Senatorial Aspirants 2016

Less than a month to go and it will be Elections here in the Philippines. Now, most of us already have our Presidents and Vice-Presidents in mind but just like me, I haven’t made up my mind yet when it comes to choosing the Senate slate. You see, I used to not care about Philippine politics because well, half of them candidates are just full of sh*t. But, I think that it is high time for me to take a stand and make my own decisions no matter what other people may say.

So while I was researching about the senatorial candidates, I came across this article from PhilStar Global: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/21/1544896/list-senatorial-bets-may-2016-polls

Quite helpful but I need more information and not just names. So, one sleepy Monday night (although I have deadlines to meet), I created this post in the hopes that many people will be better informed this coming elections. I will not try to be eloquent in this post. Although there may be some points wherein I may be a bit biased or ignorant or whatever. But all descriptions/achievements/highlights of the candidate will be in simple terms. Okay?

RAFAEL ALUNAN (INDEPENDENT)

• Former DILG Chief during the Ramos administration
• DOT Head during Cory Aquino’s administration
• Hates China

Additional Information:

• http://defenders-philippine-sovereignty.blogspot.com/2015/09/who-is-rafael-alunan-iii.html
• http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/109543-rafael-alunan-senate-2016-elections

INA AMBOLODTO (LP)

• Supports BBL
• Asst Secretary for Muslim Affairs & Special Concerns of DILG under the late Jesse Robredo
• Former professor and a “bakwit” survivor

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ina_Ambolodto
• http://politics.com.ph/8-things-to-know-about-lp-senatorial-bet-ambolodto/
• http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/ina-ambolodto-hopes-to-become-second-muslim-woman-senator

ANTONIO BOMBATE AQUINO (INDEPENDENT)

I really can’t find any helpful information about this candidate. But here are some links that may shed light or will make you realize that this one is a nuisance candidate.

• http://panatangmakabayan.blogspot.com/2016/04/list-of-philippine-senatorial.html?view=magazine
• http://interaksyon.com/article/118981/coc-day-4-presidential-aspirants-show-of-force-like-clash-of-clans

GODOFREDO VILLAR ARQUIZA (INDEPENDENT)

• Senior Citizen Partylist Representative

Additional Links:

• http://news5.com.ph/top/541734C62A09417/audio-sen-cynthia-villar-pinakamayamang-senador-ngayon/aplikante-sa-senado-godofredo-arquiza-part-3-3

LEVITO DONIEGO BALIGOD (INDEPENDENT)

• Lawyer

Additional Information:

• https://www.facebook.com/attylevibaligod.org/

GRECO ANTONIOUS BEDA BANTA BELGICA (INDEPENDENT)

• Pastor
• Councilor 6th District of Manila (2004-2007)
• Current President of Yeshua Change Agents (anti-drug org)
• Advocate for flat tax system
• Filed a petition to junk PDAF, PSF and the Malampaya Fund

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco_Belgica
• http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/128549-greco-belgica-advocacies-senatorial-elections
• http://www.ivoteph.com/platforms/greco-belgica-platforms-advocacy/

WALDEN FLORES BELLO (INDEPENDENT)

• Akbayan Partylist Representative
• UP Diliman Professor
• Executive Director of Focus on the Global South 

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden_Bello
• http://www.waldenbello.org/
• http://waldenbello.com/

SANDRA MARTINEZ CAM (PMP)

• Jueteng Whistleblower
• Former OFW
• Head of the Whistleblowers Association of the Philippines

Additional Information:

• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/731163/sandra-cam-i-want-to-be-masses-true-voice-in-senate
• https://www.facebook.com/SandraCamOfficial

JOEL URSABIA CATMON (PGRP)

In gay lingo: TOVS! But here’s what I found online when I Googled his name:

• http://www.scoopnest.com/user/rapplerdotcom/654934513747824640
• http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/10/16/List-candidates-who-filed-their-COCs-on-October-16-2016-elections.html

MELCHOR GONGORA CHAVEZ (WPP/PMM)

Ahhh… All time nuisance candidate which makes me wonder why the hell would Comelec allow him to run this time? Oh well, it doesn’t really matter anyway.

Additional Information:

• https://philippinesfunwall.wordpress.com/tag/melchor-chavez/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchor_Chavez
• http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/10/16/List-candidates-who-filed-their-COCs-on-October-16-2016-elections.html

NERI JAVIER COLMENARES (MAKABAYAN)

• Human Rights Lawyer and Activist
• President of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers
• Bayan Muna Representative
• Angel Locsin’s cousin (LOL!)

