Five months to go until 2010 Philippines Election; Have you got a candidate on mind already? or better yet, have you registered already? Last registration is this month, we should make our vote count if we plan to change the way things work in our country.

As we decide which candidate to vote, I hope that we base it on what we know about them, what they have done in the past, and what our conscience tells us. Let me tell you the things that plays on my mind when I think of our presidentiables.

(The author states that this article may or may not be unbiased, and so should not be considered 'Neutral Point of View'. This is based on the author’s opinion and observations. Order is based on the recent august 2009 Pulse Asia survey, some candidates aren't taken into account due to the author's limited knowledge on them)

VILLAR, Manuel "Manny" Jr.

Villar has been both successful businessman and political figure. He has been featured in various magazines such as 'Far Eastern Economic Review', 'Asiaweek', and 'Forbes'. His Business portfolio has the 'Star Malls' & 'Camella Homes' while on his political career I can pretty much say that he has done fairly well as a congressman of Las Piñas. He also has the program helping OFWs who's been having trouble with their employers; but recently he's been entangled with issues regarding using his position to further his business agenda.

Heads (positive thoughts)

* Improve the economy using his knowledge in business.
* Implement programs for the benefit of the poor because he feels them.
* Having billions worth of assets may mean less corruption and more projects.

Tails (negative thoughts)

* Use his powers for the benefit of his business.

ESTRADA, Joseph "Erap"

An accomplished actor during his time who has acquired a lot of awards for the many films he has done. In 1968, he ran for mayor in the municipality of San Juan but lost to another politician. His camp filed an electoral protest against the proclaimed mayor and was favored by the court and got the position after a year. He became mayor of San Juan for sixteen years until removed from office by the former Pres. Corazon Aquino for suspected malfeasance and anomalies. He won vice-presidency in 1992 then won The highest office after by a landslide vote. We all know what happened afterward but what we probably don't know are the many projects that he has implemented during his short reign.

Heads

* He might have been ganged up on during his time and was caught unprepared by major political moves that lead to his office's demise, maybe he has learned his lessons and will do so much better if given another chance.
* The amount of projects he has launched during his short term screams of his capability to do something and do it fast.

Tails

* His history is pretty consistent of negative things that makes one doubt his honesty.
* He promised Arroyo that he won't be running for office again when released, which is definitely a moot point now. This leads me to thinking, was his denial of all the criminal allegation on him a lie too?

DE CASTRO, Noli "Kabayan" L.

Kabayan is a famous news anchor from ABS-CBN who has criticized a lot of politicians but was also rumored to have been accepting money from some of them to keep quiet regarding issues. He was in broadcasting for 27 years before announcing his decision to run for senate. We may not hear of things he has accomplished during his time in senate or as vice-president but he has passed bills that are actually good in my opinion. He's explicitly saying that he won't be running for 2010 elections, so that takes him out of the list...if he stays true to his words that is.

Heads

* He will keep being productive without seeing the need for approval of the masses using campaigns and publicity of every project he has done.
* would probably be implementing more laws and projects for the environment, the poor, and the filipino family like his bills when he was still in the senate. These are the things that's said to be close to his heart.

Tails

* He will continue to be out of radar that people wouldn't even know what he has done for the country resulting in conflict. It's good the he doesn't publicize everything he do but too much silence makes you look like slacking.
* In the heat of political issues, he'll lose his demeanor, patience, and encourage rallies which was never good for the economy.

ESCUDERO, Francis "Chiz" G.

The UP professor that has charmed many people. He entered senate with the second highest vote count. He was the spokesperson of the late Fernando Poe Jr. during his candidacy. Francis is also the voice of the united opposition. He is the current chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws, and Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies.

Heads

* A good run from an intelligent and charismatic person is expected. And being young just means fresh views, innovative solution and approach for the country's ancient problems.

Tails

* As the older politicians would say it, "He's too young and probably too inexperienced to be leading the country". Inexperience is pretty much a recipe for failure but there's always an exemption.

ROXAS, Manuel "Mar" A. II

Mr. Palengke first entered the political scene when he won the special election when his brother died. He was elected to the house of representative during 1993 where he authored at least four bills. He then was appointed as DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) secretary by 'Erap' administration. During this time he focused on the development of the 'Palengke' (where he got his nickname) then continued to support the consumers with the medicine prices adjustment bill. He has also spear-headed the program to give the public schools personal computers. He announced his candidacy for president along with the revelation of his marriage proposal to the news anchor Korina Sanchez. But recently he gave way for the presidency of 'Noynoy' and just considered becoming his running mate as vice president.

Heads

* He would capture the hearts of the masses if he continues with his lower-class friendly programs.

Tails

* He's too showbiz for me, biting every publicity stunts there is. He might become one of the few that would enter showbiz if he loses...
* My mom bought a medicine from his advertised pharmacy expecting that the medicine would be cheaper there but sadly it's not. Maybe the medicine my mother bought wasn't included in the discounted ones but it's a pretty commonly used med.

