Its the official last day (yesterday) of the campaign period. As each candidates intensely throw their final blow of convincing the public, there are others who make the intensity a little light with the different memes. Yes, people have found their witty and fun side even in the heat of this year's election.

Naturally, we Filipinos are natural comedians and there is that usual phrase "ang taba ng utak" which means a healthy brain, or on a naughtier meaning a fatty, witty brain. We literally make fun of everything, it is not being bullish, but perhaps it is our coping mechanism in making hard work a little lighter. Experience wise having fun at work makes it a lot faster and lighter. But politically, it has two meanings or purposes.

Political memes are double-edged sword, it may sound funny and witty but its true intension is to promote a political candidate or to defame that political aspirant.

From local to national, we find different political memes some of these are created by supporters and some are simply created by individuals who love a good laugh. Even though these memes provide an avenue for the candidates to get the attention they wanted, as most PR people would say, "good or bad publicity is still publicity."

Now, will these political memes be as sharp as swords in slicing through the consciousness of the voters? Perhaps we can only see it after the final canvassing. So, to us, voters, good luck in making our final decision.

Are you voting this coming election? 

If you are that's great because you are exercising your right. We all need to vote, that is our duty as citizens of the country, and because that's the only way that we can help in deciding who will be the next President that will lead the country.

So, in just a few days you'll be going to your respective voting precincts, Here are a few of the tips that we can share for you to make your voting experience a little bit less hassle. 

• 1. If you're a first-time voter check and remember your precinct number. You'll be using that number for the rest of your voting lives. In case you don't remember there's always the online verification of Comelec to check your precinct number. Thank you technology!

• 2. If first time voter, check where your precinct number is located. It's much easier if you already knew where to go. If in case, you can always check it online or check the bulletin board where you're supposed to vote.

• 3. Have a list of your candidates or much better memorize your list to avoid bringing unnecessary papers. Less hassle. 

• 4. Always have your pen with you. That's for registering and signing only. They have the special pen for the ballot. 

• 5. If you want to finish early visit your precinct early in the morning. Just make sure that you already know where to go. But if you don't want to join the influx of voters visit your precinct in the afternoon. Based on my experience it's much easier and faster.

• 6. Check and make sure your name is correct and no signature or any mark on your name on their list.

• 7. Make sure that the ballot given to you is unmarked. 

• 8. Make sure that they'll put indelible ink on your finger.

• 9. Lastly, and probably the most important of all bring your alcohol with you and don't forget to wear your face mask. We are still in the pandemic. Keep safe!

We do hope that these few tips can help you with your voting experience. 

One of the Ejercito's, "The Good One" is making his way back to the Senate by running as one of the candidates for the Senatorial seat this coming May 2022 Election.

After losing in the last election, JV Ejercito, planned to focus more on something else other than politics, but when the pandemic came, and he believed that he should continue what he started. Especially this pandemic, the Universal Health Care program wasn't fully implemented and utilized by the people.

During the pocket size interview with the Sen JV, he laid down what he had observed during the pandemic and what had happened regarding the activation and fully implementation of the Universal Health Care Act. He was a bit disappointed on the outcome of his landmark legislation that would benefit the whole Filipino people.

Now, in this coming election, he believes that he will have a tough battle to win one of the senatorial seats. Aside from his priority plan to continue and see through the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, he's also prioritizing the housing and settlement development and the infrastructure development. These three programs, according to him will give progress to all Filipino people.

Like what JV Ejercito mentioned during the informal pocket interview, his run for the senate is tough battle for a re-electionist, but he believes that his accomplishments speaks for him.

The election is coming, let us pray for a peaceful and fair election.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” has once again proven he is truly the corruption-buster “Mr. Clean” he is touted to be. In recent articles, the presidential candidate known for his strong anti-corruption stance, was recently vindicated for previous crimes he was unjustly accused of during the Arroyo administration. No less than former President Sen. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her recently launched memoir entitled “Deus Ex Machina,” admitted that the accusations against Sen Lacson were fake.

“The information that was made public could not be substantiated,” GMA wrote in her memoir.

Years later, Marquez recanted accusations against Sen Lacson and apologized. Corpus also issued a publicly televised apology to Lacson for falsely accusing the senator.

True to form, the magnanimous Lacson did not hurl vindictive comments against his accusers. Instead, he tweeted a forgiving message to his former detractor. “Late is always better than never. To ex-PGMA’s credit, she has the decency and courage to admit that she publicly and unjustly accused me of various crimes based of false information. Whatever, I have already forgiven her a long time ago.”

