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 cebu bloggers' society, erap, kevin ray chua, mar roxas, pgma, philippines | 1 comments [ More ]

Roxas-Lacson tandem, a plus or minus?

Hello everyone! After the Pulse Asia survey results were made known to the public, showing that Senator Mar Roxas jumped from 8% to 13% in the derby of 2010 presidential aspirants, a new survey conducted by the Issues and Advocacy Center headed by former President Fidel V. Ramos' PR chief Ed Malay, place our bet in tie with former President Joseph Estrada and fellow Senator Manny Villar.

Roxas was in tie with Estrada with 15% and Villar with 14% in a 13-way presidential race. In a 9-way presidential race, Roxas shared with Vice President Noli De Castro and Senator Chiz Escudero the third to fifth place with 14% each while Villar had 17% and Estrada 15%.

Wake up! Our candidate is already in a double-digit place and we need to keep the momentum going. He's "in it to win it".

Another interesting thing is this: just last week, Senator Panfilo Lacson quit his 2010 presidential bid citing "high cost of presidential campaign." Rumor has been that Lacson is poised to endorse Roxas for President and a possible Roxas-Lacson for President and Vice President is looming to happen. Roxas has made no comment on this and Lacson too. But in the same survey by the Issues and Advocacy Center, it also included a survey on possible 2010 team-ups. The Escudero-(Loren)Legarda tandem got 37% and an Estrada-Legarda tandem got 31% while a Roxas-Lacson tandem got 33%. This is somewhat surprising to me. I never expected that this tandem will work knowing that Roxas and Lacson were both aspiring for the presidency. But now that Lacson has quit his bid, he's now open to aligned with another 2010 presidential bet.

Then, here's the thing: Is a Roxas-Lacson tandem a plus or minus. I don't know if it's really a plus or a minus but if this comes true, big things would really change but not for sure if it's positive or negative change. Some would say that Roxas having Lacson as his VP might be dangerous because Roxas will be tainted by Lacson's alleged wrongdoings thus blemishing Roxas' clean record. Others also would say that a Roxas-Lacson will give a big boost to Roxas because it's a great tandem. You have someone who's good in the economy (Roxas' expertise) and someone who's good in peace and orders (Lacson' expertise). But whatever is Roxas' and Lacson's decision, is up to them. Weigh in the pros and cons and make a good decision.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 | posted in campaign, chiz escudero, ed malay, erap, fidel ramos, manny villar, mar roxas, noli de castro, philippines, ping lacson | 2 comments [ More ]

Roxas statistically tied for first; gains big in the latest Pulse Asia Survey

Wait, it's not yet time to celebrate that much because there's still 11 months before the May 2010 Presidential elections, but as of now, this one is a good news. According to the latest Pulse Asia Survey dated May 4 to 17, 2009, our presidential bet, Senator Mar Roxas, is now on the circle of 5.

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Roxas was the biggest gainer in the latest Pulse Asia survey for the period February to May 2009. He was also statistically tied for first given the survey error parameters of +/- 3%.

In his press statement, he said:

"Nararamdaman na ng taumbayan ang aking pakikipaglaban para sa mahihirap. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga taong naniniwalang mababago ko hindi lang ang kanilang mga buhay kundi ang pamamalakad ng ating bansa."

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News

Roxas was also number one in the Visayas region, where my place Cebu is in and my province Biliran is in too. But let us remember that we must not be put all our effort in one or few provinces. We must get every single vote in all of the provinces in the Philippines to be able to win. No matter how small or big that province is, every vote should count for us. In that same press statement also, Roxas thanked the people of Visayas for their continued support on him:

"Malaki ang utang na loob na tinatanaw ko sa taumbayan, lalo na sa aking mga kababayan mula sa Visayas na patuloy na sumusuporta sa akin," he said.

As Stella Arnaldo puts it on her blog post:

"Anything can still happen between now and May 11, 2010."

Indeed. Roxas has been saying that no matter what the result of these surveys are, there is only one survey that would matter, and that's the 2010 presidential elections. If we succeed, then good. But if we won't, then we must look back on where we got it wrong. But I know we don't want to fail. Do you?

