays to our Muslim brothers.

Salamat, Noynoy, sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob mo sa akin. Salamat sa karangalang maging kasama mo sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Thank you for this opportunity to work with you as we raise the banner of reform. Thank you for the privilege of joining you and all our kababayans in the fight for decency and integrity in public service, and for a government that puts the people’s interest first.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang hamon na isulong ang tunay na reporma sa ating bansa.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang responsibilidad na maging kabalikat ni Noynoy sa kanyang laban para sa pagbabago.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang maging katambal ni Noynoy Aquino.

But this fight is not just about Noynoy and me. It’s bigger than the two of us, it is bigger than the Liberal Party. It is about our collective thirst for change.

It is about our thirst for change finally overcoming those who want to continue the tayu-tayo system, the horse-trading, the greed, the self-interest, the transactional politics that has been the biggest roadblock to progress and prosperity for all.

Tungkol ito sa matuwid laban sa baluktot. Tungkol ito sa tapat laban sa tiwali. Tungkol ito sa tama laban sa mali.

Noy, you have raised the banner. Ito ang bandila ng reporma at pag-asa. Ito ang maglalagay ng pagkain sa mesa, dahil hindi na nanakawin ang pondo ng mga magsasaka. Ito ang magbibigay ng trabaho sa taumbayan, dahil hindi na kokotangan ang mga namumuhunan. Ito ang magpapaabot-kaya sa presyo ng gamot, dahil hindi na makikipagsabwatan sa mga abusadong pharmaceutical companies.

My friends, this is going to be a tough battle. We should not be lulled into complacency. We are up against forces who will fight tooth and nail, fair and unfair, legal and illegal, against us. Sa kanila yata, tuloy ang ligaya; sa atin naman, tuloy ang laban.

Kailangan nating isulong ang bandila ni Noy at ng reporma. Mahirap ang laban na ito, pero nasa kamay natin ang ating kapalaran.

Kung bawat araw, ang bawat isa sa atin ay makahimok ng isa pang kasangga natin, tiyak ang ating tagumpay.

Our opponents will exhaust all avenues in order to win. They have been robbing us for so long, and they want to continue robbing us. Pero hindi tayo papayag na manakaw din nila ang ating pag-asa.

Taglay ni Noynoy ang susi ng pagbabago: matapat na puso, malasakit sa kapwa, at pinakamahalaga, pagmamahal sa bayan. Buong-loob kong isinusulong si Noynoy Aquino. I am honored to join him in this field of battle.

To all of us here in this hall and all across this great nation, who are fighting alongside him, make no mistake about it: We will not back down from this fight, not now, not ever.

The fog of cynicism has already lifted from our hearts. Ngayon, puwede na muling mangarap.

Sama-sama tayo. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Lalaban tayo!

Monday, September 21, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

Announcement of Noynoy-Mar 2010 tandem tomorrow

Great news! Tomorrow, Liberal Party Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas will formally introduce their tandem in the 2010 elections. Below is an article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer about this development.
The tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar Roxas II for the 2010 presidential race is a done deal.

The two men will make the formal announcement at a press conference Monday, former Representatives Florencio “Butch” Abad and Nereus Acosta, both stalwarts of the Liberal Party (LP), said yesterday.

Abad and Acosta accompanied Aquino to the SMX convention center in Pasay City, where he spoke before an estimated 10,000 educators attending the Bato Balani Foundation’s “Tribute to Teachers.” The annual event is the largest gathering of educators in the country.

Aquino, who announced on September 9 that he was heeding the clamor to run for the presidency, himself confirmed that Roxas had accepted his invitation to be his running mate in the 2010 polls.

Asked if it was a done deal, Aquino said: “Yes. [The announcement will be made on] Monday morning.”

Abad, the LP national campaign manager for 2010, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an ambush interview that an advisory would be issued Sunday on the press conference to be held at Club Filipino in San Juan.

“That’s it. That’s the tandem,” Abad said.

Club Filipino is where Aquino’s mother, the late Corazon Aquino, was sworn in as President at the culmination of the February 1986 People Power revolt that ousted the strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Read more about this news...

Sunday, September 20, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas hints at accepting offer to be Aquino's running mate

Here's an article from GMANews.TV about Senator Mar Roxas hinting to accept Senator Noynoy Aquino's offer to be his running-mate.
Senator Manuel Roxas II on Monday hinted his inclination to accept the offer to be Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III’s running mate in the 2010 elections.

“Wala namang dahilan kung bakit hindi [ko tatanggapin ang alok]. Pero gusto ko lang na mapag-isipan ng mabuti. Malaking pagbabago ito sa direksyon na tinatahak ko," Roxas told reporters Monday.

(There is no reason why I should not accept [the offer]. But I’m still thinking things over, because this will definitely change the direction of my political plans.)

He reiterated his promise to be an ally of and to take part in Senator Aquino’s campaign for reform in the country.
Read more about it at http://www.gmanews.tv/story/172263/roxas-hints-at-accepting-offer-to-be-noynoys-running-mate

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas in ABS-CBN's Probe Profiles

Last September 9, ABS-CBN's Probe Profiles hosted by Cheche Lazaro placed the spotlight on Mar Roxas. From his life to his latest decision on giving way to Noynoy Aquino to be the Liberal Party's standard bearer. Watch the videos below and get to know him better.

PART 1




PART 2





PART 3




PART 4


Saturday, September 12, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Join the Kelvinonian Ideas 2.0 Blog Contest

I'm inviting everyone to join the "Be Creative, Show you Love" blog contest of my blogger friend Kelvin Servigon.


His blog has just celebrated its 1st year anniversary, and it's just good to have this blog contest for its readers. The blog contest started last September 8, 2009 and the deadline of submission of entries is on September 20, 2009.

The voting arena will be opened after the deadline, September 20, 2009 up to September 26, 2009.

The winners will be announced on September 27, 2009.

This blog is a sponsor of the blog contest.

Join now! Big prizes are waiting for the lucky winners! Visit http://kelvinonian.com/2009/09/be-creative-shout-your-love-blog-contest/ for more details.

Friday, September 11, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

The grower of the seeds need the sower of the seeds

On endorsing a Noynoy Aquino for President and Mar Roxas for Vice President tandem in 2010, I can only put it simply this way, "the grower of the seeds need the sower of the seeds."
To you Noy, I say: I began the campaign to sow the seeds para sa pagbabago at reporma. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership.
As Roxas said that unto Aquino, it can only mean one thing to me: Roxas should be Aquino's partner in pushing for reforms. I believe that with Roxas on Aquino's side as his Vice President, we can expect that what Roxas started will be continued by Aquino.

How will the grower of the seeds find it if not for the help of the one who sowed it.

Both men are carrying the platform of the Liberal Party, putting people first. The supreme sacrifice that Roxas did was worth commending. It doesn't mean that he's a coward. Instead, it displayed his courage. Even Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can't do it.

With Roxas endorsing Aquino for President, I am rest assured that what Roxas started will not go to waste. But Roxas hasn't indicated yet his future political plans.

What should we do?

