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 ]

Roxas tells Arroyo gov't to stop smuggling

From http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=86392

Senator Manuel Roxas II took a jab at President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s recent announcement of a rosy economy by scoring the government's failure to curb vegetable smuggling.

Roxas, who visited the vegetable trading post here on Sunday, said the government's claim of progress was suspect since cases of smuggling and other indicators showed a different picture of the economy.

"Smuggling must stop because even if the BPI (Bureau of Plant Industry) and DA (Department of Agriculture) would not allow smuggling, if those vegetables are really smuggled, they will really come in," he said.

Roxas said if the government is serious in helping vegetable and rice farmers, it must stop smuggling because the problem has hurt local industries.

"Smuggling must be stopped and it is possible to stop it," he said. "Let's not depend on press releases and speeches. We should do what must be done."

Roxas said a serious bid to stop smuggling is an example of "putting your money where your mouth is."

Arroyo last Thursday said the country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.5 percent during the second quarter this year, the country's highest growth in 20 years.

Read more...

Monday, September 3, 2007 | posted in mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, smuggling | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas questions ZTE deal

From http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=86274

Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is questioning the Arroyo administration’s undue haste in forging a $1.8-billion loan deal with China for several big-ticket projects, including the controversial $329-million national broadband network deal with ZTE Corp. of China.

“Contrary to the position of the Department of Finance, it is highly unusual for the government to enter into a blanket loan with China Export-Import Bank without defining what this loan is for,” said Roxas in a statement.

“In our history, the government has been littered with rushed and secret contracts that have only resulted in disputes and abuse. Now we are signing a P90 billion loan agreement for a project whose contract we have yet to see and which obviously was the result of political lobbying rather than public interest,” he said.

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves signed a $400-million credit line with executives of China Export-Import Bank which pushed the country’s Chinese credit line to $1.8 billion.

The new credit facility is likely to be used to bankroll ZTE’s contract to establish a broadband network for the government. The project was initially pushed as a build, operate and transfer project at no cost to the government.

Read more...

| posted in mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, zte deal | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar calls probe on "Hello Pappy" controversy

Senator Mar Roxas, chair of the Senate trade and commerce committee, will be seeking a probe on the alleged Wowowee controversy which involved host Willie Revillame of ABS-CBN. Roxas made the announcement after Eat Bulaga host Joey De Leon of GMA called on the Senate to look at first the "Hello Pappy" before the "Hello Garci."

"Inuuna nyo yang 'Hello, Garci.' Bakit hindi niyo muna unahin itong 'Hello, Pappy' (You want to look into 'Hello, Garci' first. Why don't you investigate 'Hello, Pappy' before that)" De Leon said.

Pappy is the nickname Revillame is known by on the show and Wilyonaryo is a new game that replaced the old Pera o Bayong segment.

The alleged scam happened in Wilyonaryo when, after the contestant named "Weng" won P137,000 after she chose the money over the wheel, Revillame unveiled the wheels where the 1 million, 2 million, .5 million and house & lot were placed. Unfortunately, when Revillame said that the 2 million was on the violet wheel, it turned out to be ZERO! Co-host Mariel Rodriguez even said "Ay wala!(Ah, there's none!)". Then Revillame said that the 2 million was on him. That turned out to be confusing on the part of the audience and even on my part because I was able to watch the show.

You can see the full video of the alleged scam or as they now call as the "Hello Pappy" controversy courtesy of Youtube.

Roxas said that the probe was in aid of legislation.

“We will look into this [Wowowee controversy] by first asking the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] what are the complaints, who are the complainants, and what it has done and intends to do about this matter," Roxas said in a statement.

“Based on this information, we shall file an appropriate resolution for a Senate inquiry with the end goal of strengthening the Consumer Welfare Code,” he added.

Roxas' statement read: "it was important to understand the nature of the alleged rigging involved, and the proper manner and venue in which to address this."

Here's the comment of Revillame on De Leon's attack courtesy of Youtube.

1. Willie's comments on Joey's personal attacks [1/2] (8.29.07)


2. Willie's comments on Joey's personal attacks [2/2] (8.29.07)

And here's the comment of De Leon on Revillame's statement, again, courtesy of Youtube.

