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 campaign, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, president, vice president | 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 campaign, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, president, vice president | 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 campaign, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, president, vice president | 0 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!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 | posted in campaign, corazon aquino, gerry roxas, manuel roxas, mar roxas, ninoy aquino, noynoy aquino, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

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.

Thursday, September 3, 2009 | posted in campaign, ed panlilio, grace padaca, jesse robredo, kaya natin, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

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.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 | posted in campaign, corazon aquino, gerry roxas, mar roxas, ninoy aquino, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, president | 8 comments [ More ]

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!

| posted in campaign, corazon aquino, gerry roxas, manuel roxas, mar roxas, ninoy aquino, noynoy aquino, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

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 campaign, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, president | 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?

| posted in campaign, corazon aquino, manolo quezon iii, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

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 campaign, jesse robredo, kaya natin, mar roxas, philippines, president | 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.

Monday, August 17, 2009 | posted in akbayan, campaign, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, risa hontiveros, ronald llamas | 0 comments [ More ]

"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!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 | posted in campaign, cheaper medicines bill, education, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, poverty | 0 comments [ More ]

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.

Thursday, July 16, 2009 | posted in campaign, kiko pangilinan, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, ping lacson, president, ronaldo puno, ruffy biazon | 0 comments [ More ]

Support Mar Roxas in Facebook!

Good day everyone! As we all know, Facebook has been growing in the Philippines. I'm sure most of you have been aware of that. Having been a longtime user of Facebook, we have continued to spread the word about Mar Roxas on this social networking site and indeed, it has gained momentum and we want you to be part of it.

With your online participation, you can make an impact.

• Be a Facebook Fan of Mar Roxas. Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mar-Roxas/32626764352
• Vote for Mar Roxas in Facebook 2010 Philippine Elections Poll and show your badge of support for Mar Roxas by going to http://apps.facebook.com/philelection/default.aspx
• Be a part of the following Facebook groups: MAR ROXAS FOR 2010 PRESIDENCY, Mar ROXAS for President 2010, and Mar Roxas for President in 2010.
• Tell your Facebook friends about Mar Roxas, his biography, his track record, his stand on issues and his advocacies.

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Thursday, July 9, 2009 | posted in campaign, facebook, mar roxas | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas, to officially announce his 2010 presidential bid

This just in from Panay News website. The news that we have been waiting for.

Mark your calendars on JULY 11, Saturday, Senator Mar Roxas will announce his presidential bid in his hometown, Roxas City, Capiz.

He and his future wife, Korina Sanchez, with his supporters will travel via Ro-Ro from Manila and then will take breakfast at the house of Gov. Vic Tanco in Dumarao, Capiz.

It's good to know that this news broke out on my birthday, July 7. Good luck to Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez!

Show your support! Be a Friend of Mar NOW!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 | posted in campaign, kevin ray chua, korina sanchez, mar roxas, philippines, president, victor tanco | 0 comments [ More ]

Headshot Clinic One Youth in Cebu this July 4

Globe One Youth is the campaign of Globe Telecom that supports Niccolo Cosme’s Project Headshot Clinic advocacy of unity among the Filipino youth. A thousand individuals have already joined the cause in Metro Manila. Hundreds more are about to join as we bring One Youth to six more cities nationwide.

Have your photo taken by one of the country’s best fashion photographers. Post it on your website as your profile picture and with your photo, communicate the change that you stand for so that every time your friends see you on Friendster, Facebook, Blogspot or other sites, they are reminded of your advocacy. As they say, change starts with one and it starts with you.

For all those who are in Cebu, the schedule is on July 4, 2009 at Club Vudu, Crossroads Mall, Banilad, Cebu City from 6 PM to 2 AM.

Join the hundreds of Filipino youth united in standing for change. Join Globe’s One Youth – Project Headshot Clinic. THIS IS OPEN TO ALL, AND NOT JUST GLOBE SUBSCRIBERS!

If you want to join this event, e-mail your name and contact number and send it to kevinraychua@gmail.com or contact me at 09078691545.

For more information, visit http://oneyouth.globe.com.ph or contact 09063066835 and look for Allen.

Below are the sample pictures taken during the Headshot Clinic Manila:

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 | posted in blog, campaign, cebu bloggers' society, kevin ray chua, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Randy David will be LP's bet vs. GMA

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said UP Professor Randy David will be the official candidate of the Liberal Party if he runs against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the second district of Pampanga.

David had declared he would seriously consider running for a congressional seat representing the second district of Pampanga if President Arroyo decides to run for a seat in Congress after her presidential term ends in 2010.

"Magandang ideya iyan. Hindi mag-aatubili ang liderato ng LP na gawing official candidate si Prof. Randy David para kalabanin si GMA sa Pampanga," Roxas said.

