ELECTION 2010: KNOW YOUR PRESIDENTIABLES

[E-Q]

GORDON, RICHARD JUICO "thingy"
Bagumbayan
Campaign slogan: Pagbabago. Sigurado
Born: Aug. 5, 1945 in Castillejos, Zambales

Married to: Kate Howell Gordon

Children: Ma. Renee Victoria (Marnie), Amanda Olivia (Ali), Leonard James (LJ), Brian Patrick (Brian), Lilibeth Acar, his ward rescued from a Palawan sea mishap

Elementary: Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Lourdes Catholic School, 1957

High school: Ateneo de Manila High School, 1962

College: Ateneo de Manila University – AB, Major in History and Government, 1966

Other degrees: University of the Philippines, College of Law – Bachelor of Laws

Parents: James Tagle Gordon and Amelia Juico Gordon

Major surgeries: None

Blood pressure: 130/80 (start of session); 130/90 (end of session)

Smoker? No.

Medications/vitamins. Hyzaar (for hypertension) and Vitamin C when I can get it

Ever consulted a psychiatrist? No.

Who are your advisers?

Asked that no names be mentioned.

Who’s running your campaign?

My daughter Marnie and Dion de la Serna.

Campaign budget.

What campaign budget are you talking about?

How will you repay campaign donors, or recoup personal investments in your campaign?

I don’t believe in using personal funds in the campaign.

Who will be your first lady and what role will she play?

Kate. She’s been in public service.

Role of the vice president?

He (Bayani Fernando) is an engineer, so infrastructure. If it’s another VP, I’m prepared to work with him.

Cabinet appointments?

None yet.

Will any of your relatives serve as your confidential staff?

No.

Who is your fashion stylist/barber?

No stylist; barber in Olongapo but I don’t know his name.

Do you watch pirated DVDs?

No.

Economy/trade/finance

How will you increase FDI and local investments?

Fix the country’s social, physical, legal infrastructure.

What country is your model for economic development?

Singapore. Good port operators, industrial parks, roads.

How to lower power costs, improve energy security.

Government should be made to account for power shortage. Learn from mistakes of previous administrations.

Alternative energy policy.

Nuclear power.

Infrastructure priorities and how to fund them.

Break cycle of oligarchy controlling government before investing in infrastructure. Focus on good governance.

Economic sectors for priority development.

Tourism, agriculture, health, education, ICT, intellectual property. Handle corruption, war in Mindanao, climate change.

Are we ready for free trade?

No, but we have to be.

Sectors to be protected/subsidized?

The farmers.

OFW deployment - problem or benefit?

Both a boon and a bane. We get money from them, but at a social cost.

Lack of skilled workers here due to brain drain.

Require high school students to learn a trade by the time they graduate.

Mining and exploitation of natural resources.

Sustainable mining. Should send geologists to other countries to learn more about mining, take advantage of mineral resources.

Agricultural production, agribusiness, tourism.

Subsidize farmers. Upgrade services. Create packages for tourists. Reclaim boardwalk along Roxas Boulevard.

Agrarian reform.

Form cooperatives.

How will you stop smuggling?

Look at the importations and corresponding taxes. Have a 24/7 office of finance.

National Security

Attaining peace in Mindanao.

Prioritize employment and development to remove justification for rebellion.

AFP modernization.

Focus on improving Air Force and Navy. RP should build own ships using funds from expanded tax base.

Will you retain the CVOs?

No. Prefers regular forces.

Adopted member of a PMA class? Which one? Class 72.

With which other countries should RP have closer military alliances?

Favors engagement with neighbors particularly the strong ones. Should not act like a petulant child.

When the political leadership betrays the public trust, should the military intervene? No.

Corruption in the PNP/AFP?

Transparency in bidding and procurement is the answer.

Foreign Affairs

RP’s most important ally is...

The United States.

Which country should be a closer ally?

Friendship with all countries but we need to define what the national interest is, find out how much trade we can do with other countries. Trade, not aid.

Is China a threat, a challenge, a friend?

I don’t think China is an enemy. She’s a friend.

First foreign trip as President?

Whoever invites me. I will, however, prioritize the necessary travels meant to get investments.

RP-US relations under your administration.

More friendly, more firm.

Will you pursue the Philippine claim over Sabah?

Quietly.

Stand on the Spratlys issue.

We will maintain that. There should be cooperation in the effort in the Spratlys.

Education, Culture and Arts

Priorities in improving education.

Teachers are the key. Pay teachers P40,000 but they should deliver.

Additional years in grade school and high school?

Yes, but not now.

Free universal kindergarten?

Yes.

How do you improve English proficiency and how important is it in raising national compesampayanveness?

Pay the teachers well and you’re going to get English proficiency.

How do you improve national compesampayanveness?

