Umali, running mate headed for landslide victory in polls

CABANATUAN CITY – Reelectionist Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and his running mate, Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos appear headed for landslide victories based on partial unofficial tallies of election returns.

          Based on a tally of 1,390 out of 1,850 ERs or 74.7% covering 735,979 of 1,363,633 registered voters, Umali of the Liberal Party/Unang Sigaw Partido ng Pagbabago, obtained 416,069 votes as against 254,156 of outgoing first district Rep. Josie Manuel-Joson of the Nationalist People’s Coalition-Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (NPC-Balane) or a difference of 161,913.

          Padiernos garnered 404,379 votes as against Joson’s brother-in-law and running mate, ex-vice governor Eduardo Joson IV’s 228,875 or a margin of 175,504.

          Umali also posted landslide victories in the 2007 and 2010 gubernatorial races over Joson-Manuel’s husband, former vice governor and outgoing Quezon Mayor Mariano Cristino and then-vice governor Edward Thomas Joson, respectively.

          Official tallies from the Provincial Board of Canvassers chaired by lawyer Lydia Pangilinan also showed Umali getting 300,133 votes as against Joson’s 174,322 while Padiernos got 290,863 to Joson’s 158,988 as of presstime.

          Pangilinan said they have yet to receive electronically transmitted results in the cities of Cabanatuan and Gapan and the municipalities of Cabiao, Gabaldon, Guimba, Jaen, Licab and Pantabangan.

          In the congressional races, Board Member Estrelita Suansing holds a wide margin over Mariano Cristino and comebacking former two-time congressman Renato Diaz in the first district.

          Suansing, wife of Customs deputy commissioner Horacio, obtained 85,469 votes as against Joson’s 71,179 and Diaz’s 13,862.

          In the third district, Umali’s wife, reelectionist Rep. Czarina is headed for another landslide win with 105,952 votes as against human rights lawyer J.V. Bautista’s 58,989.

          In the fourth district, outgoing three-term Rep. Rodolfo Antonino’s daughter Magnolia is leading the four-way congressional race with 106,813 as against 35,205 of two-term San Leonardo Mayor Froilan Nagano, the 25,759 of former two-term congresswoman Julita Villareal and the 16,871 of Villareal’s sister-in-law, former San Isidro mayor Sonia Lorenzo.

          In Cabanatuan City, Umali’s younger brother, outgoing Board Member Emmanuel Antonio, is trailing reelectionist Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara (33,529-57,118). – Manny Galvez    

LEGARDA CALLS FOR MASSIVE CLEAN-UP AFTER ELECTIONS

A day after the May 13 elections, Sen. Loren Legarda has instructed her staff, campaigners and supporters to engage in "oplan linis."

            Legarda, a staunch environmentalist, said all her regional political officers will be responsible for cleaning up and gathering her campaign materials like posters and tarpaulins in every city and municipality across the country.

            In order not to put to waste these campaign materials, the senator plans to donate them as recyclable materials.

            She also plans to mount an exhibit in the Senate to showcase arts from trash.

            “The trash or garbage from the campaign has an effect on the environment. It behooves all candidates to instruct their campaigners and supporters to gather their trash and practice proper waste segregation,” she said.

Legarda is the principal author of the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which  provides for recycling as well as segregation of garbage at its source, segregated transportation, processing, treatment and proper disposal of solid waste.

She said local government units (LGUs) should also be at the forefront of this massive clean-up drive after the elections.

Public school teachers in CL ready to give “full degree of service” this election

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 13, 2013-Public school teachers have taken a break from the preparations for the full implementation of K to 12 curriculum this coming school year in order to give their  “full degree of service” for the midterm polls.

“As practiced, our personnel will give its full degree of service quality to the citizenry. We have already organized election task forces at the regional and division level” said Department of Education Regional Director Isabelita Borres.

Around 15,800 public school teachers in Central Luzon will go on duty for this election or 35 percent of the total workforce.