We must convince Aquino to get Roxas as his Vice Presidential candidate and so as Roxas that we must convince him to accept the challenge. These two men are the fruits of good trees. They're the products of good leadership. They did nothing that would tarnish the good image of their forebears. Yan ang serbisyo publikong TATAK AQUINO, TATAK ROXAS!

Tuloy ang Laban! Lalaban Tayo!

Coming soon, Mar Roxas for President in 2016!

Where to stay in Makati Avenue when you're in budget?

For those who want to find a budget hotel in Makati City but with quality service, especially when you are tightening your belt, I have something to tell you.

You should know about Jupiter Suites! When you're in Metro Manila and you're finding the best hotel deal for your money, then this hotel is for you! This budget hotel has a lot to offer to its guests that you wouldn't imagine. They call it "Quality Accommodation."


Here's why you I can recommend Jupiter Suites for you when you're finding a budget hotel in Makati City:
  1. Offers their guests a free airport transfer for guests staying for 2 or more nights. Now, that's a great one from a Makati Avenue hotel.
  2. It has free Internet access and breakfast for its guests. Only this budget hotel in Makati City can give you that.
  3. Has the best hotel deal among its competitors. Despite of being a budget hotel, their quality is not sacrificed.
  4. This Makati Avenue hotel is located in the financial district of Metro Manila. Easily accessible and near from the seaport and airport. Now, that's a good news!
Most of us have been finding budget hotels that don't sacrifice the quality. Only this Makati Avenue hotel gives you the best hotel deal for your money.

Just remember, when you need a best hotel deal from a budget hotel in Makati City, then go to Jupiter Suites located at 102 Jupiter Street Bel-Air, Makati City, Philippines.

You can also contact them at Tel. (632) 890.5044 to 50 or Fax (632) 890.5019.

Gov. Panlilio, Gov. Padaca and Mayor Robredo to make a very important annoucement

Here's a replurk from Bong. Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo will be making a very important announcement.


Everyone is invited to be at the Walingwaling Room of Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan at 10 AM. Probably, this very important announcement is the start of the snowballing support of Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010.

It can be remembered that Mayor Robredo already endorsed Mar Roxas for President in 2010 but the unexpected event happened. Governor Padaca, though she didn't expressed yet then her support for Roxas, is a member of the Liberal Party.

Let's wait and see on what would happen on this very important announcement.

Kevin Ray Chua's Official Statement on Mar's giving way for Noynoy

I blog this in a somewhat sad note. I keep asking to myself, "was my endeavor a complete failure?" When the word about Senator Mar Roxas' "major announcement" was buzzing around the internet and confirmed it with his staff, I was not feeling well. I didn't even attended my class on that time as more and more people are talking about it online.

(From left to right: Kevin Ray N. Chua, Senator Mar Roxas II, Councilor Peter Laviña and my dad Ronilo Chua)
The picture above with me doing a "Laban" sign, which I meant as "Liberal," might have been a sign that something different will happen.

But on that morning, before the "major announcement", I already said on my blog post that "whenever Roxas, coming from his heart, tells his supporters to support an Aquino-Roxas tandem instead for the good of the country, then I'm for it just like what former Vice President Doy Laurel did to President Cory." I was still hoping that a Roxas-Aquino tandem will stay in place with Roxas as President and Aquino as Vice President. But it seems that things were not going that way.

Many supporters have been e-mailing, chatting, plurking and twitting me if Roxas would give way for Aquino. I told them that I remain hopeful that Roxas would remain as the Liberal Party's standard bearer.

As I was watching Roxas delivering his speech live as aired in the television, I held back my tears. Together with my colleagues in our student government, we watched as this historic event unfold. When Roxas finally made it clear that he's stepping aside for Aquino, I can't help but give him a standing ovation and so did my colleagues. I must admit that I was disappointed with his decision, but I know that he also has been feeling what I was feeling when several people have already started to push for Aquino's presidential bid in 2010.

As a staunch supporter of Roxas, I find it hard to do what I said. Knowing that I have did my part, without pressure or dictate from Roxas' staff or even himself, I felt sad. The times that I spent on internet cafés just to blog for Roxas ended with this unfortunate event. But upon listening to his speech, I saw that Mar Roxas that other people didn't. He was a true statesman. Untainted with allegations of corruption, he has exhibited a true sense of leadership and selflessness by putting the country first before himself. Setting aside his personal ambition for the good of the party.

There's no shame in his act. His critics might hurl him the worst, but I stand by my support on him. He chose to lead in unity, not in division.

I vehemently believe that Mar Roxas will be a good president, a contrast to the present administration. Probably, it was not just his time and the Almighty One has a greater plan for him. With this, I throw my support, as what Roxas did, to Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010 and I ask everyone to do so. But here's the thing, Roxas still didn't said that he's going to be Aquino's Vice Presidential candidate. It's my and your duty to convince Roxas to push through an Aquino-Roxas tandem in 2010.

To fellow Roxas supporters, to Roxas' Senate Staff (which a lot of them I have met and became friends with), to myself and to Mar Roxas: Tuloy ang Laban, Lalaban tayo!

What will happen to this blog? I will still continue to be blogging and will start to encourage Roxas to run alongside with Aquino as Vice President. In that way, I will do my part for growing the seeds of reform and change that Roxas has planted.

Coming soon, Mar Roxas for President in 2016!

NOTE: If you have a friend from the media, please tell him/her that this is the official statement of the blogger who created a blog supporting Roxas' candidacy for President.

Tuloy ang laban, Lalaban tayo!

Below is the transcript of Senator Mar Roxas' speech he delivered in Club Filipino to give way for Senator Noynoy Aquino to run for the 2010 Presidency. I will be issuing my official statement on this one later. To all Roxas' supporters, "Tuloy and laban, Lalaban tayo!"


Country above self. Bayan bago ang sarili.

Iyan ang habilin ng aking lolo, President Manuel Roxas.

Our nation is in trouble. Leadership is bankrupt. Institutions are in disarray. People are hungry.

Noynoy Aquino and I share the same outrage over the mess we are all in, the same way we share the solution-clean, honest, selfless public service.

Marami at matindi ang mga problema ng bansa. Kailangan nating ayusin. Matindi ang kalaban. We need a determined force for good far stronger than the festering evil around us.

We need to fight just as our own fathers fought dictatorship, and just as both died believing that good will conquer evil.

Noynoy and I want to make a difference, but we also know that we need to unite to achieve what we want.

I am the President of the Liberal Party.

It is within my power to preside over a potentially divisive process or to make the party a bridge for the forces of change. I choose to lead unity, not division. Bilang pinuno ng aking Partido, magdedesisyon ako.

Mahal ko ang Partido Liberal. My grandfather founded it. My father led it during the most difficult times of Martial Law. Sa harap ng peligro, sa kabila ng napakaraming tukso-hindi siya sumuko.

He inspired me-to stay the course, to fight the good fight, to pass the test of true character. To believe.

Over the weekend, Noynoy and I had many long conversations... Masinsinang usapan. We agreed: Let us forget about ourselves for a moment. This is not about us, this is about our people and our country. This is about our common dream. The dream of our parents.

But let us not remain a country of dreamers. Tama na ang pangarap. Gawin na natin, ngayon.

Today, I am announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010.

Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership.

The passing of our beloved former President Aquino has reawakened a passion among us. I acknowledge this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dream: Good will triumph over evil.