I will encourage specimens, English or Science specimens, of the cream of the crop of schools.

Will arts and culture be a priority in your administration?

Definitely. History will be a priority.

Health care

Priorities in improving public health care.

Health Education Acceleration Program (HEAP). Raise the salaries of doctors to P50,000 provided they will work and serve in the provinces. Funding will come from text on tax.

Family planning/reproductive health.

Responsible and safe family planning. Free choice. No abortion. Quality population.

Keeping doctors, nurses and other health professionals home.

Raise their salaries so they won’t leave.

Reducing cost of medicine.

Expanded tax base. Make sure Filipinos have the capacity to buy. Get them health insurance.

Judiciary

Should SC powers be limited?

No. Leave it as it is.

Should GMA appoint the next chief justice, and will you respect the appointment?

She cannot. It is illegal.

Independence of the judiciary.

I will not interfere.

Will you invoke executive privilege, and under what circumstances?

Only in matters of national security, and maybe economic security. But not to avoid investigation.

Corruption

Transparency in government.

Ensure participation of the people. Have an office 24/7 so people can call and report wrongdoing. Government and people must be part of the process of change. Enact Whistleblower Law.

How will you deal with corruption.

I will say no. Corruption is not just about stealing, but also about efficiency. The law must be made to work, and act fast.

Prosecution of GMA for corruption.

Be my guest. Guilty or not guilty, we must have closure.

Marcos wealth recovery.

Abolish PCGG. Have the DOJ prosecute, including those in the PCGG. The US robbed us of investigating him. Again, we must have closure.

Human Rights

Murder of journalists and militants.

Command responsibility. Check our laws on motorcycles; crash helmet with plate number for both driver and rider. We did it in Olongapo, we could do it all over the country.

AFP/PNP respect for human rights.

Hold AFP and police responsible. The people gave them power and firearms and they should be responsible and answerable to us.

Economic rights over civil liberties.

Both.The answer is good governance.

Do we have too much freedom? Is democracy working for RP?

It’s very hard to tell... but we have to love democracy.

Is the RP press irresponsible? Have you been treated fairly by mass media?

Yes and no. AC-DC daw yung mga nasa baba... I was complaining earlier... I hope I don’t offend you but I have heard reports... You see I don’t practice “envelopmental” journalism. I guess the way to solve this is to raise their salary. I’m sorry about last time because I was exasperated... but I feel sad that the words I am saying are not given space.

Environment

How to deal with extreme flooding.

Education and resolution. Plan what interventions are needed. Practice evacuation/tsunami drills.

Policies on climate change.

Adaptation. Build more nuclear, hydroelectric plants. Technical intervention must be planned.

Logging/agroforestry/water management?

Massive reforestation. Build more hydroelectric plants and water catchments. Responsible water management.

Sports

Priority of sports development.

Yes. Sports teach us values. There must be a sports program in every school. Intramurals should be encouraged.

First-ever Olympic gold under your watch? How?

It Pacquiao could be a 7-time world champion, then we could do it. Sports program in this country is title-oriented. The job of leadership in sports or politics is to uplift the people.

What’s your stand on the following:

Charter change/parliamentary system

Yes. No.

Cha-cha mode.

Con ass. It’s cheaper.

Provisions to be revised.

Ombudsman should be elected, not appointed. Extend terms of local officials, to 6 years. President, maybe 4+4.

Federalism.

Not now.

VFA/US troops in Mindanao.

In favor.

RH bill/family planning/contraception.

Population should not be excuse for non-development. Free choice. No abortion.

Freedom of Information Act/Right of Reply.

Yes. Yes.

Divorce.

Limited divorce; don’t make it so easy.

Gay rights/gay marriage.

Rights, yes; co-ownership. Marriage, no.

Death penalty.

No.

What can we expect in your first 100 days.

You will feel the change on the first day.


Copyright © 2009. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved

[E-Q]

AQUINO, BENIGNO SIMEON III COJUANGCO "Noynoy"
Liberal Party
Campaign slogan: Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap
Born: Feb. 8, 1960 in Manila

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Ateneo de Manila University; elementary and high school, Ateneo de Manila University

Father: Former Senator Benigno Servillano Aquino Jr.

Mother: Former President Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino

Siblings: Sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Viel Aquino-Dee, Kris Aquino-Yap

Net worth: P13.9 million, declared in latest statement of assets and liabilities

State of health: No major surgery; blood pressure 110/70 (normal), 130/80 (stressed); slightly elevated blood sugar; regular smoker

Have you ever needed the services of a psychiatrist? No.

ECONOMY/TRADE/FINANCE

How will you increase FDI and local investments?

Provide infrastructure, upgrade communications, secure power.

How to lower power costs, improve energy security.

