Update Update.

My campaign reaches the 2nd month and it gets better and worse than ever. It can’t be all good because despite our most earnest desires to bring the best to our constituents, fund constraints limit our capabilities. But it is immediately set off by the smiling faces and the great and warm welcome of the people I and Jojo get to meet en trail.

But the race gets tighter this time. Many of the local campaigns have elevated themselves to a brand new level; with tighter schedules and with more money in circulation. I am now in a greater struggle than ever to sustain my activities. And with an ally with financial woes of his own, we are bound to reach the red very very very soon. But we will try to run a decent, winnable campaign as we can.

Anyways, I have to fly now. Another JCM Caucus in Penny Lane.

Activities [01/25/2010 - 01/31/2010] The Campaign Moves On

It’s Monday once again and I have to (yet again) balance my schooling and my political career. MOnday’s quite a busy day for anyone; all the more if you are a student and politician. Your schedule begins even before the sun graces the ground, and ends before sunrise, a few minutes before you have to wake up again.

With 8 weeks before official campaign period begins, I am focused to ensure that I have achieved my desired political and strategic positioning to prep me for the arduous battle ahead. The JCM meetings are set to begin on Wednesday, and a barrage of programs and projects are set to begin by February, all part of my objective to be within the Top 8 in the next scheduled survey.

The JCM meetings are set to formally introduce the Juniors for Change Movement as a new auxiliary engine in pursuing our social objectives. The first of which shall laud from right beside my own village, in Upper 4, where I shall have a discourse on their issue of not having their own waterline. On the same day, I am set to visit the INC’s Cainta local minister to formally submit my certificate of candidacy and my program of government. Also on the same day I am set to have a meeting with the transport sector of Cainta to introduce my Tricycle Loans Program should I get elected. I shall also meet with the Municipal Health Officer Dra. Olga Abellanosa to discuss the state of healthcare and what actions could be taken to improve its conditions.

Friday will prove to be just as hectic. My second JCM caucus will be in Kabisig, where I aim to have snacks and discussions with 100 leaders from the floodway area. I aim to do a school visit to check the public education conditions, and talk to faculty members on potential areas of action and common concern.

If the medicines will arrive on time, I will be holding my second medical mission in General Ricartte in the morning, and meet the women’s sector in my home in Cainta. Afterwhich I shall immediately head to the JCM caucus in Balanti, Bgy. San Isidro. I will immediately leave, after then, to head to Batangas to celebrate the 1st death anniversary of my uncle.

Sunday will also witness a medical mission in GRUAR, and shall have a JCM caucus there in the evening to discuss the state of affairs in the area. I aim to spend the entire day in GRUAR to visit at least each household and ensure that their neighboring community, San Buena, is prepared for the JCM caucus in the succeeding week.

Much has been done. I, together with my strong and resilient campaign team have built a house from dust. They have propelled this candidacy from an almost demised and hopeless candidacy to one that has brightened with the flicker of hope; the hope we wish to share to the entire town.

Peace. And Happy Birthday to the mother and icon of Philippine Democracy, Corazon Aquino.

Hound of Dominic

Another complaint has been filed against me by the abusive regent of my college, Rev. Fr. Edgardo Alaurin, OP, assisted by his hound Mr. Raul Ortega. The said complaint has yet to be served, especially considering that the tyrant of CFAD is not acquainted with the concept of due process. While this is a great disturbance to schooling and my candidacy here in Cainta, I embrace it with fullness and with the excitement to respond to the issues at bar.

I am no stranger to the tyranny of the regent’s administration. In 2007, the Regent has also been instrumental in barraging me with complaints as filed by the then Dean Jaime delos Santos and College Secretary Jean Reintegrado. The hearing of those complaints centered on the destruction of my name and credibility and did not fully tackle the issues at hand. The usual… A Catholic university and a Dominican frair who is everything bu Christian.

On Monday, I will be filing a clarificatory inquiry with the Rector of the University, Rev. Fr. Dela Rosa, OP, on the true role a Regent must fulfill in a college where he is of jurisdiction. In my view, the Regent has gone beyond his borders in the discharge of his mandate; and has already stepped way too far into functions that a dean must perform. It is imprudent for an official to be overlapping with the function of the college chief executive.

Of course, being a student, I expect the university to treat my case with a system where I prove MY innocence than them PROVING my guilt. As soon as I receive the complaint/s/ (I’m not sure how many), we will respond with quickness so that all may be put to rest. Just the same, should nothing of the allegations are proven, I will be filing slander cases in the local courts and have these people FULLY accountable for the destruction they have brought to my name and reputation.

As a politician and a student of the university, it is incumbent upon me to advance my principles at all levels of my existence. I run under the banner of stoppage of abuses, which I have lived up to until today.

The corruption occurring in the college of fine arts right now is not only a corruption of the pocket, but a sheer expression of gluttony for power. We clearly see a hound of Dominic so hungry for power that he treats everything with an iron fist, expecting to extract sincerity and compassion. It must be remembered, what you sow is what you reap.