Ito na ang pinakamabigat na desisyon sa buhay ko. Maniwala man kayo o hindi, ginagawa ko ito para sa bayan, para sa inyo. I do this for unity in support of change. And if that means that somebody must make the sacrifice, it must be me. Ako na.

To you Noy, I say: I began the campaign to sow the seeds para sa pagbabago at reporma. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership.

Hindi kami maghihiwalay ni Noy. I will stand with him.

At sa aking mga kababayan, sa mga nagtiwala sa akin: Mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Mahal na mahal ko po ang ating bayan. Hindi rin tayo maghihiwalay. Itutuloy natin ang pagbabago sa ating bansa. Itutuloy natin ang laban para sa reporma!

Kay Noy, at sa aking mga kababayan: Country above self! Bayan bago sarili!

Hindi ko kayo pababayaan! Lalaban tayo!

Roxas to make a "major announcement" this 6PM at Club Filipino

This just in. Senator Mar Roxas, together with Senator Noynoy Aquino will be making a "major announcement" in the Gabaldon Room of Club Filipino this 6 PM.

I just received a call from one of Roxas' staff and informed me that although Aquino will be there, it has nothing to do with their tandem in 2010 or Roxas' rumored sliding down as VP.

Kinda bitin, but let's just wait for that "major anouncement." Just this morning, I created a blog post about a Mar-Noynoy tandem in 2010, and this one just came out this afternoon.

Details about this event will be broadcasted live in GMA's 24 Oras, ABS-CBN's TV Patrol World and all other local media networks. Please do stay tuned.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

A Mar Roxas-Noynoy Aquino tandem in 2010

Much has been said about this. Even before the death of former President Cory Aquino, I have been advocating for a Mar-Noynoy tandem in 2010.


Senators Mar Roxas and Noynoy Aquino are the fruits of good trees. Their team-up will be a formidable one. The tandem also gives a geographical balance with Roxas from the South and Aquino from the North.

But others, after the death of President Cory, have urged Noynoy to run for President. Now, that created a buzz on the Liberal Party on which it has been made known that Roxas will be the party's standard bearer for President. To prevent another party crack-up, Roxas and Aquino have been in talks since Sunday to iron out things and made September 9 as the date to watch.

I have been supporting Roxas since July 29, 2007 when I created this blog. For me, it's hard to give way being an avid Roxas supporter. I still believe on a Roxas-Aquino tandem.

But whenever Roxas, coming from his heart, tells his supporters to support an Aquino-Roxas tandem instead for the good of the country, then I'm for it just like what former Vice President Doy Laurel did to President Cory. As of now, I'm still pinning my hopes on the Roxas for President and Aquino for Vice President tandem in 2010.

I believe that this two persons are the exact opposite of the Arroyo administration. They have stood up against the wrong moves of this administration and will continue to do so for the good of the country. As what Manolo Quezon III said in his Philippine Inquirer article entitled The Long View: On the cusp of redemption, "the country already knows they’re the only two whom the present dispensation can’t tolerate. In that sense, they have already been redeemed."

Oras Na! Roxas-Aquino Na!

How about you? What do you think?

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo endorses Mar Roxas for President!

In his column today, August 23, in Abante, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo of Kaya Natin! has finally threw his support to Senator Mar Roxas as our next President.

Entitled "Mar for President", Robredo praised Roxas and endorsed him to be our next President in 2010.

Below is the full article that Robredo wrote in Abante:
Ngayong maugong na ang mga balita tungkol sa pagtakbo ng mga kandidato sa eleksyon sa 2010, hayaan ninyo akong ipaliwanag ang aking desisyong tulungan ang aking kasamahan sa Liberal Party na si Senador Mar Roxas.

Sa aking mahigit na 18 taong paglilingkod sa pulitika, samu’t saring problema na ang aking mga nakita sa ating bansa. Bilang isang mayor sa rehiyon ng Bikol, batid ko ang paghihirap na nararanasan ng ating mga kababayan kaya naman pinag-isipan kong mabuti kung sino ang nais kong tulungan at suportahan sa susunod na halalan. Bakit si Mar? Para sa akin, ang susunod na pangulo ay hindi lamang dapat magaling ngunit dapat ito ay matino at may puso para sa mahihirap din.

Magaling ba si Mar? Kung titingnan natin ang kanyang nagawa bilang dating kalihim sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at bilang isang senador, makikita natin na naging maganda ang kanyang nagawa para sa ating bansa.

Halimbawa, noong DTI secretary siya, inayos niya ang pagbibigay ng PEZA permit sa mga palapag ng mga gusali. Ang PEZA ay nagbibigay sa isang negosyo o korporasyon ng mga pribelehiyo kapalit ng pagbubukas nito ng negosyo sa ating bansa. Dati-rati ang mga lupa at lote lamang ang pwedeng maging PEZA at dahil sa ginawa ni Mar nahikayat ang maraming mga call center sa ibang bansa para mamuhunan sa atin at magbukas ng mga call centers dito.

Ngayon, libu-libong mga Pilipino ang nakikinabang dito at patuloy pang dumarami ang trabahong nakaabang para sa bawat Pilipino. Pag may trabaho, may perang pambili ng pagkain, pampaaral sa anak at pambili ng mga gamot. Dahil kay Mar, tunay na ramdam ng libu-libong pamilyang Pilipino ang asenso. Ipinakita ni Mar na hindi lamang siya hanggang salita na siya ay tumutulong sa mahihirap ngunit nagagawa niya itong realidad para sa mga kababayan natin.

Matino ba si Mar? Kung ihahambing natin si Mar sa ilang kasamahan niya sa Top 5 ng mga “Presidentiables” sa nakaraang mga survey ng Pulse Asia, si Mar lamang ang kandidatong hindi nasangkot sa kahit anong katiwalian sa pamahalaan at si Mar lamang ang kandidatong walang nakadikit na tiwaling negosyante.

Nagkausap kami minsan ng isang malapit na kamag-anak ni Mar at sinabi nito na noong si Mar ay DTI secretary, ni hindi sila makapunta sa kanyang opisina at makakuha ng PEZA permit para makapagpatayo ng mga call centers sa Cubao. Kaya kung mapapansin ninyo, ngayon na lamang naglilitawan ang mga call center sa Cubao dahil hindi na si Mar ang DTI secretary na nagbibigay ng PEZA. Ayaw kasi ni Mar na maisip ng mga Pilipino na ginagamit niya ang kanyang kapangyarihan para yumaman ang kanyang pamilya at mga malalapit na kaibigan. Alam naman nating lahat na may isang naghahangad na tumakbong Presidente ngunit hindi man lamang makapagpaliwanag nang maayos kung ginamit nga ba niya ang pera ng taong bayan para makinabang ang kanyang negosyo.

Panghuli, si Mar ang aking Presidente sapagkat naniniwala akong mabibigyan niya ng tamang direksyon ang ating bansa tungo sa hinahangad nating magandang kinabukasan at pagbabago. Kailangan natin ang isang lider na may konkretong paglilingkod na nagawa sa ating mga kababayan at hindi lamang puro daldal at pangako sa mga komersyal sa telebisyon.