This is the third straight poll showing an increase for Mar Roxas who in 2004 garnered almost 20 million votes when he topped the 2004 senate elections. The vote garnered by Mar Roxas in 2004 was and still is the highest number of votes garnered by any candidate in the Philippines.

Veteran political columnist Ellen Tordesillas also shared her thoughts on this good news:

"Looks like Sen.Mar Roxas “padyak” ads are effective in making people notice him. Or maybe because of his crusade against Legacy owner Celso de los Angeles whom he accused of swindling thousands of plan holders. Or it could be the "Korina Sanchez" factor."

I really don't know where exactly Roxas hit the right note because there has been so much fuss about his Padyak TV Ad. His public engagement also with Korina Sanchez was called distasteful to some even other accusing the host of Wowowee, Willie Revillame, of being bribed to have them on the show which is so untrue. The Legacy issue has also been a good aspect of Roxas' pursuit for justice to those who are being fooled by people like Celso de los Angeles. Whatever it is, I know these contributed a lot to Roxas' poll ratings.

But here's one point that blogger Ding Gagelonia has observed that might have boosted Roxas' poll ratings:

"I am making the observation after also having closely tracked his performance in the first episode of the ABS-CBN Leaders Foum during which Mar projected a clear vision of what he wanted to do."

Oh! Why would we forget that. The ABS-CBN Leadership Forum was a good avenue to get to know more him and his vision for our country. That surely helped a lot.

As what I have said earlier, the piñata hasn't been broken and we still don't know what's inside it. It's still a wide open race for the potential presidential candidates, unless some of them slide down. We should do all our best to make Mar Roxas succeed. We must do our part, because if not, then this is just a piece of nothing that we are doing.

Please pass this good news to your family members, friends and relatives here in the Philippines and abroad. Lalaban Tayo dahil Mahalaga Ang Pilipino! Mahalaga Ang Tao!

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Monday, June 1, 2009 | posted in campaign, chiz escudero, erap, manny villar, mar roxas, noli de castro, philippines, president, pulse asia | 2 comments [ More ]

Pambato Mo, I-text Mo: Vote for Mar Roxas

Hello everyone! I'm calling all of you to vote for Senator Mar Roxas in the ABS-CBN's ongoing Pambato Mo, I-text Mo.

It's simple. Just type on your cellphones HALALAN (space) REG (space) NAME/AGE/GENDER/ADDRESS to 2366. You'll receive a follow-up text on how to vote for Mar Roxas, our candidate.

As of this time of blogging, our bet is in the second place just shy of two votes from former President Joseph Estrada.

Help me out in this one. Let's unite for Mar and let's show them what we've got!

You can check the latest results at http://tinyurl.com/ibotosimar

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Friday, May 22, 2009 | posted in blog, campaign, erap, mar roxas, philippines, president | 2 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas surges in new SWS survey

Senator Mar Roxas is surging in the latest Social Weather Stations survey for the potential candidates of President in 2010.

But despite this "still distant" rank in the survey, his party mates in the Liberal Party are not backing down their support and so do I.

Let's remember this: surveys are not what the entire people say. It's only the opinion of a few. We must not be disheartened by its results if we are lagging behind nor we should be overconfident when we are leading.

But surveys do matter also because after all because they condition the minds of the people. What should we do? For me, it's good if we start gathering warm bodies and tell them about who Mar Roxas is and why he deserves to be our next President. Know more about Mar Roxas and his position on different issues.

In that way, we can be able to continue the surge of our candidate, Mar Roxas!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 | posted in chiz escudero, dick gordon, erap, loren legarda, manny villar, mar roxas, noli de castro, pgma, philippines, ping lacson, president, sws survey | 6 comments [ More ]

Blogger Zyon Jerekiel Aquino supports Mar Roxas for President in 2010

Another blogger has expressed his support for Mar Roxas as our next President in 2010 and I'm sure, he made the right choice.

