Monday, February 8, 2010

Noy asked on IRA: Says share of local Good behavior, reward. Bad behavior, punishment. Cites ARMM budget which hasn't been used well.

JC: We must break the paradigm of the trained, exportable Filipino. Orient education sector to make our graduates serve our country. Asked where will he get funds for education reforms as other agencies need funds, too. He fumbles.

Gordon asked what would his development policies for Mindanao. Says moral infrastructure -- get the corrupt out; those guvs who don't account for money. Legal infrastructure: make sure planning is central. Mindanao is not a war zone. We should correct image so teachers and other professionals won't be scared. Place Navy hospital ships so they know we give them importance.

Jamby asked if she is allergic to pork barrel. She calls it a source of corruption. Says she will reserve it only for a few poor places and with very strict audit. She goes back to attacking Villar, citing insertions and saying legislators who enrich themselves this way should be charged with plunder.

Perlas asked if he favors liberalized mining industry. He says current situation has displaced so many people I want transformation of mining law to make sure we don't trample on rights if IPs, that distribution of wealth, safeguard resources and environment. We cannot destroy the source of our life. If we destroy our environment, our economy will collapse

Gibo asked about the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer? He says it's a lament heard around the world. Asked how he would change it How do you change. An open economy with clear standards, you want equal access and opportunity for all.
get from those who have and transfer to poor or move as many people beyond poverty line....
Built in advantage for rich? Capital is needed and there are other ways you can help

Bro Eddie asked about stimulus package, replies with answer about global trade, that the principle of equality and reciprocity should apply. Reminded the question is about stimulus package, he talks about need to root out corruption.

Villar first address the deficit, increase revenues very quickly. Important for first person to manage this nation from day one. No single aspect is paramount, all at once. He has program for foreign investment, for infrastructure and importance given to agriculture. Improve revenue collection -- FVR time tax revenue took up 70% of GDP, now just 30 plus percent. (Hey, let's bring FVR back! hehe)

Gibo asked what opportunities missed due to corruption: Says he can't site specific opportunity. He says corruption takes direct and indirect toll, investments wise, aid wise and competitive situation of the country. And he cites also the corruption of no long-term continuity of policies.

JC asked what his econ policy towards Mindanao: We see Mindanao as just a source of wealth for us outside. We should see Mindanao folk as our brothers. The problem there is also corruption. The challenge is locate leaders.

Villar asked if he wants Concon or Con-Ass and what econ policies he wants, specifically if he backs land for foreigners, 40-60% equity in select industries. He says it is not that important. Will give it to people to decide via referendum. Asked if he wants to open up more to foreigners, he says we are open enough.

Perlas asked on social insurance. Tackles corruption in GSIS. He says people should be given options so they do not get stuck with corrupt agencies. He says social insurance can be strengthened by ridding all agencies of corruption.

Bro Eddie asked if he will consider a halt to debt payment. He says that after establishing regime of righteousness and getting confidence of foreign investors, then he can study possible repeal of automatic debt appropriations act or renegotiate with creditors.

Jamby asked how much galunggong and itlog na pula. Is at a loss. Jeers. Says she is an acceptable living standard means a person earning minimum of P15,000 per month. P30,000 bare minimum to survive because WTO has destroyed agriculture so food prices are high.

Noy asked how he will balance budget: No increase in taxes, he says, just better collection. Gives nod to Villar's earlier
statement.

JC, citing talks with Bernie Villegas, says maybe foreigners can be allowed limited land but then takes it back and says maybe not, Filipinos need their land. How about selling the land to rich foreigners? He says they did it in Honolulu and now the Japanese own it. He wants to be a nationalist on the land issue.

Perlas asked about increased salaries for teachers. Says yes, but must be pegged on performance and plenty of re-training.

Gordon on raising taxes: No president wants that, it is anathema. But look at budget. We will be lying to you if we tell you there will be no higher taxes. I want teachers to get P40,000 a month; I want kindergarten in public school. Everything has its price.

Jamby asked why she thinks big businessman should vote for her. She says they shouldn't because she plans to oppose cartels. I am not courting the vote of big businessman. I am courting the people who want change. She says she is a nationalist.

Bro Eddie: What is the single economic program you want to be your flagship. Massive development of small and medium enterprises, putting up growth centers. This will be funded by savings from erasing corruption. Democratization of economy.

Villar: Other than Mrs. Villar, which generous friends paid for your television commercials. Pera ko yan. It is important to ask, who is giving them money because they might become the rulers. Is it so hard to believe that a (once) poor man could become President.

Gibo asked for centerpiece sector. He says agriculture. Food security and amelioration of the farmers, to allow them to re-invest in micro industries. Also tourism and infrastructure.

WANNABE BOSSES5: Philippine Daily Inquirer 1st Edition The Presidential Debate

Noy asked how we would advice young people on sexuality. Says talk to parents, don't be blind.

JC asked on RH. The RH code is indeed dangerous. I invite everyone to study it well. Many provisions that would almost allow abortion. Between a crook and RH advocate -- the worst thing is have crook in govt. But equally dangerous is RH bill. Many of our modern family planning methods are abortifacients.

