V O T E R S ’ E D U C AT I O N K I T O N T H E M AY 2 0 1 0 E L E C T I O N S

The People’s Choice

T he overwhelming majority of Filipinos suffer chronic poverty and backwardness. The
last nine years of the Arroyo administration have only seen their situation become even
worse. Many are hoping that the May 2010 elections will be a fresh start and that new
leadership will address their plight.
Yet the elections can only usher in the needed reforms if the people are able to choose national
and local leaders who are genuinely pro-people, patriotic and democratic. The country’s problems are
huge and demand committed leaders willing to challenge long-standing monopolies of economic and
political power. The people have to be critical to see if such leaders are at hand.
Elections can be used to put real progressives into government but the reality for now is that
they are going to be a minority at best. At the end of the day their strength will come from being
part of a larger effort to build democracy based on people organizing
for their democratic rights.
Whatever happens, elections must be a venue for raising
the awareness of the people about their democratic rights
and the kinds of leaders that they should have and de-
serve. This kind of awareness can be the starting point
of struggling for these rights even after the May 2010
elections.

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 1

 Elections and ambition
P
resident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her allies ap-
pear to be using the May 2010 elections to remain
in power. They are maneuvering to take national
and local positions in the next administration. It
is also likely that there will be renewed efforts at charter
change that, among others, includes a shift to a parliamen-
tary system that allows former president Arroyo to become
prime minister.

For now there are even fears that the elections may fail
due to problems with automation, intensified violence, and
massive fraud. Scenarios of emergency rule, some kind of
martial law and of a “transition government” have also
already been floated. All these are symptoms of Philippine
politics driven by ambition rather than democratic gover-
nance and service to the people.

Arroyo administration officials

running in May 2010
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Congressional seat, Pampanga)
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita (Congressional seat, Batangas)
Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera (Congressional seat, Quezon)
Secretary Hermogenes Esperon of the Presidential Management Staff (Congressional seat, Pangasinan)
Secretary Augusto Syjuco of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Congressional seat, Iloilo)
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya (Congressional seat, Camarines Sur)
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (Congressional seat, Bohol)
Secretary Raul Gonzalez, chief presidential legal counsel (Mayor, Iloilo City)
Secretary Edgar Pamintuan of the Luzon Urban Beltway (Mayor, Angeles City)

2 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 The promise and perils
of automated elections
Facts and figures on the Automated Election System from the Center for People Empowerment
in Governance (CenPEG) and the Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU)
The Automated Election Sys-
tem (AES) promises modern
democratic elections in the
country with quicker counting
that eliminates the conditions
for wholesale cheating through
the notorious dagdag-bawas.
 P7.2 billion
Smartmatic-TIM contract
82,200
Precinct Count Optical Scan
(PCOS) machines
1,671
unique ballots
W hat is ‘automated’
from the old manual
system?
n Voting remains manual, with
voters writing their names and
filling up ballots by hand
n But vote-counting from the
ballots is computerized, with
PCOS machines counting and
recording votes at the precinct
level
n Canvassing is also computer-
ized, with recorded votes from
precincts sent via Internet to
servers for consolidation at mu-
nicipal, provincial and national
levels
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
1
Pre-election process
n Inadequate testing of machines
in actual field conditions
n No real source code review
n No plan for verifying program
actually installed in the 82,200
PCOS machines
n Manipulation of lists of voters,
candidates lists and precincts/clus-
tered precincts
n Possible printing of excess bal-
lots to be used for cheating
n Security concerns in storage,
packing and delivery of ballots as
well as in deployment and testing/
sealing of PCOS machines
2 Election day voting
vulnerabilities
n Manipulation of results through
compact flash (CF) cards used to
configure each PCOS machine
n Confusion from using a new,
unfamiliar and more complicated
system than in manual elections –
ex. possible problems with various
election paraphernalia
n Smartmatic-TIM generates and
hence knows the digital signatures/
passwords of the Board of Election
Inspectors (BEIs)
n No way to verify integrity of
program installed in PCOS upon ini-
tialization
n Problems with filling up long
ballot, ballot jamming and misread-
ing, machine breakdown
n Power failure and/or communi-
cations breakdown
3
Vulnerabilities from
canvassing to proclamation
n Possible failure to generate or
print election returns (ERs)
n Automated dagdag-bawas in
canvassing of ERs, statements of
votes, certificates of canvass
n ERs can be digitally signed and
encrypted by BEIs and also others
who know their passwords, creating
the possibility of changing ERs; SOVs
and COCs can be similarly altered
n Security concerns regarding the
servers consolidating votes
n Power failure and/or communi-
cations breakdown
n Unclear procedures in case of
conflicting results, connectivity or
transmission problems, hardware or
software failure, and in adjudicat-
ing electoral protests in an auto-
mated election
The conditions for disarray and con-
ditions for fraud are there not just
in the presidential elections but also
in the other national positions (vice
presidential, senatorial) and the
local positions vital for the Arroyo
circle’s efforts to remain in power
 
Persistence of means of fraud:
vote-buying, voter intimidation and
harassment, sabotaging voters, fly-
ing voters, ballot-switching, spoiled
ballots…
3
 against which he or she can later be measured.

Where the Presidentiables Stand

More important is what a candidate has done in terms of
pushing formal policies, programs or laws on one side or the other
of an issue. This means that their personal position becomes ex-
pressed in a way having an impact beyond themselves.

T
he problems of the country are long-standing and enormous. It is
only reasonable to expect candidates, especially for the country’s
highest offices, to already have concrete proposals for dealing
with these. This is a requirement for any real leadership. It is also rea-
sonable to expect them to share their program with the public which
shows that they respect the voters.
Candidates have to be considered beyond motherhood statements which anyone can
say. The country’s problems are clear – does a candidate have the courage for the
difficult things that need to be done?
In assessing candidates we can give some weight to public state-
ments they make on issues. While mere declarations, they at least show
that a candidate is aware of the issue and able to articulate a position
But most revealing is a candidate having actual involvement
on a matter as an active participant, direct beneficiary or in
other ways having a vested interest. This is because they can say
or formally push one thing while in actual practice be doing the
opposite.
A candidate is said to have no clear stand or position when
there is none apparent but also when these are made only in
ambiguous or general terms.
Do it yourself! The People’s Criteria are our own! Color
the birds according to how you would rate them (0 be-
ing the worst, 5 being the best) according to their stand
and track record.

Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”

People’s Criteria
Gordon Ejercito Estrada
Cojuangco Aquino
delos Reyes
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) Partido ng Masang Pilipino
(PMP)

P 1
20.9 billion (US$430 million) – To- Will you work to establish the truth behind
tal amount of kickbacks, ill-gotten the “Hello, Garci”, NBN-ZTE scam, fertil-
wealth and payoffs involved in just 16 izer scam and other anomalies by way of
nVows to prosecute Pres. nSays Pres. Arroyo should nOusted as president in 2001
major corruption cases. (Pagbabago! Re- independent and highly credible bodies? Will
Arroyo for her involvement in be investigated for scandals in a People Power revolt, after
search Working Group): you pave the way for the prosecution of Mrs.
corruption, and proposes to during her presidential term a failed impeachment trial
n IMPSA power scam (US$470 million Arroyo, her relatives, her close allies and other
create a commission to investi- including “the NBN-ZTE broad- on corruption charges, and
project; US$14 million kickback) government officials who have been involved in
gate the scandals surrounding band scandal, extra-judicial subsequently convicted for the
n PIATCO-NAIA Terminal 3 scam (US$425 large-scale graft and corruption, electoral fraud
her administration. killings, and the road users capital offense of plunder.
million project; US$20-70 million and their cover-up?
tax scam”, that his presidency
kickback)
n Jose Pidal accounts (P300-400 million in ill-gotten wealth)
ON C OR RU P T ION nIn 2005, before the Depart- will make sure that evidence nHas no clear stand on the
ment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) collated is strong, and that prosecution of Pres. Arroyo,
n Fertilizer funds scam (P728 million for presidential election campaign)
revoked the stock distribution Pres. Arroyo will be given due although he distanced himself
n NorthRail scam (US$503 million project; US$50 million kickback)
option (SDO) in Hacienda Lu- process and the matter left to from opposition calls for an
n Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard scam (P1.1 billion project; P533 million kickback)
isita, voted against playing the the courts. Arroyo resignation after he was
n Quedancor swine scam (P2.5 billion program; P900 million for presidential
‘Garci tapes’ and lauded Pres. granted presidential pardon in
election campaign)
Arroyo for her “I am sorry” nHas reportedly filed cases 2007.
n Irrigation fund scam (P3.1 billion missing)
speech. against government officials
n Mega-Pacific poll automation scam (P1.3 billion project; P500 million kickback)
before the Ombudsman with
n NBN-ZTE scam (US$330 million project; US$130 million kickback)
nAs senator, participated himself as the complainant.
n Cybereducation project (P27 billion)
in hearings investigating a
n Military comptrollers scandal (P71 million in ill-gotten wealth)
number of reported scandals
n “Euro General” scandal (P7 million in ill-gotten wealth)
involving the alleged misuse of
n Jueteng payoffs (P500,000 to P1 million monthly)
public funds.
n PEACE Bonds (P1.4 billion broker’s fee)
n Mismanaged PAGCOR/GSIS funds (hundreds of millions of pesos)
nBeing questioned for the
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
(SCTEx) passing through Haci-
enda Luisita which is allegedly
HELLO GARCI?... SO I WILL
overpriced and said to have
STILL LEAD BY MORE THAN
ONE M (MILLION), OVERALL?
benefited the Aquino family.

4 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 Economic growth
and corporate profits
n Growth in gross domestic product (GDP) dur-
amid Poverty and inequality
n Number of poor families increased 530,642 since 2000 to 4.7 million poor families in 2006
ing the last nine years of the Arroyo administra- n Number of poor Filipinos increased 2.1 million since 2000 to 27.6 million in 2006
tion (2001-09) averaged 4.5% annually com- (NSCB, using low official poverty lines)

pared to 3.9% under Aquino (1986-91), 3.8%
under Ramos (1992-97) and 2.4% under Estrada
(1998-2000).
n Net income of Top 1000 corporations in the Philip-
pines rose from P116.4 billion in 2001 to average
P416.7 billion annually in the period 2002-08 (Business
World)
P41
- Official poverty line or average daily income required for a person to stay out of poverty, according to
which the government counts just 32.9% of the population as “poor”
- Buys one kilo of rice (P36) and an egg (P5)
n IBON self-rated poverty 69% (January 2010), implying 64.5 million poor Filipinos
n P801 billion (US$15.6 billion) - net worth in 2006 of just the 20 richest Filipinos, including close Arroyo allies
Lucio Tan, Enrique Razon, Jr., Eduardo Cojuangco, Enrique Aboitiz and others, which was equivalent to the combined
income for the year of the poorest 10.4 million Filipino families. (Forbes Asia, NSCB)

Richard Juico Maria Ana Consuelo Nicanor Jesus Gilberto Eduardo Eduardo “Eddie”
Gerardo ”Gibo” Manuel “Manny”
“Dick” Gordon “Jamby” “Nicky” Pineda Cruz Villanueva
Madrigal-Valade Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr Bamba Villar Jr.
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for Perlas III
a New Philippines
Independent Independent
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay- Bangon Pilipinas (BP) Nacionalista party (NP)
(B.BAYAN-VNP) ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)

nAs chair of the Senate Blue
Ribbon Committee, said that
Pres. Arroyo and husband Mike
Arroyo along with whistleblow-
ers Jun Lozada and Joey de
Venecia must be held account-
able for the controversial NBN-
ZTE deal.
nBelieves that corruption
shoos away investments and
suggests that the Ombudsman
be made an elective position
to be more effective in holding
erring officials accountable for
their crimes.
nBelieves that Pres. Arroyo
should face prosecution, saying
that large-scale corruption and
human rights violations under
her term have brought shame
to the country.
nSays that anti-graft and cor-
ruption measures should not
only focus on the “big fish”
but also the punishment of
politicians for promoting “free
trade” policies that support
foreign plunder and economic
underdevelopment
nAgrees that Pres. Arroyo
nWill not involve himself in nHas continuously supported nAs House Speaker, transmit-
should be prosecuted for
the prosecution of Pres. Arroyo calls for the resignation of ted impeachment charges
corruption.
and will “let the justice system Pres. Arroyo for election fraud against Pres. Arroyo to the
work” and “focus on moving and corruption Senate in 2005.
nVows to remove corruption
the country forward instead”.
in all government agen-
nVows to prosecute not only nHas no clear answer on the
cies within his first year in
nBelieves that transparency, Pres. Arroyo but all the other prosecution of Pres. Arroyo for
office.
giving incentives and improv- officials involved in corruption large-scale corruption except
ing the standard of living of cases, saying that “no one is to say that he will leave it to
nVows to ensure that
government officials will help above the law”. the judicial system.
anti-corruption initiatives
eradicate corruption.
converge with policies and
nWants Congress to specify nBelieves corruption can end
programs aimed at eradicat-
plunder as a heinous crime, through transparency in public
ing poverty and enhancing
empower the Office of the biddings, in the statements
the quality of life for all.
Ombudsman, hold rigorous of assets and liabilities of of-
performance reviews, and ficials, and in lifestyle checks.
institutionalize an undersecre-
tary for Moral Reforms. nFaces allegations of corrup-
tion on the C-5 road extension
project which was reportedly
overpriced and made to pass
through properties of his cor-
porations.