Zyon Jerekiel S. Aquino who blogs at "Supreme Love and Respect" wrote about a blog post entitled "My 2010 Philippine National Elections President" and he said that his "vote goes to Senator Mar Roxas."

Kung pagsasamahin ang talino ni (Ferdinand) Marcos in terms of legal issues, the credibility of Cory (Aquino), the vision of (Fidel) Ramos, the charisma of Erap (Estrada) and the economic management (if there is such thing as that) of GMA, then we need that person to be elected this 2010 May Elections to finally end the "political crisis" that is happening and finally, make our country "a very healthy place to live", blogger Aquino (in the photo) said in endorsing Roxas for President in 2010.

To read more about his blog post, please visit http://zyonethelyone.multiply.com/journal/item/125. Let him know that he's not alone and he made a right choice in endorsing Mar Roxas as our next President in 2010.

Saturday, February 7, 2009 | posted in corazon aquino, erap, ferdinand marcos, fidel ramos, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Mar Roxas' statement on the death of Doña Mary Ejercito

"I offer my condolences to former President Joseph Estrada and his family on the death of his mother, Doña Mary Ejercito, this afternoon at the age of 103 at the San Juan Medical Center.

"Let us pray for the eternal repose of Doña Mary and hope for peace and strength of heart for her family as they grieve over the loss of their beloved matriarch."

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 | posted in doña mary ejercito, erap, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

An interesting note from political analyst Antonio P. Gatmaitan and some businessmen on the 2010 polls

Political analyst Antonio P. Gatmaitan, speaking in before members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that Senator Mar Roxas would be one of the 14 potential presidential candidates that will contest in the 2010 presidential exercise. He described him as a "vote-getter", and is also expected to join the 2010 polls. It can be noted that Roxas ran for Senate in 2004 and obtained a "historic" 19.88 million votes, Mr. Gatmaitan said.

Meanwhile, PCCI Chairman Miguel Varela said that the 2010 polls were crucial to uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

"We need a massive campaign to educate the public and ensure that mechanisms are in place to maintain the integrity of the ballot. We all want social and economic reforms and we continue to wait for that paradigm shift to a politics of substance from a politics of popularity," Mr. Varela said

Mr. Varela has a point. The upcoming election would really matter and would determine on how we can shift our country from the failed policies of this administration. We can just be sitting there, as if we didn't felt the sufferings. We need to do something and compel our leaders to do their job.

Outgoing PCCI President Samie Lim on the other hand said it was not too early to stage a forum on the 2010 elections.

"We believe that the choice we will make in 2010 is so critical that we have to start early in assessing our potential leaders.

"One of the questions to ask is, are we really having an election in 2010? If we are, who are the best candidates? It will also be interesting to look into the real power of different sectors and the new media in influencing voters’ decisions."

That's one of the main point why this blog was launched. We need to make the Filipinos have a mindset that there will and should be an election in 2010. Charter change would not be an excuse for postponing the elections nor another declaration of martial law. The other point also is to open the minds of the Filipinos and give them an ample time to take a look at our bet, Senator Roxas. In this way, we can exhaust ourselves to do everything and prove to them that Senator Roxas would be the best among the rest. We may be insulted by some people for having this too early but we are determined on changing how elections work in the Philippines starting here in the cyberspace.

We need to get involved as early as possible when another election is done. It not at all time we need to settle down. It's also time to think ahead for the future. Our leaders can address the issues of today and at the same time, work for the future.

To those people who are saying that now is not yet the time to get involved about the 2010 elections, I ask you, when? Would 90 days of campaigning around the country be enough to get to know the candidate? Would we allow ourselves to be blinded by the polishes candidates make by that time?

Now is the time to get involved. Think of the future. Think what's best for your country.

Sign the petition and join the movement!

And by the way, I would also like to share to you Carlo Ople's reaction upon meeting Senator Roxas. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 26, 2008 | posted in antonio gatmaitan, blog, campaign, chiz escudero, dick gordon, erap, kiko pangilinan, loren legarda, manny villar, mar roxas, miguel varela, ning, noli de castro, ping lacson, president, samie lim | 0 comments [ More ]

200 days and counting... Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Happy Valentines Day to all our readers and blog subscribers! Although I don't have a special someone to spend my Valentines, it's just OK!