It has to be a good mix. There is a lot of money being spent on renewable energy, biofuels, and jathropa. That is misguided. There is no jathropa industry in the world.

Infrastructure priorities and how to fund them.

We want to have an inventory of our transport infrastructure

New taxes? Other priority tax policies.

Let’s rationalize all our fiscal incentives first. Make sure there is no overlapping.

Economic sectors for priority development.

Our backbone is job generation and our biggest prospect is the IT field and tourism, and agriculture especially the post-agriculture aspect. There will be an infrastructure program. I also want to revive our manufacturing.

Are we ready for free trade?

I don’t think so.

Sectors to be protected/subsidized and liberalized.

We will study that. There are so many industries that have fallen to the model of the powers-that-be that they have forgotten how to compete.

Should foreigners be allowed to own land?

If businesses can make profit here, they will come too especially if there’s peace and order, infrastructure, lack of red tape. They will have other concerns other than land ownership.

OFW deployment - problem or benefit?

(OFW) deployment is both a boon and bane. We have the cash but there is also a social cost.

How will you expand the middle class?

We should provide opportunities for all like tuition fees to areas with an oversupply of students, subsidies from the state.

Mining and exploitation of natural resources.

We have $5 billion worth of minerals. The communities have to be engaged in the safeguards so we will not be abused and misused.

Can we be self-sufficient in rice?

The focus should be first, maximizing means of the farmers, keep them in agriculture to the farmers and second, ensuring a steady supply of rice.

How will you stop smuggling?

The task force is not the right method.

Easing Bank secrecy laws and money laundering.

That’s a possibility but at the same time, I’m not that confident that the Anti-Money Laundering Council is doing its job.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Peace in Mindanao.

There are only two of the four parties concerned talking.

AFP modernization: Plans and funding.

Just improve the basics.

The revised National Defense Act, and president’s role in approval of promotions in AFP.

Let me review that.

Fixed term for AFP chief.

Yes. Put somebody who can make a difference.

Will you retain the CVOs?

Only if they are professionally run.

Adopted member of a PMA class? Which one?

I have been invited by several. I refused.

Importance of US military aid.

At some point it seems to be an uneven relationship.

When the political leadership betrays the public trust, should the military intervene?

I am against the military intervening.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

RP’s most important ally is…

America. Hopefully, they’ll shift to a longer term perspective.

Which country should be a closer ally?

There’ll be more cooperation with America to balance strategic forces within the area.

Is China a threat, a challenge, a friend?

My interests have to be the Philippines, period.

First foreign trip as president?

I really would rather not go on state visits.

Should RP strengthen ties with any particular region?

ASEAN.

RP-US relations: Ambassador Kenney presented that face of America that will really redound to both countries’ benefit. Hopefully, the new ambassador will perpetuate the same…

Will you pursue the Philippine claim over Sabah?

Philippine defense capability must be strengthened first.

EDUCATION, CULTURE, ARTS

Priorities in improving education?

Tackle basic education, move from a 10-year to a 12-year basic education program with an additional nursery to prepare them for going to school.

Importance of English proficiency in national compesampayanveness.

I’m a firm believer in teaching them first in the mother tongue.

Role of arts and culture.

The first freedom is freedom from hunger. Of course arts and culture have a direct bearing on the quality of life, but with limited resources, my first priority is to address freedom from hunger.

HEALTH CARE

Priorities in improving public health care.

There’ll be greater cooperation between the Department of Health, as the provider of these services, and PhilHealth, to become more an active provider of resources for DOH to accomplish the same.

We are hoping that we can implement the Magna Carta for medical professionals, a law that has been extant for the past 15 years.

Re-engineering of medical schools for preventive health care.

Family planning/reproductive health.

Our philosophy is responsible parenthood. As to how many, as to what method to utilize, we leave it up to the couple, who can best decide.

Cost of medicine/cheap medicine law.

It’s a very good start. We want to fast-track its implementation, specially since my partner, Mar Roxas, is the principal author. He will keep reminding me.

ENVIRONMENT

How to deal with extreme flooding

Review construction of San Roque Dam in Pangasinan. For regions devastated by lahar, there are limits to what you can do. Conduct inventory of rain outlets to Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay. Better implementation of solid waste management and many laws.

Climate change

Implement Clean Air Act, eliminate corruption in testing of motor vehicle emissions.

Logging/agro-forestry/water management

Determine forest areas to preserve, then we know what we can utilize for sustainable logging or if we don’t have enough for sustainable logging. You want more rationality in the utilization of water.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Murder of journalists and militants

If enough resources, people are devoted to concentrating on solving the same, we should be able to solve it.

AFP/PNP respect for human rights

All sides (soldiers, cops, rebels) are required, not requested to respect human rights.

Too much freedom/democracy

It’s really a question of exercising that freedom properly.

Is the Philippine press irresponsible?