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 5

People’s Criteria Benigno “Noynoy”
Cojuangco Aquino
Liberal Party (LP)
John Carlos “JC”
Gordon
delos Reyes
Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP)
Joseph “Erap”
Ejercito Estrada
Partido ng Masang Pilipino
(PMP)

C 2
ounterinsurgency programs Will you uphold human rights and end poli-
Oplan Bantay Laya 1 (2002-06) and 2 cies giving rise to human rights violations
(2007-2010); Human rights violations against such as extra-judicial killing, torture, and
activists, peasants, workers, church people, nIn a privilege speech in 2007, nOpenly declares opposition to nAs president, signed the Compre-
enforced disappearance? Will you stop the per-
expressed commitment to end extrajudicial killings, even if hensive Agreement on Respect for
national minorities, lawyers, media and others secution of social activists, dissidents and critics extrajudicial killings and enforced only in general terms. Human Rights and International
since 2001 (Karapatan): of government? Will you punish perpetrators of disappearances in the country and Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
n 1,188 political killings human rights violations? criticized the Arroyo gov’t for its
n 205 enforced disappearances nAs Olongapo City Councilor,
weak response on the issue. nRampant human rights violations
n 223 political prisoners (as of 2009) ON H UM A N R IG H T S pushed for the implementa-
nDownplays the Hacienda Luisita tion of Barangay Human Rights were however recorded during his
(HL) massacre and even insists that term with 974 cases of rights vio-
n 873,431 victims of forcible evacuation and displacement Action Centers as mandated by
only two of seven farmers killed lations, according to rights group
n 534,717 of indiscriminate firing were from HL. the Department of Interior and
Karapatan. Among these were
n 84,630 of food and other economic blockades Local Government (DILG).
nAs a representative, voted against the arrests and detention of 301
n 52,310 of illegal search and seizure the Human Security Act (RA 9372, or individuals, 45 victims of summary
n 38,616 of hamletting Anti-Terror Law), which is criticized executions, 14 massacre incidents
by human rights groups as a law that and 22 enforced disappearances.
will intensify human rights violations.

U 3
S$11.4 billion – Total minerals ex-
ports, 2002-09 (NSO)
n But 68% of gross revenues of
all mining firms in the Top 1000
corporations are of foreign mining
TNCs account (Business World)
n 10,500 people – Number of
monitored victims of human rights
violations related to mining proj-
ects over the period 1994-2005
(Kalikasan)
Will you protect the national patrimony
and environment by opposing large-scale,
export-oriented, and foreign-led extractive
industries such as mining and oil exploration?
Will you uphold the rights to ancestral land and
to self-determination of indigenous peoples and
national minorities?
ON N AT ION A L PAT R I MON Y
nHas no clear stand on the is-
sue of large-scale mining.
nSays that the effects of min-
ing, oil and natural resources
extraction can be further stud-
ied and discussed especially
with the community.
nSays that he will repeal the
Mining Act of 1995 and have
strict policies particularly on
large-scale mining to prevent the
destruction of the environment.
nPlatform declares promot-
ing: “a safe, clean, healthy
and wholesome environment,
particularly zero waste manage-
ment; stewardship as a way of
life; and the development of
parks throughout the country.”
nAs president, vowed to push for
the repeal of the Mining Act of
1995 and to investigate the per-
mits issued by the National Com-
mission on Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP) to mining companies.
nHowever, after only a year
in office, almost 200 mineral
production sharing agreements
(MPSAs) were approved cover-
ing ancestral lands and some
ecologically critical areas.

7 out of 10 farmers are landless

(KMP)
4
Will you work for genuine agrarian reform
anchored on the distribution of land to
the tillers? Are you in favour of scrapping
n There are14 recorded cases of stock schemes such as the stock-distribution option,
distribution option (SDO) nationwide land use conversion and others that have al-
used to avoid distributing land to lowed evasion of land reform and endangered
farmers, such as in Hacienda Luisita food security?
in Tarlac province (IBON) A G R A R I A N R E F OR M
A N D A G R IC U LT U R A L
n In 2006, almost 75% of the poor were in rural areas where pov-
DE V E LOP M E N T
erty incidence is almost three times that in urban areas (World Bank)
nAbstained from voting on the
pro-landlord CARPer but said
on record that he will imple-
ment the program if he becomes
president.
nIs in favor of joint-venture
schemes in agriculture.
nHas refrained from declaring a
clear position on the Hacienda
nPlatform has no clear stand
on agrarian reform programs as
existing in the country, although
proposes to increase agricul-
tural productivity by introducing
new technologies and providing
support infrastructure towards
agricultural development and “a
high degree of self-sufficiency”.
nAs president, declared Eduar-
do ‘Danding’ Cojuangco as the
“godfather of agrarian reform”
and supported corporative
agrarian reform.
nUnder his term, there was
widespread cancellation of
farmer beneficiaries’ Certifi-
cate of Land Ownership Awards
(CLOA) and emancipation

T he Philippines is the world’s biggest rice importer Luisita controversy but was re-
cently compelled to promise ha- patents (EP), reaching at least
n 2.4 million tons imported in 2008 were the highest recorded worldwide for that or any
cienda redistribution to farmers 1,892 covering 374,266 hect-
other year, and may be exceeded by an even higher 2.6-3.2 million in 2010 (USDA, NFA)
by 2014 (the distribution of the ares as of May 2000.
n One out of every five spoons of rice Filipinos consume is imported (19% of total
6,453-hectare property should
consumption)
have been distributed in 1967).