Today is a great day not only for me but for all of us! It's the 200th Day Anniversary of the Mar Roxas for President in 2010 Blog! Once again, thanks a lot for bringing our blog into this point of success.

Speaking of success, I am very glad to tell all of you that our blog is now gaining momentum more than ever! Aside from having a lot of interested readers and visitors, we are now one of the TOP 200 150 Blogs of the Philippines based on Ratified.Org which uses Technorati, Feedburner and Google stats to measure the top 100 blogs of the Philippine blogosphere.

And perhaps another good news to coincide our celebration is the latest SWS Survey on who should succeed Mrs. Gloria Arroyo in 2010. Maybe others would say that he's just behind the survey topnotcher Vice President Noli De Castro and Senators Manny Villar and Loren Legarda in that survey and ask us why we should celebrate it. Well, Senator Mar Roxas, in that survey, registered the highest increase among potential presidential candidates from 9% in September 2007 to 20% in December 2007! Click the chart below to see the survey results:

YOU can make a difference!

We and our blog contributed to this success! By helping each other, through different media, we were able to spread the message from Friendster to Facebook to Yahoo Groups. All through this hard-fought campaign to urge Senator Roxas to run for President in 2010, YOU and I have met challenge after challenge head-on.

Every time they start to count us and Senator Roxas out, we prove them wrong. And we're going to keep proving them wrong as many times as we need to until we put Roxas in Malacañang by 2010.

YOU and I know that only the people, not the critics, get to decide whether Roxas should be the next President of the Philippines .

Let's show them what we're made of. Sign the online petition NOW!

As what our motto then says, "Together, all becomes possible!" and now, our new motto "Oras Na! Roxas Na!" Hoyhoyhoy! Hoyhoyhoy! Please tell us about your comments and suggestions on how we can improve more and serve you better.

Don't forget also to subscribe to our posts through e-mail and sign the Mar Roxas for President in 2010 Online Petition!

Thursday, February 14, 2008 | posted in blog, campaign, chiz escudero, erap, kiko pangilinan, loren legarda, manny villar, mar roxas, miriam defensor-santiago, noli de castro, philippines, ping lacson | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas still 2010 LP bet

THE LIBERAL PARTY, one of two resurgent political groups hoping to capture the presidency of the Philippines, appears unprepared to accept deposed president Joseph Estrada as the anti-Arroyo forces' common standard-bearer in 2010.

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada, a member of the LP national executive council and chairman of the House committee on human rights, said the second oldest existing political party in the country already had a presidential candidate who could restore trust in the government.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffino Rozzano Biazon, another LP leader in the House and vice chair of the committee on national defense, said he did not expect the party to back away from its plan to field its own presidential candidate two years from now.

"If President Erap [Estrada] is given the green light by the Supreme Court considering the constitutional issues, then we should respect his decision if he decides to run. It's premature to talk about possible scenarios," Tañada said of the nascent proposal that anti-Arroyo presidential hopefuls rally behind Estrada.

"Maybe one way to unite the country and move forward is to look beyond who is the opposition or administration candidate but who is the better candidate for the country. We have a candidate in the LP who we believe can unite and move this country forward," he said.

The LP has elected Sen. Manuel Roxas II--who received the highest number of votes in the 2004 senatorial election--as its president. He has also been chosen the party's standard-bearer in 2010.

Read more...

Thursday, January 3, 2008 | posted in campaign, erap, franklin drilon, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, pgma, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Whatta year that was!

Happy New Year everyone! Welcome 2008! But before we set our sights for 2008, let us look back the great and not so great moments that we had last 2007.

July 29 - I started this blog Mar Roxas for President in 2010.

August 4 - This blog, together with Peter Laviña's blog, was noticed by the Inquirer in the article "Battle looming between LP and NP for presidency in 2010" by Gil Cabacungan Jr.