1. DAYAAN - Ang Sagot ni Joey kay Willy

By the way, here's a Youtube video explaining on what happened in Wilyonaryo. I hope this helps you:

1. Wowowee Controversy Explanation

Thursday, August 30, 2007 | posted in abs-cbn, gma, hello garci, hello pappy, mar roxas, philippines, youtube | 0 comments [ More ]

Why Mar Roxas refuses to talk about his 2010 plans

This is in response of Team Gordon 2010's comment on the article in The Professional Heckler Blog about 2010 wherein it talked about Sen. Richard Gordon's pronouncement that he will run for President in 2010.

In the comments of the article, Team Gordon 2010 said:

Good evening Mr. Heckler!

In reaction to: “Sen. Richard Gordon is running for president in 2010. If he wins, he’ll become the first Dick to rule the Philippines.” We dare ask, would people rather have a cunt ruling the country?

But seriously, the future is nothing to joke about. We all know that this country needs some serious changes… We can’t leave the tough and terrible business of change to chance… We need somebody with vision, experience and a solid track record for effecting changes that are for real, for better, for everyone and for generations to come… That somebody is Dick Gordon.

Olongapo, Subic, and Tourism… The Philippine National Red Cross… The Fair Elections Act which aims to automate the electoral process in time for the 2010 elections and eliminate wholesale electoral fraud… The tourism bill…

Perhaps, people need to take a closer look at Dick Gordon… He has been ready to the country for a long time.

As for :”Mar Roxas is reportedly eyeing the presidency too but he refuses to talk about his plans for 2010. That makes him a “closet contender” for president.” We were going to ask why he seems so chummy chummy with Joel Salceda, John Osmena, and Boy Abunda?

I agree that Sen. Richard Gordon has indeed made good accomplishments. I applaud him for his great job as Olongapo City mayor, as SBMA Chairman, as Senator and as Philippine National Red Cross Chairman. He has indeed made a mark in public service. But he's not my man for the Presidency, sorry.

Why is Senator Mar Roxas silent on his 2010 plans? We'll he not too silent about it. He talks 2010 but doesn't extends it to a more clear topic. But please don't refer his as "chummy chummy with Joel Salceda, John Osmena, and Boy Abunda." He's just protecting his integrity. Senator Gordon's announcement last July 6, 2007 that he's considering running in 2010 made him already a 2010 guy. He was silent before, but now, after he made that announcement, people will perceive that everything that he will do is for 2010, which I think is not right. He can't do his official functions properly as Senator because many people would quickly think that when he works, he's campaigning early, which I think is unfair for him. That's what Senator Mar Roxas is preventing from.

We'll, if you say that potential presidential candidates should get real and tell the people that they're running, I think it's still not the right time. It's too early for them to do that, but not too early for us (their fans). We can say that "I want him to be the President in 2010!" because it our own decision. We can't speak in behalf of them. What we are doing is to inform them that we support him/her as President in 2010 but still, it's up to them whether they would run or not.

| posted in campaign, dick gordon, mar roxas, philippines, president | 2 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas commends Madrigal singers

From http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2007/0830_roxas1.asp

Senator Mar Roxas, along with three other senators, praised the Philippine Madrigal Singers for winning the 2007 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, in Arezzo, Italy.

"The Philippine Madrigal Singers should be recognized for their unprecedented and unparalleled excellence in choral singing, which has brought pride, joy, and inspiration to the Filipino people through their exemplary and world-class choral performance in international competitions," the lawmakers said in filing Senate Resolution No. 107 in the group's honor.

Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Rodolfo Biazon and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. co-authored the measure.

The 2007 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing is an annual competition for the winners of the six European choral competitions and inaugurated in 1989.

This year, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, headed by Mark Anthony Carpio, had bested other world-renowned choral groups such as the Taipei Chamber Singers, Cuba's Schola Cantorum Coralina, Hungary's Cantemus Choir and Russia's Children's Choir Vesna.

The Senators pointed out that the Madrigal Singers had already won the European Grand Prix back in 1997. "The Philippine Madrigal Singers is the first and only choral group in the world to win twice the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, which is also internationally known as the 'Choral Olympics' of the world," they noted.

| posted in bong revilla, mar roxas, noynoy aquino, philippines, pong biazon | 0 comments [ More ]

Speed up Hello Garci probe - Mar Roxas

From http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070828170306730

Senator Mar Roxas on Tuesday called on his colleagues to speed up the investigation on the wiretap controversy, citing the importance of bringing back the dignity of the country's military establishment.

He stressed the need to disclose who is behind the so-called order to the military to engage in wiretapping activity for political purposes.

Former T/Sgt. Vidal Doble has recently spoken to the media of his part in the wiretapping of phone conversations allegedly between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. Doble has been eyed as a witness for Senate hearings on the issue.

