What pushed Senator JV Ejercito continue serving the Filipinos

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Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito seek a Senate position in the 2022 elections.

(Here's  a quick and exclusive interview with the bloggers last Sunday, simple and straight question and answer)

What Pushed Senator JV Ejercito to continue serving the Filipinos?

Ejercito, who is eyeing a comeback at the Senate, to continue the "Unfinished business’, wants to focus on 3 important things when winning again as a Senator. These are the following:

*Universal Healthcare

*Human Settlement or Housing

*Infrastructure Development

His re-run is the promise of a better life for the people and this is the proof of some resolutions and bills that he has served until they are enacted.

* Universal Healthcare

Ejercito said he will continue his fight to provide the Filipinos a better healthcare system, strengthening the implementation of Universal Healthcare Law (UHC), which he authored.

Ejercito expressed hope he could "pick up where he left off" while working at the Senate. He said

"Sayang, especially with this pandemic, I feel that it is my obligation and my duty all the more to push the Universal Healthcare Law, which I sponsored and authored while I was still at the Senate,"

Senator JV Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 1458, also known as the "Universal Healthcare for All Filipinos Act" which has been approved just recently into law, signed by the President.

"Ito'y aking passion, obligasyon na maisakatuparan ang isang tunay na healthcare system na ang bawat Pilipino ay makikinabang at hindi na mahihirapan without the financial burden."

"Now more than ever, the UHC (Universal Health Care), which is still a work in progress, has to be prioritized and implemented properly."

* Human Settlement or Housing

Senator JV Ejercito also filed Senate Bill No. 1578 or the "Creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development".

Ejercito said the government, for the last 30 years, has no rational and systematic way of addressing the nation’s housing needs.

“We continue to be challenged with problems of overcrowding, restrictions in unlocking land for human settlements, increasing number of homeless people and multiplying families living in slums, riverbanks and danger zones."

What we need is one housing department with one board working towards one direction, creating the roadmap for housing and urban development, leading its implementation, setting the general direction for everyone and able to follow through each and every project with clear functions, policies, budget and financing.”

The lawmaker said the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development would combine the administrative functions of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the planning and regulatory functions of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The department would be responsible for all housing and urban concerns, including planning, policy-making, regulations, program coordination, and performance monitoring.

*Infrastructure Development

Ejercito also vowed to prioritize creating a Philippine Comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan should he get elected again in the Senate.

This master plan, according to Ejercito, will serve as a blueprint for major infrastructure projects in the country that would be in operation for decades.

“Regardless kung sino ang uupong Pangulo, ito ay magiging master plan ng ating bansa for major infrastructure projects. Maaaring tumagal ito ng ilang dekada, ” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRvmMPMkB98

Ejercito noted that when he was in the Senate, he was one of the most vocal advocates of major transportation infrastructure projects, like the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul in Southern Luzon and the Mindanao Railway System.

Ejercito also said the nation needs major transportation projects like, railway system for economic growth by spreading the development to the countryside.

Ejercito, (with the tag as The Good One)  believes that the aspirations he started will not remain just a dream if he is given another chance to serve our nation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcZu1PPVcFU&t=58s

Antique Rep. Loren Legarda leads Manila Bulletin-Tangere’s February senatorial survey

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Three-term Senator, Deputy Speaker, Antique Rep. Loren Legarda topped the latest Manila Bulletin-Tangere senatorial preference survey for the May 2022 elections.

Conducted from Feb. 25 to 27, 2022, with 2,400 respondents, the survey results showed Legarda with 51.92 percent of the voter preference.

Ranking 2nd and 3rd were former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar (46.04 percent) and Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo (46 percent).

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (45.58 percent), Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero (41.71 percent), Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri (37.79 percent), and Senator Joel Villanueva (34.67 percent) ranked 4th to 7th.

Completing the top 12 were Senator Risa Hontiveros (30.13 percent), actor Robin Padilla (28.63 percent), Taguig-Pateros 1st District Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (27.54 percent), former Senator Jinggoy Estrada (22.04 percent), and former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (20.83 percent).