August 29 - I posted an article (which I had been drafting for several days) about Senator Manny Villar's copying of Sen. Roxas' Mr. Palengke image.

August 30 - I posted an article in reaction to the offensive remarks of the Team Gordon 2010 blog about Mar Roxas.

September 4 - Team Gordon 2010 apologizes but continues to defend their presidential bet Senator Richard Gordon.

September 5 - I made an article that rebuts on allegations that Sen. Roxas has not made a stand on issues. It currently holds that record of having the most comments (6 comments) in my blog.

September 26 - I made an article that rebuts on allegations that Sen. Roxas was bastos (disrespectful) during the ZTE broadband Senate hearings.

November 6 - This blog celebrated its 100th day in the blogosphere.

November 26 - I met personally Senator Mar Roxas and several personalities (Judy Araneta-Roxas, Adel Tamano, Franklin Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan, Pong Biazon, Satur Ocampo, Etta Rosales, Enteng Romano, Leah Navarro, Jovito Salonga, Bobby Tañada, Gwen Garcia, Tommy Osmeña, Senator Roxas' Senate Staff, etc.), with the help of his Chief-of-staff Susan Ople, during the Liberal Party event at Club Filipino, San Juan City, Metro Manila.

We look forward to a prosperous 2008. I hope that this year, more and more developments about 2010 would happen. ORAS NA! ROXAS NA!

Monday, December 31, 2007 | posted in bayani fernando, blog, campaign, dick gordon, erap, feliciano belmonte, loren legarda, manny villar, mar roxas, noli de castro, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, ping lacson, president | 0 comments [ More ]

LP-Atienza wing to reunify for Mar; LP-UNO team-up, OK with Erap

From http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=100319 and http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=100217

The Liberal Party (LP) will hold its national directorate meeting Sunday to reunite its various factions and rally behind Sen. Manuel Roxas II, who will be its standard bearer in the 2010 presidential elections.

"Senator Roxas will be the unifying factor of the party," former Senate president Franklin Drilon, the outgoing party president, said at the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel in Quezon City.

He said the LP secretariat has invited members of the breakaway group led Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza.

Drilon said the invitation was sent directly to former Manila congressman Miles Roces, a leader of the Atienza faction.

Read more..

Erap open to LP-UNO merger

Ousted President Joseph Estrada is ready to admit the Liberal Party faction of former Senate president Franklin Drilon into the United Opposition (UNO).

In a telephone interview, Estrada, titular head of the opposition, said Drilon’s LP wing can join the UNO, although it is too early to conclude who will be fielded as the opposition standard-bearer in the 2010 presidential elections.

Read more...

Sunday, November 25, 2007 | posted in campaign, erap, loren legarda, manny villar, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, ping lacson, president | 1 comments [ More ]

Sen. Mar Roxas joins Sen. Noynoy's disappointment on Martinez' pardon

From http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20071123191937541

Senator Mar Roxas on Friday backed up the disappointment expressed by colleague Sen. Noynoy Aquino in granting clemency to M/Sgt Pablo Martinez, a self-confessed military officer who had allowed the late hitman Rolando Galman to enter the airport tarmac on the day Ninoy Aquino was assassinated.

He said it is confusing to the Filipino people the honor bestowed by the Philippine government to Ninoy's heroism at the height of dictatorial regime, yet it allows one of the murderers to go free.

"Martinez admitted that he helped Rolando Galman enter the airport tarmac on that fateful day when Ninoy died. Even his fellow inmates point to him as the one most knowledgeable about the plot to assassinate Ninoy Aquino. His role in the killing of one of the country's heroes is undeniable. The full retribution of society is called for one of the most heinous crimes of the last century. The justification of old age to accord clemency simply cannot hold in this case," Roxas emphasized.

Roxas said that he strongly supported and even lauded the administration from granting pardon to former President Estrada, but he totally disagreed with the clemency extended to Martinez.