Additional Information:

• http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/108952-neri-colmenares-coc-filing
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neri_Colmenares

LEILA NORMA EULALIA JOSEFA MAGISTRADO DE LIMA (LP)

• Lawyer; appointed by PGMA as Chairperson of CHR (2008-2010)
• Secretary, Philippine DOJ
• enunciates like there’s no tomorrow

Additional Information:

• https://www.facebook.com/Secretary-of-Justice-Leila-De-Lima-174833859228168/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leila_de_Lima
• http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/08/30/1493911/leila-de-lima-justice-without-fear-or-favor

FRANCISCO MORENO DOMAGOSO (PMP)

• Current Vice Mayor of Manila
• Actor with the screen name Isko Moreno

Additional Information:

• http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/109501-isko-moreno-runs-senator
• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/738057/isko-moreno-save-me-a-seat-in-the-senate
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isko_Moreno

FRANKLIN MAGTUNAO DRILON (LP)

• Senate President (2001-2006 and again from 2013)
• Currently serves his 3rd term in the Senate
• Chairman of the Liberal Party

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Drilon
• https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/senpres/drilon.asp

LORENZO “LARRY” GACILO GADON (KBL)

This guy does not need bullet points. I know a fool when I see one. If you don’t believe me, check this out:

• http://interaksyon.com/article/125196/10-explosive-answers-from-larry-gadon-on-his-senatorial-candidacy

Ugh!

SHERWIN TING GATCHALIAN (NPC)

• Businessman
• 1st Representative to represent the City’s 1st District on Philippine Congress in 2011
• Valenzuela Mayor (2004)
• Pauleen Luna’s ex boyfriend (#showbiz LOL!)

Additional Information:

• http://wingatchalian.com/
• http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=gatchalian-s

RICHARD JUICO GORDON (INDEPENDENT)

• Chairman Philippine Red Cross
• Former SBMA Chairman
• Former DOT Secretary
• Senator

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Gordon
• https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/gordon_bio.asp
• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/731706/dick-gordon-i-would-have-loved-to-run-for-president-but

TEOFISTO III DE LARA GUINGONA (LP)

• Senator (This guy is actually doing his job. He has passed several laws according to his Wikipedia page.

Additional Information:

• https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/guingona_tg_bio.asp

ANA THERESIA “RISA” NAVARRO HONTIVEROS (LP)

• Activist and Journalist
• Akbayan Rep from 2004-2010

Additional Information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risa_Hontiveros
• http://philnews.ph/2013/05/13/risa-hontiveros-profile-bios-platform-senatorial-candidate-18/

JAY ANGELIQUE SIBUG JAAFAR (INDEPENDENT)

• Tausug Princess
• Beauty Queen
• Tired of the government

Additional Information:

• http://www.scoopnest.com/user/ABSCBNNews/654500365509922817
• https://www.facebook.com/Princess-Angel-Jaafar-1531902197102073/
• http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/metro-manila/10/15/15/look-beauty-queen-wants-be-senator

MUSTAPHA MAMA “EID” KABALU (INDEPENDENT)

• Former MILF Spokesman
• AFP Peace Consultant

Additional Information:

• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/212779/former-milf-spokesperson-now-afp-%E2%80%98peace%E2%80%99-consultant

LORNA PATAJO KAPUNAN (AKSYON)

If you are into showbiz news or scandals, then you will surely be familiar with Atty. Kapunan. Although to be fair, Atty. Kapunan is considered as an expert on IPL or Intellectual Property Law. More details here:

• http://kapunanlaw.com/index.php/lorna-patajo-kapunan/
• http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Lorna_Patajo-Kapunan

PRINCESS JACEL HICARTE KIRAM (UNA)

You know what, TBH. My eyes are tired and I can’t find any good links about this candidate. Or maybe I lost my mind when I read that she’s the Joan of Arc in the Philippines.

Additional Information

• https://www.facebook.com/Princess-Jacel-Kiram-2016-799693860120037/
• http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/princess-jacel-for-senator

VENESA “ALMA” MORENO LACSAMANA (UNA)

Well, I’m pretty sure that almost everyone especially in the online world know who Alma Moreno is and may have also seen her interview with Karen Davila. It was cringe worthy, you know. Like nails to a blackboard. But, I’ll focus on other noteworthy things. I think poor Alma had enough share of bashing.