In certain cases.

Have you been treated fairly by the mass media?

There are quarters that treated me fairly and there are quarters that upon hearing my name will already start (thinking) or have written something negative.

Economic rights over civil liberties

I don’t agree.

JUDICIARY

Should SC powers be limited?

I don’t think under the Constitution you are allowed to limit the powers of the Supreme Court being a co-equal body.

Should President Arroyo appoint the next chief justice?

No, Article 7 Section 15 (of the Constitution) is very specific.

How will you ensure independence of the judiciary?

We will sit down with them, we will convene the JELAC, Judicial-Executive-Legislative Advisory Council to know why we have tardy justice.

Will you invoke executive privilege?

Only on national security concerns.

CORRUPTION

The main problem is not the absence of laws but enforcing the same.

Marcos wealth recovery

I want to review (the PCGG) performance, (check) exorbitant consultants, travel, compromise here and there.

Presidential Commission on Good Government

If there have been abuses I want to know why these abuses were tolerated and what loopholes did they exploit to be able to do the same.

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

Priority of sports development

Sports redirection might be a better term. We don’t have that much in terms of resources. There are sports we excel in. It behooves us to compete in areas where we have the possibility of winning.

Let’s do an inventory of sports where we can excel and devote our resources there. Pag lahat ng sports sasabay-sabayin natin, guaranteed na wala tayong matutulungan.

A situation wherein sports bodies are in conflict with each other will not be tolerated.

First Olympic gold medal under your watch?

Ang hirap mangako. How long will it take? When we have sports meets, I’m really astounded at the ratio of officials vs the athletes. Parang mali.

WHAT'S YOUR STAND ON THE FOLLOWING:

Charter change/ parliamentary system

GMA has pushed the envelope as far as the Constitution is concerned. Within the first month, we convene a commission to study the need to change the Constitution. If there is a public clamor for it, hopefully act on recommendations in time for the barangay elections.

(on parliamentary system)

No.

Cha-cha mode

Concon with time limit.

Provisions to be revised

Abuses of the executive, have safeguards that are better than what you have now.

Federalism/decentralization

There has to be a middle ground. Empower the LGUs, and have a report card of agreed upon parameters. You perform, you get more resources. You do not, you get sanctions.

(on decentralization)

Good idea.

VFA/ US troops in Mindanao

So long as they are visiting.

RH bill/family planning/contraception

Responsible parenthood is my position.

(on contraception)

Leave it up to the couple.

Freedom of Information Act/Right of Reply

I’m for it.

Divorce.

I don’t want the Las Vegas model, but I realize there are couples who are beyond reconciliation. Legal separation with the ability to get married after they go through a very stringent attempt by the state to reconcile.

Keeping the family intact is one of my goals.

On marriage expiration.

I don’t see who benefits from that.

Gay rights/gay marriage

Gays shouldn’t be discriminated against in terms of occupation and other aspects.

I’m not prepared to support it (gay marriage).

Death penalty.

I used to say it is necessary for recidivists, but after reviewing the judicial system, there is a very big possibility somebody can get convicted because he wasn’t adequately represented.

People power for change.

Siyempre, I advocate that.


Copyright © 2009. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved

[E-Q]

VILLAR, MANUEL JR. BAMBA "Manny"
Nacionalista Party
Campaign slogan: Sipag at tiyaga
Born: Dec. 13, 1949 in Moriones, Tondo, Manila

Married to: Cynthia Aguilar Villar, Las Piñas representative

One family, three children: Paolo, 33 (chief financial officer, Vista Land owned by the family); Mark, 31 (candidate for Las Piñas representative); Camille, 25 (corporate communications head, Vista Land)

Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Accountancy, University of the Philippines

Elementary: Holy Child Catholic School, graduated 1962

High school: Mapua Institute of Technology, 1966

Father: Manuel Montalban Villar Sr., government employee (deceased)

Mother: Curita Bamba, a former fish vendor

State of health: No major surgery; blood pressure taken Feb. 14: 120/80

Takes Lipitor for cholesterol control

Have you ever needed the services of a psychiatrist? No. Never.

State of wealth: $530 million according to Forbes magazine

State of affairs:

How many families do you have? One.

Women and other children: Only one wife. One family. Three children. No complications.

Who are your advisers in economics/business/finance?

I have no one person advising me.

I’ve been a lawmaker since 1992 and I can say that I have a pretty good understanding of our law.

Economic advisers-I have quite a lot. Romy Bernardo, Felix Medalla. I respect Pepe Diokno I read a lot of articles, Fortune, Economist.

Foreign affairs? Lauro Baja. Ambassadors, I talk to them a lot. Garry Laurel.

Security/peace and order, politics, legal matters, media/public relations, health, education, environment? No one person

Legal advisers: I don’t need them. You consult 100 lawyers, you get 100 answers. Depende na lang sa issue.