“Susuportahan namin siya. Nasa likod niya kami 100%,” he also said, adding: “May kumpiyansa kami sa kakayahan ni Ka Randy na maging mahusay na representante ng kanyang distrito.”

David is a vocal critic of President Arroyo’s corrupt government. He had joined public indignation against the numerous abuses of the president’s allies and the administration’s misuse of its powers.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 | posted in campaign, charter change, mar roxas, philippines, president, randy david | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at The Buzz's 10th Year Anniversary

I was able to watch the guesting of Senator Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez at the Buzz last Sunday. I wasn't expecting though that they would be there since no one informed me. Good thing I was able to get out of my "suking" internet café early.

Here's an article from Ricky Lo that's worth reading about that moment:

The kilig continues. After exchanging "I love you’s" a few weeks ago on Wowowee and going through the traditional rites of the pamamanhikan last June 14, Sen./Presidentiable Mar Roxas, 52 (May 13, 1957), and his ladylove Korina Sanchez, 45 (Oct. 5, 1964), made yet another PDA (as in Public Display of Affection, ehem!) in last Sunday’s anniversary edition of ABS-CBN show The Buzz.

Read the full article here.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | posted in campaign, korina sanchez, kris aquino, mar roxas, philippines, the buzz | 0 comments [ More ]

EXCLUSIVE: Cebu Bloggers with Mar Roxas Videos

Good day everyone! A few days ago, I blogged about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas last June 11, 2009 that was held at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park. Let me share to you these EXCLUSIVE videos taken by Mikyu Maglasang, fellow member of CBS member, during that event. Check out the videos below:

1. Why Padyak?


2. Mar and Korina in Wowowee


3. Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili scandal


4. Follow-up question on Hayden - Katrina scandal


5. Being No. 1 in Cebu


6. No. 1 problem of the Philippines


7. Wedding preparations


8. Federalism


9. Philippines as IT hub by 2016


10. Transfer of manufacturing firms to China and other countries


11. Platform of governance


12. Education reform

Saturday, June 20, 2009 | posted in bpo, campaign, cebu bloggers' society, cheaper medicines bill, chiz escudero, gibo teodoro, kevin ray chua, legacy group of companies, mar roxas, philippines, president, pulse asia | 0 comments [ More ]

Cebu Bloggers Society with Mar Roxas

UPDATE: Click here to check out the EXCLUSIVE Videos of the Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas!

Hello everyone! This one's an über-late post, but I really want to share to you the buzz about our bloggers meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park last June 11. I was already suggesting this one since December 2008 to his staff, and finally, this day came. Thanks to Bon Moya!

Photo courtesy of Michael Sinjin Pineda

Roxas was in Cebu to attend a business forum organized by the Makati Business Club and the Cebu Business Club in the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Also there was fellow senator and 2010 presidentiable Chiz Escudero. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was also invited but turned down the invitation in the last minute because of a cabinet meeting. Bad move Gibo! You just missed a good opportunity!

Roxas was late but it was acceptable because Marco Polo Plaza was quite far from IT Park. When he arrived in our venue, SunStar Cebu was also there to make an article about the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) for their 2010 Yearbook. We had our group photo taken for the said yearbook and Roxas gamely joined us by squatting on the floor.

I was tasked by Bon to be the moderator. So, after ordered some tea from the counter, he got seated in front of me and I started the ball rolling.

Photo courtesy of Doyzkie Buenaviaje

I grabbed the opportunity to ask him on why the use of "padyak"? He told us that it symbolizes the "situation of Filipinos" nowadays. There was also a need to act on this problem so that we can move forward. He stressed on the importance of education in doing so.

Another question came from Jerry Gervacio, and he asked about Roxas' thoughts about the improvement of his ratings in the latest Pulse Asia survey because of the Wowowee event, where Roxas and ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez announced their engagement. Roxas admitted that yes "because of Wowowee, they have seen my heart" and "it helped" in his survey rating but emphasized that it was a "combination of things". "They like what they saw," said Roxas. He also attributed it to his help with the Legacy scam victims, for cheaper medicines, and etc.

The CBS President Mark Monta asked Roxas on whether the Senate should investigate the Hayden-Katrina scandal. Well, Roxas believes that "guilty feet have got no rhythm", quoting a line of the song Careless Whisperer. He "feels bad for Katrina and the women" involved in this scandal. He's not a member of the Committee investigating it, but he lauded Senator Jamby Madrigal's performance on the committee hearing.

Guada Esmeña was asking about the importance of Cebu in the upcoming 2010 elections knowing that it's an administration bailiwick. It was also known that Roxas was the top choice in Cebu and in Visayas. Roxas told Guada that probably because Cebu saw his achievements. As Trade and Industry Secretary before being elected as Senator in 2004, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority. He helped Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Balamban, Cebu which gave a lot of job opportunities in the province. As "Father of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry", he was also responsible in its boom in the Philippines. He also said that he was not fooling people or extorted them that sets him apart from other politicians.

