Rough Groove

Montano is in

It’s official: Cesar Montano is in. Team Unity of the administration drafted in, 16 Feb, Friday, the popular actor-director in place of Gov. Jericho Petilla in the senatorial slot who backed out of the ticket to run instead for another term in his province a day before the proclamation rally in Cebu, Saturday. Despite denials by another senatorial candidate, Rep. Prospero Pichay two weeks ago that the director and Edu Manzano, another popular actor, that the two were never considered in the selection process, they were in the long list after all. So it comes as a surprise to me that he was suddenly in. Under Comelec rules, candidates can be substituted even until 7 May. Now, that brings two contending political neophyte actor-candidates into the ring vying the much coveted senatorial slot. Richard Gomez, running as an independent, is the other one.

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Arroyo and Recto statements

This was posted 10 Feb at the Senate website:

STATEMENT Of SENATORS
JOKER P. ARROYO AND RALPH G. RECTO

We ran for the Senate and won on the Arroyo administration slate. Nothing that has happened since gives us reason not to do the same in our reelection bid.

We have opposed the President on many major issues, before the Supreme Court no less. And we won.

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The circus is here

The Philippine election campaign season officially kicked off yesterday, Tuesday, with the candidates for national positions, specifically the Senate and thus, the national circus has started. Expect the usual song and dance routine, entertainment galore c/o stars, starlets and pretenders to fill the stage and do their thing to amuse the audience instead of offering their platform and program. Or even their promises which they don’t intend to keep once elected.

With the current line up of has beens, old faces and some new ones battling it out, it would be a grand event. Folks, the circus has begun, now touring the country.

This is also my newly created blog which will focus primarily on the political arena and its different performers adding a welcome diversion to the Filipino’s already miserable way of living.

The Circus has officially begun yesterday

Senatorial candidate Chiz Escudero accompanied by wife and the wife of the late FPJ, Susan Roces at the Comelec (photo from candidate’s website)

This year’s circus has officially begun yesterday, Tuesday. The day before that, senatorial candidates beat the deadline of filing at the Comelec office in Intramuros. So much for the pomp and glitz that accompanied most of the senatoriables (if ever there is a word). Now, the real deal of campaigning around the country starts and grinds.

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Dear Erap –> from Kit

Below is the letter from Kit Tatad to Erap as published in major dailies (a two page spread) the other day. I am not so impressed with Tatad before considering that he was a member of Marcos’ cabinet. He was the one who announced on TV back in 1972 the imposition of martial law. A senator and ardent supporter of Erap during his presidency, I’ve always considered him to be another hopeless case. Not until he published this letter, I’m beginning to give him some respect.

I’m grateful that he wrote this, as far as the issue of political dynasties are conncerned.

15 January 2007

President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
Chairman Emeritus
United Opposition

Dear Mr. President:

I write to make of record my position on certain issues related to the May 2007 senatorial elections. My only concern is the honor of our party and wellbeing of our people.

I shall start by recalling our UNO meeting on Polk Street on New Year’s Day (morning). Joining the President then were Mayor Jojo Binay, Ernie Maceda, Tito Sotto, Chiz Escudero, Boy Morales, and myself. Fred Lim and Baby Asistio joined later.

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