Media? Many

Health and Environment: Former health secretary Quasie Romualdez.

Education Marami din naman.

Fashion: Camille. Barber: Ferdinand.

Who is running your campaign? I’m the strategist of my campaign.

How do you intend to repay campaign donors, or recoup your personal investments in your campaign? No need to recoup, my family has enough.

Campaign budget: I will abide by the law

What role will the first lady play in your administration? It’s up to her.

The vice president? Cabinet position

Do you watch pirated DVD movies? I don’t ask if they’re pirated.

Economy/trade/finance

Which economic sector would you focus on? Agricultural because only for reasons one 70% of our poor people are in agriculture.

Which sectors should remain protected or subsidized, or liberalized?

In reducing loses we have to work on ensampayanes like NFA. I’m not saying I’ll abolish the NFA, I’m just saying that you have to redefine the role of the NFA.

We have liberalized too quickly.

Can we be self sufficient in rice?

I’m very confident that we can be sufficient. Repair the existing irrigation system.

Which country is your model or inspiration for Philippine economic development?

India, China – because Chinese have entrepreneurial sense. I want to develop an entrepreneurial revolution.

Policy on mining and exploitation of natural resources?

For so long as the standard is the same with developed countries, I have no problem.

How do you bring down power cost and boost energy security?

Attract more foreign investments in power. We have to remove the cartel, if there is, and welcome all investors.

Is OFW deployment a problem or a boon? Both at this time. Investments must be lured to create jobs and bring back most of our workers.

Should foreigners own land? No

Will you impodr nre taxes? I will not promise anything

Infrastructure properties: Road interconnection for example NLEX with SLEX

How do you raise revenue? Efficient tax collection. Fight smuggling

Are you in favor of further easing bank secrecy laws to improve fight against money laundering? Just implement the existing laws

Foreign affairs

Which country do you consider as RP’s most important ally? Which country should be a closer ally? Is China a threat, a challenge, a friend? China and US, US and China, it’s a balancing act.

Which country will you visit first?

Saudi Arabia. Ideally, US, but you need an invitation.

Are you going to travel extensively? Hindi masyado.

Should RP strengthen ties with any particular region? ASEAN.

What is your policy toward Myanmar? Will RP be a champion of human rights on the global stage? We can stand for human rights but if you have to strengthen ASEAN you must also respect the views of the other members.

What will RP ties with the US be like under your administration: We have a foreign policy of fear. That should be removed. Whether you are US or China, hindi ako natatakot dyan.

Will you keep US troops in Mindanao? I won’t do anything drastic.

Environment

What are your short-term / long-term plans to deal with the kind of flooding brought by Ondoy and Pepeng?

Clear the waterways in entire Metro Manila.Dredging. Relocation. Plant trees. Reforestation. Tap the NPA to have a plausible working arrangement with them for reforestation. Be results oriented.

What’s your policy on logging/agroforestry?

I will be very, very aggressive in this area.I have planted more than a million trees in my lifetime.It’s a win-win situation because it will generate employment and is the cheapest way of beautifying the countryside.

Your views on climate change?

We are victims here. The developed countries are the ones responsible for this. We have no choice except to participate in the efforts to stop global warming. We can seek carbon credits. We should tap the private sector... address global warming and address our economic problem. I want to be more aggressive on this.

Human rights

How do you stop the murders of left-wing militants/journalists? Modernize our Armed Forces and the PNP, strengthen them so that they can do their jobs and make it clear that we will not be tolerating human rights abuses.

How do you promote respect for human rights in the AFP/PNP? Leadership. The President must be respected by the AFP and the PNP. The President should also address their concerns. Once you have done that it will be easy for them to understand your instructions.

Should economic rights take precedence over civil liberties? Do we have too much freedom? Is democracy working for RP?

There is no need I don’t see any conflicts on this e. Sa tingin ko, as we improve the lives of our people, as we move economically, much better pa ang protection of civil liberties. Because nag-iimprove na, we will be able to increase the salaries of the police, of the teachers, the salaries of the judges, and modernize our police and etc. On the contrary, complementary sila.

Do we have so much freedom?

Hindi naman. Magulo lang talaga tayo. We thrive in chaos. This all boils down to leadership. That’s why if your leadership is not felt, then either you impose martial law or you explode. A strong leader need not impose martial law to impose order. If there is no natural leadership, you have to buy everybody, you have to buy the local governments with projects, you have to buy the congressman so that you will not be impeached.

Is the RP press irresponsible? Do you feel that you’ve been treated fairly by mass media? Hindi naman.

What’s your stand on the following:

Charter change/shift to parliamentary system

If you’re going to do it now, I’m against it. If you’re going to do it during the next term of the president, I have no problem with it.