Roxas said resolving the controversy would give a sense of closure to the public, and serve as basis for proposed reforms for the military institution.


From http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2007/0828_roxas1.asp

Senator Mar Roxas called for hearings on the wiretap controversy that rocked the administration two years ago to be fast-tracked.

"Tama lang na ituloy na at bilisan ang hearings na ito para malaman ng sambayanan kung sino ba ang nagbigay ng order na gamitin ang military intelligence unit para sa pulitika," Roxas said.

Former T/Sgt. Vidal Doble has recently spoken to the media of his part in the wiretapping of phone conversations allegedly between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. Doble has been eyed as a witness for Senate hearings on the issue.

Roxas said resolving the controversy would give a sense of closure to the public, and serve as basis for proposed reforms for the military institution.

"Ibalik natin ang dignidad sa AFP. Ang mga sundalo natin ay dapat ginagalang at sinusuportahan, hindi ginagawang private detective agency ng mga nasa poder ng pamahalaan," Roxas said.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | posted in hello garci, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 1 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas for President in 2010 Blog Online Chatbox

Finally, we have already an online chatbox courtesy of Xat.Com. Please leave a message for us in that chatbox which is located at the bottom of this blog. You can interact with online blog visitors and chat with them. Tell your friends about it!

| posted in campaign, mar roxas | 0 comments [ More ]

Did Manny mimic Mar?

When I was reviewing the campaign ads of the two front runners, Senator Manny Villar and Senator Mar Roxas, in the 2010 Presidential elections courtesy of Youtube, I had observed something in Villar's ad which was unusual to me. Try to watch the videos!

Villar's ad was like a prelude political ad to his presidential bid (if ever). In his ad, he tries to be with the people to show that he represents them. He tries to reiterate the "Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga" (Mr. Diligence and Perseverance) slogan in his ad. As I recall his campaign jingle, it says "There's affordable housing, there's livelihood for everyone, he helps the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), he defends the women, a loving son, let's go with Manny Villar, in the trust of the people, he is number 1!" Then Villar says "So that the Philippines can be lift up from poverty, Diligence and Perseverance, Villar na!" Doesn't it sounds presidential?

He used "Sipag at Tiyaga" (Diligence and Perseverance) campaign slogan during his 2001 senatorial campaign that referred to his success story. By 2007, he changed the slogan a bit, and made it to refer him as the "Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga" (Mr. Diligence and Perseverance). Did it try to counter Senator Mar Roxas' "Mr. Palengke" slogan?

Another thing also, I was surprised when Sen. Villar had palengke (wet market) tours during his 2007 campaign! Was it to counter again Sen. Roxas' image as "Mr. Palengke"? Well, Sen. Villar was a palengke (wet market) boy, I admit. I had already read his life story. He rosed from rags to riches. He's indeed a survivor! But for me, he's not the man for the job at Malacañang. Sen. Roxas' earned his palengke (wet market) image because of his determination to preserve it as the basic unit of the economy.

But please, let's don't give a damn on popularity and image. Let's see whether that potential candidate for President CAN and WILL serve. Whether it's for Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga or Mr. Palengke, the decision is still in the hands of the voters.

You judge! Did Sen. Villar tried to mimic Sen. Mar's successful campaign?

| posted in campaign, manny villar, mar roxas, philippines, president, youtube | 3 comments [ More ]

Mar pushing the Cheaper Medicines bill with Ilongo solons

They had indeed joined forces in order to help bring down the cost of our very expensive medicines which deprives our fellow citizens from having the quality healthcare they need no matter what the big pharmaceutical companies do.

Together with Senator Mar Roxas, who is pushing the Cheaper Medicines bill (Senate Bill No. 2263) in the Senate, his fellow Ilongos in the House are also helping him in order to expedite the passage of the said bill. These Ilongo solons are as follows:

1. Iloilo Representative Janette Garin
2. Iloilo Representative Ferjenel Biron
3. Capiz Representative Antonio del Rosario
4. South Cotabato Representative Arthur Pinggoy (also an Ilonggo)

Rep. Garin even said that "Maybe, he (Senator Mar Roxas) found a good campaign slogan in it for his presidential bid in 2010." Even if it's for 2010 or not, it's still for the people. He is being perceived that every thing he does today is for 2010.

Let's hope that together, they can reconcile their different versions of the Cheaper Medicines bill so that they could fast-track the bill immediately.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | posted in campaign, cheaper medicines bill, mar roxas, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]