“We are now giving P3,000 for the honoraria plus P500 for transportation allowance and extra P500, that is about P4,000 per teacher” Borres added.

There is also an insurance of P13,000 in case there are minor accidents that may transpire and as assistance in terms of harassment.

Central Luzon has 5,823,044 registrants for the midterm polls the third biggest in the archipelago. 

Bulacan has the most number of voters in the region at 1,497,873 followed by Nueva Ecija with 1,363,646; Pampanga-1,239,372; Tarlac-692,948; Bataan-456,648; Zambales- 444,202; and Aurora-128,355.

Southern Tagalog remains the nation’s most vote rich area with over eight million followed by Metro Manila with 5.9 million. 

Meanwhile, Some 1,429 local positions will be up for grabs in Region 3 consisting of 21 congressional seats, 7 gubernatorial, 7 vice gubernatorial, 68 provincial boards, 130 mayoral, 130 vice mayoral, and 1,066 councilors. (Joelyn G. Baluyot)

Police, Army nab six armed men in Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, May 12, 2013-Six armed men, who are allegedly members of the New People’s Army (NPA), were nabbed on Friday at a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint in Villarama Highway, barangay Bitungol in Norzagay town in Bulacan.

 

“The group, who converted a civilian vehicle into a military type transport were apprehended by the combined elements of Norzagaray Police and 56^th Infantry Battalion” said 7^th Infantry Division (7ID) Public Affairs Officer Captain Mark Anthony Ruelos.

 

According to initial investigation, the group was headed to the municipality of Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), also in Bulacan, to initiate election fraud activities.

 

Confiscated from the apprehended men were one 6x6 truck that was illegally painted with military green, one Hummvee, colored desert storm fatigue, and a white Montero Sport SUV with no plate.

 

The vehicles were reportedly loaded with two M653 rifles, one .45 cal and 9 mm pistols.  Also onboard the vehicles were Dumagats.

 

Charges, which include illegal possession of firearms and violation of COMELEC gun ban, were immediately filed against the considered extortionists while the Dumagats were released for lack of evidence.

 

The group as well as the recovered firearms and vehicles were brought to the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headquarters for proper disposition and further investigation.

 

“I would like to congratulate the 56^th Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police and other stakeholders for successfully neutralizing what we now consider to be just remnants of these lawless leftist groups and performing once more what you have recently achieved in Bulacan. Hopefully with these accomplishments and incomparable efforts of our men in uniform, I believe that we can have an honest, credible, and fair midterm polls this coming Monday,” 7ID Commander Major General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Legarda Thanks Supporters as 2013 Campaign Ends

Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda today said she wants to end the campaign for the 2013 Elections expressing her gratitude to all the individuals and groups that have endorsed her senatorial bid as well as the Filipino electorate for making her always number one in the surveys.

“I am truly grateful to all the groups that endorsed my candidacy and to every individual who has chosen me in every senatorial survey conducted by various pollsters. With this outpouring support, I can only say that I am sincerely thankful and that I will continue to serve the people through the programs that I have presented to them throughout the campaign,” said Legarda.

Legarda’s track record and legislative accomplishments proved to be greater than any black propaganda hurled against her as she has continuously received the endorsements of various religious, sectoral and cause-oriented groups.

Abono Party list endorsed Legarda citing her Pantawid Tuition Program that will contribute to improving the plight of Filipino farmers by sending children of farmers to school; while Lakas Manggagawa Labor Center (LMLC) announced its support for her stressing that the lady senator is not only pro-environment but is also a champion of labor rights as she pushed hard for the passage of the Kasambahay Law in the Senate.

The Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP), the country’s largest labor confederation, has also included the lady senator in their list of candidates, saying that she was at the forefront in passing laws protecting the rights of workers; while the Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization (PTGWO) expressed their support for Legarda, highlighting her initiatives “to improve jobs, raise decent wages for workers, and advance consumer protection.”

The Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), the Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN), and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) are also supporting Legarda’s third run for the Senate. 

Meanwhile, overseas Filipino organizations such as the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) and the Global Filipino Diaspora Council (GFDC) have announced that they are endorsing Legarda. Both organizations made their choice based on criteria of competence, integrity and a track record of accomplishing observable good results that benefit people.

Religious groups including the command vote of Iglesia ni Cristo; The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, led by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy; and the Independent Bishops Conference of the Philippines (IBCP), all expressed their support for Legarda.

Furthermore, Mother Lily Monteverde, the matriarch of Philippine show business, declared her support to Legarda in a press conference for the lady senator.

Also endorsing Legarda are the Purple Ribbon for Reproductive Health Movement; the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and Kabataan Party List; and Ladlad Party List.

Amid these endorsements, Legarda has consistently topped various election surveys including the most recent surveys conducted by pollsters Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations, and Stratpolls.

LEGARDA HIGHLIGHTS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR NEXT TERM

Granting universal healthcare, a college scholarship each for the 3 million families under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as well as measures to mitigate the impact of climate change will top Sen. Loren Legarda’s legislative priorities if given a chance to serve in the incoming Congress.

Legarda reiterated this during Team PNoy’s miting de avance today at the Amoranto Stadium as the campaign period came to a close.

“These are legacy and poverty-alleviating measures which will have greatest impact on the poorest families and significantly change the course of their lives,” Legarda stressed.

            She said “graduating” the poorest households from poverty would be one of the legacies she would like to leave as a senator.

Legarda said when Congress resumes session in June, she will work on finishing the Universal Healthcare bill which she principally authored to benefit the 25 million poorest Filipinos.

            “Once we have the Universal Healthcare law, all families are covered by Philhealth benefits regardless of their status in life. We mean to include everyone, including the informal sector or the unemployed,” Legarda said.

            On her proposed scholarship for indigent families, Legarda said she will make sure that the more than three million families that are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will have at least one college graduate through a scholarship program.

            The  college diploma could be the ticket to bring them out of poverty, she said.

Legarda, who is a staunch environmentalist, said she has already authored several laws to protect the environment and lessen the impact of climate change but there are other environment-related issues that need to be addressed.      

   

            “Marami pang dapat gawin para pangalagaan ang ating kalikasan. Papaigtingin ko pa ang aking mga programa sa larangang ito,” Legarda said, adding that initiatives to make communities safe and resilient from disasters greatly impact the national economy.

She added that future generations of Filipinos should live in enabling environments where natural resources are used in ways sustainable and not destructive.

"I ask everyone to join hands and unite for the common goals that serve our people’s welfare. To work for what matters: whether there is going to be food on the table, education for our children, and clean, safe communities," she concluded.

LEGARDA WELCOMES PASTOR QUIBOLOY’S ENDORSEMENT

International televangelist Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, founding leader and head pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, today endorsed Sen. Loren Legarda, saying her performance as senator and a leading environmentalist have made an impact on people’s lives.

Quiboloy’s endorsement means the votes of his more than six million followers not only in Davao City where his congregation is based but also in other parts of the country and abroad.

Legarda, for her part, said: “I thank Pastor Quiboloy and the leadership of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ for including me in the list of candidates that they are endorsing. This serves as a strong expression of support to the causes that I have been espousing and the programs that I plan to accomplish when I get reelected.”

Besides Legarda, also endorsed by Quiboloy were senatoriables Migz Zubiri, Chiz Escudero, Bam Aquino, Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr., JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Edward Hagedorn, and Richard Gordon.

Quiboloy said the names of candidates to be supported came out from thorough discussions and deliberations done by the kingdom leaders.

He said among the qualifications that the kingdom leaders considered during the deliberations were the candidates’ relationship to the kingdom, and platform, vision and program of government.