Madaling sabihin ng isang kandidato na siya ay para sa mahirap ngunit kung ito ba ay kanyang nagawa o gagawin ay hindi natin masisiguro kaya naman dapat tingnan na­ting mabuti kung ano nga ba talaga ang nagawa ng mga kandidatong ito. Para sa akin, si Mar ay hindi lamang hanggang salita ngunit napatunyan niya na maayos na paglilingkod ang tunay niyang hangarin sa kanyang pagtakbo sa 2010.

Para sa inyong mga komento, paki-text sa 0922-8570496 o kaya ipadala sa kayanatin@yahoo.com.
Tell your friends about this and let's spread the support for Mar Roxas!

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Sunday, August 23, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Fernandez couple apologize to Roxas

Gary and Lorita Fernandez, parents of the three remaining quintuplets born in April this year who received help from Senator Mar Roxas and his girlfriend Korina Sanchez, last night apologized to Roxas and Ms. Sanchez for criticisms labeled at them by some sectors after the Fernandez couple sought financial help for further medical treatment of one of the babies in a radio station last Tuesday.


In a letter to Roxas signed by Lorita Fernandez, the couple said they never criticized the senator and Ms. Sanchez but rather sought help from an anchor of a radio station because one of their children could be suffering from hydrocephalus.
"Kami pong mag-asawa ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa nangyaring kontrobersiya laban po sa inyo ngayon. Wala po kaming intensyon na siraan kayo (We apologize for the controversy we generated. We have no intention to besmirch your name)," said the couple in their letter to Roxas.
In response, Roxas said the couple had nothing to apologize for, saying he understood the impatience that couples like them undergo because of the extreme poverty they live in.
"Nalulungkot ako na talagang sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, maraming pamilya gaya ni Gary at Lorita ang kailangang bigyan ng tulong pinansyal (I feel sad that there are couples like Gary and Lorita who really need financial assistance because of their poverty)," Roxas said.

"Nakausap ko na sila Gary at Lori at nainitindihan nilang mas mabuting maturuan silang magtayo ng sariling kabuhayan kesa sa umasa na lang sa tulong ng iba (I have talked to Gary and Lori and they understood that our approach which is to help them gain their own livelihood is better than relying on help from others)," he added.
In their letter, the couple admitted they felt bad towards the social welfare officer assigned to assist them, thus they resorted to seeking help from a radio anchor, who in turn misinterpreted it as abandonment of the couple and their children despite all the assistance they already received.
"Kami po’y humingi ng tulong dahil kailangan po ng suporta ng mga bata … lalo na po sa pagpapagamot ni Marie Loralaine at Wenna Mavinia (We sought help for further support for our children .. especially for medication for Marie Loralaine and Wenna Mavinia)," the couple said.

"Wala po kaming masamang sinabi laban po sa inyo. Ang lahat ng negatibo ay pawang mga kumento (We did not say anything against you. All the negatives were just commentaries)” of the radio anchor, they added. “Alam po naming na sa lahat ng nilapitan naming nu’ng nanganak ako ay walang unang tumulong at nakinig kundi kayo. Kaya’t gusto pos ana naming kayo pasalamatan ng personal (We know that you were the only one who helped us immediately when I gave birth. That’s why we wanted to thank you personally)," Lorita said.
Roxas’ chief-of- staff, Atty. Blas Viterbo, said the senator assigned a social welfare officer to assist the couple after taking care of the hospitalization and medical care for the quintuplets, two of who died from sepsis despite extra medical attention and medication paid for by Roxas and Ms. Sanchez. Until now, sepsis is a common cause of death among Filipino babies born under similar circumstances of poor parents and multiple baby births.

The social welfare officer, Ms. Menchie Silvestre, had advised Roxas and Ms. Sanchez that it would be best to spare the Fernandez couple from more cash gifts and recommended that the couple be given livelihood training instead so they can raise their children without relying on financial help from others.

Roxas said he supports Ms. Silvestre’s advice in the handling of the couple, but assured them he continues to monitor their situation and will help them gain their own means of livelihood.
"Hindi ko sila pababayaan (I will take care of them)," he said.

Roxas presses more teeth in OFW protection

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas called for stronger government protection for the estimated 10 million Filipinos working abroad, especially against abuse by their employers or host countries.

At the same time, Roxas vowed to press for reforms in government policy involving the deployment of skilled and non-skilled workers to other countries as he noted the growing number of Filipinos overseas and the rising number of OFW-related incidents.
"Naniniwala akong ang pinakamahalaga nating maibibigay sa mga OFW natin ay seguridad. Kailangang bigyan natin ang mga OFW ng sapat na suporta at proteksyon para hindi sila abusuhin kapag nasa abroad na sila (I believe that the best thing we can give to our OFW is security for them. We need to give them all the support and protection so they will be spared abuse when they are abroad)," he said.

The Visayan senator said the government must also reduce the financial burden of Filipino overseas workers by removing the 0.15% Documentary Stamps Tax (DST) on money remittances to the country. It is a "significant financial burden to (OFWs) considering that the country is already experiencing unprecedented highs in food and oil prices," he said.

At the same time, Roxas pushed for the professionalization of the Foreign Service system, which he said would ensure that only the most talented and most qualified are recruited by the government to ensure that our OFWs will get quality assistance from personnel and officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs here and abroad.

He also pressed Malacañang to release the P50 million for the OFW Social Reintegration program that President Arroyo has yet to release to the Department of Labor and Employment. The program provides "balikbayan" OFWs with sufficient knowledge of how to use their savings as well as investment opportunities and other forms of reintegration assistance.

Roxas said the government must ensure that OFWs have access to communication wherever they are to so they can easily call Philippine offices in their areas in cases of employer problems and that free legal services for those facing legal problems are readily available.

He also said pre-departure orientation and preparation seminars should likewise be given to departing OFWs to brief them of their rights and on what they should and could do should they encounter difficulties in their jobs.

But all these reforms, he stressed, could only take place once an activist government – one that cares for and listen to its people – takes over from the current administration, which has consistently shown insensitivity to the plight of its workers abroad.

Thursday, August 20, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar and Korina should get Buddy Gancenia as their wedding videographer

Get a credible wedding videographer! I guess Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez must get fellow blogger Buddy Gancenia, the best Philippine wedding videographer for having won the Grand Prize in the 1st Sony Wedding Video Competition 2007, for their wedding videography on October 23, 2009 in their "People's Wedding."


This website owned by Buddy, a wedding videographer, is the first and only Documentary-Reality Wedding Video producers in the Philippines’ – and in the world. This must be something!

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
  • Distinctive presentation and a professional feel, much like a TV reality show
  • Beyond the traditional music video-style production
  • No content sacrificed. Interviews, behind-the-scenes footages, and unexpected occurrences are put as part of the story. It’s as real as it gets.
  • Highly personal and unique. No two Reality Wedding Videos are alike.
Buddy has been producing many quality and creative videos and I'm confident that producing a wedding video will be another hit!

MATCHLESS DELIVERY TIME: Wedding Videos in 2 Weeks!

Filipino newly-weds usually call it a common sight when their wedding video is delivered 3-6 months after their wedding, but not with this wedding videographer.