6 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 Richard Juico
“Dick” Gordon
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for
a New Philippines
(B.BAYAN-VNP)
nThinks that the country’s hu-
man rights situation is dismal
but attributes it to the people
who perpetrate the violations
and says “it is not the adminis-
tration”.
nAs senator, voted for the Hu-
man Security Act.
nBelieves that there is nothing
wrong with foreign investors in
large-scale mining and natural
resources extraction as long as it
upholds the way of life of the in-
digenous people and the country
benefits from it.
nSays that the Marcopper mining
disaster in Marinduque in 1996
should not dissuade the govern-
ment from reviving the industry
noting that “Marcopper was more
a damage (sic) of people riding
on the issue”.
nAs senator, voted for the
CARPer.
nCo-sponsor and author of Sen-
ate Bill 3429 (an Act Reform-
ing the Administrative Titling
Process)
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
Maria Ana Consuelo
“Jamby”
Madrigal-Valade
Independent
nVoted against the Human Se-
curity Act (Anti-Terror Law).
nBelieves that the government
should end its total war policy
and provide reparation for the
families of the victims.
nAs senator, filed a bill repealing
the Mining Act of 1995 and a bill
for the imposition of a total log
ban.
nBelieves that foreign mining
companies and local politicians
who have protected them should
be penalized for destroying the
Philippine environment over the
past century.
nSays that government and
people should push for a real,
drastic and not token shift to
renewable energy, genuine forest
conservation and regeneration.
nPlatform says that will work with
progressive people’s organizations
for genuine agrarian reform, to
stop landgrabbing and land con-
version to non-food uses, to en-
sure adequate farmgate prices and
farm pay, and to freely distribute
to peasant-tiller cooperatives and
associations haciendas previously
diverted from land reform.
nAs senator, voted for CARPer
although said that, in the spirit
of social justice, anti-farmer laws
and programs (such as the CARP’s
stock distribution option allowing
big hacienda owners to evade land
transfer) should be abolished.
Nicanor Jesus
“Nicky” Pineda
Perlas III
Independent
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
nVows to protect human
rights to the fullest extent by
cultivating a culture of respect
for human rights in all agen-
cies and affairs of government
as well in the public at large
“through appropriate partner-
ships with civil society groups”.
nCritical of the Mining Act of
1995 and supports the passage of
the so-called Alternative Mining
Bill.
nVows to regulate mining opera-
tions to make sure that they do
not permanently damage the
environment and health or oper-
ate in watershed and ancestral
domain areas; will give prior-
ity to small-scale, community-
owned mining operations that
are ecological sound and socially
responsible.
nVows to speed up the “prop-
er” implementation of the
government’s agrarian reform
program on affected private
lands and will accelerate the
passage of a comprehensive
land use plan for the country
that can ensure food security.
nVows to remove local mo-
nopolies and oligopolies that
suppress the prices of agri-
cultural products and which
extract usurious lending rates
from the poor.
Gilberto Eduardo
Gerardo ”Gibo”
Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr
ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nAs defense secretary from 2007
to 2009, was in charge of the
implementation of Oplan Bantay
Laya II that among others explic-
itly targets civilian ‘enemies of
the state’. During this period,
320 cases of extrajudicial kill-
ings, and 43 cases of enforced
disappearances were recorded
while the number of illegal ar-
rests increased from 2006.
nAs a representative, voted
against the Human Security Act.
nBelieves that mining should
be aggressively pursued for be-
ing among the biggest poten-
tials of the country.
nPlans to revive the mining
industry in Central Luzon and
Davao.
nBelieves that government’s
role must stop once an agrar-
ian reform program is imple-
mented because “it is no lon-
ger reform but rather a sort of
government-funded peasantry
program.”
Eduardo “Eddie”
Cruz Villanueva
Bangon Pilipinas (BP)
nBelieves that there should
be a faster trial of pending
cases of those responsible for
“shocking injustices” such as
extrajudicial killings.
nWants Congress to define
syndicated warlordism as a
heinous crime.
nVows to impose a moratorium
on all large-scale open-pit min-
ing until Filipinos are ready to
have their own mining projects
that protect the environment.
nWants to ensure ancestral
domains for upland farmers
and lead multi-stakeholder
consultations in the issuance
of Certificates of Ancestral
Domain Titles.
nSupported calls to pass the
CARPer.
nVows to give full support to
agriculture, saying his primary
agenda is to rejuvenate the ag-
ricultural economy as the foun-
dation of an economic growth
and social justice program.
Manuel “Manny”
Bamba Villar Jr.
Nacionalista party (NP)
nSays that upholding human rights
is one of his party’s priorities, as
well as giving justice to the victims
from the Martial Law period up to
the present.
nSays that human rights violations
can be addressed by strengthen-
ing the leadership of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-
Philippine National Police (PNP)
and by addressing the concerns of
the military.
nAs senator, voted for the Human
Security Act and also its principal
author.
nNot opposed to large-scale
mining and natural resources
extraction and says that inves-
tors should follow the same
standards as those in devel-
oped countries.
nPlatform includes promot-
ing the rights and welfare of
indigenous people and migrant
dwellers in upland ecosystems.
nDid not vote on the CARPer.
Vows to review this program, say-
ing that land reform should ensure
equitable distribution of land and
that effective land distribution
and thoroughgoing land reform is
important to address landlessness.
nKnown to be a landowner and
real estate developer and faces
allegations of landgrabbing (such
as 12.7 out of 200 hectares of
irrigated land in Iloilo City being
converted for non-agricultural
purposes).
nVows to review agricultural
trade liberalization and provide
support and safety nets to protect
local producers while giving them
access to the global market.
7
 Election Facts and Fig
T
Declared net worth of selected
Schedule for the casting of votes val
presidential candidates:
(th
In the Philippines: May 10, 2010, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
P1.05 billion – Manuel Villar, Jr.
For absentee voters abroad: Any day from April 10, 2010 (host P232.43 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
P35.86 million – Joseph Estrada
country time) to 3:00 pm of May 10, 2010 (Philippine time)
P25.62 million – Richard Gordon
P13.94 million – Benigno Aquino, III
[Based on latest available SALN
TOTAL CANDIDATES as reported by PCIJ, 7 Feb 2010]

POSITIONS AT STAKE WOMEN CANDIDATES

RUNNING
[Ad v

1 President 1 9 Estimated campaign budgets:

P2-6 billion – president

1 Vice President 1 8 P200-600 million – senator

P15-100 million – congressman

12 Senators 14 61
230 District representatives 129 798
57 Party-list Representatives 187 Party list groups in the 14th Congress
80 Governors
42 291 n 15,337,808 – Total number of party list votes cast in 2007
(excluding those for disqualified Batas PL group), out of

80 Vice Governors
34 241 45.0 million registered voters
n 52 party list representatives from 33 organizations, or

766 Members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan 289 2,042

19% out of total 269 representatives
n Progressive party list groups such as Anakpawis, Bayan
Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan

137 72 463
n Dubious party list groups include among others ANAD
City Mayors (Pastor Alcover, Jr), Ang Kasangga (Ma. Lourdes Arroyo),
Bantay (Jovito Palparan, Jr)

137 City Vice Mayors

59 391 Palace-backed or -allied party list groups
running for 15th Congress

1,524 Members of Sangguniang Panglungsod 728 4,582 n 1-Utak (1-United Transport Koalisyon) n Adhikain ng
mga Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM)n Ang Galing

1,497 Municipal mayors

727 4,071 Pinoy (AG) nAgbiag Timpuyo Ilokano (Agbiag) nAhon
Pinoy (Ahon) nAkbay Pinoy OFW-National (APOI) nAan-
gat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas (Anak) n Babae para sa

1,497 Municipal Vice Mayors

608 3,945 Kaunlaran (Babae Ka) nBigkis Pinoy Movement (Bigkis)
nByaheng Pinoy Labor Association (Byaheng Pinoy)

11,980 Members of Sangguniang Bayan 5,641 33,172

nKalahi Sectoral Party (Kalahi) n League of Youth for
Peace and Advancement (LYPAD), among others

8 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
gures
P10 – presidential candidate’s Election-related
maximum allowed campaign Private Armies - 57 people were
killings: killed in the Ampatuan massacre in No-
spending per voter or P507.2M
given 50.7M registered voters vember 2009.
1986 - 153 n The Philippine National police esti-
Total TV, radio and print advertising mates that there are 132 private armies
lue of selected presidential candidates P5 – political party’s maximum 1988 - 188
from Nov 2009 to January 2010 allowed campaign spending per 1992 - 89 with a combined strength of 10,000
voter or P253.6 million armed men nationwide.
hree months before campaign period): 1995 - 108
n The PNP also estimates that there
1998 - 77
P1,024.2 million – Manuel Villar, Jr. are around 1.2 million unlicensed guns
2001 - 111 in circulation across the country.
P407.4 million – Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
P268.8 million – Benigno Aquino, III Basic monthly salaries 2004 -189
P244.6 million – Richard Gordon as of 2009: 2007 -121 Urban Militarization - Military
P90.1 million – Eddie Villanueva President - P82,400 2010 -89 reported
Vice President - P77,637 (highest)
units including the 103rd and 27th Bat-
P84.3 million – Joseph Estrada by PIPVTR as of mid-March
talions of the Armed Forces of the Phil-
Senator - P67,898 (highest) (PNP, PIPVTR)
value estimates from Nielsen Media as reported by PCIJ, 16 Feb Congressman - P67,898 ippines are currently deployed in various
2010. Actual ad spending may be at a 30-40% discount] urban-poor areas of Metro Manila such as
BASECO, Dagat-dagatan and PNR Site.
Clad in full-battle gear, soldiers are
known to ask the resi-
dents regarding
the wherabouts
of progressive
Party-list
leaders and
There are 76,340 clustered precincts, support-
ers.
each with a PCOS machine.
In recognition of the need to democratize Congress and There are 37,422 voting centers.
include “marginalized” and “underrepresented” sectors,
7 the Party List Law (RA 7941) says that 20% of Congress
should consist of representatives from party list (PL)
groups to give the poor and marginalized a greater voice
there.