I strongly feel that the behavior of Rev. Fr. Alaurin is not only a breach of moral and ethical standards for cleric-administrators but an abuse of his moral and political authority. He blows as low as to threaten me about a fallacious probation, and a threat to drop me from the college’s rolls — what power does he have to do that.

I shall as well file a complaint before the Dominican province to ask for an investigation to the behavior of the Regent which I find unpriestly. All documents shall be duly received by the respective office by the opening of business hour, Monday.

Peace. The battle has begun, yet again.

Rights and Wrongs

I was wrong. Very, very wrong.

When I first signed up to be LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD’s official candidate for councilor here in Cainta, I assumed that my candidacy would be judged based on the opinion on PGMA, the most notable party member. It would not be invalid to reason that way; since the head of the party, the current president, has her survey ratings at an all-time low, has been in the midst of insurmountable political opposition, and has been in power long enough to gain the distaste of once staunch supporter. But because of my strong belief that PGMA did an amazing job, and my candidacy would not be up to my own standards should I not be part of the Christian Muslim Democrats, I have bravely signed up. And official candidate I became.

When I first had a meal with my close cousin and discussed who she was voting for president, she expressed her dislike over PGMA, the Chair Emeritus of CMD, our party. But, to my surprise, she said that after seeing GIBO on TV and in fora around (she is a med student), she is confused about either voting for Noynoy (her initial bet) and GIBO (her bet on the rise). The only thing that held her back was GIBO’s association with the president; so was her reservation about my candidacy. But this died down soon after.

When I first went around my town introducing myself, I can’t help but be initially frightened to be part of the administration’s roster of candidates because of seemingly indelible notions on this administration which proved painful even if untrue.

It may be true that PGMA is the biggest “baggage” that administration candidates bear (which I think is unfair), GIBO has proven to be the candidate who made it disappear altogether.

GIBO’s constructive campaign prepup reminded the people that the 2010 elections are not about those who are seated now, but about those who are to sit in the future. GIBO’s campaign reminded all of us that the 2010 candidates must be judged on their own merit, and not on the merit of their predecessor. GIBO’s campaign reminded all of us that we must not judge candidates based on who is prominent in the party strata, but how they forward the party’s agenda and translate it into tangible programs felt by the people.

When GIBO’s mouth first opened, we almost completely forgot his association with GMA. GIBO is his own man; with his own government program and vision of the future. GIBO deviates from the traditional way of politics, where men hang onto whatever’s to be left behind by the ones before them.

And with the decision of sticking it through with LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD, and GIBO.

I was right. Very, very right.

Trail Updates

In the previous week, I held a medical mission and “110: High Voltage!”, the JCM fundraiser. Both were successes amid extreme circumstances and situations. This is just a testament of my commitment to follow things through amid hurdles.

It’s prelims week, and I’m back to school life once again, confronting the hardship of plate-making. Because of the campaign, I have been quite backlogged by several plates, and this week is the high time to finish them. I hope I have the patience to do it.

JCM caucuses are set to begin on January 22 (Friday) in Bgy. San Roque, one of the small barangays in Cainta. I aim to be visible in the area and get to meet the people of that barangay. It will be organized by JCM-San Roque Chapter currently under the adopted leadership of my COS, Odesa. After San Roque, JCM caucuses will go on every Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in various areas. If you want to attend, please be there, snacks and drinks are on us!

The JCM-Gen. Ricarter Chapter presented a plan for a charity bingo in their area, which I and my mother seconded. It would be, however, subject to the approval of the chapter. All will be set and we aim to see it through next month.

Some supporters have aired their grievance of my unfelt presence in the poblacion area of Cainta (Bgys. Sto. Niño, Sta. Rosa, and San Roque). I will be visiting those areas as soon as I’m doing following the schedule. My sked’s all F***ed up right now. I devised a system so I get to visit all the areas during my allotted campaign days so I’m all set to step upon all areas before March 25.

Money continues to be the major challenge of my candidacy though I’m trying my best to prep the finances for it. Various JCM chapters have been helping out defray expenditures, as well as my partylist supporters. I think I’ll be fine.

Sabi nga sa ad ng Luck Me, “Tomorrow is another day”. And so we go on.

Peace.

Some Things Stay the Same…

Amid the call of politicians for change and reform, some things never change.

Take, for example, politicians from the highest ranks promising heaven and earth to earn your support and esteem, only to find out that you are NOT important to them. I had an experience yesterday with a vice presidential candidate and his staff. I sent them a solicitation request for a fundraiser I organized for the JCM amounting to around Php 5,000.00. I sent the request last Monday. Only to find out that Friday, the request “cannot be traced”. Oh well… Is he getting my vote? No. And I urge you not to vote for him as well. He wants us to have discipline on the streets but he can’t even educate his immediate staff about handling paperwork.

