Showing posts with label election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label election. Show all posts
Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans
The gruesome massacre which left at least 36 people dead after they were kidnapped in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines had been blamed on political rivalries involving leaders of the powerful Ampatuan clan.
Four survivors whose identities were not disclosed alleged that they heard Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr say the killings were demanded by his father Andal Sr. and older brother Zaldy, the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Among the victims was Genalyn T. Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Manguddatu, the chief political rival of the powerful Ampatuans. Genalyn died with the convoy which included Toto’s two sisters, two lawyers, about a dozen journalists and supporters who did not survive the shootings perpetrated by heavily-armed men. Military authorities set up check-points to find the suspects.
At the time of the killings, the ill-fated group was about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for Toto Manguddatu’s run for governor at the Maguindanao Comelec Office in the provincial capital of Shariff Aquak--- a place controlled by the Ampatuan family.
The senseless bloodbath, the most vicious in memory, was condemned by local and international groups such as the Bishops-Ulama Conference, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres).(Photo Credit: wikimedia) =0=
UPDATE: The Philippine government declared a stte of emergency in the place where the massacre occured as the number of causualties mounted. This will allow curfews and searches to be done by authorities as they search for the gunmen that killed 46 people. Press freedom groups and journalists doubt if justice will be served in this ignominious murders.
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Manny Pacquaio: admiration & wild political suggestion
There is not doubt Manny Pacquiao, Filipino sports hero and Asia's phenomenal boxing icon is great. His unsurppassed winnings in the ring don't only bring fame and fortune, they inspire admiration beyond measure especially among Filipinos. Carried too far, there are those who think the spectacular boxer is capable of all-around extra-ordinary feats---like being the next president of the Philippines. (Photo Credit: Inquirer)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Bravo Manny Pacquiao!" Posted by mesiamd at 11/15/2009; Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009
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Presidential candidates accused of plunder and corruption
The circuitous trial and conviction of plunder and corruption of ex-pres. Joseph Estrada came to an abrupt end. The transcript of his trial was foul and sickening to read. He was hastily pardoned by his fellow politician Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo soon after his conviction. Arroyo used her executive power to give away clemency. Her decision jibed well with her striking corrupt reputation.
Though one of the stipulations in Arroyo's pardon was for him not to come back to politics---i.e. not run in the 2010 presidential election, Estrada was confident to defy the prohibition. The ex-president from San Juan, Metromanila got a sizeable backing in the old political machinery. Kicked out of Malacanang Palace, it didn’t matter if he was a convict and notorious womanizer who got away from serving jailtime. He wanted to the president again.
In next year's the presidential race, Estrada will face Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr, the former public works secretary who along with members of the Road Board are facing criminal charges of alleged misuse of P56.5 billion road user’s tax. Like Estrada, the former officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP,) is accused of plunder and graft.
Ebdane's corruption charges stem from the collection of the road user’s tax which is part of the vehicle’s annual registration fee. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants the road user’s tax, in the tune of billions of pesos deposited in the National Treasury and included in the National Budget. She asks Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, another controversial figure (criticized for failures to quickly investigate the corrupt contractor rigging of bids in highway projects) to probe Ebnane.
In Santiago’s recommendations, she wanted the former military officer to account for his money dealings as a public works and highway secretary and road board chairman. Doesn't this sound familiar? Cynical and disappointed Filipinos think the outcome of this investigation will end up empty. Like in the past, almost no one will be made accountable (even if the money loss in government is obviously staggering.)
“With Santiago's charge, speculations are rife that Ebdane, who proclaimed his bid for the presidency yesterday, is just making a mockery of justice. Ebdane, who resigned as DPWH secretary might have proclaimed the bid to skirt the corruption issue and prevent it from infecting the entire Arroyo administration. Others say that Ebdane should be prevented from running in the elections since it is now highly suspicious how he got the money to spend for his electoral bid. Many believe that Ebdane is now using those anomalous billions he got from the Road User's Tax and diverted it to fund his election machinery. Remember that election funds are still unaccountable.”---http://newphirevolution.blogspot.com (11/10/09, Mangubat, P.)
Though the 60-year old Ebnane who is a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate has not yet been tried, Filipinos rather have presidential candidates who do not have dubious integrity. The greed and insincerity of many influential government officers are legendary.