LEGARDA, Loren

A news anchor and colleague of Noli de Castro. She won with the highest vote count during her 1998 candidacy for senate. From 1998 - 2004 she has authored and co-authored a lot of bills and resolutions mostly benefiting women, children and environment. In 2004, she ran for vice-presidency and lost to her colleague and throws allegations of fraud on Noli's camp. She has shown bitterness about the issue since then.

Heads

* She was known to be an environmentalist and it's good to have laws and actually enforce them, maybe she could do it.

Tails

* I don't know if it's just me but she seems to be jumping on every opportunity of publicity which leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
* Her bitterness and sour-graping on her lost to Noli de Castro tells me that she won't be taking issues against her lightly.

FERNANDO, Bayani "BF"

A mechanical engineer who put up his own company and run for public in 1976 as a mayor of Marikina City. He transformed Marikina from a low class municipality into a model city. He then was appointed MMDA chairman by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Most of his project as a chairman of said department has displeased the poor and most of all the side-walk vendors, but despite the many controversies he continued to pursue what he thinks will be better for the streets of Metro Manila. He announced his candidacy for president on January 4, 2008. During this time up to the present, he has been in a lot of issues and debates that's not helping his reputation.

Heads

* With his history in Marikina and the major developments he's done with MMDA, he might actually be able to do lots of changes in the country.
* He'll push projects that will be better for the country even though some people thinks otherwise. That he won't falter on what he do just because of some political issues like his yardstick governance of Marikina and MMDA.

Tails

* As a designer, I'm not prepared to see the Philippines in 'google earth' in pink & blue.
* Somehow I don't think he'll last long in his position if he ever won and be ousted like erap. He tend to be prone to issues that can be used politically against him that might actually lead to his impeachment in the future.
* Lastly, This & this gives me an idea of the limitation of what BF can deliver for the country when the time comes.

VILLANUEVA, Bro. Eddie

Bro. Eddie is the famed leader of Jesus is Lord Movement who already lost in the last 2004 election. He hasn't proclaimed if he's running for 2010 but he's open for the possibility.

Heads

* Maybe the religious are right that it's nigh time for a spiritual person to lead us to prosperity. Various countries already had its share of successful religious leaders who revolutionized their country.

Tails

* He may be an economist and has been leading a lot of movements but his lack of experience in politics might pose problems. He may not be ready to face the angry mob and the rallies when he disappoints a handful of people, or that he might lose composure when oppositions starts making political moves against him. Maybe he should run for a lower office first.

TEODORO, Gilbert 'Gibo' C.

The standard bearer of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD as of September 16, 2009. During the deliberation, I can't help but think that BF threw the towel for Gibo's sure win because Bayani's answers are just laughable. The first time I saw Gilbert Teodoro's ad campaign in the television, I had no idea who he was and told myself "wow, running for the highest office and nobody knows him!" but as I did my research on him I was astounded by his background. Maybe he's really capable, it's just that his answer in the debate with BF isn't impressive either which probably ruined my first impression. I won't tell you the sides of the coin on this one but he's definitely someone to watch out for.

Some info's and background on Teodoro.


Now for the two most controversial personalities in the present time that isn't included in the Pulse Asia survey.


AQUINO, Benigno "Noynoy" S.

Son of the martial law hero and the first female president that has restored democracy in our country, fabled redeemer of the Philippines from it's problems and corruptions. At least this is what most of the people are feeling after the death of our beloved former president, but is he capable? Will he be able to fulfil the dreams of the Filipino people? Maybe heroism runs in his blood but what can one man do when rest of your people passes their yoke unto you..?

Heads

* Hopefully he will live up to the promise and dream that is attached to his family name.

Tails

* He has authored/co-authored only a few resolutions during his term as a congressman up to the present time in senate. Is that a sign of laziness? of apathy? or just silence? I don't know.

We can read more about his background through this article.


ARROYO, Gloria Macapagal "GMA"

Our current president who was allegedly been involved in many acts of corruption but also has done things like the huge roll-backs on prices especially petroleum products. She has also tried to make the Peso stronger but that didn't receive any good feedbacks from the families of OFWs. There is no way for her to run in 2010 elections but people seem to be afraid that she will find a way, maybe it was that she still stands tall despite the many attempts to dethrone her.

Heads

* She has done a lot of things that she thinks will be good for the the country, but definitely didn't appeal to the interest of the masses.
* Amidst the numerous attempts to impeach her and destroy her reputation, she's still the president and has continuously implement things that often than not has made the public dislike her more. Now if that doesn't define a strong president I don't know what will, of course none will agree with me on this.

Tails

* I can't help but notice that through out her term she has been appointing people that has done past favors for her...or maybe I'm just imagining things.
* GMA has done a lot of things that she didn't consider the consequences, or maybe she did but still end up ill-planned.
* First Gentleman Arroyo, enough said.

We at 'Connoisseur Catalogue' encourages you to Think. To evaluate. And to be critical. Let's not just flip the coin and hope that it falls on the right side. Assess which side do you think will help the country more; and whoever wins in the end, let's keep in mind that no one person is able to carry the problem of a whole country. EDSA revolution was only successful because of the amount of unity that was invested on it. Let's stop pointing fingers on who's causing the problem and start contributing to the solution.