If pro, which Cha-cha mode do you prefer?

Well, I’m indifferent whether its constitutional convention or constituent assembly provided it’s done properly. This idea of not including the Senate, I’m against it.

Which provisions need to be revised?

I don’t believe that economic provisions of the constitution are the things stopping the growth of our economy. We can grow despite these provisions. But if the people want it changed, amend this constitution, di ako masyadong strong ang feeling.

Federalism/decentralization

What is important is the leader. It’s not the system. To me, parliamentary system itself is not bad. Presidential system is not bad. What is important is what the people want.

VFA: Continuing review. No more Daniel Smith cases

Reproductive Health bill: Against it only because I believe it should not be put into law. Bahala na ang tao kung ano gusto nila gawin. I always view population not as a liability. To me, if the country is managed well, in a-competent manner, in fact a big population would be a way in which we could be a great nation.

Right of Reply: Against

Freedom of Information Act: For

Divorce/marriage expiration: Against

Gay rights/gay marriage: Human rights are important but divisive matters are not a priority.

National security

How do you intend to bring peace to Mindanao? Strengthen the Armed Forces. Improve the Human Development Index. Continue the peace process.

What’s your policy toward communist rebels? The problem of the NPA can be solved through economic development.

Is AFP modernization a priority? Yes.

Are you in favor of a fixed term for the AFP chief? A longer term

Are you an adopted member of a PMA class? PMA Class 1977.

How important is US military aid to Philippine national security? With which other countries should RP have closer military alliances?

We have to review this. Are we really getting enough? At the end of the day, national interest should be are primordial interest.

When the political leadership betrays the public trust, should the military intervene?

Who will define it? There will always be a group of people who will say that the President is violating public trust? We have to be careful about this. As much as possible I would go with the side of stability.

How do you stop corruption in the PNP/AFP? Transparency in public bidding, among others.

Death penalty: Against

Education, culture, arts, sports

What are your priorities in improving the quality of education?

Education needs additional funding. We go for gold. Universities should compete with the best in the world. Address low literacy rate.

Which particular area will you focus on? Are you in favor of additional years in grade school and high school? Free universal kindergarten? We should add an additional year in grade school. I will focus on primary education.

How do you improve English proficiency, and how important is it in raising national compesampayanveness? I agree that English should be made a medium of instruction.

Will arts and culture be a priority in your administration? Yes. To me we are losing our soul. It does not take too much to develop and improve arts and culture in the country.

Sports development: It will be a priority. We must develop compesampayanveness. We must compete with the world.

Health care

What are your priorities in improving public health care? Health is crying for reforms. Priority should also focus on medicines. Modernize equipment. Free healthcare to our people.

How do you keep our doctors, nurses and other health professionals home?

Build more hospitals on government land. Doctors should be pulled out of the salary standardization law.

How do you bring down the cost of medicine? Subsidize medicines.

Judiciary

Should SC powers be limited?

Not keen on it. The three branches of government are independent.

What the president did, has been doing, is pinakialaman yung judiciary, pinakialaman ang legislative habang siya ang executive.

Should GMA appoint the next chief justice, and will you respect the appointment?

The next president should appoint the next chief justice. But if President Arroyo does, I will toss it to the Supreme Court.

Corruption: It’s an economic problem

Will you prosecute GMA for corruption? Leave it to the judicial system

Marcos wealth? Finish all the pending cases. Settlement possible. PCGG may have to be abolished.


Copyright © 2009. Philstar Global Corp. All Rights Reserved

[E-Q]

TEODORO, GILBERTO EDUARDO JR. COJUANGCO "Gibo"
Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Campaign slogan: Galing at Talino
Born: June 14, 1964 in Manila; only child

Married to: former model and Tarlac Rep. Monica Prieto Teodoro; son Jaime Gilberto, 11 years old

Elementary: Xavier School

High school: Xavier School

College: De La Salle University, BS Commerce (major in Financial Institutions), 1984; University

of the Philippines College of Law, bar topnotcher in 1989; Harvard Law School, Master of Laws,

1997

Father: Gilberto Teodoro Sr. (deceased), former Social Security System administrator

Mother: Mercedes Cojuangco Teodoro, ex-Tarlac representative

Blood pressure:

130 / 100 (start of session)

125/95 (end of session, with medication)

Medications/vitamins.

Norvasc (hypertension medicine) and blood sugar medicine, plus one multivitamin a day.

Surgeries.

Minor, for removal of cysts.

Ever consulted a psychiatrist?

No.

Do you smoke?

Stopped August 2008. Used to consume two packs a day.

Children with other women?

None.

Advisers:

Economy: Joey Salceda, Gabby Singson, Peter Favila

Foreign affairs: I have some experience and constitutional knowledge on that.