Every voter can vote for one (1) party list group, party
or organization. Each party list can have 1-3 representa-
tives depending on the total votes they get.

What are genuinely progressive party list groups?

1. Representing poor sectors in society that, despite their
significant numbers, are politically and economi
cally marginalized
2. Organized and with concrete platforms to advance the
interest of their constituencies There are 50,723,734 registered voters as of January 15, 2010
3. Able to oppose the policies, programs and structures
that have marginalized their constituencies out of a total population of 94.0 Million (NSO, medium assumption 2010):
Young potential voters aged 18-24 years old
The party list system has allowed a few progressive PLs to
enter Congress but traditional ruling elites are subverting number to 12.52 million
the system’s intent and using it to take additional seats in where 3.76 million are aged18-19
Congress aside from the district representative seats that
they have long-dominated. and 8.76 million are aged 20-24

IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change 9

 People’s Criteria
Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes
Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)

T 5
he share of manufacturing in
the economy has fallen to 21.8% of
gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 which
Will you work for national industrialization?
Will you reverse policies of liberalization,
privatization and deregulation? Will you nPlatform is silent on manufac-
turing and industrial develop-
nCriticizes globalization for
being disadvantageous to small
nAs president, his ‘Angat
Pinoy’ development program
keep economic protectionist measures, restric- ment.
is even lower than its 24.8% share in 1960, and medium Filipino enterpris- continued the same foreign
tions on foreign ownership of land in the Philip- nAs senator, voted ‘no’ to the es who cannot compete with
half a century ago (NSCB) cheap foreign goods supported investment-biased Medium-
pine Constitution? controversial JPEPA saying he
n 60-75% of total manufacturing sales in believed that Filipinos deserved or subsidized by their govern- Term Philippine Development
the Top 1000 corporations in the country in the N AT ION A L I S T E C ONOM IC a better-negotiated and mutu- ments, which causes local jobs Plans (MTPDP) of previous
and opportunities to be lost.
last five years have been accounted for by foreign trans- P OL IC I E S ally beneficial treaty. administrations.
national corporations (Business World) nSays that he will form a group nWill promote ‘industrializa-
to review possible changes to tion’ by encouraging “useful nCampaigned for charter
the charter including to the industries [including] telecom- change through Concord, and
n The price of diesel is 175% higher than nine years ago (from P13.82 per liter in January restrictions on foreign invest- munications and information favored lifting restrictions on
2001 to P37.82 in January 2010) and of gasoline170% higher (from P16.56 to P44.69).(IBON ment. technology”.
foreign investment and grant-
monitoring) nAs representative, voted nGenerally against foreign ing 100% foreign ownership of
ownership of land but open to
no to the EPIRA law in 2001. exploring “limited ownership” land.
Looked into EPIRA and TRANSCO of land by foreigners.
amendments, and questioned
gov’t selling such revenue-
generating assets.

T rue unemployment
(NSO data with IBON estimates adjusting for
govt’s change in methodology in April 2005)
n 4.3 million - unemployed in 2009
n 11.2% – unemployment rate
(average, 2001-09)
P oor quality of jobs - out of 35.1 Million “employed” in
2009:
n 4.2 million “unpaid family workers” (NSO)
6
Will you promote job creation and uphold
job security by protecting domestic indus-
try? Do you support the demand of work-
nAs senator, sponsored the nSays that he will review the nAs president, ignored calls
ers for an increase in minimum wage? Will you
Productivity Incentives Act labor code to address the for minimum wage increases
reverse labor export and labor contractualization
policies to protect working people’s rights and
granting annual incentives to problem of “rampant contrac- saying that granting a wage
private sector workers and tualization”. hike may “scare away inves-
promote their welfare?
increasing penalties for non- tors” and take away the coun-
JOBS AND WAGES
compliance with increases/ad-
justments in workers’ wages.
nWill generate jobs by allow-
ing small and medium enter-
prises, including cooperatives,
try’s comparative advantage in
labor costs.

n 12.2 million “own account workers” mainly in informal sector (NSO) nHowever, as part owner of to thrive. This will be done nUnder his term, labor export
n 11.7 million “wage and salary workers” but without written contracts Hacienda Luisita, has toler- by removing corruption that and contractualization con-
(IBON estimate based on NSO data) ated unfair labor practice and hampers businesses, exempting tinued. Major workers’ strikes
unjust workers’ wages. small businesses from taxation, were violently dispersed (e.g.
12.8 million – Part-time work, equivalent to one out of three jobs (NSO)
and providing credit. PAL, LRT, Manila Hotel).
2.7 million – Number of working children (5-17 years old) (NSO)
nSays that the social costs of
P917 – Family living wage in NCR in 2008 (NWPC) the labor export policy are
n P382 – Nominal NCR minimum wage (non-agriculture) since 2008 (NWPC) too high and that OFWs should
n P399 – Average daily basic pay received by NCR wage & salary workers (April-09, BLES) be provided livelihood and
n P288 – Average daily basic pay received by wage & salary workers in Philippines (April-09, business opportunities to draw
BLES) them back.
Percentage of families earning less than minimum wage in 2006 (BLES)
n 46% of families with 1-5 household members, 49% of families with 6-10 members, 50% of fami-
lies with 11 or more members