"Plunder can be repaid in cash and lifetime political stigma, the murder of a national hero must not be so easily forgiven. The timing of this pardon is also questionable. It comes a few days before Ninoy's birthday. It betrays insensitivity, if not a certain degree of callousness, on the part of the administration," the senator stressed.

Saturday, November 24, 2007 | posted in erap, mar roxas, ninoy aquino, noynoy aquino, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Alleba Politics asks: "Mar Roxas in 2010?"

This is just a re-post. Click here to see the original page.

Months ago, Davao City Councilor Peter Laviña started a blog entitled A Liberal in Malacañang in 2010. It is an unabashed campaign to have a Philippine President from the Liberal Party (LP in 2010. The blog zeroes in on Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as the best possible option. Another blogger Kevin Ray N. Chua also maintains a blog campaigning for Roxas.

Today, LP announced that a new president will take over LP by November 26, and Roxas is the most likely candidate. This is in preparation for his candidacy in 2010. This despite the on-going rift between the Drilon and Atienza factions of LP.

Roxas has remarkable credentials as a Senator, backed up by a prominent family ties. And influential former President Joseph Estrada is reported to be considering lending his support to Roxas. Add to this Roxas’ relationship with high profile broadcaster Korina Sanchez. Roxas definitely has what it takes to win the 2010 elections.

The more important question is will he make a significant difference to our ailing country and our impoverished citizens?

Sunday, November 18, 2007 | posted in blog, campaign, erap, korina sanchez, mar roxas, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas urges Arroyo to pardon Estrada

From http://www.gmanews.tv/story/60809/Roxas-urges-Arroyo-to-pardon-Estrada

Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas II on Monday filed a resolution urging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to pardon former President Joseph Estrada on “humanitarian grounds."

In Resolution No. 135, Roxas said Estrada, 70, has been detained for more than six years, during which the ousted leader showed “remarkable humility."

Roxas said Estrada “is entitled to live the rest of his life quietly and in peace with members of his family."

The Sandiganbayan special division on September 12 found Estrada guilty of plunder and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of up to 40 years.

Roxas filed his resolution even as Estrada’s camp ruled out pardon as an option for the deposed President.

Read more...

Monday, September 17, 2007 | posted in erap, gma, mar roxas, pgma, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas' statement on the Erap Verdict

“Nalulungkot ako at nakikiisa kay Pangulong Erap at sa kanyang pamilya. Sana ang hatol na ito ay hindi lubhang makaapekto sa karamdaman ng kanyang mahal na ina na si Doña Mary.

“I served under President Erap as his Trade Secretary. Throughout that time, not once did he ask me to do something indecent or irregular. And for that, he has earned my deepest respect, despite all that has happened.

“I shall do all I can can to extend my personal and moral support to President Erap in his appeal. Knowing Erap, this verdict will not derail him from helping the poor and giving voice to their afflictions. His legacy as the champion of the masses remains safe and secure in the hearts of millions of his friends and supporters.”

Friday, September 14, 2007 | posted in erap, mar roxas, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Team Gordon apologizes

In their blog and comment to our post entitled Why Mar Roxas refuses to talk about his 2010 plans, the Team Gordon 2010 has issued an apology and explanation. Here's the complete text of it:

Hi Kevin,

Peace!

Team Gordon admires your stand on an issue as crucial as the next presidency and your commitment to informing people about someone whom you believe will be truly right for the job. It is a noble commitment to think about your country's future and it is commendable that you are doing something to do what you think is best for your country.

If you will permit us, let us make our position clear.

There are those who dig at Roxas for being cautious in committing to one side or another of an issue. There are those who chide Roxas for keeping his positions on issues, including his bid for the Presidency, close to his chest or at least, indiscernible. On one hand, this keeps people wondering what he'll say or do -- becoming fodder for speculations which sometimes get played up in the media. On the other, even his supporters and followers urge him to make his position known. Some, with or without his 'go ahead', take positions for him and so he has the leeway to maneuver. (Depending on how you see it, his LP partymates were the ones who declared their support for him, if he runs for President -- declaring him as the frontrunner or standard bearer. Almost as if it was an attempt to create an impression that there is a clamor for him to run. And there is such a clamor, as much as there is a clamor for Loren, Noli, Ping, Manny Villar, and even Erap.)

