Saturday, March 27, 2010
Earlier, I mentioned that I have a "7-3-1-1 formula" for the Senate race. These numbers represent "7" new faces that I'd like to elect to the Senate; "3" incumbent public officials, or former politicians who did good while in power or their family members; "1" leftist, and "1" military officer who had previously tried to overthrow the government.
The reason for the 7 fresh faces is obvious. We need new voices in the Senate, individuals with fresh ideas and who would not succumb to quid pro quo arrangements because they have little or no previous political debts to pay. If we elect 7 neophyte senators now and another 7 of their type in three years, then we will have a new Senate majority by 2013 who can trump traditional politicians in any debate or vote. Right now, my list include the following names:
1. Dr. Martin Bautista -- A balikbayan doctor ala Dr. Juan Flavier. To know more about him, click here and here.
2. Atty. Alex Lacson -- A humble lawyer who authored "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country". Know the man by reading his speeches and what others are saying about him at this site.
3. Atty. Adrian Sison -- A lawyer known for making big corporations accountable. He once sued PLDT for attempting to convert its phonelines into a metered service. Because of this, he and a former officemate, Manny Amador (who deserves to be in the Senate, too; but sadly is not running) are now persona non grata at the PLDT Tower in Makati.
4. Yasmin Lao -- A Muslim and a women's equal rights advocate. Get to know her more here and here.
5. Atty. Zosimo Paredes -- I've met this guy and from my impression, he's very humble for a PMAyer just like Atty. Alex Lacson. He will be hard to dictate upon in the Senate. Truly, an officer and a gentleman.
6. Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr. -- A former UN executive, author, and educator. You can read his bio here.
7. Alexander Tinsay -- a broadcast journalist, scholar, church minister and 700 Club host. You can read more about him here and here.
As for the 3 slots I'm allocating to former politicians, incumbents, or their family members, the following I think need to be rewarded:
1. Sonia Roco -- Her husband's track record speaks for itself.
2. Ralph Recto -- For having the balls to pass the unpopular E-VAT, which is the reason why we are not affected by the global recession.
3. Capt. Ramon Mitra -- For the work of his dad to restore democracy in the Philippines in 1986.
Now, you might ask, "Why elect a rebel and a communist to the Senate?" The answer is simple: I want the leftists and the military rebels to see that there's an alternative to their armed struggle, that they can participate in governance, and that in a democracy you cannot impose your ideology on others. You have to work within the system. You can shout 'til you're hoarse, but at the end of the day, you have to abide by the majority will. I want the following to get this chance:
1. Satur Ocampo or Liza Maza
2. Gen. Danilo Lim or Col. Ariel Querubin
That's it. I hope you follow the same formula and vote for these candidates. A lot is at stake in this election. If we fail to choose the right leaders, this country will be a lot worse by 2016.
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