Another example is a politician who wanted to garner my support for his partylist. At the onset he wanted us to work as volunteers, which was fine, since he was a dear friend to my family. And when the time came that I needed support for a community project, he said that “he does not have money right now since he’s going nationwide”. Oh well, no wonder you’re a bystander till now.

Dealing with national politicians is a horrific experience. I really hate it.

I wish it was midterm elections.

Peace. Some things REALLY stay the same.

Let’s Hit the Ground Running!

Let us hit the ground running already.

On Saturday, January 16, I will be conducting my very first medical mission in Sitio Halang, Bgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal in partnership with PCSO, the BAGONG HENERASYON (BH) Partylist,  and the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. We aim to serve 300-500 patients from 8:00 AM to 12:00NN. We hope that this would help many of our indigent kababayans get free access to health services. After the mission I shall fully get in touch with my full campaign entourage and staff to finalize plans for the campaign period. The evening will be capped by the “110: HIGH VOLTAGE!” the charity dinner concert of JCM for its members in Cainta.

By next week, my area caucuses and town hall meetings will commence. I will begin in Bgy. San Roque, where I expect 100 attendees. The schedule shall go on and will finish by March 25, my grand proclamation rally.

At this pace, the schedule won’t be empty until the last campaign day, and I will ensure I win this election through a mix of rhetoric, perseverance, and a message of hope to all.

Peace.

I will be launching a schedules page here in wordpress so everyone can keep track of my schedules.

A “Quickpress” Quickie Blog

I haven’t had decent sleep and I’m heading off to my mom’s hometown in Sto. Tomas, Batangas to have a meeting with a local kingpin there. Shortly after that, I will be heading straight back home to Manila to finish off my NCR commitments until 9pm.

Last night (until about 3am today) was interesting and amazing. I headed to my fave diner, Ride n Roll, to have coffee and dinner with its owner Marie. On the side was poetry written by Sir Joel and fun stories from Kuya John. Interesting, interesting night. Too bad we had to cut it short.

Thursday means I’ll be back to school to attend Mam Laforteza’s LSK and LS class, as well as Mam Ronidel’s HAR 2 class. Afterwhich I have to head back to Cainta to finish off Thursday’s commitment.

I hope this wekk would be a better one, financially.

Peace, off I fly to Batangas!

Campaign Updates

January 16 is a crucial date. It will be my first major event in my constituency.

I will be conducting a free clinic session on the 16th in Sitio Halang, Bgy. San Isidro where I expect to serve 500 constituents from the area. It will be in cooperation with a fraternity in UST’s Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and PCSO. I am to finalize details by Wednesday after my brief visit to Batangas, my mother’s hometown. The free clinic will be followed by 2 caucuses in the Floodway area. The night will be capped by the fundraising dinner concert that I organized.

It’s January and it’s time to have a clear cut strategy on how to win this thing. The battleground gets tighter everyday. As days come closer to May 10, 2010, the candidates get more aggressive in covering as much ground as possible, ensuring that the last nook is covered by the time of the polls.

By the end of the month, the true competition begins. Candidates have already positioned themselves and the battle now shifts to sectoral endorsements. We will now get every single handraise from various groups. But the biggest battle would be to get the INC endorsement, which, I do not have, yet.

Anyways, I’ll crash now.

Peace.

Spectacle

This evening is one of the most interesting evenings (BY FAR) of my campaign. In one gathering in Kabisig Elementary School, Bgy. San Andres, I attended an oath-taking ceremony together with PB Willy Felix (Nacionalista Party Mayoralty candidate), Vice Mayor Atoy Sicat (NPC Vice Mayoralty Candidate), Ace Servillon (NP Candidate for Councilor), Jojo Pagkatipunan (Independent Candidate for Councilor), myself (LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD candidate for Councilor), Pia Velasco (NPC Candidate for Councilor) and the Board Members. For a community whose aim was to have fun, the night was a political spectacle.

I met children studying at the Kabisig Elementary School and I really had fun getting to meet them and their parents. For me, though it was a night where I had to sell myself and make myself known to candidates, it was an evening to get to know my constituents heart to heart; meet them at the place where the action happens.

I promised that I will attend a flag ceremony at their school to get to meet their classmates, as well as their teachers and teaching staff so I can get to know personally the lives of public schoolchildren, having not being one myself.

Knowing the context of things is necessary in effective crafting of legislation. This is why I will try to make it a point to visit schools and other institutions in town, have coffee in sari-sari stores, and be actively participating in the lives of my fellow citizens. After all, if I get elected, then their lives are at stake; their lives are directly affected by my views.

Later today I will be attending flag rites in Bgy. San Juan and have an audience with PB Felix to discuss matters in his barangay, my barangay. This shall be followed by a meeting with the party. I hope I get enough stamina to perform well in my on-the-spot exams in Life Painting 2 and Composition 3B. Oh well.

Peace.