Security/peace and order:I have a clear idea where we are headed.

Politics:Partymates.

Media: Mike Toledo and some others.

Health: Esperanza Cabral, Francisco Duque.

Education: Jesli Lapus is one of them.

Environment: Tony Oposa.

Fashion:Several, Nikki is one of them, also George Salud and Inaki Garcia.

Who’s running your campaign?

Basically it’s a whole team.

Undergone botox?

No botox. I just outgrew pimples.

How will you repay campaign donors/recoup personal funds.

My personal investment is small. I don’t want to accept personal donations. Must pass through

party finance committee.

Role of first lady.

Up to her, something to do with child welfare.

Role of vice president.

He’s really strong on grassroots issues. I will also use him to monitor infrastructure projects.

Will any of your relatives serve as your confidential staff?

No, I didn’t (even) do that in the DND.

Do you watch pirated DVDs?

No.

Economy/trade/finance

How will you increase FDI and local investments.

Have long-term plans. Have peace and order. Clear, stable, easy to follow policies. Reward

investor-friendly local governments.

What country is your model for economic development?

None. The Philippines is unique.

Lower power costs, improve energy security.

Firms be allowed to import generation units tax-free. Wave penalties on firms with own

generation units. Discover alternative resources. Look into nuclear energy, but not BNPP.

Alternative energy policy.

In the long run, it can be pursued.

Infrastructure priorities and how to fund them.

Communications, all-weather roads in growth regions. More air and sea ports. All through BOT.

New taxes? Other priority tax policies.

Possibly excise, specific and consumption taxes, but not income and corporate taxes.

Economic sectors for priority development.

Agriculture. Post-harvest facilities as a complement to agrarian reform.

Are we ready for free trade?

We have no choice.

Sectors to be protected/subsidized?

Agriculture. Marine resources. Mineral resources.

Sectors to be liberalized.

Tourism. Education. Services like lawyering.

Should foreigners be allowed to own land?

Certain residential, some tourism, industrial, commercial land, but leave areas for low-cost

housing. Definitely not agricultural, mineral and marine resources.

OFW deployment – problem or benefit?

It’s a reality. We should protect workers through country-specific pre-departure screening.

Design attractive savings vehicles for OFWs.

Lack of skilled workers here due to brain drain.

Due to lack of long-term investment plans.

How will you expand the middle class?

Quality jobs and more services.

How do you make the benefits of growth trickle down to the grassroots?

Sustainability of growth.

Mining and exploitation of natural resources.

No open pit mining. Clear benefits to the community. The local community must agree.

Manufacturing and exports.

Make us an investment destination. Reduce cost of doing business. Improve communications and

transportation facilities. High-quality workforce. Ease tax rates. Review tax incentives.

Agricultural production, agribusiness, tourism.

Subsidize farmers, establish post-harvest facilities, easier access to markets, irrigation. Do

something about airports. Second runway at NAIA. Ports of entry should cater to cruise ships.

Sell ourselves abroad. Peace and order.

Agrarian reform policy

Make beneficiaries agro-entrepreneurs. Go slow on acquisition. Mechanize. Dialog with

stakeholders.

How will you improve corporate regulation?

Give as much leeway to corporations as possible as long as they disclose material information.

How will you stop smuggling?

Incentivize customs service.

Support for R&D in key industries.

Allow government employee-inventors to keep ownership of invention and to charge royalties.

Bank secrecy laws and money laundering.

Institutionalize role of AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) and enforce the law.

National security

Peace in Mindanao.

Must be solved under local circumstances, like the local peace and order councils, because each

area has distinct customs and traditions.

Policy on communist rebels.

Communism is now legal. They can advocate in many ways, but not with a gun.

AFP capability upgrade/modernization.

When we buy arms and equipment, we must also have additional funding to maintain them.

The revised National Defense Act, and president’s role in approval of promotions in AFP.

Not in favor. There must be minimum basis for promotions.

Fixed term for AFP chief.

No. Give the president the discretion.

Can private armies be dismantled?

Yes.

Will you retain the CVOs?

In certain areas but under the strict supervision of specially trained military unit...not the

infantry.

Adopted member of a PMA class? Which one?

Yes. Class of 1976.

Importance of US military aid.

Very important. They grant $40 million annually in aid and we use it for training of troops and

maintenance of military equipment.

With which other countries should RP have closer military alliances?

With as many countries as possible.

When the political leadership betrays the public trust, should the military intervene?

It should be discouraged. The military should not intervene in political issues and interpret

the situation in their own terms.

Corruption in the PNP/AFP?

Have private watchdogs over the AFP. Notify AFP leadership of any incidence of corruption.

Foreign Affairs

RP’s most important ally.

Three countries are vital to the Philippines – China, Japan and the United States. But also

vitally important are the Middle East, the European Union and Australia.