This non-commitment is one thing about his character, which is neither good or bad in the grand scheme of politics (as nothing in politics is really good or bad in the moral sense), but is something we are not comfortable with. Is it a sign of weakness on his part or is it a sign of strength? I guess that will depend on the stand he finally takes, if he takes one.

In contrast, people take a dig at Dick Gordon for the stands he takes and he has a stand on a lot of things. This is something you have to expect of someone who is comfortable with being an Executive.

When he was mayor of Olongapo, he took a stand against moves to end the US bases treaty when the call of the times (the call of recently awakened Nationalism) was to end the treaty that was the lifeblood of Olongapo as well as other provinces in Region 3. He took a stand in insisting that Subic Bay be given a freeport status. He took a stand when he batted for Philippine tourism on the global stage, despite a laughable budget for tourism promotions... despite travel advsiories against the Philippines because of SARS and terrorism... Olongapo rose from the US bases pull out and rose from the ashes of Pinatubo... Subic Bay became tourism and investment destination... Philippine tourism experienced true resurgence, with international tourist arrivals growing every year...

A few days ago, he took a meaningful stand on the situation in Basilan and Sulu after he visited those provinces as Red Cross Chairman. He said people should stop calling Basilan, Sulu, and other areas in Mindanao as War Zones. He recommended for the DTI to start marketing agricultural produce from Basilan and Sulu, he advocated tourism promotion for those areas, he called for national government to beef up basic and social services to these islands. Invest in peace, he said. Perhaps only daring and compassion can put an end to decades old violent conflict. To be daring and compassionate, you have to take a stand.

Just today, he has taken a stand on the issue of whether or not to postpone barangay and SK elections, saying that he'll only consider postponing these elections if it will be automated. This is a stand he took when he filed the Automated Elections bill and worked to get it passed. He fought for its implementation during the 2007 elections and continues to fight for its implementation so that we can finally end problems like 'Hello Garci'... Making investigations future investigations into the 'wire tap controversy' unnecessary.

Leaders rise and fall on the stands they make... Without a stand, you cannot lead... You can choose to publish this comment and if not, we'll understand.

Team Gordon 2010

And actually, I published their comment. In their blog, I also sent my comment on their response on that issue and here's what I said:

Greetings of peace to TEAM GORDON 2010!

I would like to express also my deep regret for taking the issue seriously in a satiric blog. When I was reading on your comment, it was like an offense not only against Mar Roxas but to his supporters. I had already posted your comment on the "controversial post" and I already accepted your apology.

We have diverse beliefs on who should be in Malacañang by 2010, but we have a common vision, and that is to help our compatriots choose the right leader that would lead our motherland. You're for Dick Gordon and I'm for Mar Roxas.

We're in a democratic country that's why it's hard to achieve unity. We respect each other's views and there's nothing wrong with that. I hope that we would not resort into smearing campaign because we are all Filipinos.

I was just concerned on the Senators or any other people out there who have presidential ambitions because they can't perform their functions properly. Anything they will do would be viewed as early campaigning. That makes me concerned actually.

I hope that this issue would now come to rest. We are the pioneers of the 2010 presidential elections Blogging campaign! BTW, I had already linked your site to the Philippine 2010 elections in Wikipedia.

Once again, PEACE!

KEVIN RAY N. CHUA
Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger

Your campaign, Team Gordon 2010, is now on the roll. Dick Gordon has already expressed his interest on the Presidency, but Mar Roxas has still not. I had already talked with Mar Roxas but he not yet said to me that he is indeed running. What I'm doing here is based on my own and those who are for Mar Roxas as President in 2010. If he decides to run, then it would be great. If not, then it's OK!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007 | posted in campaign, dick gordon, erap, hello garci, loren legarda, mar roxas, noli de castro, philippines, ping lacson, president | 0 comments [ More ]