Quiboloy's endorsement is one of the most sought among religious leaders every election by candidates because of his capability to deliver a command vote.

Legarda was among those invited by Quiboloy during the pastor’s recent Disneyland-themed birthday celebration at the Jose Maria College campus in Davao City.

When asked earlier for his criteria for endorsing candidates, Quiboloy said: "Ayaw namin yung always in power pero wala naman silang ginagawa. Ang gusto kong makita yung impact to the Filipino people especially the marginalized, kailangan madama ng tao yung kabutihan na ginagawa nila para sa tao.”

Trillanes earmarks over P240-M for health care

Reelectionist Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV has set aside over P240 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for medical assistance and hospital rehabilitation across the country since he started receiving the allocation for lawmakers’ special projects in 2010 under the Aquino administration.

 

Trillanes, a staunch critic of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is now detained for a plunder case, did not receive the PDAF during the term of the former leader, but still managed to provide help to those needing medical attention.

 

“Every citizen of this country should have access to our healthcare system. Indigent patients should not be made to wait and suffer just because they don’t have the means to pay,” said Trillanes, who is running under Team PNoy said.

 

He added: “Even though I was not given the PDAF by the GMA regime, we found ways to help our people. It did not stop me from fulfilling my duty to the people.”

 

During the 15th Congress, Trillanes co-authored the Universal Health Care Act that mandates all citizens of the country to be covered by the National Health Insurance Program.

 

Trillanes also filed bills that seek to give tax credit to physicians rendering pro bono services, establish a national cancer center to be known as the Philippine National Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Fund, raise the salaries of medical doctors, and establish an infant mortality program to reduce the rate of infant deaths in the country, among others. 

Binay says vote-buying rampant in provinces

CABANATUAN CITY – “It’s too brazen.”

With these, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday deplored the rampant vote-buying activities by moneyed candidates, particularly in the provinces which undermine the coming electoral exercise this coming Monday.

Speaking to newsmen following a campaign sortie in Nueva Ecija with his daughter, senatorial candidate Nancy, Binay expressed hope that authorities would arrest those engaged in buying of votes.

Binay said in many whistle stops of the United Nationalist Alliance, they have monitored several instances of vote-buying.

He cited an incident in Puerto Princesa where registered voters line up in a gymnasium receiving money from certain candidates. He said he just came from Capiz where giving out of money was being done in the open.

“Where are the police? I hope they enforce the law,” he said.   

Commenting on the money ban imposed by the Commission Elections to prevent voter-buying, Binay said it would affect legitimate businesses. “What will you do with those receiving wages? And those who have pending loan applications? They might not be able to release the loans,” he said.

He said the ban should be reviewed especially with the reaction of the business sector.

At the same time, the Vice President said there is no way Team PNoy of the administration coalition could score a 12-0 sweep of the senatorial race. “Definitely, there will be no 12-0. Not even 9-3. I think we in UNA will bag at least four Senate seats,” he said.

          Binay acknowledged the votes of the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo sect will be crucial, particularly to candidates at the tail-end of the socalled Magic 12. “When you are on the borderline, the INC votes are extremely crucial,” he said. (Manny Galvez)  

Trillanes vows to advance more pro-women policies

Reelectionist Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV said there is a need to strengthen the role of women in the society as he vowed to introduce more policies that will further protect and advance their rights.

 

Trillanes has put forward a slew of pro-women measures in the Senate, but said there is still much more to be done to institutionalize policies that will care for women and promote their rights.

 

“Women are an integral part of this country, thus, as a policymaker, it is my duty to advance policies toward women’s empowerment in order to protect the rights and improve each Filipino woman’s life,” said Trillanes, who is running under Team PNoy. 

 

Trillanes is the principal author of Republic Act 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in the Senate. This law seeks to address the loopholes in RA 9208 and the human trafficking in the country particularly in disaster areas where women and children are easy preys of unscrupulous groups.