8.2 million – Stock of overseas Filipinos in 2008

(4.3 million temporary workers and 3.8 million permanent residents,DFA)
1.29 million – OFWs deployed Jan-Nov 2009, or 3,845 per day (POEA)
10 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 Richard Juico
“Dick” Gordon
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for
a New Philippines
(B.BAYAN-VNP)
nFavors charter change ac-
cording to Constitutional
means.
nAs Olongapo mayor, con-
verted former Subic Naval
base into an economic zone
attracting foreign and local
investments.
nVows to create jobs at home
through attracting foreign
investments, so that Filipinos
will not need to work abroad.
nBelieves that tourism is the
best way to generate jobs so
proposes to develop tourism
zones and an entrepreneurial
spirit.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
Maria Ana Consuelo
“Jamby”
Madrigal-Valade
Independent
nAdvocates genuine, pro-
Filipino industrialization and a
nationalist economy, including
Filipino-controlled manufactur-
ing
nAs senator, voted against the
JPEPA and supported the cam-
paign against its ratification.
nWill reverse “free market”
policies imposed by the IMF,
WB, WTO and ADB and replace
them with the pro-Filipino
policies and against removing
nationalistic economic provi-
sions in the Constitution.
nFiled bills to repeal the Oil
Deregulation Law as well as
recover ownership of Petron
and Malampaya.
nBelieves that a genuine and
pro-Filipino industrialization
will ensure adequate and de-
cently paying jobs so that Fili-
pinos will no longer be pushed
to migrate abroad.
nSays Filipino labor must be
adequately protected and
nurtured through living wages,
regularization of work tenure,
banning of contractualization
and agency-hiring, and defense
of migrant rights. Platform
supports nationwide P125 daily
hike in wages across-the-board
Nicanor Jesus
“Nicky” Pineda
Perlas III
Independent
nSays that trade liberalization
will be undertaken only in the
context of reducing poverty
and social justice.
nSays that a constitutional
convention can be convened in
2013 but is opposed to provi-
sions selling out the patrimony
of the country including land
ownership by foreigners.
nBelieves that the Philip-
pines can enter into principled
partnerships with foreign
countries for the development
of its resources as long as the
country’s rights are recognized
and respected
nSays meaningful employment
for the poor will be created
by increasing government
resources for agriculture and
fisheries and prioritizing poli-
cies and programs to eradi-
cate poverty.
Gilberto Eduardo
Gerardo ”Gibo”
Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nWill not reverse neoliberal
policies and seeks to attract
new foreign investors for the
country’s industrial enclaves
and freeport zones.
nSupports charter change
and removing the national-
ist economic provisions of the
Constitution.
nSays there is a need for
more job-creating opportuni-
ties especially in the indus-
try and services sectors.
nProgram for job creation
is reliant on attracting
foreign investment rather
than strengthening domestic
industry.
Eduardo “Eddie”
Cruz Villanueva
Bangon Pilipinas (BP)
nVows to review treaties that
have adverse effects on the
economy such as JPEPA, AFTA,
and GATT.
nBelieves that agriculture
must be vigorously protected
from unfair global trade.
nWants to stop oil deregulation
and the oligopolistic practices
of oil firms
nWants to either revise or
repeal the EPIRA Law to lower
the cost of electricity
nEconomic program focuses on
encouraging small and medium
enterprises.
nVows to create jobs at home
through increased domestic
and foreign investments, which
will also make overseas unem-
ployment an option rather than
a necessity.
nSupports calls for higher
wages and decent living for
workers, and is against con-
tractualization.
Manuel “Manny”
Bamba Villar Jr.
Nacionalista party (NP)
nSays that a viable manufactur-
ing sector is key to economic
growth.
nSays that the policy of liberal-
ization and blind adherence to
globalization must be reviewed.
However, as senator, voted ‘yes’
to JPEPA.
nFavors charter change al-
though says that the economic
provisions in the current charter
do not hinder economic growth.
Says foreign firms can have
access to land through a lease
system.
nSays that oil industry remains
an oligopoly and called for a re-
view of oil deregulation in 2004.
nBelieves that a reason-
able, legislated wage hike
is an option alongside the
Regional Tripartite Wages
and Productivity Boards
in addressing demands for
wage hikes.
nBelieves that government
should provide a stimulus
package to immediately
address the need of laborers
and employees for a just and
decent wage.
nProgram for job creation is
based on attracting foreign
investments into the country.
11
 People’s Criteria Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)

I
n 2010, the Arroyo administration is
spending only P6.85 per Filipino per
day on education, P1.10 on health and
16 centavos on housing – while paying
P21.75 in debt service. (IBON computations
on DBM data)
7
Will you stop the commercialization and
privatization of education and health
services? Will you put an end to automatic
debt servicing? Will you prioritize spending nNo clear position on social nRecognizes that some nAs president, allocated
government funds for needed economic pro- services, debt service, and foreign debts “must be hon- relatively more of budget
grams and social services over debt servicing and military spending. ored” while open to possibil- for social services compared
military spending? ity of “debt condonation if to the Aquino, Ramos and

G overnment debt was P4.40 trillion as

of end-2009 which is equivalent to P74,000 per work-
ing age Filipino and more than double the P2.17 trillion
SOCIAL SERVICES
necessary”.

nPlatform does not have

Arroyo administrations.
Nonetheless debt servicing
was still prioritized over
debt inherited from the previous Estrada government. The clear position on social education, health and other
administration has effectively been borrowing an additional P250 billion annually since coming to services, debt service, and social services.
power. (BTr) military spending.

Onver 2001-2010, the Arroyo administration has paid (IBON computations on BTR and DBM data):
P5.85 trillion – debt service, which is over three times the P1.8 billion in debt payments
made over 15 years by the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations combined
n P1.59 trillion – education
n P197 billion – health
n P42 billion – housing

V 8
alue-Added Tax Reform Law (RA 9337, Are you in favour of scrapping the reformed
or RVAT Law) implemented since No- value added tax (RVAT) and other regres-
vember 2005: sive taxes that unduly burden the people?
Will you work for a progressive taxation pro- nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to nSays he will lower the VAT on nHas no record of pushing
n Increased VAT rate from 10% to 12%,
gram? the RVAT Law (RA 9337) and electricity, food and water. for progressive taxation even
paid by all Filipinos rich and poor
so-called Sin Taxes Law (RA when he was president.
n Corporate income tax rate decreased TAX E S 9334).
from 32% to 30% (only temporarily raised to 35% in 2006-08)
nOpen to imposing new

B ecause of RVAT Law:

n Filipinos paid P363.0 billion in additional taxes over the period 2006-09 (DOF)
n In effect, each Filipino 15 years old and over paid the government P6,025 in additional
taxes to address the budget
deficit.

taxes in 2006-09 (IBON computations on DOF data)

n Meanwhile corporations will pay P15.9 billion less because of the lower corporate
income tax rate of 30%

W
n
hile billions in pesos worth of revenues are lost, uncollected or foregone
due to corruption and investor-biased policies:
Uncollected corporate taxes – P82.0 billion (2006, NTRC)
n Uncollected VAT – P56.9 billion (2002, NTRC)
n Foregone revenues from smuggling – P64 billion (DOF), P100 billion (2004, FPI), P174
billion (2004, FTA)
n PEZA tax and duty-free import incentives – P152.1 billion (2003, DOF)
n Redundant BOI fiscal incentives – P51.8 billion (2004, Reside)
n Trade liberalization (tariff cuts) – P100 billion (IBON)

12 The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 Richard Juico
“Dick” Gordon
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for
a New Philippines
(B.BAYAN-VNP)
nSays he wants to call
for a moratorium on debt
servicing to fund basic social
services although, as sena-
tor, made statements that
government should address
the national debt in a way
that avoids credit rating
downgrades.
nAuthored the Sin Taxes Law
imposing taxes on commodi-
ties such as cigarettes and
liquor.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
Maria Ana Consuelo
“Jamby”
Madrigal-Valade
Independent
nAdvocates capping debt
payments, repudiating oner-
ous debt, and demanding
and exacting reparations and
restitutions for previous unfair
trade and onerous debt.
nWill prioritize public fund-
ing for nationalist education
including canceling govern-
ment foreign debt service
and unfair trade payments
and rechanneling these to the
construction of classrooms and
other facilities.
nAs senator, voted against
the RVAT law and other tax
measures.
Nicanor Jesus
“Nicky” Pineda
Perlas III
Independent
nSays he will distinguish
between two kinds of debts:
legitimate and illicit. All
legitimate debts will be
honored while he will work
to change laws that auto-
matically pay for illicit debts
obtained through graft and
corruption.
nVows to lessen the tax burden
on the poor. Will review tariffs,
import duties and trade agree-
ments, eradicate corruption
in tax collection and disburse-
ment, and make sure that the
neediest get the most appro-
priate allocations from taxes
collected.
Gilberto Eduardo
Gerardo ”Gibo”
Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nWill continue with automatic
debt servicing and believes
that borrowing is good as long
as there is efficient financial
management.
nEven as a representative,
consistently lobbied to increase
the budget for the military
and to increase the size of the
armed forces.
nOpen to imposing new taxes,
including raising the VAT from
12% to 15 percent.
nBelieves that government
should reduce the tax burden
on corporations and fixed-
income earners.
Eduardo “Eddie”
Cruz Villanueva
Bangon Pilipinas (BP)
nVows to call for a debt
moratorium aside from push-
ing for improved revenue
collection.
nSays he wants to apply the
principle of progressive taxa-
tion, i.e. increasing percent-
age of land taxes for increas-
ing large holdings (to make it
undesirable to have too much
land while others have none).
Manuel “Manny”
Bamba Villar Jr.
Nacionalista party (NP)
nAs senate president, passed
national budgets allocating
more funds for debts than for
social services.
nHowever, now vows to vigor-
ously pursue various forms of
debt relief from international
financial institutions and for-
eign banks and to prioritize
the allocation of funds for
basic social services.
nAs senator, voted ‘yes’ to
the RVAT and Sin Taxes Law.
nOpen to imposing new taxes.
13
 People’s Criteria
Benigno “Noynoy” John Carlos “JC” Joseph “Erap”
Cojuangco Aquino Gordon Ejercito Estrada
delos Reyes Partido ng Masang Pilipino
Liberal Party (LP) Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) (PMP)