Buddy and his company understands your need for immediate replays of your wedding day and guarantees you to get your copy of High Production Value Wedding Videos in just 2 weeks from your wedding day. Just provide them the necessary materials such as your preferred music on or before your wedding day.

Mar and Korina should take this cool wedding videographer in their upcoming wedding.

To check their rates and services, visit http://realityweddingvideo.tv/rates-and-service/ NOW!

Mar Roxas - Korina Sanchez wedding on October 23, 2009

Here's an article from Ricky Lo of Philippine Star about the wedding of Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez. Originally from his article, "Mar-Korina 'People's Wedding' set Oct. 23"

Photo courtesy of MARC NICDAO, reprinted from People Asia magazine.
It’s confirmed: Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez will (finally, finally!) get married in what they call a “People’s Wedding” on Oct. 23.

“It will be an afternoon wedding,” Korina said in an interview with Funfare.

The venue is a toss-up between Sto. Domingo Church and the Manila Cathedral. But the reception will definitely be held at Bahay na Puti (in Cubao, Quezon City), the home of Mar’s lolo and lola and the venue of the reception for the wedding of Mar’s parents, former Sen. Gerry Roxas and Judy Araneta, and his aunt Baby Araneta and Dr. Raul Fores.

“So,” said Korina, “in a big way, we are following tradition. There may be more than a thousand guests although we have yet to finalize the list. Mar has relatives in Negros, Iloilo, Capiz and Bulacan; while mine are from Pampanga. Some of my relatives will come from New York.”

There are not too many details as yet.

“Mar and I want to hold it at the Sto. Domingo Church which has a long walk and a beautiful entrance with beautiful stained glass all over it. There are wonderful, wide corridors and a garden in the middle,” added Korina. “The Manila Cathedral is also an old church which has beautifully gilded cornices and a beautiful ceiling and is very regal aside from it already being air-conditioned. There may be another church we are looking at, like San Sebastian Church and Quiapo Church. We will decide which one this week.”

What about the entourage?

“I think I will have 12 bridesmaids. I have called my best friends from my childhood until today. I’ve lost touch with some of them so I had to look them up and call them. They were all thrilled and so am I. These bridesmaids make this special event very real for me as these are women who had been there to share my lowest moments and my highest throughout my life so far. I will have six flower girls one of whom is my niece Saila. Of course, Baby James is our ring bearer, Dyan Castillejo’s son Matthew is the Bible bearer and I am hoping I can make my nephew Miguel walk as the coin bearer. My two nieces, Tyra and Maya, will be junior bridesmaids along with Mercedes, Mar’s niece.”

She and Mar have yet to finalize the list of ninongs and ninangs and secondary sponsors.

Kris Aquino will anchor the ABS-CBN coverage of the Filipino wedding. Korina’s gown will be designed by Pepito Albert and those of the entourage by Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Randy Ortiz. Mar’s cousin Margarita Fores has drawn up the menu and, in fact, they have set up a mock of the reception dinner tables.

“Ang ganda!,” exclaimed Korina. “ It’s exactly how I would want a wedding dinner table to be. Beautiful! Mar keeps reminding me, ‘Not too much,’ so it’s great that my contacts all gave me discounts and friends lent me old things to use for the decor. It is turning out so well.”

Korina calls it a “People’s Wedding” because she and Mar are not keeping anything secret. Every detail will be documented and shown as a two-hour special on Channel 2.

“So, makikita ng tao ang lahat ng detalye ng kasal. We are thinking of a way to acommodate people who would like to be at the church and be part of this special moment between myself and Mar. Mar has helped so many people and everywhere I go, people ask, ‘Kailan ang kasal? Imbitado ba kami?’ They want to go. It is very heartwarming and I wish we could invite the whole country. Hahahaha! So I guess television is the best way to make them part of it.”

And what about the honeymoon?

Korina didn’t say where.

Hmmmm. Are we going to see that, too, in the TV coverage?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Akbayan endorses Mar Roxas for President; Risa Hontiveros, to run as LP guest candidate

The AKBAYAN party-list group formally endorsed the presidential bid of Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas in the 2010 national and local elections.


The group likewise announced it has accepted the offer of the Liberal Party for AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros to be a guest candidate in LP's senatorial slate for next year's election.

AKBAYAN is the first party-list group to endorse a presidential candidate for the 2010 polls. The Liberal Party is expected to name Roxas as its standard bearer in the presidential election next year.
"Oras na para ang mga pwersang nagnanais ng tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa ay magkaisa para makamit na natin ang matagal nating minimithing maunlad at modernong bansa (It is time for the political forces that yearn for a progressive Philippines to unite)," Roxas said after being informed of AKBAYAN's endorsement of his bid for the presidency.
The Liberal Party and AKBAYAN, he added, will be offering a common agenda of good governance and reforms that will push for an activist government that truly cares for the people and their welfare.

AKBAYAN President Ronald Llamas said their group believes Roxas is the only presidential candidate who could stop rampant graft and corruption in government.
"Walang Presidente, kahit na gaano kagaling, ang makakapagsulong ng anumang reporma kung hindi nito sisingilin ang GMA administration dahil sa talamak na korupsyon sa gobyerno (No President, however competent, can push true reforms unless it makes the current administration pay for the gross corruption in government," he said.

"Kailangan natin ng isang lider na kayang itulak ang mga tunay na reporma, at para sa amin, sa lahat ng nagbabalak na tumakbo bilang presidente ay si Mar Roxas lang ang tanging pwede naming makasama (We need a leader that can push true reforms, and for us in Akbayan, among all those aspiring to become President, it is only Mar Roxas that we can join in this fight)," Llamas said. Llamas was re-elected as Akbayan president in the partylist group's 4th Regular Congress held last Friday at the Club Filipino.
He added Roxas' principles and platforms made him different from the other candidates.
"Pinili namin ang kandidato na klarong hindi makikipagnegosasyon sa GMA administrasyon at hindi sasabak sa halalan sa 2010 na ang batayan ay baluktot na political accommodations (We chose a candidate who will not compromise with the GMA Administration and will not run in the 2010 elections through unprincipled political accommodations)," Llamas said.

"Matagal na rin kaming nakakatrabaho si Mar Roxas batay sa aming mga tinutulak na reporma, kagaya ng pagtulay sa batas para sa murang gamot (We have worked for reforms with Mar Roxas based on our platform, like the passage of the Cheaper Medicines Law)," he also said.
Llamas said he is confident that with the inclusion of Hontiveros in LP's senatorial line-up, Filipinos could look forward to a stop in government corruption and an economic policy that would protect local industries and the interests of farmers, workers and professionals.

Roxas to public: Beware of defective, fake LPG tanks

Senator Mar Roxas cautioned the public against using defective or substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks as he vowed to pursue illegal refillers and manufacturers of faulty cylinders.


Roxas vowed to fast-track committee discussions and approval of the proposed LPG bill, which the House of Representatives has approved and transmitted to the Senate that seeks a stronger government campaign against defective or fake LPG tanks.

As a testimonial for the urgent passage of this bill, a fire victim, Abigail Eugenio has approached Roxas and sought medical assistance for minor burns she sustained when the LPG tank at a "lugawan" where she and her boyfriend were eating exploded last June 21.