Gordon asked how he would protect environment: We must balance jobs and environment. We have to protect environment to save jobs in the future.

Jamby asked on nutrition, junk foods and softdrinks. Would you support strict controls on these that Europe has passed? Says she will back even more stringent laws. Blames the Villar minority for failure to pass Milk Code that would have saved lives of infants, from 0 to 2 years old, saying this worsens diarrhea woes affecting 20% of child mortality below 5.
"My administration would limit junk food, tax softdrinks and make sure big conglomerates don't sell poison."

Perlas says if he backs out he will back an independent candidate, says he is all for the "bottom dwellers."

Gibo asked on restive troops: Build culture of competence and discipline. You cannot have discipline if you do not have competence. We need to address material needs, cites that modernization funds not enough. There needs to be a balance.

Bro Eddie asked if he will back expanded benefits for elderly and how will fund it. Yes, all ways and means, and have them exempt from E-VAT. Where will funds come from? Good governance will provide through savings.

Villar asked about GMA's expensive dinners. He says it's wrong, no public official should do that. He is twitted for making Las Pinas one big subdivision and will he duplicate this nationwide? He says he is proud of Las Pinas; it is very progressive. He is asked about conflicts between his being a businessman and public servant. He says he is no longer a businessman, that he was the industry leader before entering politics. In Tagalog, he asks: Why is so hard for you to believe that a poor person can become rich without having to become a criminal.

Gordon turns an anti-Erap question to a slam against Villar: If your leader does not face up to accountability, do not vote for that person.

JC asked on freedom on informed choice. If there are choices that are dangerous, we shouldn't support it. I am all for what the RH bill advocates but to copy it from development agencies that impose it on us, I will not agree, too. Instead of sex education for children and youth, have adults go to barangay health centers.

Villar cites need for cohesive urban planning, says many mayors not trained and giving permits without studying well. Also says dismantling of congested communities should not be done without clear relocation sites.

Perlas asked who he would appoint as DENR secretary. He says Tony Oposa, RM awardee and who won landmark SC decision that obligates government to protect the rights of future generations. He really likes Tony. (I do, too.)

Bro Eddie asked how he can help stop Manila centrism: He says true, genuine autonomy for Mindanao. Federalism. And that income from the big companies there shouldn't be sent to Manila (via taxes) but used to develop Mindanao. Ang mula sa Mindanao, gamitin para sa Mindanao.

Jamby asked for views on divorce. The fact that only the rich can get marriages annulled in this country, makes the lack of divorce law anti-poor. Says it must be put to people through referendum -- uh but she doesn't really address the question because she talks about the poor cohabiting and thus siring illegitimate kids.

Noy asked how to ensure separation of church and state. Says getting consensus will help. Guy Claudio asks what doesn't he like with the RH bill: . What's lack in RH -- budget for artificial means; baka maloko ang clients

Do you influence Kris: I speak my mind but open to opinions opposite of my mind. But at the end of the day, I make my own decisions. Kris influence? "My clothes." A democracy means you respect voices different from yours.

JC asked why he has sent kids to public school when he was sent to good Catholic schools. He says to be one with the poor but adds that he and his wife try to compensate for weaknesses in public school system.

Perlas asked on consultation: The new balance of power should be larger, to include civil society and business. You should empower. Not just consult, but massive effort to have government agency have civil society representation.

Gordon asked on call to bring back criminal charges for kids. He says he was wrong to back the law that lifts criminal accountability from kids because criminal groups are now using children. He said rights must be balanced with duties and obligations.

Jamby asked if she has anything good to say about Villar. She compliments his dyed hair. She is asked re migrants -- says OFW problem is a result of GMA administration, accused the President of practising slavery with her policies toward work in Middle East.

Bro Eddie: Asked about a husband forcing himself on his wife on days she says are unsafe and she gets an abortion. human rights of women are primordial. Any form of abortion hindi papayag si Brother Eddie. Abortion is murder. But I am for sound family planning without violating our moral foundation.

Villar asked about high rents in malls and public markets that burdens small entrepreneurs. He gives a long-winded answer that says nothing.

Gibo asked how to stop corruption in Bureau of Customs: Combine prevention (more legitimate incentives) and punishment. Too much temptation, too little incentives. Crime prevention? Increase police visibility and invest more on scene-of-the-crime equipment and other crime-solving facilities.
JC slams "empty" and expensive ads, says they destroy idealism of the youth. Hmmm, now we know Villar is getting there when everyone gangs up on him -- the way they ganged up on Noynoy before.

Perlas asked if he will agree when people vote on something his environmental principles might dislike. He says environment policies should respect culture and aspirations on communities.

Jamby asked what role her husband will have in her administration. I will cut his head and thumb and quarter him if he acts like the present FG.

Bro. Eddie asked whether religious belief would hamper his style of governance, especially in talking peace with Muslim rebels. He cites Muslims in his lineup. He says it's all about righteousness, not religion. Why does Bro Eddie use the third person to refer to himself?