F 9
rom 2001-2010, US$384 million in Will you work for an independent foreign
direct military aid from the United policy? Are you in favor of the abrogation
States (US) aside from at least US$400 in of the Visiting Forces Agreement and other
nFavors the US military presence nSays that he is against the US nAs president, has no record of
“socioeconomic aid” spent in communities unequal military agreements? Will you put a stop in the country and supports a military presence in Mindanao and working for an independent for-
to support the US military presence (US to US and other troops’ permanent presence on review of the US-RP Visiting Forces that the VFA can be reviewed. eign policy. The controversial VFA
State Department) Philippine territory? Will you keep the anti- Agreement (VFA) towards chang- was ratified during his administra-
bases and nuke-free provisions in the Philippine ing provisions to ensure that it nPlatform declares “[pursuing] tion.
Since 2002 up to 500 US Special
Constitution? continues. peace based on love, justice, rec-
Forces personnel have been permanently onciliation, active nonviolence and
deployed in Mindanao in a “forward op- FOREIGN POLIC Y progressive disarmament.”
erating base”, supported and participated in combat operations, as well as
built fixed facilities.
Over 50,000 US soldiers have come into the country to Albay, Basilan, Batanes,
Capiz, Cavite, Cebu, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Leyte, Masbate, Palawan, Pampanga,
Bataan, Sorsogon, Sulu, Tarlac, Quezon and Zamboanga for large military “exercises” such
as the annual Balikatan. Aside from these are scores of other smaller exercises – with for
instance 163 exercises just in 2008 – and concealed operations. (IBON monitoring)

F 10
ormal peace talks with NDFP stalled Are you in favour of stopping govern-
since August 2004 ment’s “all-out war” policy as the
n Non-implementation of Comprehensive means of resolving armed conflicts nHas no clear stand on peace talks nHas no clear stand on peace talks nLaunched an ‘all-out war in Min-
Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and instead pursue the current peace negotia- except that he believes the root although the party platform on danao’ against Moro communities.
causes must be addressed to get to peace and order proposes a gen-
and International Humanitarian Law tions with the National Democratic Front and the eral amnesty and financial rewards
the right solutions. nImplemented the counter-insur-
(CARHRIHL) Moro Islamic Liberation Front? “with no questions asked and gency campaign Oplan Makabayan
n No talks on Comprehensive Agreement without incurring any criminal or
on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER)
PEACE PROCESS civil liability” for those voluntarily
during his term.
surrendering unlicensed firearms.

Peace talks with MILF erratic since aborted MOA-AD in August 2008

11
n There were 507,000 more female (2.4 Do you uphold gender equality? Do
million) than male “unpaid family you favor expanding opportunities
workers” in 2009 (NSO) for women, gays and lesbians in the nNo clear stand on specific gender nDisagrees that Filipinas should nPenchant for undisguised wom-
n In 2008, female wage and salary workers exercise of their political, economic, cultural issues although declares intent to be liberal “to the effect that they anizing is an indication of how he
in the private sector worked three-and-a- and other rights? promote equal gender opportunity shout women’s rights” and says views gender equality.
half hours longer than males per week in all spheres of public policies and that “allowing a situation where
but were on average paid P5 less per day (NSO) GENDER programs. women demand their rights and the
state gives it [results in] a social
n Only three out of ten (32.2%) Certificates of Land Ownership Awards imbalance [and] a legal imbal-
(CLOAs) are held by women (DAR) ance [that erodes] the dignity of
n One in five women aged 15-49 years old have experienced physical violence since age 15; woman” where “the effect [is] that
three in twenty married women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by their she [would] needlessly compete
husbands (NSO) with the Filipino man.”
n Women occupy only a little over two out of ten of elective positions (23.2%). (COMELEC)

T
12
he 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Will you promote a culture that em-
Article XIV, Section 6 states: phasizes nationalism and service to
n “The national language of the Philippines the people? Will you uphold Filipino
is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further nNo clear stand. nSupports giving incentives to nNo clear stand.
as the national language? filmmakers in “historical fields
developed and enriched on the basis of existing where they teach patriotism and
Philippine and other languages.” NATIONAL CULTURE nationalism”.

P res. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 210 (May 2003) increasing the use of
English as a medium of instruction – as a second language from grade one, in teaching Science,
nParty platform advocates:
strengthening education in the sci-
ences, mathematics, engineering