The survey results showed former Vice President Jejomar Binay (20.79 percent) at 13th place.

At 14th to 16th places were former Senator JV Ejercito (20.29 percent), Senator Richard Gordon (18.83 percent), and former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (18.08 percent).

The Manila Bulletin-Tangere survey was conducted among 2,400 mobile application users—552 in Northern and Central Luzon, 552 in Mindanao, 528 in Southern Luzon and Bicol, 480 in the Visayas, and 288 in the National Capital Region.

Legarda is the first national candidate to file COC at 8 am, seeks re-election as Senator

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Three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker , Loren Legarda filed her candidacy as Senator at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City early morning on October 1.

Legarda currently serves as member of the House of Representatives, representing the Lone District of the Province of Antique. Prior to her election to the current position in May 2019, she was a three-term Senator and chaired the Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, economic affairs, environment and Climate Change, among others. She has authored numerous laws currently being used during the pandemic, and, as Finance Chair for four years, ensured the funding of vital government programs aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos and making such programs more accessible to the people.

“Our pandemic recovery should respond to the health needs of our people and on our economic recovery and should be attuned to the climate pathway as we are also dealing with the climate crisis. With my 20 years of experience as Senator and my stint as Representative of the Lone District of Antique, I am confident that I can do much more to help solve the twin crisis, for the welfare of the Filipino people,” Legarda said

Legarda, who previously topped the Senate race twice, in 1998 and 2007, explained that she will be campaigning for the future generations and will continue to push for the advocacies she has always espoused for decades now.

“More jobs and livelihood, quality education, efficient healthcare system, stronger environmental protection and cultural preservation – these are what I have always championed since I was first elected Senator in 1998 and these are what I will continue to prioritize, given a fresh start in the Senate in 2022. I would like to continue what I have started and do much more – provide for the needs of all Filipinos, bring the government programs closer to them especially to the marginalized and vulnerable, and ensure an inclusive, equitable, resilient and sustainable growth and recovery for all,” Legarda concluded.

Sharon Cuneta's brother Chet runs for mayor in Pasay ..... aims to continue their father's legacy

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"I want to make the best of my life by serving the people of Pasay" - Chet Cuneta

Cesar 'Chet' Cuneta, aims to continue his father's political legacy, to follow in the footsteps of the late former Pasay City mayor Pablo Cuneta who served the city for 42 years under seven presidents.

Brother of Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Chet spent 33 years working as a pilot before being convinced to enter the political arena.

“I am a pilot, been one for 33 years. Didn’t plan this but was urged by the President in Davao. I am married to Michelle and have 7 children. I am 57 years old and hopefully, be full time in serving the people of Pasay," Ched introduced himself during the recent blog conference.

Chet's tagline now is “Bagong Umaga, Pasay Bangon Na!”

Chet proudly pronounced how he would do a better job than the incumbent. 

"I want to make the best of my life by serving the people of Pasay. My Dad had 42 years of service to the country, I have seen the need to run the city properly. Health Care, Senior Citizens, Education. Hopefully to build more hospitals because there is a need to do that, " adds Chet.

Chet said "I will make sure that all of Pasay's earnings will go toward making the city progressive, and will be for the benefit of the people."

All set for political comeback for Team Pilipinas (Gilas) and NLEX Road Warriors Coach Yeng Guiao

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Popularly known as “Coach Yeng”, the former Pampanga Vice-Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is all set for a political comeback and will brace for his campaign in 2019 despite his double-duty as Team Pilipinas and NLEX coach.

Having served as a board member and three-term vice-governor of Pampanga and held the same congressional seat in 2013, this year, Coach Yeng wants to retake his former congressional seat in Pampanga’s first district.

In an exclusive interview with bloggers , Guiao said that he is running under the Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) party to retake his former congressional seat in Pampanga’s first district.

Sports person, Coach Yeng is no stranger to politics but the works he has and always been doing is full with advocacies. His legislative platform has been and will be centered on healthcare, education and other basic social services. Guiao also bared plans to strengthen more programs for senior citizens.