For many years, there are those who live discordant lives without regard of public opinion. They exploit the system to advance their personal ambition, warped morality, the power and money they want to exploit. (Photo Credit: Clipart.com) =0=
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Republicans cheer gains in two state elections
Just about a year when the Democrats and Pres. Barack Obama gained majority in the governance of America, two elections held yesterday proved that the winds of politics had change course again. In Virginia, Republican Robert McDonnell commandingly defeated Democratic senator Creigh Deeds with 59% and 41% votes respectively.
In New Jersey, Democratic governor Jon Corzine who was seeking a second term, bowed down to his rival Republican Christopher Christie by a 5% margin. New Jersey’s newly elected governor rode on issues of poor economy, joblessness, corruption, and high taxes.
Backed by the charismatic president Barack Obama who is popular in Virginia and New Jersey, the recent electoral defeats are signs of changing political tide. With growing dissatisfaction over promises versus delivery in the Obama administration, voters who supported the democrats have a change of heart.
Although majority of the voters think that Pres. Obama was not a factor in their election decision, the win of these two Republicans could be interpreted as a defeat of the White House which campaigned for the losing candidates. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama did not watch the electoral returns.
The poor economy, joblessness, overspending, questionable healthcare reform, and increasing government encroachment in people’s lives are main reasons why the Republicans won. It is a signal to the Obama administration that Democrats have to listen to the voice of the people rather than insulate themselves to adopt a socio-political agenda on their own. Washington has been accused of being deaf to the cares of the public that is suffering from the effects of recession and poor economy. (Photo Credit: www.lib.msu.edu) =0=
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NYC elects Michael Bloomberg mayor for the third time
When I cast my vote in the 17th precinct near Ditmars Astoria on November 3, 2009, I thought incumbent Mayor Michael (Mike) Bloomberg would win again----his third time after the term limit was lifted to allow him to run again. I was right/
Bloomberg’s campaign fund was an overkill compared to that of comptroller Bill Thompson, his rival in the mayoralty race. His self-funded campaign under Republican/Independent banner is the most expensive. The 108th NYC mayor since 2002 reportedly spent more than $100 million of his own money this time compared to $85 million he spent to defeat his opponent in 2005.
I believe the 67 billionaire who succeeded Rudy Guiliani need not spend his extra millions. His record of remarkable low NY crime and high test scores among students are reasons for his easy win.
For winning the third term with a small margin, he equaled ex-mayor Ed Koch who also served the Big Apple three times in the ‘80s. In the years that Bloomberg has served as mayor, New Yorkers seem satisfied. The mayor of Jewish-American parentage only collects a dollar as token for his job. In spite of his wealth, he uses the public transport---the subway to move around the city. (Photo Credit: mediabistro) =0=
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Archbishop Legaspi airs opposition versus 5th district creation in Camarines Sur
Reminding the laity of the maneuvers done by elected officials to push their political agenda, Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi expressed criticism in his pulpit message on October 25, 2009 in the division of Camarines Sur from 4 to 5 districts.
Made possible by legislation RA 9716, the redistricting of Camarines Sur into 5 districts will make it possible for pro-administration politicians like Dato Arroyo (son of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo) and Rolando Andaya (known supporter of the president) to pursue congressional seats without having to compete with each other as they run for office in the coming 2010 election. --- Vox Bikol (11/01/09)
Sponsored by old time politician Luis Villafuerte, the legislative move is looked upon by Msgr. Legaspi as self-serving and does not benefit the public well. Many citizens expressed similar opposition for the questionable creation of a congressional district which does not satisfy “constitutional requirements.”
In his homily, Legaspi reminds the people to be watchful of clever reelectionist politicians----Have they accomplished something good for the community? Have they used their positions to enrich themselves? Are these politicians greedy, arrogant, and self-serving to the detriment of the people? Did these politicians improve the peace and order of the community or did they make the people less safe? (Photo Credit: www.cbconline.org) =0=
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Trapos declare presidential bid for 2010
Barely recovering from the effects of Typhoons Ondoy and Peping, the United Opposition (UNO) team declares its presidential plan for coming presidential election next year. Traditional politicians (trapos) led by ousted and convicted plunderer ex president Joseph Estrada announced his candidacy for president in front of 10,000 excited supporters in Plaza Hernandez in Tondo. He named Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate along with 4 of 11 senatorial candidates---among them, the aged Marcos political partner Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, a long-time trapo.