14
Math and English from grade three, and as the primary medium of instruction in high school. and English.
The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria
 Richard Juico
“Dick” Gordon
Bagumbayan-Volunteers for
a New Philippines
(B.BAYAN-VNP)
nFully supports the VFA and
wants greater cooperation
with the US military, although
says that the US should
respect the jurisdiction of
the Philippines especially on
custodial issues.
nCampaigned for the US mili-
tary bases to remain in 1991.
nBelieves that the solution to
armed conflict in Mindanao is prog-
ress and “meaningful autonomy”.
nSays that all forms of gender
inequality should be opposed and
ended, although no clear stand in
practice.
nSays the country needs strong
leaders who are clearly against
corruption, focused on the coun-
try’s problems, and are not willing
to bend the rules for the Filipino
elite or foreigners.
IBON Foundation | PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for Change
Maria Ana Consuelo
“Jamby”
Madrigal-Valade
Independent
nPlatform declares keep-
ing the Philippines free from
foreign military intrusion and
nuclear weapons, stopping
the interference of foreign
military forces, and repealing
the Visiting Forces Agreement
(VFA), Mutual Logistics Sup-
port Agreement (MLSA) and
the Military Assistance Pact.
n Platform supports “sincere”
negotiations with the NDF and MILF
based on social justice, national
sovereignty and genuine reforms.
nSays that all forms of gender
inequality should be opposed and
ended, including unequal pay for
equal work, discriminatory access
to work, sexual harassment, sexual
exploitation and abuse, rape, and
sexist culture and biases.
nWill promote deeper nationalist
education and attitudes, especially
on nationalist economics, and also
through the primary use of Filipino
as medium of instruction
Nicanor Jesus
“Nicky” Pineda
Perlas III
Independent
nHas expressed concern
about possible constitutional
violations of the continued
presence of US troops.
nBelieves that the country
can enter into principled
partnerships with foreign
countries for the development
of its resources as long as the
rights of the Philippines are
recognized and respected.
nFavors renegotiating the
Memorandum of Agreement on
Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with
special provisions, among others,
for adequate consultation on both
Muslim and Christian sides.
nVows to reopen negotiations with
the National Democratic Front of
the Philippines (NDFP) and ensure
that all peace negotiations are
anchored on government’s will
nOther than opposition to human
trafficking, has no clear stand.
nNo clear stand.
Gilberto Eduardo
Gerardo ”Gibo”
Cojuangco Teodoro, Jr
Lakas ng Tao-Kabalikat ng Malay-
ang Pilipino (LAKAS-KAMPI)
nFully supports deeper RP-US
military relations and ar-
gues that these bring great
benefits.
nAvid defender of the VFA,
from his time as defense
secretary, and says that the
country should even have
more VFAs or Status of Forces
Agreements (SOFA) with other
countries.
nDoes not believe that social, economic
and political problems are the root
causes of armed conflict and is categori-
cally opposed to negotiations between
parties as equals.
nHas expressed frustration with the
‘winning hearts and minds’ approach,
indeed blaming this for the lingering
insurgency, and advocates increasing the
use of the state’s coercive powers and
armed forces.
nNo clear stand on gender issues.
nNo clear stand.
Eduardo “Eddie”
Cruz Villanueva
Bangon Pilipinas (BP)
nFavors the VFA “as long
as the VFA is helping our
soldiers” and the Philippine
government has custody over
American soldiers committing
crimes in the country.
nWants to provide an inde-
pendent framework of foreign
policies defined by what is
best for Filipinos.
nVows to take long-term steps
for the peace agenda including
equitable distribution of national
wealth and income, federalism,
focus on the agricultural sector,
distribution of abandoned lands for
poverty alleviation, putting up of
basic facilities, and the reorienta-
tion of the AFP-PNP.
n Vows to strengthen existing
gender and development main-
streaming programs to bridge
policy gaps that weaken pro-
women and pro-children laws
nVows to make the national lan-
guage a priority in education.
nBelieves in promoting patriotism
“as a way of life, not simply a
rhetoric” and the need to nurture
love for country and the next
generation”.
Manuel “Manny”
Bamba Villar Jr.
Nacionalista party (NP)
nBelieves that the VFA
should be reviewed as well
as other unequal economic,
military and other foreign
treaties.
nPlatform promises to chart
a foreign policy based on
respect for national sover-
eignty and ensuring mutual
benefit.
nBelieves that the peace process
should continue but also thinks
that peace can be attained by
strengthening and modernizing
the AFP.
nSays that the problem of armed
conflict can be solved through
economic development.
nHas no clear stand on gender
equality but was quoted as
saying that gender rights are
important “but divisive matters
(like gay rights and marriage) are
not a priority.”
nNo clear stand.
nBelieves that English should be
the medium of instruction. In his
platform, he vows to improve the
arts and culture so “we will not
lose our soul.”
15
 5 easy steps to vote

1
Introduce yourself to the precinct’s Board
of Election Inspectors (BEI). Sign the Elec-
tion Day Voters’ Computerized List (ED-
VCL). Get the ballot, secrecy folder and marker
from the BEI.

IBON is a research-education-information PAGBABAGO! People’s Movement for

development institution. IBON studies Change is a movement of reform-ori-
the socioeconomic issues confronting ented and progressive individuals and
Philippine society and the world today. groups aspiring for meaningful change
It explores alternatives and promotes a -- one that is not just issue-based but

new understanding of socio-economic
issues that best serve the interests and
aspirations of the Filipino people. IBON
commits to bring this knowledge and in-
formation to the greatest number so that
the people may effectively participate
in building a self-reliant and progressive
Philippines, a nation that is sovereign
and democratic.
2
carrying a more comprehensive reform
program. Pagbabago! adresses the un-
Using the marker provided by the COM-
derlying problems of Philippine Society ELEC, fully shade the oblong beside the
and resonates with the people’s basic name of your chosen candidate/s. You can
demands and most deeply held aspira-
tions for economic progress, social
vote for less but not more than the number of
justice, and genuine national indepen- positions at stake or your balllot will be invali-
dence and dignity as a people. dated. (1 president, 1 vice president, 12 sena-
tors, 1 partylist and so on.)

3
Bring your ballot to the Precinct Count Opti-
Where the Presidentiables Stand: References cal Scan machine. Insert the short portion of
the ballot into the PCOS. Wait for the machine
1. A Reading of the Estrada administration: One Year Later (http://www.philsol.nl/solcon/Miriam-Coronel-99.htm) screen to flash this message: “Congratulations,
2. Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Philippines) (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/
eap/8371.htm) your vote has been registered.”
3. Government workers unite! COURAGE position paper on the Estrada administration (http://www.hartford-hwp.
com/archives/54a/121.html)
4. Halalan 2010

4
5. Para sa Mahirap? (http://www.philsol.nl/A01a/Erap-Kompil-nov00.htm)
6. Political Arena (http://ph.politicalarena.com) Return the secrecy folder as well as the mark-
7. Possible Presidentiables for the 2010 Elections (http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/cosca/2010)
8. Presidential Promises (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/opinion/view/20090701-213294/Presi- er to the BEI.
dential-promises)
9. The Estrada Government Amidst the Crisis: Can it deliver its promises to the poor? (http://www.philsol.nl/fora/
NL99a-Morales.htm)
10. The Estrada Trial (http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/theestradatrial/view.php?db=1&artic
le=20071102-98301)
11. The Indigenous People’s Rights Act (http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Indigenous_Peoples/PHI/chap-
ter_4.pdf)
12. The Road to the 2010 Presidential Elections (http://www.elections.ph/01-richard-dick-gordon-zte-prosecut-
ing-arroyos-marcos-erap-case-dzbb-interview/)
13. Unity Statement, 2nd Congress of Migrant International (http://list.jca.apc.org/public/asia-apec/2000-Janu-
ary/001387.html)

5
14. Noynoy Aquino website (http://www.noynoy.ph)
15. Joseph Ejercito Estrada website (http://www.erap.ph)
16. Jamby Madrigal website (www.jambymadrigal.com)
Have the nail of your
17. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro website (http://75.125.2.19/) index finger marked with
18. Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva website (http://blog.broeddie.ph)
19. Manny Villar website (http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph) indelible ink. Also, put
20. http://www.scribd.com/doc/25368600/2010-Presidentiables-Voting-Record
21. http://www.fes.org.ph/uploads/documents/issue03_PoP2010.pdf your thumbmark on the desig-
22. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:81yzJt4RLooJ:www.saprin.org/philippines/research/phi_min-
ing_sum.pdf+mining+policy+Pres+Estrada&hl=tl&gl=ph&sig=AHIEtbT-tzBtjixuuwGBaOG2uUyQD1I2PQ
nated space on the EDVCL.
23. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/183992/5-presidential-bets-vow-to-go-after-arroyo-over-hello-garci
and various news reports

16 Based on “5 Easy Steps sa Pagboto sa AES” by the Workers’ Election Watch (WE-Watch)
The People’s Choice: The May 2010 Elections and the People’s Criteria