Coach Yeng added, stressing that the district, now more than ever, needs more basic services. “We are looking at more health care security for the people of the district as well as more access to education.” 

Coach Yeng's love for sports will also be reflected in his programs as he will push for youth development under sports. 

“As a politician you have to be aware of the everyday needs of your constituents: mga tulong sa ospital, mga namamatayan, mga naggagamot, nag da dialysis. Of course we are also putting emphasis on that. Some of our major advocacies are education and health and the protection of the environment.” says Coach Yeng Guiao.

“I have been a coach for 2 and a half years, in different teams, 7 championships in the PBA and also made the world cup with Gilas Pilipinas. We are preparing for the World Cup in China, where the best of the best will meet. These are good teams but we hope to pull some upsets. There are 4 teams in a group and if we win two games, we are going high in the rankings. Angola is the African champ, Italy and Serbia is world ranked. This time I have a different challenge, to represent the 1st District of Pampanga. I have ran for 3 terms as a Vice Governor of Pampanga, so I have both basketball and politics all my life. This is a challenge, in any way or form, I have an advocacy to have continuous improvement of the Clark Airport which is in my district. We now have more tourists, bills and resolutions have been passed. We now have a new terminal, there are other items like the North Rail too, hopefully work it out so we can run from Tutuban to there and be finished in two years. Clark is also the sports capital of the country, in hosting the SEA Games, this will be true. We have been pushing for this ever since. Hopefully this will benefit much of my constituents, together with the usual things they need for education, health, and life. Clark is progressing because all the places around it us benefiting from it now. We are also doing a lot in improving the educational system, and the health advocacy. The new law applied for universal health care is one example, we support that fully and hopefully we find ways to improve that.”

“Since I am in Basketball I am focused on it but I am a sports fan and enthusiast, to improve the other sports in general is part of that. We need to make every sport especially the ones we excel at be done and officiated better. We want to promote sports with weight categories because we have a lot of talent. I am one of the main authors of giving bigger rewards for sports winners. It is what is being used today. Funding is of course a problem, other countries are spending more but my take is that to concretely make this better, we filed to do an existing law to get 5% of gross to go to sports. Right now, 2.5% is sent to law, while the other half goes to the office of the President and nobody challenged it but I did. I am still waiting for the decision, that is 13-15 Billion pesos and it would be a big help in the yearly income of sports for that. In order to answer to solve it, we need to have that reinstated.”

“Clark has 120,000 employees, improvement of educational system and making them a part of that plus run for more investments in the district will make it a whole lot better. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is the best thing to have rather than us waiting to get sick. I will support legislations to improve the environment. If I win the district, I will still be coaching, I don’t believe we have to stop as long as we can do both. Being disciplined in the management of your time, in basketball and legislation, I have already done that in the last few years and we didn’t have a problem in commitments because I have done both. Politics and Sports have similarities, you cannot go to a game or office unprepared. There are also intrigues, but you have to be emotionally stable, you will see bashers, the pressure is great and you can lose your job. You are only as good as your last term or game, it is part of our job and we have to accept that. It is a competition, you are joining the PBA for results, same with your district, coaching for 30 years, I have seen how it happens and I can focus on service for constituents. It is both stressful, one is for 48 minutes, the other for 3 years. I constituents asking for help 24/7 and you get used to it, to handle it. I am under a local party.”

Coach Yeng is supported by team members at Team Pilipinas (Gilas) and Team NLEX Road Warriors.

Asi Taulava says “In international competitions, our team, it’s a different game. Our coach as a congressman can boost that. We are all rooting for him.”

Kieffer Ravena says “The short time I have been with them, he is very genuine. He says it when you need to improve on, every opportunity he gets to help in the youth of Pampanga. In my scenario, it would have been easy to let me go but they supported me, it helps to have leaders who gives you confidence to do your own thing. A lot of players know and want to play for him, to become the best person possible, he does it a lot. He makes students be in their best position, I am open to help in his campaign. I believe in what he is fighting for, not because he is my coach, but his sincerity, if he gets elected Pampanga will be benefiting from it.”