Present in the rally were Estrada’s son Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, lawyer Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III. Expected the UNO party, but were not present were Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Reps. Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr., Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Rodolfo Plaza, and detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim. (Source: Malaya (10/22/09, Naval, G.)
Estrada’s candidacy brings recall the terms of the politically-motivated pardon quickly handed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo in October 2007. The controversial pardon which exonerated Estrada of corruption, thievery, and plunder stipulated that he, the movie actor, agreed not to run for public office.
It is expected that Estrada’s candidacy will stir a firestorm on the legality of his presidential ambition. Observers believe Estrada’s political maneuverings shows the persistently low-level state of politics in the country. (Photo Credit: Verongski4a) =0=
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Noynoy Aquino announces his presidential candidacy for 2010 election
After a period of thinking, Sen. Noynoy Aquino II, the son of martyred politician Ninoy Aquino and ex-Pres. Corazon C. Aquino finally decided to run for president on May 2010. Supposed to be the standard candidate of the Liberal Party, Nonoy announced that his plan is in accordance to the wishes of his parents. His decision coincided with th 40th day afte Cory died.
Saying that he does not have campaign funds to finance his candidacy, Noynoy plans to generate electoral finances from fund-raisings from the people. The 49 year-old senator offered the vice-presidential position to Sen. Mar Roxas who earlier gave away his presidential ambition to give way to Noynoy.
"Noynoy also said that among the possible LP senatorial candidates are former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon, son of Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, Anakbayan partylist Rep. Riza Hontiveros, and former Rep. Nereus Acosta, who was the master of ceremonies at Club Filipino."---Malaya (09/10/09, Lopez, JP)
As this developed, CBCP Bishop Deogracias Iniguez cautioned the people not to jump to a decision without weighing what the candidates can offer. He urged Sen. Aquino to make his platform known so the people can weigh in. Accepting the fact that there is no perfect candidate, another prelate, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao opined that a good set of advisers are invaluable in effective governance. =0=
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Afghanistan election: why is Pres. Hamid Karzai leading the race?
The contentious presidential election in Afghanistan has not been settled. The country’s Independent Election Commission reveals about 500 voting posts have been rejected because of accusations of fraud. The counting at this time puts Karzai ahead of his rival Abdullah Abdullah with total votes of 48.6% and 31.7% respectively.
According to the New York Times report, Karzai and his supporters put up about 800 fraudulent polling places to rig the election Moreover it was alleged by Afghan and Western leaders that the votes in certain voting stations far exceeded the usual number, some as high as 10 times the usual.
As the alleged cheating is being investigated, the final tall of election results is expected to be finished next month. The IEC has received more than 2,000 complaints related to the election last August 30. 2009. (Photo Credit: World Economic Forum) =0=
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2010 Presidential Election: Ninoy son rises?
In a twist of political change, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, the son of martyred hero Ninoy Aquino and Pres. Corazon Aquino has forged a pact with Sen. Manuel Roxas to tie-up in the incoming 2010 election.
Originally mulling to run for president, Sen. Roxas announced on Tueday, September 1, 2009 at Club Filipino that he is giving way to Noynoy to be the Liberal Party’s candidate in the presidential May election. In tandem, he plans to run as vice-president intead----in favor of Noynoy,a candidate with strong capital from a dynastic political clan and whose whose matriarch, Cory Aquino recently passed away.
Sen. Roxas’ decision will surely spark adjustments among those who plan to run. Whether his political move will come out good for the country remains to be seen. Sen. Roxas believes his decision is a sacrifice for the unity of the country needing sweeping overhaul.
Meanwhile, Sen. Manuel Villar thinks he will proceed with his candidacy separate from Aquino while ex-president Joseph Estrada says he will withdraw from the race if the opposition fields only one candidate. The business community welcomes the political move with some skepticism, noting that Sen. Aquino hasn’t proven much in his stint in the legislature. (Photo Credit: Cheryl Ravelo/ Reuters) =0=
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Early election fever catches on in Manila
A Presidential Election for Better Philippines?
In August 31, 2009, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) posts the above photo of possible candidates for the coming presidential election slated next year. Among those who participated in the "unity walk" are from (L to R) Jejomar Binay, JC delos Reyes, Francis Escudero, Joseph Estrada, Bayani Fernando, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Francis Pangilinan, Nicanor Perlas, Mar Roxas, Eddie Villanueva and Manny Villar.