Even in the thick of the present presidential election, Lacson maintains his nonbelligerent stance, preferring not to say anything about the other candidates wanting to be President of the Philippines because he is also running for the position.

In his recent interview session with Boy Abunda for the television personality’s series 2022 Presidential One-on-One Interviews, Lacson, one of five presidential candidates who were invited to the show, chose to talk instead about what made him best suited for the highest position in the Philippines.

“I am the most qualified, the most competent, the most experienced (candidate),” he told Abunda matter-of-factly without mentioning any of his rivals.

The candidate said it was time for voters to be discerning, to realize that politics was not entertainment and they should not be influenced by dole-outs.

In his campaign sorties, a singing and dancing Lacson would certainly not be on the program. “I won’t sacrifice authenticity,” he said, and would not do anything that had nothing to do with the country’s problems.

“The number one problem is the government, so the solution is the government- good, honest governance,” he said.

Lacson stressed, “Tough problems need tough solutions from the country’s top leaders.” His goal, if elected president, was to leave the country better off than when he started and see a greater respect for government officials.

Although he acknowledged that the qualifications for presidential candidates were so much simpler than those required of job applicants, the senator also pointed out that college degrees do not guarantee outstanding public service.

“Maraming may PhD na mas magaling magnakaw kaysa magsilbi sa bayan (there are many people with doctoral degrees who are very skilled in stealing public funds than in serving the country),” he said.

He would not oppose though some changes in the qualifications, although it would require a constitutional amendment. The job was demanding, he pointed out, and it called for skills in handling crises like the still ongoing corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

 
 

Famously known action-star today, Coco Martin or on-screen name Cardo Dalisay, is actively making rounds all over as he debuts his endorsement to a new party-list advocating for livelihood and the transport sector, the AP Partylist or #AkoyPilipino on Friday, February 25.

“Anuman ang hirap na ating pinagdadaanan, may kakampi na tayo…” Martin introduced his new party-list group with first nominee Rep. Ronnie Ong in-action in the background in the partylist’s video now circulating online. He continues, “Ang AP Partylist ang tutulong magbigay ng trabaho at kabuhayan sa mga manggagawang Pilipino.”

Rep. Ronnie Ong is Coco Martin’s long-time friend and is nicknamed by PeopleAsia as the “frontliner Congressman.” Ong is known for his various out-of-the-box COVID-19 Bayanihan projects since the first lockdown, such as his #LibrengSakay program for healthworkers, #LibrengGulay program for community kitchens, #LibrengTablets and E-skwela Hub e-learning centers for students and teachers. 

So, the Presidentiables started its Election Campaign!

To give us a glimpse of the span of these campaign periods, we can read it on the website of the Commission on Election or commonly known as COMELEC. It is written in the Republic Act No. 7056 under Section 8 which is the Election and Campaign Periods. "Unless otherwise fixed in special cases by the Commission on Elections, the election period for regular and special elections shall commence ninety (90) days before the day of the election and shall end thirty (30) days thereafter."

Now, we will bear ourselves with the posters and jingles that we will see and hear for that period.

Anyway, let's make a brief lineup of the aspiring presidentiables. The list is in alphabetical order.

Ernesto Abella

Leody De Guzman

Isko Moreno Domagoso

Norberto Gonzales

Ping Lacson

Faisal Mangondato

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Jose Montemayor Jr.

Manny Pacquiao

Leni Robredo

These are the names you'll see on the ballot once you exercise your right to vote on May 9.

We always hear and read the phrase "vote wisely." Frankly, are we all wise enough to say that we will vote or we voted for the right person? Or, these politicians are adequately intelligent to make you feel that you found the right candidate? Always remember you are important until May 9, so make that decision as to what you think is right.

Instead of throwing tomatoes at each other, let us respect that decision and support whoever wins for the sake of our country.

A banner to fight poverty through education, Anti-corruption crusader Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson will fight persistent poverty in the country by giving young people more access to education.

Lacson points out that the Philippines has a high dropout rate because of poverty. Young people are forced to leave school to help their families and because being in school are proving to be a heavy financial burden. They remain mired in poverty because without a good education their prospects are limited and they can only get low-paying jobs.

In this latest video, the presidential aspirant who wants to reform government and make it truly work for the good of the people will launch the innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected. The program will provide free education and institute a government internship program. Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.

“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.

Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.

Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.

With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.

“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.

Lacson and his running mate, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, are running on the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo.” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.)

For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is relying on his record as crime-buster and corruption fighter to win him the presidency.

This is evident in his video advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv_HZnGnsow) that highlights some of his major accomplishments as a senator and former head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Lacson plans to expand these initiatives as president and bring the government closer to the people. His main advocacy is to give more power to local government units that are closest to the citizens and understand the people’s needs best and are in a better position to respond to their problems more effectively.