National Heroes Day with ‘Million People March’

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The “Million People March,” which started as an online campaign against the Priority Development Assistance Fund, aims to gather a million people on National Heroes Day, Monday, August 26, 2013.

Let's work together, stand up and be counted .. for our country for our future and for the greater good.

The initial plan of a peaceful rally in Luneta is a national campaign as enraged netizens agreed to hold similar protest actions in various convergence points across the country.

According to Noemi Lardizabal Dado, "there are no “central organizers” for the event, some of them met last week to talk about several issues involving the “picnic protest.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/1409315085958044/

"This is NOT a duplicate event. I created this event page for our network of friends interested to meet up on August 26 and assemble at the Luneta Grounds of the Quirino Grandstand for the August 26 facebook event as posted "MILLION PEOPLE MARCH TO LUNETA AUGUST 26: SA ARAW NG MGA BAYANI. PROTESTA ng BAYAN!!!"

https://www.facebook.com/events/406846762761075

Let's meet up. Many groups will be present on this day. I am only one out of many concerned citizens . I took it upon myself to ensure the safety of those that I invited . Together with a group of concerned citizens (who do not wish to be named), we aligned our messaging and logistics. There is no organizer except that, there is the Facebook admin (Peachy Bretana) and Kiko Acero who will speak to media.

The KEY MESSAGES for August 26.

1. The PDAF or Pork Barrel Fund be scrapped.

2. All the Government Officials who are found to be involved in the malversation of the Pork Barrel Funds issued to them as well as all private individuals involved be held liable civilly and criminally for such following the proper legal procedure before the proper 

legal venues.

HASHTAG: #ScrapPork

MEETING PLACE

Entrance is at the Carabao part by Roxas Boulevard. The protest area is on Burnham Greens across the Quirino grandstand and Rizal Monument

Time: 9:00 AM at our designated places in Luneta (See sector map )

Ends at 2:00 PM

COLOR THEME: any desired color. 

See me at Sector 6AB (see sector map) Since I want to be easily spotted, I will wear Teal sun hat and light blueTop. I will also bring a flag to wave so you can easily spot our network of friends.

Hashtag is #ScrapPork

(Updated as of Aug 25 7AM)

REMINDERS

1.There is no central organizer, it’s a citizen’s gathering; all are welcome

This is a peaceful gathering, so always be respectful of others and let’s cover each others backs

No central stage but small pockets with apple boxes for each group who wants to set up one; Each group would be in charge of their own activities

2. All picnic goers are expected to clean up after themselves, so please bring garbage bags

3. Look after your valuables

Rizal Park, including the Burnham Greens (grassy area of the main gathering), is a NO SMOKING AREA; drinking of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited

If you are bringing young children, you may consider putting a label on their wrist with contact information in case they stray away from you

4. Look after your own group and make sure we maintain proper decorum and discipline

5. Let’s show the world that we can all gather in a peaceful, harmonious, cooperative and caring way.

LOGISTICS present:

1. Video wall in the center- for hashtag #ScrapPork

2. Command Center and First aid station beside Video Wall- for general announcements, two police with radio for any reporting of incidents

3.. Ambulance on both sides of Quirino Grandstand

4. 700 marshals

You can also assign a marshal for your group and ask additional instructions from the command center.

5. 2,000 police officers to protect participants from criminal elements and "ensure peace and order is maintained." ( they will be on standby , not on meeting place)

6. K9 unit

7. Around 50 portalets, donated by various participants and private companies, will be installed around the park. Ambulances from Red Cross, Department of Health and Rock Ed Philippines will be on standby on all sides of the park to attend to health concerns of participants. (Via Rappler)

8. "This is a rally that will not have one stage, to be taken over by the next opportunist. this is a multicolor rally as it is one that will allow for flags and banners. " (Via Radikalchick)

9 . "Wear what you want, come in any color, come as an individual or as a member of the group, bring a flag especially if you expect students from your school, or more people to gather around your stage. " (Via Radikalchick)

10. "the goal should be to actually go and make your voice count and make your presence felt. " (Via Radikalchick)