There is wild talk on who will align with whom to make a winning presidential team, but no platform is set out in the open. (Photo Credit: Orbeta, N. J.) =0=
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As election nears, Mancao points to Estrada and Lacson in Dacer-Corbito murders
Philippines is again simmering with election fever. Among the contenders to run for president in 2010 is the disgraced ex-president Joseph Estrada. The aging actor-politician from San Juan, who was deposed by citizen's demand and haphazardly pardoned by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, is bent to come back to power.
Supported by an electorate that appears not to give much premium to competence, integrity, and moral qualifications, Estrada is confident to run for presidency again. Early on, the move to circumvent the laws against his disqualification is on-going. The “rehabilitated” convicted plunderer with meager qualifications, but with strong following is tagged as the mastermind with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Sen. Panfilo Lacson of the death, 9 years ago, of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
Former police superintendent Cezar Mancao II, an accused witness, suddenly hugs the headlines again to rub salt on the double murder case which doesn’t get resolved. The players in the killing have muddled up the case. It is not unlikely that Estrada and Lacson are behind the murders, but nothing can be done against them unless they are proven guilty.
“The lawyer of three detained policemen who were also implicated in the crime, said Mancao had testified during the hearing yesterday that the order from Michael Ray Aquino came from Lacson, which in turn, he said came from Malacañang as part of an operation tagged as Oplan Delta. When the prosecution asked Mancao who in Malacañang gave the order, he replied "Estrada." whom he also indentified as "Bigote."---- Daily Tribune (08/27/09)
The renewed interest on Dacer-Corbito may well be connected with the election. This is another chapter in the soap-opera of corrupted politics that the public has been so tired of. On the side, politicians in Manila are busy drawing deals with other politicians in order to win---- rather than think of what they can do to advance the cause of the public good. How then can they focus on solving a sordid murder case?
The aggrieved families of Dacer and Corbito have to wait. With the sluggish court-system, Filipinos get distracted with candidates who have double faces and motives. The voters have been immensely disappointed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. It’s time they focus on electing someone who is guileless and more competent. Otherwise, the cycle of political corruption will start again. (Photo Credit: Verongski4) =0=
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Election change proposal by Sen. Ted Kennedy smacks with partisan politics?
Hampered by brain cancer, Sen. Edward Kennedy (Massachusetts-D) requested lawmakers in his state to change the law in anticipation of a vacancy that may occur if he dies in office. He wanted to do away with the current law requiring an election to replace the vacancy. Missing Washington due to his incapacity, he thought a delay in selecting his replacement can affect the voting outcome of a democrat-dominated legislature.
Yet back in 2004 when Kennedy’s fellow party-member John Kerry ran for presidency, he spearheaded and successfully junked the law of gubernatorial choice in replacing the vacancy because it was Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican and member of the opposite party who would choose a replacement if Kerry won as president.
So what he asks the Massachusetts lawmakers now is a complete turnabout, calculated to benefit his party. With a dominant Democatric party, Kennedy' proposal will likely be decided on his favor. However, many recall the controversies of selecting a replacement by the governor. The choices for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Chicago and New York when they became president and secretary of state respectively were marred by disappointments. Choosing somebody by election (vs. governor's choice) is more anchored on what is best for the people and not for the benefit of the party. (Photo Credit: www.dag.nl) =0=
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Taliban steps up violence as election draws near in Afghanistan
Trying to thwart the election scheduled on Thursday, August 20, 2009, Taliban forces increased their campaign of violence in the capital city of Kabul in Afghanistan killing at least 8 people and leaving about 50 wounded. Two Afghan staff of the United Nations and one foreign soldier were among the latest casualties.
A suicide bomber directed an explosive-bearing vehicle in a busy highway. Missiles were fired close to the presidential palace and defense ministry. In Uruzgan province, an insurgent attacked a polling station, leaving four Afghan soldiers and two civilians dead.
“For the election, some 300,000 Afghan and international troops and police officers, are tasked with protecting 29,000 polling stations, with what the government describes as a four-tier ring of security.”---Voice of America (08/18/09, Herman, S.)
Dubbed as "a day of peace, the election is expected to allow about 80% of electorates to cast their votes. A huge electoral participation will help in bringing unity, curtail corruption and reconciliation among warring ethnic groups. The Afghan government and international security forces have prepared for more attacks on election day.(Photo Credit tanweer1) =0=
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Double registrants, impostors, and flying voters removed from voter’s list in Bicol
In preparation for the coming 2010 national election, the Commission on Eleection (COMELEC) has started removing names of double registrants, impostors, and flying voters which compromise the integrity of the election. To make the election credible, in Bicol, about 200,000 of such voters have been excluded from the voting list according to Atty. Zacarias Zaragoza, Comelec’s regional director.