The senator’s campaign underscores his efforts to prevent public money from being lost through corruption. His careful and detailed scrutiny of the national budget has saved the country P300 billion. Lacson proved his strong opposition to the pork barrel that had become for legislators a major perk of their jobs, by refusing to have any part of it.

Among other accomplishments, Lacson has listed as proof of his qualification for the highest post in the country are the investigations of the P728 million fertilizer scam, the anomalous $329 million contract between the Philippines and China’s ZTE Company, and Payola or bribery in the Bureau of Customs by exposing the TARA list.

He also brought to the public’s attention the “Hello Garci” tapes, an attempt at cheating during the 2004 elections.

Summer has officially ended (I think), seems that the second quarter of the year is about to end, yet, people are already eyeing the names of possible candidates for the National Elections. There were already top 10 names of presidential and vice-presidential candidates spreading around in the webspace. Remember that the Philippines will be having its National Election for President, Vice President, and Senators next year on May 9, 2022.

So, who are the lucky names included in the survey suggested to run for the National Election? Several names were already on the list, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Mayor Sarah Duterte, Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Tito Sotto, and many more. But the Sen. Tito Sotto and Sen. Ping Lacson tandem interestingly poked the curiosity of some critics, especially, after the interview of Karen Davila with Sen. Tito Sotto.

During the interview, Karen asked Sen. Sotto if ever he will run for the National Election, who should he pick as his running mate. Sen. Sotto answers without hesitation, "First of all, I’m still considering it. And if I do consider it, the number one on my list would be Sen. Lacson. I know his capability. I know what he can do for the country.” And Sen. Sotto added, "If he runs for president, I will support him!”

A few months from now the Duterte administration will be ending its term and up to now, the country is filled with uncertainties because of the pandemic caused by the COVID19. A large portion of the marginalized sectors is greatly affected by the current situation. To add up to these worries, the 2022 National Election is just months away. With this, concerned organizations from different sectors convened together to form a coalition that will push for an alternative roadmap for the National Recovery Plan, thus, the Philippine Patriotic Movement is born.

Last February 15, 2021, a media conference was held at one of the restaurants in Quezon City. Present during the conference are Lorenzo "Boots" Cadswan, National President of Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM); Cynthia Villarin, National Secretary General of People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP); Geornel Haresco, Assistant National Secretary of Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP); David "Dave" Diwa, Labor Leader of National Labor Union (NLU); and Eleuterio "Terry" Tuazon, National President of Philippine Association of Free Labor Union (PAFLU). These are the convenors who declared the call for an Alternative National Recovery Plan and challenges all aspiring candidates for the 2022 National Election.

During the conference, it is even quoted about the warning from President Duterte stating that the 'economy is sinking.' That is why they are pushing for a candidate who will address the National Recovery program. Part of their statement signifies support to candidates who can address these (5) Social Agendas.

Kalusugan (Health)

• Bakuna (Vaccine) - Mura, epektibo at pinakaligtas (Affordable, effective, and safest.)
• Universal Health Care - Matuwid na implementasyon at hindi korapsyon. (Good implementation of the program without corruption.)
• Health Workers - Mataas na sahod upang huwag ng mangibang-bayan. (Competitive salary to encourage not to work abroad.)
• Public Hospitals - Moderno at sapat na ospital sa bawat bayan. (Modern and enough hospitals in each town.)

Kabuhayan (Livelihood)

• Trabaho (Jobs) - Regular na trabaho at nakakabuhay na pasahod, at hindi kontraktwalisasyon. (Regular jobs that can earn a living, not contractualization. )
• Dagdag Kita (Extra Income) - Alternatibong programang pangkabuhayan. (Alternative livelihood program.)
• Negosyo (Business) - Suporta ng pamahalaan sa maliliit na negosyo. (Government support to small businesses.)

Kalikasan (Environment)

• Disaster-Preparedness - Mataas na antas ng paghahanda na naaayon sa aktwal na umiiral na kalamidad. (High level of preparedness following the actual existing disaster.)
• Renewable Energy - Pambansa at pangmatagalang seguridad sa enerhiya. (To secure a national and long-term source of energy.)
• Protection of Environment and Natural Resources - Muling buhayin at isaayos ang mga kritikal na watershed. (Activation and repair of all critical watersheds. )

Kaunlaran (Development)

• Housing - Abot-kaya, maayos at ligtas na township program. (Affordable, orderly, and safe township program.)
• Road Networks and Railways - Moderno at malawakang riles ng tren at bagong bagon. (Modern and extensive railroad system with new wagons.)
• Investments - Bigyang prayoridad ang health infrastructure at turismo ng ating bansa. (Give priority to the health infrastructure and tourism industry of the country.)
• Transport Modernization - Ipatupad ang isang abot-kayang jeepney modernization program. (Implement an affordable jeepney modernization program.)
• Education - Libre at de-kalidad. (Free and quality education.)
• Utilities - Ligtas, mura, epektibo at modernong pasilidad sa tubig, kuryete, telekomunikasyon at internet. (Have safe, affordable, effective, and modern facilities for water, electricity, telecommunications, and internet.)