 

Trillanes is also among the authors of the National Health Insurance Act, which is now enrolled for signature by President Aquino. This bill provides comprehensive health care services that will prioritize those in most need and provide free services to indigents.

 

Other pro-women bills which Trillanes has filed are:

 

·   Senate Bill No. 322 (Increasing Maternity Leave Benefits) – increases the maternity leave of working women to 120 days from 60 days to allow mothers to breastfeed their kids for at least four months.

·   Senate Bill No. 230 (Mother-Child Facility Act) – seeks to institutionalize the pulling up of drop-in centers for non-school age children within the vicinity of every private company which employs at least 100 women workers, whether taking managerial, supervisory or rank and file post.

·   Senate Bill No. 410 (National Cervical Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund) – seeks to create a breast and cervical cancer diagnostic and treatment fund which shall provide financial assistance for the medical care of indigent patients.

·   Senate Bill No. 222 (Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act) – a public education and awareness campaign to inform the general public about the clinical significance of gynecologic cancer and its public health implications such as risk factors, symptoms, need for early detection and methods of treatment associated with gynecologic cancer.

·   Senate Bill 189 (Breast and Cervical Cancer Protection Act) – inclusion of periodic diagnostic services for breast cancer and cervical cancer in the benefit package under the PhilHealth.

In defense of Sen. Loren Legarda: PNOY, VP BINAY, OTHER SENATORS VOUCH FOR LOREN’S INTEGRITY

President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay and several other political personalities rallied behind Senator Loren Legarda, attesting to her integrity and commitment to public service.

The outpouring of support came after black propaganda hurled against Legarda surfaced in the last leg of the 2013 campaign season, alleging anomalies in her SALN. “Team PNoy’s composition is based on a shared commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service,” said President Aquino. “Loren Legarda has never backed away from the duty of every person who works for the people, to live up to our common obligation to stand by these three basic principles of governance.” He added, “I know that our fellow citizens will recognize this and that they can separate the facts from mere rumors or opinions.”

Vice President Jejomar Binay, in turn, said the allegations are “obviously politically motivated,” and he is confident that Legarda will emerge unscathed.

Legarda has consistently held the top senatorial spot in pre-election surveys, owing to her strong track record as a legislator and public servant.

“I sympathize with Loren,” said UNA senatorial bet Richard “Dick” Gordon. “Somebody wants to be No. 1 ahead of her, is that the kind of person you want elected in the Senate?”

Other senatorial candidates from both UNA and Team PNoy expressed support for the legislator, including Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Nancy Binay, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who further attested to Legarda’s “fierce commitment to issues on the environment, education and employment.”

“I urge the Filipino electorate to give Legarda a resounding vote of confidence on May 13 to shame her detractors.” said former Ambassador Roy Seneres of the OFW Family Party List.

Team PNoy Campaign Manager Senator Frank Drilon expressed outrage at the allegations, and vouched for Legarda’s strong work ethic. “As a fellow senator and friend, I have known Senator Legarda as a person of respect and integrity. She was my indefatigable Majority Floor Leader when I was Senate President during the 11th, 12th and 13th Congresses.” Drilon added “I am certain that any attempt at character assassination against her would fail in the face of her impending victory in the elections.”

Ensure Safety of Mayon Residents, Says Legarda

Following reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) that at least five climbers were killed and several injured in Albay as Mayon Volcano spewed ash, Senator Loren Legarda called on the government to institutionalize geohazard mapping and mandatory LGU training on disaster risk reduction.

“We can do a lot for our environment. Geohazard mapping should be institutionalized and followed down to the grassroots. Funding should be provided in the national budget and to LGUs for relocation or for housing, most especially for communities that are in danger,” Legarda, who chairs the Committee on Climate Change, said.

“There should also be a mandatory training on anticipating risks for LGUs and for frontline agencies,” the Senator added.