“Camarines Sur had the highest number registered voters that actually voted with 615,477; followed by Albay with 503,032; Masbate, 308,556; Sorsogon, 282,335; Camarines Norte, 174,625, and; Catanduanes 109, 577. “---Bicol Mail (07/23/09, Barcia, R.B.)
It is observed that young citizens eager to exercise their right of suffrage are registering in huge numbers. If they continue to list themselves before the national election, the Bicol region is expected to have 2.8 to 3 million eligible voters at the time of national electon.
But the need for cleansing of the voter’s roster is obvious. Each election, complaints of fraud have brought doubt on the reliability of the political exercise which leads to quarrels, sometimes resulting to violence.
A stolen election isn’t a good foundation for a successful public service. It’s a quick pathway for graft and corruption. Cheating brings down the trust of the people and inhibits the progress of the entire nation. (Photo Credit: WorldNews/ Janice) =0=
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Iran election crisis continues as the world watches
Opposition to the recent election which civil society deemed fraudulent continued with thousands of angry protesters clashing with government security officers in Iran. Supporters of Mir Hossein Mousavi, the defeated rival of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continued to spill into Tehran streets to denounce the rigged election last June 12, 2009 in spite of warnings from the Revolutionary Guard to be prepared for a bloody confrontation.
The protesters who were attacked by teargas, truncheons, and guns demanded a rerun of the election that was riddled with irregularities.
Iranian TV reported at least 17 so far were killed and more than 400 were wounded in last Saturday’s riots. One of those who died was Neda Soltani, a young woman whose demise had become the inspiration of more mass actions. A memorial service for the martyred lady was rejected by authorities to prevent her from becoming a flashpoint of continued rebellion.
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said: “We are worried and particularly saddened over the violence and loss of life that this is creating and we ask the Iranian government to urgently adopt conditions to create a peaceful solution to the internal crisis. The right to safeguard human lives comes before everything else.“---Iran Daily (06/22/09)
US Pres. Barack Obama expressed his support to the protesters, but many criticize him for not speaking strongly for human rights and democratic principles.
In the past few days, the US, Britain, France, and other European countries asked the Iranian leadership to respect human rights, democratic process, and halt all violence against the people. The Iranian government responded by calling these countries “irresponsible and intrusive.”
As the protesters mull on their next move, a demonstration has been scheduled on Thursday, June 25, 2009. In solidarity with the Iranian protesters, similar rallies against the Iranian rogue regime have been staged in London, Hamburg, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul, Washington, Kuwait City, Tokyo, and other major cities of the world. (Photo Credit: PD; AFP; Reuters/ Farhad Rajabali) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Protests against Iran’s contested election continue" Posted by mesiamd at 6/16/2009; "Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election" Posted by mesiamd at 6/14/2009
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Protests against Iran’s contested election continue
Riots against the alleged fraudulent landslide re-election of hardliner Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad grew in the streets of Tehran. Thousands of irate Iranians clashed with the police injuring many and killing at least one person in the largest protest since 1979.
Droves of pro-democracy forces and opposition activists loyal to rival candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi continued to vent anger to the rigging of the election. It prompted supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was originally supportive of the election result to order an investigation into the alleged voter anomalies.
World leaders expressed concern over the continued chaos in the streets which have ramifications to the stalled diplomatic overtures to have Iran abandon its nuclear program.
While evaluating the suspected landslide win of Ahmadinejad, Pres. Barack Obama said it’s up for the Iranians to choose their leaders. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared support to look into the contested presidential election. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband voiced "serious concern" while French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed worry over Iran’s political situation. (Photo Credit: Mark Baker/ AP; AP; Behrouz Mehri/ AFP/ Getty Images.=0=
UPDATE: June 16, 2007---7 Iranians protesting the cheating in the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were gunned down in a public square during a confrontation with riot policemen.
RELATED BLOG: "Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election" Posted by mesiamd at 6/14/2009
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Ahmadinejad wins in Iranian election
In a disputed election last Friday, June 12, 2009, Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won over his chief rival reformist Mir-Hossein Mousavi sparking riots and protests in Tehran and other Iranian streets. With allegations of election fraud, Ahmadinejad’s winning gives him another 4-year term to pursue his promised “bright and glorious” future for Iran which is actively pursuing its dangerous nuclear program.
