A Shattered Peace

IN RECENT weeks, peace in Mindanao was very much the concern of leaders here and abroad and optimism over its prospects was in the air. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, during her lightning visit here, urged the Philippine government to push the peace process and affirmed that this has the full support of the United States. Earlier this month, my husband and I were invited by Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura and Mme. Yasuko Katsura to a quiet dinner at their North Forbes home and the peace process was among the topics of our conversation. The media also reported how some 300,000 refugees, now housed in various refugee camps in Western and Central Mindanao, have been pining for peace, so that they could return to their homes after the breakdown of the peace process in August 2008.

Facebook Philippine Election 2010 Simulation: Round#3

For everyone who has a Facebook – please participate in Round#3 of the Philippine 2010 Election Simulation and help shape the future of our country.

Link to vote can be found here!

NP gets Batangas grassroots support

21 November 2009 – The Nacionalista Party (NP) headed by Sen. Manny Villar tightened its influence in Luzon as at least 200 grassroots leaders of Batangas formally joined the political party in a jampacked ceremony held in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

he oathtakers were led by former Gov. Armando Sanchez, 18 incumbent and aspiring mayors, 18 sitting and aspiring vice-mayors, and 140 incumbent and aspiring councilors who were mostly from Kampi.

“We welcome our fearless Batangueños to the Nacionalista Party, which is undeniably now the most stable, organized, and committed to the advocacy of fighting poverty suffered by most of our people,” Villar said.

Cynthia Villar on Manny, the presidency & what her father taught her

Woman on top: Now on her last term, Las Piñas Rrepresentative Cynthia Villar says the reason she has worked so hard all these years is to be able to make independent decisions. Though she admits that she’s had a difficult life, she didn’t have to look far for role models when she was growing up because the women in her family fulfilled that role. “All our mothers and grandmothers are role models,” Cynthia says.

There are two things that may come as a surprise about Cynthia Villar, the woman most likely to become first lady in the next presidency (her husband’s biggest rival is unmarried).

Movement for Better Values Bats for Manny-Loren Tandem

A new movement on revolutionary values inspiring the spirit of entrepreneurship supports the tandem of Senator Manny Villlar and Loren Legarda, both known for their pro-poor advocacy.

The “Ahon sa Kahirapan,” a movement espousing for better values, believes that the political partnership of Villar and Legarda will realize the hope for real empowerment of the many less privileged in the country.

Both Villar and Legarda advocate for the protection of the environment as they vow to champion the fight against poverty and promote clean and green country.

Demand and Supply – Manny Villar promises competence

November 09, 2009 – Sitting relaxed in the elegant living room of the former Laurel mansion in Mandaluyong, presidential candidate Manny Villar served notice that he is not about to be counted out for next year’s contest. His first appearance in a serious television program, Villar told Ricky Carandang of ANC that he plans to win public confidence in his first hundred days by initiating and delivering high impact projects in a highly transparent manner.

Sama sa Masa Video

Manila Overseas Press Club: Transcript of Interview with Manny Villar

Q: Your new to your philanthropic work as a successful businessman, so far you have given up at least 6 houses and lot to distress ofws which by now could run from more than a hundred. Are you still within your cost estimate of 4 billion for your presidential campaign?

GENUINE. EXPERIENCED. READY. Speech of Senator Manuel B. Villar, Nacionalista Party; October 29, 2009

Distinguished officers and members of the Manila Overseas Press Club and friends, good evening. A new typhoon threatens our country and many of us wonder whether we are prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. But typhoons are a reality for which we should always be prepared. Yet year in and year out our lack of sufficient preparation causes us hundreds of millions in damaged property and countless lost lives.

The message of Ondoy and of other weather disturbances is simple: in times of crisis one cannot afford to be inexperienced or unprepared. Every second counts. Any hesitation on the part of Government and on the part of leadership can be fatal for so many.

Wanted: VP for Villar

It was my first time to listen to a speech by former Senate president Manny Villar who spoke before the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) dinner forum held last week at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City. I must admit I was impressed by Villar’s speech — or whoever wrote it for him — because he talked a lot of sense.