Villar on district representation: He says it should ideally be based on population. But that you cannot cast aside small provinces. Dapat one time re-districting. Now inefficient. Dapat pantay.

Gibo: three names rank how impt on your life and how will you save them from prison if they are accused of crimes. He says the mother in law is most important because without her, no daughter and no wife. But as for prison, that's their lookout. Asked who is most impt, he repeats mother in law... and the rest are equal.

WANNABE BOSSES3: Philippine Daily Inquirer 1st Edition The Presidential Debate

Noynoy Aquino comes out first, JC de los Reyes of Kapatiran next, then Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Nicki Perlas, Sec. Gilbert Teodoro (who gets really loud cheers), Brother Eddie Villanueva, and Sen. Manny Villar (also very loud cheers).
Candidates as to come forward, place hands together and "pose for history." Okay, that was a bit too much, John :)
Noy in black, Jamby green, Bro Eddie in yellow.
You have taken the position that GMA should not appoint next SC. Noy asked about his warning not to recognize next SC justice. Wouldn't this jeopardize orderly transition?
Noy says he just wanted to warn that a Chief Justice who early on is already "kasama sa isang act na complicitly illegal" would be a danger to the country and that he just wants to do his duty to make sure the law is respected. He is asked, shouldn't this be left to judiciary... and I lose track of his answer. Audio's bad

Gordon is asked if he can tackle the country, which is much bigger and certainly more unwieldy than Subic. He rambles... he says "ang kalaban natin sa tomorrow ay our doubts."

Jamby on executive privilege: "unconstitutional" (um, not what the SC said). I will be transparent, agency budgets and plans to be put online. I won't need executive privilege the way GMA is using it.

Perlas on who is best president and why? He says Ramos. No hesitation. "I don't totally agree with everything he did. He had a quality of consulting people. He actually listened. He truly tried to engage civil society. We would have debates. He was willing to change his position."

Gibo asked about his waffling on the RH bill. Can he withstand pressure? He says there is need to work with consensus. Bottomline is to respect moral choice.

Brother Eddie will dismantle all private armies. Does not answer if he will allow journalists to carry firearms. Asked about his comments re gays, he says all Filipinos should have equal status under the law and should be protected against all kinds of discrimination, no matter sex or gender. (Hmmm, silent on sexual identity)

Villar asked a trick question -- one suited for beauty pageant, Fe Zamora quips. He says any child born in poverty will dream of wealth. But once you get that, you yearn to serve and for that you need power.

Jamby, who was once biggest spender, now is all righteousness. Slams kids in ads and big spenders. Is challenged about her use of Juday before. Says she has since seen the light. Hehehehe

WANNABE BOSSES2: Philippine Daily Inquirer 1st Edition The Presidential Debate

"The program will start in five minutes."
I'm giggling at the PDI ad. You know those soap opera stars who can't talk conversationally and seem to have been born with a gene whose sole use is to spout quotable quotes? I think a similar person wrote the PDI ad scripts. Wow, our colleagues talk in rhyme!
John Nery seems to be MC. Acknowledging Marixi Prieto, Eggie Apostol, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc. Sandy Prieto for welcoming remarks. She greets "fellow seekers of a better Philippines." She calls the May polls as the most important presidential election in a generation. She notes that this year the electorate, the electorate enjoys the advantage of presidential candidates allowing themselves to be grilled. Short and sweet. We'll see if this debate will indeed shape public discourse.
John now discussing rules. I can hear the supporters outside in full-throated revelry.
Oh dear, no Erap. What's with UP and Erap? hehe

WANNABE BOSSES: Philippine Daily Inquirer 1st Edition The Presidential Debate

Don't know if this is going to fly; first attempt at live-blogging of a serious nature. I can already feel a crick in my neck from having to stare down at my lap.

I count seven bloggers at the back of the UP Theater, which is rapidly filling up with supporters and critics of the wannabe bosses of this benighted land. I only recognize Alex Remolino of Bulatlat, now having breakfast beside me. I am a newbie in the brave new world of live-blogging and rather proud at finally getting connected without having to scream for a techie.

The stage backdrop is a stylized flag with a huge sun peeking over the blue. It is a mouthful, the title of this event. There are three aqua panels, with smaller white panels within, on both wings of the stage. Two screens on each side, too, now showing a series of PDI veterans, including some columnists, all earnestly declaiming lines that are clearly meant to be profound and impress us with the level of intellect in in the country's largest newspaper. Very much like what ABS-CBN and CNN love to do.

The bottom part of the theater in now full. I hear drums beating a festive rhythm. Those are Villar's people in their orange shirts, dancing and hee-hawing. Noynoy's yellow-clad fans are here, too, as are Gibo's followers in bright green.

Let me briefly digress. Whoever thought of using the phrase Yellow Army is doing Noynoy a disservice. Yellow Army doesn't refer to the brave folk who thronged EDSA to save the sorry ars_s of Fidel V. Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile. Yellow Army, if I remember right, referred to the private army of the Cojuangco clan, back in those days when they were called the CHDF. Yellow Army doesn't do much to bolster confidence in Noy's ability to bring about peace. Okay, we're about to start....