"Many backers took this call to the streets. Thousands of protesters — mostly young men — roamed through Tehran looking for a fight with police and setting trash bins and tires ablaze. Pillars of black smoke rose among the mustard-colored apartment blocks and office buildings in central Tehran. In one side road, an empty bus was engulfed in flames."---AP (06/14/09, Johnson, A; Murphy, B.)
Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei brushed aside the protests over Friday’s vote and welcomed the 80% election turnout. The Interior Ministry disclosed that Ahmadinejad garnered more than 63% and Mousavi received 35%.
“Iran in turmoil will not be ready to engage Obama," said Bruce Riedel, veteran US inteligence official…. Congress and pro-Israel conservatives, already strongly critical of Ahmadinejad, will undoubtedly press Obama to put a tight deadline on his overture to Iran. They are expected to urge him to move on to tougher measures, such as economic sanctions or military action, to try to compel Tehran to give up its nuclear ambitions.” LA Times (06/14/09, Richter, P)
Ahmadinejad advocates the destruction and annihilation of Israel. He brings fresh challenge in keeping the balance of peace in the Middle East. Like Mousavi, he supports terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. His election will make it harder for the United States, UN, and their allies to pursue a peaceful resolution against the nuclear threat Iran poses to the world.
US Sec. of State Hillary Clinton doubts whether Ahmadinejad won by landslide victory----something that the Iranian people must decide.
(Photo Credit: LA Times/ AP/ Ben Curtis) =0=
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Emerging candidates for the 2010 presidential election
A year before the Philippine presidential election on May 2010, the Pulse Asia survey declared that the top contenders to replace Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo with almost equal nationwide public appeal are: vice president Noli de Castro (18 %,) Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero (17%) and former pres. Erap Estrada (14%). All three possible candidates haven’t officially expressed their plan to run.
Sen. Manuel Villar, Jr. and Sen. Manuel Roxas II, two hopefuls who have declared their intention to join the presidential race got 14% and 13% respectively.
“One of the administration’s probable standard bearer, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, got a measly one percent rating in the same survey. Sen. Richard Gordon obtained the same 1 percent score. All others, namely chief Justice Reynato Puno, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bayani Fernando, Bro, Mike Velarde and Pampanga priest-governor “Among” Ed” Panlilio all scored with less than 1 percent.“----Daily Tribune (06/02/09)
For many Filipinos, what they seek is a president who can tackle the pernicious problem of corruption and the many challenges that go with widespread poverty. More challenging economic problems await the next president like the lack of employment, healthcare, pollution, sluggish tax collection, population explosion, and deteriorating standards of education among others.
With shaky political platforms to stand, warring parties form, merge, and dissolve at the whim of influential personalities not so much because they have something good to offer to the people, but more to strategize on winning (or rigging) the election. Groups like the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) notes how the country lags behind because of weak leadership compared to its neighbors. (Photo Credit: Storm Crypt) =0=
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Pacquiao unveils his People Champ’s Party
Filipinos displayed almost total unanimity in support for Manny Pacquiao during his boxing bout with Ricky Hatton. The entire nation was ecstatic to watch the astounding victory that carved Manny’s name among the greatest boxers of the world. As his countrymen prepared for a hero’s welcome in Manila, a brewing firestorm of controversy had started.
Drowning in admiration and accolades, Manny is reported to have formed the People Champ’s movement, a political party that will enable him to come back to politics after his defeat in the 2007 election. A petition to recognize the party which he heads as president has been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)----probably in preparation for him to seek a local elective post in General Santos City or run for congressman in Sarangani Province in Mindanao.
Early reactions to Pacquiao’s political move are mixed. Surely, no one can prevent him from seeking an elective government post, but a huge number of his fans are concerned. There are those who are disappointed. With the corrupting influence of many politicians who use the boxing champion’s popularity for their political gain, his admirers believe he can better serve the country as an outstanding boxer.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel is probably right in saying, “Pacman is idolized by millions of Filipinos, especially our youth, because of his strength and endurance. Many would be disillusioned if he taints his real power—the unique capacity to unite the people—by entering politics.” ----PDI (05/06/09, Alave, KL) (Photo Credit: Bret) =0=
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