Kapayapaan (Peace)

• Social Justice - Pangmatagalang solusyon sa ugat ng pag-aaklas. (Long-term solution to the cause of the uprising.)
• Peace Talk - Pakikipag-usap sa lahat ng armadong grupo sa layuning makabangon ang lipunan. (Communicate with all armed groups aiming at rebuilding the society.)
• Information Dissemination - Institusyunalisasyon ng usaping pangkapayapaan na nagpapabatid sa mamamayan. (Institutionalizing the peace talk process that informs the people.)

The Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines or FICTAP is one of the many partylist vying for a seat or seats in the congress in the upcoming election. The organization aim to push programs pertaining to the improvement of free public WiFi in the country, fast internet connection, and the rights concerning the issues in internet, ICT, VAS, Telecommunications, Cable TV, Broadcast and Media.

It was glad that the organization through its first nominee Estrellita "Neng" Juliano-Tamano, MBA from Cotabato, were able to shed some light in the issues they are pushing during the bloggers conference held in Max's Restaurant in Roxas Blvd.


During the conference FICTAP laid down their programs and explained how it will be resolved. Here are the list of their programs and laws plan to submit.

• "Improved Free Public WiFi Act which aims to make Free WiFi available in the country. 

• Cellphone Users Act, which aims to give benefits and protection for all cellphone users. 

• Custom SIM Card Act, to have a customize SIM card for Senior Citizens, OFW, Student, Teachers and Mothers for discount and other privileges. But this is optional concerning with the data privacy law. 

• Online Sellers, Buyers & Freelancers Act, which target to strengthen and to widen the e-commerce industry in the country and to provide jobs for Pinoys. 

• Anti-Catfish Law, aims to address the problem with posers online with bad intentions.

These are just their initial programs for the betterment of the country. FICTAP Partylist #117.

Support is one thing and trust is another thing. How would you know that you are being trusted? Well just like in a couple shirt, wearing ones name proudly gives you a sense of pride. You are being praised and are given an exclusive attention. In the mid of the election period today people are doing their best to be noticed to win the public.

One of the sensational strong mayor of the country and the political leader of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago Party (HNP), Sara Duterte or Inday Sara, boldly expressed her support to one of the notable senator today, Sen JV Ejercito, by wearing his campaign shirt. This was seen in one of the campaign rallies of the HNP in Visayas where Sen. JV weren't able to join. In support, Inday Sara wore the campaign shirt of Sen JV Ejercito to represent him in the campaign.

We know that recently Sen JV made a big impact with his accomplishments and achievements, as an individual and as a citizen of this country.

"If there is a builder, there is a helper..." this is part of what Inday Sara posted on her instagram account during the Hugpong ng Pagbabago Cebu Rally where she wore the Sen JV Campaign Shirt.


Sen JV expressed his gratitude and thank the mayor in his facebook post since he cannot be in the said rally.

Support is one thing and trust is another but they can be both together!

The election season had started already and the Commission on Election released the final list of the senatorial candidates. These candidates have already started their campaigns and their caravans.

From the list provided by the COMELEC there are 62 Senatoriables, 11 Female Candidates and 51 Male Candidates. From these, there are 45 candidates under the banner of 18 different political parties while 17 candidates run as individual or Independent parties. Out of this 62 candidates only 12 will be given a seat on the house of senate. They will be serving the Filipino people and this country for 3 years.



From these 62 senatorial candidates, few of them are popular to the people and these few are from the lineage of politicians who have serve and been serving the country for years. A political dynasty is perhaps a more common term. Others, might have gained their popularity through issues and publicity, whether it is good or not, still, it's publicity that gave them the limelight. The rest who are not known to many are underdogs who wanted to make a difference out of this election. An opportunity to serve the country.

Today, I think the Filipino people are now intellect enough to cast their vote and who to entrust their future.

So to give a few highlights of these senatorial candidates, we have created a simple infographics. To give everyone a glimpse of some few info about the senatorial candidates.


This coming election we should remember that this government is for the people, by the people and of the people.