• Paranaque City Councilor
• 1st female President of PCL (Philippine Councilor’s League)

PANFILO MORENA LACSON (INDEPENDENT)

• Former PNP Chief
• Primary Author of the Anti-Money Laundering Act

More details here:

• https://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/lacson_bio.asp
• http://pinglacson.com.ph/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panfilo_Lacson

SIXTO BAFLOR LAGARE (INDEPENDENT)

Oh Gad! Y’all be the judge! Here are the links that I have found when I googled his name:

• https://www.facebook.com/Mr-Juror2016-Sixto-Kit-Kilatis-Lagare-231203103593147/
• http://www.scoopnest.com/user/rapplerdotcom/654880626663796737

Ok, I’m really getting sleepy. #GorProblems But there are 52 senatorial aspirants and this post features the 1st half of the candidates. I’ll post the other half as soon as I can.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment if there are some things I’ve missed.

 

 

 

 

 

So last weekend, the dirty bunch went down south to get a taste of adventure, of some sort. And every trip going south should, and let me repeat that, SHOULD commence at the city of Carcar where you can get the best lechon for only 280 pesos a kilo. Getting extra lechon for free was a sign that the trip was going to be epic. Well, I have always believed that an amazing experience depends on who you are travelling with, so I was pretty sure that the weekend will be well spent.

Our next stop was at the Molave Milk Station in Barili where we can stretch our legs and maybe twerk. Well, technically it was just a quick stop to get a few refreshments and take pictures that maybe considered blog-worthy. Travelers can grab a quick bite at the Milk Station or go pee or whatever. In our case, we got ice cream, snacks, took silly pictures and Bryan wanted to steal some books while Janice was complaining why she did not get a vanilla ice cream and instead got one with an M on the lid. I think M stands for Mlack or Mogal or you know, it could be Mocha.

The original plan was to go to Moalboal for lunch and of course beach time. Unfortunately, the place was too crowded and most gors do not like crowds. Ha! So we headed to Badian and we found a perfect spot in Lambug. It was still a bit crowded but I guess we were all hungry so we figured that the place was okay. The Manong said that we have to pay 400 pesos for the table with lantay/bed but of course we haggled and we only had to pay 300 pesos. So we finally got to have beach time plus lechon, puso and beer. Happy me. 🙂

Next stop was supposedly Aguinid Falls in Samboan but since it was a weekend, the place was of course packed. So Janice suggested that we’ll just take a quick dip at the public beach and I was finally able to take ahem, blog-worthy pics of the setting sun.

But the day was not yet over. Of course, we have to have the best dinner prepared by Dencio but I was too hungry to take pictures of the food. Oh well. We capped the night with a few shots of Emperador lite with Pepsi na Coke and a few ghost stories. Seriously, all the dogs howled in unison around 12 midnight. That was actually exciting. Hahaha!!!

The itinerary for the next day was to check out Dau Falls which should instead be named Dauy ka yopak! If your only exercise is to get up from the couch to open the fridge then you are in serious trouble if you decide to go to Dau. All right. So first things first. Trekkers/tourists must pay 20 pesos per person as environmental fee. (I think!) The staff will then assign a guide for your group and please, be generous with your tips. Most of the guides depend on the tours as their source of income, so you know, don’t be stingy.

So the first challenge is to cross this bridge after climbing, walking, slipping down a rocky trail.

 

Check out our worried faces! Ha! And we aren’t even halfway yet. And if you have a fear of heights like Mark, then this is what’s under the bridge:

The rest of the trail was exciting, nerve wracking, amazing, mesmerizing and you know all the other superlatives that you could think of. You can probably hear Ed Sheeran singing: “When your legs don’t work like they used to before”. Like really.

Tip: Make sure you have the right slippers or trekking shoes/sandals. Havaianas are only good for leisure walks and not for trekking. The term slippers is surely apt since they can make you slip, break your ankle or even your neck. Here are a few snapshots:

But you know, it was all worth it.

Last tip: If your guide says that you all go take a shortcut going back to the base camp, do decline. Unless, you want your eyes to roll out of your head and you cut your tongue because you are already gasping for air.

Seriously, if you live in Cebu, go check out the many falls and beaches of the South. Let’s support local tourism and of course do not forget to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures. Always be a responsible traveler and do not forget to wear sunblock.

See you on our next adventure!