The Liberal Party president said, because of the injuries she sustained, Ms. Eugenio lost the opportunity to work abroad after she missed a final interview for the job she was applying for.

Roxas said he will run after those who sell fake and defective LPG tanks because he will not let Filipino family’s dreams to turn into ashes and that the guilty party should be punished.

Roxas urged the public to meticulously check cylinders they buy from refilling stations and listed tips on how to detect substandard tanks:
  1. No embossed brand name in the tank’s body;
  2. Improper painting and is rusty;
  3. Corroded foot ring and bottom cap;
  4. Tampered serial number, date of manufacturing and has no "quality seal" from the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry;
  5. Leaking valve and dents; 6) No "ring" collar; and 7) Light in weight and bought from suspicious refilling station.
The Philippine Association of Cylinder Manufacturers has said 12 million LPG tanks are being sold in the local market, of which 3 million are for scrapping because they could not be fixed anymore, while another 3 million are for pre-qualification or for inspection and certification by the DTI. LPGIA and Bureau of Fire Protection records show almost 1,700 fires due to defective or fake LPG tanks since 2001 until last year.

Thursday, August 13, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas files resolution declaring Jan. 25 as "Cory Aquino Day"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today filed a resolution declaring January 25, the date of birth of former President Corazon Aquino, as "Cory Aquino Day."

In Joint Resolution No. 28, Roxas said the former President, who passed away on August 1, deserves to be honored yearly for her crucial role in the revival of democracy in our country.

He said the country should look up to Mrs. Aquino as a symbol of the fight against corruption.
"Former President Cory Aquino has demonstrated in the clearest terms that steep moral values and strength of character are what our nation need in times of unabated corruption and political and social decay," he said.
When she was president, Mrs. Aquino, endearingly called as "Tita Cory" by the people, took on the mission to run after the riches stolen from the nation during Martial Law, Roxas said.

The Senate is expected to pass Joint Resolution 28 today. The House of Representatives is also expected to pass a similar resolution.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

Tita Cory's dreams live on despite death - Roxas

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas expressed deep, personal sadness over the death early Saturday morning of former President Corazon Aquino as he relayed his and his family’s condolences to Mrs. Aquino’s children and family.
"Tita Cory, personally and through her husband Ninoy, underwent so much pain and abuse but she never surrendered. Today, even in death, her dreams live on and they will never be defeated," Roxas said in a statement released after learning of the former President’s death.
To honor the former President, Roxas called on Filipinos to "pray as one nation" and on political leaders to tone down partisan and political statements and activities.
"Tita Cory stood for the unity and reconciliation of our people. The least that we can do today is to set aside our partisan interests, tone down our partisan voices and pray as one nation for her peace and the peace that she dreamt for all of us," he said.

Roxas and his family are close personal friends of the Aquino family. The senator’s late father, former Senator Gerry Roxas, was also a close friend and political ally of President Aquino’s assassinated husband, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who with Gerry Roxas and former Senator Jovito Salonga formed the Liberal Party’s triumvirate especially during the martial law years.

Mar Roxas returned to the Philippines in 1985 after nine years of working in the United States to help in the presidential campaign of Mrs. Aquino.

His full statement is as follows:
"Tita Cory, personally and through her husband Ninoy, underwent so much pain and abuse but she never surrendered. Today, even in death, her dreams live on and they will never be defeated."

"At no time did an ordinary housewife like her exert an extraordinary influence in the course of our recent history. As she cared for Ninoy and her family during the days of his brave struggle against the dictatorship, she nurtured the nation in its brave journey from darkness to freedom.

"Her leadership was a bridge between the long era of rebellion and strife in the seventies and eighties, and the restoration of democracy towards the nineties. It was a leadership steeped in pure selflessness. For Tita Cory fought dictatorship with the same fervor that she loved our nation. Through her, we were able to live out and show to the world, our own patriotism.

"We saw how the EDSA revolution that was sparked by Tita Cory reverberated globally. It inspired peoples all over Eastern Europe and Latin America to bring down authoritarian rule without violence, to the extent that even the Berlin wall was torn down three years later. The whole world owes much to her shining example.

"Tita Cory joins the ranks of the greatest freedom fighters of the last and current century— Ghandi, Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, among several others who have devoted their life and being to principle that there is nothing more precious than the liberty and dignity of human beings.

"Tita Cory stood for the unity and reconciliation of our people. The least that we can do today is to set aside our partisan interests, tone down our partisan voices and pray as one nation for her peace and the peace that she dreamt for all of us.

Liveblogging at the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium

Hello everyone! I'm here at the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium doing live blogging, for the first time (thanks to fellow blogger Jose Faruggia), for SM City Cebu's free wifi launching.



5:18 PM: SM City Cebu free wifi launching just started. Paulo Varela is hosting the show.


5:22 PM: Nikki Taylor playing the disco. Fellow Cebu bloggers are here in the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium.

6:14 PM: Woot! Sinjin and Jose just won their respective prizes for the photo blogging contest.


6:32 PM: Cebu's very own band, Hardwood, is now playing. Their music is great!

6:40 PM: Thanks Ricky for letting me borrow your laptop!


7:08 PM: Finally met with my Plurk friend Luke Santillan aka Kwangulastic here in the venue. We're now on the same table.

7:16 PM: Hardwood band just wrapped up their songs. Stage now idle. Where's Paulo, the host?

7:47 PM: Kai just did me a favor. She took my meal stub and ordered my food. Thanks! I'm hungry now... but the music is still going on.


7:52 PM: Try to check out our free food! Yummy!

8:17 PM: The program ended unnoticed. The host is nowhere to be found and the crew are now packing out the instruments in the stage. Fine.

8:22 PM: Ricky's now going. I have to return the laptop.

Friday, July 31, 2009 | posted in , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Don't politicize cheaper meds issue

President Arroyo’s tirades in her State of the Nation Address prove she used the Cheaper Medicines Law for politics and not to benefit the people, Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said.

"Bakit hindi na lang niya pinirmahan ang executive order na nagka-kalahati ng presyo ng mgamahalagang gamot at inantay pa niya ang kanyang SONA bago ianunsiyo na pipirmahan na niya (Why didn’t she just sign the executive order that cuts by half the price of essential medicines and she waited to announce this in her SONA?)," Roxas asked during an interview on radio stations.

"Halatang pulitika lang ang dahilan (It’s obvious that politics is the reason)," he said.
Roxas said while he is heartened by the President’s tirades against him as it made his opposition to her government’s bad policies and practices stand out, his only real concern is to see that cheap medicines reach the market.
"Ang gusto ko lang ay talagang bumaba na ang presyo ng mga gamot para ma-benepisyo na ang ating mga kababayan (What I really want is for cheap medicines to benefit our people)," he said.
At the same time, Roxas said President Arroyo has no one to blame if she considers the Cheaper Medicines Law the "weaker" version of what it should be.
"Hindi pala niya gusto iyong bersyon nung batas (If that was not the version that she wanted), why did she not veto it?," asked Roxas, who is the primary author of the Universally Accessible, Quality and Cheaper Medicines law.

