Boholanos expected three senatorial aspirants belonging to the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) last week, but only two showed up—Cong. JV Ejercito and Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay. The third, a newcomer, was Nancy Binay, who was a no-show as an invited guest of Baclayon’s 416 th Foundation Day which was held yesterday. Though a new face in the senatorial race, Binay is banking on his father’s popularity who is the country’s vice president. V-President Jejomar Binay is a favorite political friend of Baclayon after he has secured several fund releases for the town. Arriving here last Friday, Cong. JV Ejercito of San Juan, Metro Manila, breezed into town to court the Boholano vote. In a press conference arranged by shipping magnate Jun Lim, JV who is using the surname Estrada instead of Ejercito, is the son of former President Erap Estrada.

 In the same interview held at the Lim-owned Soledad Suites, the former President’s son was all praises to the P-Noy’s administration in running after the grafters and corrupt in the government to make true his commitment of “daang matuwid” and “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” campaign. But Ejercito said that the President should work hard to improve the economy and peace and order, not just getting rid of corruption so that the country can move on and improve the lot of the people.  He said that for his part he will do his best once elected to the Senate, saying that “I have my commitment to Bohol especially on tourism” even as he noted that the province is a potential in this endeavor. He runs under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice-President Jejomar Binay.

MAGSAYSAY

The Zambales lawmaker who is also aiming a Senate seat arrived here yesterday to preside over a press conference at the Metro Center Hotel coffee shop. In her talk with newsmen, Magsaysay vowed she would be the people's alternative voice if elected to the Senate. "I would continue to be vocal in all concerns regarding the Aquino administration while agreeing on what is right for the welfare of our people," the Zambales congresswoman told the local media. She was in Bohol to attend as guest speaker in an affair in Baclayon town on the same night. She added, being closely identified with the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo doesn't bother her at all as she eyes seeking a senate seat in next year's mid-term elections. She has joined the Partidong Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP Laban) of vice president Jejomar Binay. Known as a staunch critic of the present Aquino administration, the outspoken congresswoman said she would rate P-Noy's performance (in the scale of 1 to 10) at only 5.

"President P-Noy focused only on personalities, like GMA, forgetting all the while the problems of the country that affect the ordinary people like spiraling prices of basic commodities, power outage, high crime rate and many others. She also hit the Conditional Cash Transfer that had ballooned in the Aquino administration as counter-productive. "Providing gainful skills is what is needed for our people today. In my district, I gave this technical education program and scholarship as priority for my constituents; for them to find jobs or be self-employed," Magsaysay said. "Giving cash assistance like the conditional cash transfer (CCT) is not good. This in fact is an insult to the politicians in the area." Given the right education and technical skills, people will be productive and less will be asking for this kind of financial assistance, she added. Magsaysay also disclosed that for being vocal and critical to the present PNoy administration, her priority development funds (PDF) were withheld, obviously to silence her.

"But even without PDAF, projects continue in my district with participation and support of the private sector. I had proven this and that what surprised them most," Magsaysay revealed. The congresswoman from the first district of Zambales is an Outstanding Awardee for 6 consecutive years. Asked about the anti-morals laws being pushed in Congress like trans-gender rights, same sex marriage and divorce bills, Magsaysay said she is totally against them. "If these bills reach the Senate I will stand against the passage of these laws. Women senators now are silent about these but I will be fighting against legislations of these kind," Magsaysay vowed. "Strengthening the family, the smallest unit of government, is what is needed today. Through it, we can have a strong nation as the foundation is build from the bottom to the top," Magsaysay added.