Is China a threat, a challenge, a friend?

View them on a macro level. Economically, they are a big trading partner, a big source of

potential tourism and foreign investments. But in security, they have spent a massive amount on

unlimited military build up, and they have not made their intentions clear on their foreign

security policy.

Foreign trip in the first 100 days.

No travel for the first six months.

Should RP strengthen ties with any particular region?

The European Union. South America. Revitalize the BIMP-EAGA.

RP-US relations under your administration.

Continue to be principled, robust, strong and at arms length. Concept of “shared burdens.”

Philippine claim over Sabah.

Let the Filipino people decide through a plebescite, but with full information.

Stand on the Spratlys issue.

We have a claim to the Spratlys that is now institutionalized in the regime of islands in our

baselines law and we will pursue that claim.

Education, culture, arts

Priorities in improving education.

Introduce literacy in preschool in the public sector, including literacy in the mother tongue.

We need around P1.5 billion a year for teacher training. Set up special student loan fund under

SSS.

Additional years in grade school and high school.

Difficult but there’s no choice. There’s a lot more to learn now, students cannot absorb all

that knowledge in 10 years.

Free universal kindergarten.

If you can provide for that, okay.

Importance of English proficiency in national compesampayanveness.

It’s really important, but literacy also in the mother tongue. English remains the language of

science, technology and diplomacy.

How to improve national compesampayanveness.

Do away with degree consciousness for promotions. One need not have a master’s degree for

leadership skills and institutional knowledge.

Role of arts and culture.

We tried to ‘Filipinize’ everything, but we must be proud of our diversity. There’s still a lot

of bigotry and prejudice in the country. Culture should be a tool for state building.

Healthcare

Priorities in improving public healthcare.

Universal participative healthcare. Everybody must be protected by some form of healthcare.

Family planning/reproductive health.

Respect moral choice, but government must help support that choice, even providing what is

needed for that choice. Family planning preference must be private.

Keeping doctors, nurses and other health professionals home.

Mandatory coverage, so there could be more resources to provide better conditions of employment.

Promote medical tourism.

Costs of medicine.

Dialogue with producers and provide incentives for local medical manufacturers.

Judiciary

Should SC powers be limited?

Put back the definition of judicial powers under the previous Constitution. Restore the old

powers of the judiciary.

Should GMA appoint the next chief justice.

No. It will also be unfair to the appointee to have that cloud over him.

Will you respect the appointment if she does?

It will entirely depend on the circumstances.

Independence of the judiciary.

Providing the judiciary with more resources by appointing qualified appointees.

Will you invoke executive privilege, and under what circumstances?

Yes, but to the least possible extent.

Corruption

Transparency in government.

Full disclosure of any transaction, except on national security issues.

How will you deal with corruption.

Creating a culture and attitude against corruption in the bureaucracy.

Prosecution of GMA for corruption.

I am not the most credible person to answer that.

Marcos wealth recovery.

That should have been settled a long time ago.

Human rights

Murder of journalists and militants.

Focus on crime prevention and solution.

AFP/PNP respect for human rights.

Remove internal security from the AFP. Sustained deterrence against insurgents.

Is democracy working for RP?

Too early to tell, we’re a young democracy.

Is the Philippine press irresponsible?

Very responsible, but there are problems.

Have you been treated fairly by media?

You win some, you lose some. Would you have it any other way?

Economic rights over civil liberties.

No, pareho (they’re equal).

Environment

How to deal with extreme flooding.

First, relocate informal settlers in vulnerable areas. Second, provide employment opportunities

in the sites. Most immediate is construct a Parañaque spillway to drain Laguna de Bay. More

elevated mass transport systems like the LRT or MRT in case of evacuation.

Climate change policies.

Implement Clean Air Act. Institute lifestyle changes. Have solid waste management. No open

dumpsites.

Logging/agroforestry.

Map the remaining natural forests in the country. Logging ban for natural forests, regeneration

of trees in wooded areas.

Water management.

Implement an old law that each barangay should have rain water catchments.

Sports

Priority of sports development.

Of course, because it’s an occasion for national unity and pride.

First-ever Olympic gold under your watch? How?

That’s a quick win solution. Identify one sport, like boxing, and work on it.

Stand on the following:

Charter change.

Yes, if it is transparent.

Cha-cha mode.

Constitutional convention.

VFA/US troops in Mindanao.

We should continue it.

Freedom of Information Act.

Yes.

Right of Reply bill.

There should be some sort of a reply.

Divorce.

That’s already allowed under Muslim laws.

Marriage expiration.

That’s crazy.

Gay rights.

Should be talked about objectively. Sign of maturity of the country.

Death penalty.

I’m not for death penalty.

What can we expect in your first 100 days?

I will try to reach out to my political opponents.


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