"Para sa isang Pangulo na napaka-poderoso, napaka-makapangyarihan, na hindi masabi na hindi ito ang gusto ko, na ito pala ang gusto, aba, napakahina naman niya (For a president who is very powerful, for her not to be able to say that this was not what she wanted and that she wanted another thing instead, for her not to be able to say this, well, it just shows that she’s a weak president)," he added.
He insisted the proposal of President Arroyo’s ally Rep. Ferjenel Biron to create a price regulatory board will corrupt the process of lowering medicine prices as has happened always under the Arroyo administration.

SM City Cebu to launch free WiFi this July 31

Good news to all people who shop, dine and spend their day in SM City Cebu! In partnership with PhilCom, SM City Cebu will be launching today, July 31, 2009, a mall-wide free Wifi and the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger will be there together with the Cebu Bloggers Society.


Be sure to register at www.smcitycebuwifi.com if you want to join the event.

Kitakits today!

Mar Roxas 2010 Blog's 2nd Year Anniversary

How fast time comes. This blog started last July 29, 2007 in an internet café (until now) by the stewardship of the ever-dynamic and avid supporter of Mar Roxas, none other than Kevin Ray N. Chua.

Just today, as I was waking up, I checked on the calendar and it's July 29. That's two years after I created this blog. Times have changed since I started this one. Being the first blog of the 2010 elections for a prospective presidential candidate, it has been a basis for other blogs supporting other people's presidential bet.

As we approach the upcoming 2010 elections, I am hopeful that my bet, our bet, Mar Roxas, will run for President in 2010 (based on my own feelings, he's 101% running for the position). It's time to get out of the Erap-Gloria politics that we've had after EDSA.

I have also been thankful of the bloggers that I have met along the way, especially my friends in the Cebu Bloggers Society. Also, to supporters of Mar Roxas who have continued to give me the strength to continue blogging for Mar Roxas. And lastly, to Mar Roxas for being a good friend to me.

Cheers everyone as we celebrate the 2nd Year Blog Anniversary of Mar Roxas for President in 2010 Blog!

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas boycotts GMA's SONA, joins street protests

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today called on all Filipinos to look ahead into the future, instead of dwelling on the past as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was expected to do in her last State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Ang pag-uusapan doon sa SONA ay tungkol sa nakaraan. Isang nakaraang inimbento lang at nilagyan ng palamuti. Isang nakaraan kung saan pinaghati-hatian nila ang kayamanan ng ating bansa (Gloria’s SONA is about the past. An invented and adorned past. A past where they split among themselves our country’s riches),” he said in a speech at the assembly of TindigNation in front of the Commission of Human Rights, prior to the multi-sectoral group marching to Batasan.

Nandito tayo para panindigan ang ating malalim na paniniwala. Na tayo ay isang marangal na lahi. Tayo ay nararapat na magkaroon ng tuwid at tapat na gobyerno na siyang tutulong sa atin (We are here to stand up for our beliefs. That we are a dignified people. That we deserve better governance),” he stressed.
Stressing today’s SONA will be Mrs. Arroyo’s last, the Visayan senator said Filipinos should now begin preparing for the future, "because our destiny is now in our hands."
"Ang tunay na SONA, nasa puso nating lahat. Ang kinabukasan natin, wala roon sa loob ng gusali na puno ng mga pulitiko. Ang kinabukasan natin, narito sa labas, nakabilad sa araw, nagmamartsa sa kalye (The real SONA is in our hearts because our future is not inside that building full of politicians. Our future is here outside, exposed under the scorching sun, marching in the streets)," he said.

"Kasama ninyo ako na naniniwala na ang pag-asa natin ay nasa ating kamay. Huwag po tayong matatakot. Sama-sama po tayo. Lalaban po tayo (I am with you in declaring that hope is in our hands. Do not be afraid. We will fight together)," he stressed.

Monday, July 27, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas commends 13 Filipino "Mathletes"

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas last Tuesday hailed local grown Math experts who won 27 medals and placed fourth in the recent 10th World Youth Invitational Mathematics Intercity (IWYMIC) Competition held recently in Durban, South Africa.
"Bilib talaga ako sa Pinoy. Patunay ito na kayang-kaya nating makipagsabayan sa buong mundo (I salute the Filipino people. This is clear proof that we can compete with the world’s best)," he said in filing Senate Resolution No. 1203 urging his colleagues to recognize the achievement of the 13-man Filipino contingent which participated in the IWYMIC from July 5 to 10.

"The various honors and achievements won by the Philippine delegation to IWYMIC only show that our youth can compete and win against the best students in the world, thus providing another source of inspiration to our Filipino youth," he said in PSR No. 1203.
The Visayan senator said due recognition should be given to the 13 Filipino numbers aces, namely: Geraldine Baniqued from St. Paul College-Pasig, Arielle Elise Chua from St. Jude Catholic School, Russell Virata from Gideon Academy, Zheng Rong Wu from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Adrian Raphael Co from British School Manila, Matthew Chris Chan from St. Stephen’s High School, Ostin John Ong from Bacolod Trinity Christian School, Vance Eldric Go from St. Jude Catholic School-Manila, Elvis Jeremy Ayroso from Philippine Science High School-Manila, Sarah Jane Cua from Pangasinan Universal Institute, Paolo Manuel Iyulores of Ateneo de Manila High School, Janssen Kotah from Philippine Cultural College, and Hanz Vladimir Cabanes from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School.

The "Mathletes" got four silver, 23 bronze medals, trophies and certificates in the formal awards ceremonies held at the auditorium of the Durban City Hall on July 9. A total of 228 high school students competed in this year’s contest, which was topped by math aces from China, Singapore and Thailand.

Baniqued, Chua, Virata and Wu, who formed the Philippines’ Team A team, posted a 1st Runner-Up finish in the team category and brought home silver medals and a trophy.

Bronze medals and a trophy were brought home by Team B composed of Co, Chan, Ong and Go while Ayroso, Iyulores, Kotah and Cabanes of Team C received a Merit Award, all in the team category competition.

Seven "Mathletes" got bronze medals for earning high marks in the individual category competition, and these were Baniqued, Virata, Wu, Chan, Go, Ayroso and Cua while Co, Ong, Chua and Iyulores were awarded certificates of merit for satisfactory scores in the individual category.

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger goes to Sumilon Island this August 1!

I was able to pass through this beautiful island on my way to Samboan for our SSG Leadership Academy and how I wish someday that I can be in this island. Well, the dream is over.

Photo Courtesy of PINOYWORLD

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, through PINOYWORLD, is going to treat me (a.k.a. the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger) and my Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) family to enjoy a day in their Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort this August 1, 2009 (it was originally scheduled this July 25, but due to some resort related concerns, it was moved to this date). Wohoo! Not just for CBS, but for all bloggers.

For more details about the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, you can visit the Sumilon Bluewater Blog. You can also see the Maribago Bluewater Video of Maribago Bluewater Cebu to see what its like to be in the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.

"Ramdam" - Mar Roxas' sequel of the Padyak TVC

Hello everyone! Check out Senator Mar Roxas latest TVC entitled "Ramdam", a sequel of the "Padyakitos" TVC, and please do share your comments on this one. Thanks!