Jose Farrugia asked about any updates on Roxas and Sanchez' wedding preparations. Here's the Youtube video that I uploaded:



Then, came the gate crasher, who was not a CBS member but his question was quite good. Many have been asking me about this, but I never knew what Roxas' position on Federalism. Here's the video that I got:



Fellow blogger member Bryan Karl Yuson asked Roxas about what's the big problem that we've got on why we're not moving forward. Roxas said that it was "not just one" but if he was to choose one, it is "graft and corruption" which everyone of us agreed as the part of the problem. He emphasized that if it was to be minimized or even eliminated, then everything would follow.

Bert Padilla asked about his contribution to the BPO industry. Roxas said the it has "dominated today" and more people are on it. He also stressed that Philippines can never compete with China when it comes to cheap labor. He emphasized that while China has cheap products, the Philippines has products with value-added service like the clothes with "burda."

Atty. Ethelbert Ouano asked for Roxas' top 3 political agenda if ever he's elected as President in 2010. Roxas said that it's not just 3, "but it's 4."

1. Feed Ourselves
- It is important so that we can do the priorities that have been set out.
2. Education
- After being fed in our stomach, it's time to feed our mind. He stressed that it was the "biggest equalizer" in life because it narrows the gap between the rich and the poor.
3. Fairness and Justice
- When you have already a satiated people in stomach and in mind, it's time to implement fairness among them.
4. Economy
- After doing the previous things, it's time to spruce up the economy now that the foundations are already laid down (feeding ourselves, education, fairness & justice).

Lastly, Jobette Escobanas asked about Roxas' position on having an additional year in elementary and the increase on teacher's salary increase. On the first question, he is in favor of having a Grade 7 citing that other countries have an edge on us because they follow the 12 pre-college years which makes them more competitive. He also reiterated his call on not doing the things by "tingi-tingi" but by "bulto", meaning instead of "pleasing everyone" by giving a few of this and that, it's better to focus on one thing on that budget and another thing on the next budget. On that way, we can be able to solve at least one part of the problem rather that having partly solve one problem and having it partly fix in the next budget thus keeping us to move forward.

On the next question, he supports a P 9,000 increase on the public school teacher's salary but due to the current situation, he said that a P 6,000 increase might be better to boost the morale of our public school teachers.

Anyways, thanks a lot for everyone in CBS for attending this event that I organized and also to Team Roxas, especially Communications Director Bobby Capco and New Media Head Bon Moya for making this possible. P.S., I got my copy of the Philippine Tattler, with Roxas on the cover page, and his autograph. :)

Blog Posts:

1. Bloggers meet Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Farrugia
2. CBS in CBTL with Sen. Mar Roxas - Xerxes Bernadez
3. CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Vernon Go
4. CBS with Sen. Mar Roxas - Zyza Esmeña
5. Mar Roxas with Cebu Bloggers - Guada Esmeña
6. An hour with Senator Mar Roxas - Willand Cuna
7. Mar Roxas... A Goal Setter Beyond Economic Quandary - Bert Padilla
8. CBS meets Senator Mar Roxas - Galleca Baylon
9. Cebu Bloggers and Sen. Mar Roxas II - Mark Abitona
10. An interview with Mar Roxas - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
11. Mr. Padyak at Cofee Bean Tea Leaf, I.T Park - Jorich Ponio
12. Mar Roxas meets the Cebu Bloggers - Jorich Ponio
13. CBS asks, Mr. Padyak answers - Mark Monta
14. Mr. Padyak, ready for Pamanhikan - Mark Monta
15. Blogger Meeting with Mar Roxas- Jobette Escobanas
16. Mar Roxas answers to DepEd Teachers Questions - Jobette Escobanas
17. Senator Mar Roxas Meets Cebu Bloggers - Clarence Mongado
18. CBS meets Mar Roxas: Photoblogger's Politics - Evanjohnn Mendoza
19. Sen. Mar Roxas shared his time with Cebu Bloggers' Society - Kriztian Etulle
20. Cebu Bloggers sits with Senator Mar Roxas - Miong Tampus
21. Senator Mar looks better in person - Agnes Jimenez

Pictures:

1. Cebu Bloggers Society Meet-up with Senator Mar Roxas - Kevin Ray Chua
2. CBS meets Sen. Mar Roxas! :) - Mikyu Maglasang
3. An Interview with Mar - Doyzkie Buenaviaje
4. Meet Up with Senator Mar Roxas - Jose Faruggia
5. CBS meets MAR - Sinjin Pineda

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 | posted in bpo, campaign, cebu bloggers' society, cheaper medicines bill, chiz escudero, gibo teodoro, kevin ray chua, legacy group of companies, mar roxas, philippines, president, pulse asia | 0 comments [ More ]