"you and i can go, without an organizational banner or t-shirt defining us, and with only our own families and friends. we can even walk in by ourselves and sit with any group at all, and understand what they mean when they say scrap pork." (Via Radikalchick) http://www.radikalchick.com/why-should-you-go-the-august-26-rally/

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:

1. Comfortable clothing and footwear (rubber shoes or slippers)

2. Extra shirt / face towel

3. Cap / raincoat /umbrella

4. Sunblock / insect repellant

5. Drinking water, snacks/food; pack extra to share with friends and/or donate to volunteers and marshals (please use reusable water bottles)

6. Garbage bags

7. Banig/mats, chairs, pillows

8. Portable radios and/or televisions

9. Friends and your conviction

10. Commitment to be the change you want to see

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DECIDE TO GO:

1. Go in a group; bring officemates, schoolmates, barkada, like-minded friends and family

2. Bring music, entertainment, karaoke

3. Conduct small teach-ins/discussion groups

4. Visit other groups at the picnic, talk with them, exchange (friendly) views and make new friends and connections

5. You may Sign the petitions at the change.org table near the video wall

Bring food and water to share

6. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #ScrapPork – let’s trend worldwide on 26 August

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE FROM HOME:

1. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #ScrapPork – let’s trend worldwide on 26 August

2. Monitor media and do call ins, text and/or tweet to share your sentiments on the pork barrel scam; if you tweet, Facebook or Instagram, remember to use the hashtag #ScrapPork

3. Text or call friends at the picnic with any important or breaking news

4. Have a protest party in your house, church, or meeting hall and invite friends to monitor the event on television

5. Join the Unified Action at 10am, 11am, 12nn and 1pm by having a noise barrage in your area

Determine your meeting area. There is an open space for no banner area. If groups want to go to that area, they have to leave their banners in the D to G area. The command center /First AID will be beside LED VIdeo wall area (5A) Enter by the carabao area along Roxas Boulevard. This side will be closed to traffic though so drop off point is at the corner of South Drive/Roxas Boulevard (Look for me Sector 6AB)

Together let us express our grievances on August 26, 2013, National Heroes day, 9:00 Am at the Luneta grounds of the Quirino Grandstand in a peaceful protest and stake our claim on a little piece of our historical park. 

The Filipino people deserve an explanation.

Public officers must account for and respond to this pork barrel mess.

Remembering Ninoy

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Malacañang has declared today, Wednesday a holiday as the nation commemorates the 30th death anniversary of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. August 21 or “Ninoy Aquino Day” is a special non-working day.

This marks Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.’s return to the Philippines and his martyrdom and sacrifice. He was a Filipino Senator and a former Governor of Tarlac. Together with Gerry Roxas and Jovito Salonga, Ninoy formed the leadership of the opposition to the government of President Ferdinand Marcos. Shortly after the imposition of Martial Law, he was arrested in 1973 along with other dissidents and incarcerated for seven years. Aquino was permitted to travel to the United States for medical treatment following a heart attack. He was assassinated at the Manila International Airport in 1983 upon returning from his self-imposed exile. His death catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, into the political limelight, and prompted her to run for President as member of the UNIDO party in the 1986 snap elections.

Among other public structures, Manila International Airport has since been renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport in his honour, and the anniversary of his death is a national holiday.

The Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) is spearheading an online commemoration which will feature an interactive page with a comprehensive timeline, music of the era, infographic maps, essays, and testimonials on Ninoy and his sacrifice, on the Presidential Museum and Library.

“This campaign seeks to keep the spirit of Ninoy’s martyrdom alive as an example of the selfless sacrifice of a man who gave up his life to free a shackled country. Join the commemoration by posting on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #Ninoy or by sending an email to heritage@pcdspo.gov.ph.

The nation once again marks Ninoy’s sacrifice, and your recollections and opinions will play a vital role in enabling a new generation of Filipinos to understand the period of martial law, and the turning point that was August 21, 1983.”

--- --- Statement of Secretary Edwin Lacierda:

         On PCDSPO’s online observance of Ninoy Aquino’s 30th Death Anniversary

         [August 14, 2013]