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger spotted at the DigitalFilipino Club and Bloggers Networking Event

Last July 11, I attended the DigitalFilipino Club & Bloggers Networking Event here in Cebu. Held at the PAGCOR Cebu's Teatro Casino, I was glad to meet again Ms. Janette Toral and my fellow Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) members (who were sporting with our new shirt).


Before the event, the CBS core members (which includes me, other VPs and the Board of Trustees) had a meeting at the McDonald's IT Park to discuss some important matters with regards to the membership process of our group. After that, the new CBS shirts (which were designed by our very own member, Prince Ryan Gilig) were distributed before we proceeded to the venue of the event.


At the place, I met familiar faces (PAGCOR's Gary Viray was also there, whom I met last year) who were there also last year, and also new faces especially a bunch of my fellow Technologians who were there to join the event.

During the start of the event, then came also the "introduce yourself" portion wherein the participants were required to let themselves know to all (although not all participated). Ms. Toral discussed about the updates of the DigitalFilipino Club and also about the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009 writing project.

Speaking of that one, I already submitted my list. Hope my bets win!

Once again, another successful event, thanks to Ms. Toral and to PAGCOR Cebu for making this event possible. A lot of freebies too from PAGCOR Cebu and also from Yahoo! Philippines. Just remember this magic phrase: "It's easy when it's purple."

Ruffy Biazon wants a Roxas-Pangilinan tandem in 2010

Although it seems impossible given the current situation between Senator Mar Roxas and Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Muntinlupa Representative and fellow Liberal Party stalwart Rep. Ruffy Biazon is pushing for a Roxas-Pangilinan tandem as a formidable team for the May 2010 elections.


It has also been reported that Roxas has also included DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno on his VP list. This came a surprise to me because Puno is a known ally of Gloria Arroyo and he is also seeking the blessings from the PaLaKa (PArtido LAkas KAmpi) to be its Vice Presidential candidate. Also being considered is Senator Panfilo Lacson for the VP post after he withdrew from the 2010 Presidential race.

I was hoping for a Roxas-Pangilinan tandem (and also a Roxas-Aquino) too but because of their internal disagreements, this dream team might not be possible. But still, more will happen from today up to November 30, 2009, the last day of filing the Certificate of Candidacy.

Roxas to GMA: Grab the credit as long as you sign EO on MRP

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said President Arroyo can grab all the credit for the Cheaper Medicines Law as long as she signs the executive order imposing the maximum retail price on the 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.
"Gawin na lang nating GMA (Gamot na Mura’t Abot-kaya) ang acronym nitong MRP (Maximum Retail Price) na ito para pirmahan na siya ni Pangulong Arroyo (Let’s just change the MRP to GMA to facilitate its immediate signing by President Arroyo)," said Roxas, who is primary author of the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicines Law.
He said getting the price of the 22 most essential medicines cut down by 50 percent once they are included in the MRP list is more important than who gets the credit for putting the program into law.
"Malaking isyu ito para kay GMA at sa kanyang mga alipores kaya ayan, gawin na lang nating G.M.A. para bumaba na ang presyo ng mga gamot (GMA and her men are making an issue out of this acronym so let us give what they want so prices of medicines would now go down)," he added.

"Madam President, huwag ka ng magselos sa akin dito sa Cheaper Medicines na ito, masyado ka namang insecure. Ayan at sa iyo na ang credit. Pirmahan mo na ang executive order (Mrs. President, stop being jealous of me because of this Cheaper Medicines law, you are too insecured. The credit is now yours. Sign the EO)," he also said.
The DOH has transmitted the draft EO on the MRP to the Office of the President as early as June 16. Almost a month today, the EO has yet to be signed by Mrs. Arroyo.
"Isang bolpen lang naman ang katapat niyan. Kung may oras kang makipag-miting sa mga pharmaceutical companies at bumiyahe sa ibang bansa, magbigay ka naman ng kahit isang minuto lang pirmahan itong EO na ito (You only need one ballpen to do this. If you have the time to meet with pharmaceutical companies and travel abroad, then spend even one minute to sign the EO)," he said.

"Matagal na itong hinihintay ng ating mga kababayan. Unahin mo naman ang kanilang kapakanan (Our countrymen have long been waiting for this. Prioritize their needs, please)," he added.
The proposed EO would allow the halving of the prices of essential medicines, like the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc (to P22.50 from P44.50); anti-diabetic Diamicron (to P7.35 from P14.75); antibiotic Zithromax (to P149.37 from P298.75); and antibiotic Augmentin suspension 60 ml (to P179.50 from P359).

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Resist Barack Obama pressure on cheap meds

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to resist pressure when he meets with US President Barack Obama who will surely defend the US pharmaceutical companies’ opposition to the immediate implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law.
"Pangulong Arroyo, okay lang na makipagpulong ka kay President Obama pero huwag kang magpapa-braso na hindi natin pabababain ang presyo ng gamot dito sa ating bansa (It’s okay if you meet with President Obama but don’t be influenced into not bringing down the prices of medicines in our country)," he said.

"Matagal ng naghihintay ang ating mga kababayan na tuparin mo ang iyong pangako. Ipatupad mo na ang batas para sa murang gamot. Ang daming oras na ang nasasayang (Our people have long been waiting for you to make true your promise. Implement the law on cheaper medicines. We are wasting a lot of time with your administration’s dilly-dallying)," he added.

The Visayan senator noted pharmaceutical lobbying in the United States is one of the strongest and most influential in the world.
"Ang mga pharmaceutical companies, malaking industriya iyan sa Amerika. Yung pharmaceutical lobby isa sa pinakamalaki, pinaka-malakas, pinakamatindi…’yung healthcare reborn, isa sa pinakamalaking isyu sa Amerika. Kasi napakatindi ng lobby ng pharmaceutical industry (The pharmaceutical industry in America is big. The pharmaceutical lobby there is very strong. The healthcare reborn is a big issue because of the lobbying of the pharmaceutical industry)," he said.
Roxas reiterated his call for President Arroyo to sign the month-old draft executive order imposing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

He said even the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that 122 governments all over the world impose price regulations on medicines sold in their respective countries.
"Bakit kailangang dito sa atin ay pahirapan ang pagpapatupad nitong MRP? Ginang Arroyo, isipin mo naman ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Why are we having a difficult time with the implementation of this MRP? Mrs. President, be more considerate of your people)," he also said.

Roxas' statement on the release of ICRC worker Eugenio Vagni

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today lauded the safe release of Italian humanitarian worker Eugenio Vagni as he joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the joyous occasion.

"Kaisa ako ng buong mundo sa napakasayang oras na ito. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa maayos na pagpapalaya kay Ginoong Vagni. Sa wakas ay muli na niyang makakapiling ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay." he said.
Vagni is the last to regain his freedom from the group of three ICRC workers abducted by ASG members last January 15 while at a humanitarian mission in Patikul, Sulu. Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter were released on April 2 and April 8, respectively.

The Visayan senator urged the Armed Forces to pursue the volunteers’ abductors, citing reports that more civilians are being held hostage by the terror group.
"We should not stop our relentless pursuit of these people. There can be no negotiations with terrorists. Their agenda has nothing to do with reason or pity or humanity. Their reason for being is precisely as their name states, to sow terror," he said.

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