Legarda, regional disaster risk reduction champion for Asia Pacific, also asked government to incorporate climate change adaptation in the school curriculum.

 “To solve the problem of environmental degradation, it is important that we inculcate the right values to the younger generation. It is only through concerted efforts that we may be able to reverse the damage caused by irresponsible development models and large-scale environmental destruction,” she said.

For the past three months, Senator Legarda has led a massive information drive on the use of geohazard maps in LGUs, SUCs, and barangays nationwide.

"Hindi ito isyu na para lamang sa mga akademiko. Malapit ito sa bituka, at may epekto sa huli ng ating mga mangingisda, ani ng magsasaka, kabuhayan ng mga katutubo at kaligtasan ng mamamayan," Legarda stressed.

The Senator was the principal author of the Climate Change Act (RA 9729) and co-author and sponsor of its amendatory law, which provides for the creation of the People’s Survival Fund (RA 10174).

Legarda was chiefly responsible for the passage of landmark environmental legislations such as the Clean Air Act (RA 8749), Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121).

YOUTH LEADERS, BISHOPS ENDORSE LEGARDA

In an apparent repudiation of the instigators of the persistent demolition job against Sen. Loren Legarda, influential youth, student and bishop groups endorsed the senator’s candidacy in separate ceremonies this morning.

First to endorse Legarda was the Independent Bishops Conference of the Philippines (IBCP) at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

            The endorsement of the IBCP, a Christian sect with nationwide members, was led by Bishop Efraim Perez, president; Bishop James Antioquia, vice-president; Rev. Reynaldo Mapanoo, secretary, and Rev. Jun Bernal, secretary general.

            Next to endorse Legarda were the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and Kabataan party list at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

            The students and youth signed a manifesto expressing their views on why they chose Legarda and a select group of senatorial candidates.

            The groups said in her 15 years in the Senate, Legarda promoted the welfare of the youth and students and even teachers and advanced their interests.

            In her speech, Legarda said, “Kailangan maiangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon lalo na sa mga pampublikong paaralan at state universities and colleges o SUCs. Kailangan madagdagan ang pondo ng DepEd at CHED para sa mga mahihirap na kabataang kasama natin na nangangarap magkaroon ng diploma, sa pamamagitan ng dagdag na mga scholarship.”

            She disclosed her plan called “Pantawid Tuition Program” which would grant a college scholarship to each of the 3.8 million households that are beneficiaries of the government’s Conditional Cash Program.

“Sa ilalim ng Pantawid Tuition Program, bawat mahirap na pamilyang Pilipino ay magkakaroon ng college scholarship. Layunin natin na mabigyan sila ng magandang trabaho at umasenso ang kabuhayan ng kanilang pamilya,” she said.

Legarda added: "Patuloy po tayong magsisikap sa pagsusulong ng mga adhikain natin para maitaas ang budget para sa edukasyon, para sa mga dagdag na scholarship, tamang pasahod sa mga guro, pagbaba ng presyo ng mga bilihin at pasahe, at siyempre, para sa kalusugan ng lahat.

Legarda Remains on Top in Latest SWS Survey

Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda remained on top of the people’s choice for senator in the 2013 elections as revealed in the SWS’ final pre-election survey conducted on May 2-3, 2013 with 2,400 respondents.

Legarda said she is ever grateful that despite the black propaganda hurled against her, she remains number one in surveys and in the hearts of the people.

“Salamat sa Diyos at salamat sa lahat ng tao na patuloy ang tiwala at suporta sa akin. The result of this latest survey gives me renewed strength and inspiration. This goes to show that Filipinos will not be swayed by the dirty tactics deployed by some to tarnish the good name and track record I have worked hard on,” she stressed.

“I hope that on Election Day the Filipino electorate will look into our track record, what we have done and what we plan to do,” she added.

Among Legarda’s priorities in her next term in the Senate is the Universal Healthcare Coverage Act, which will ensure free healthcare services for the twenty-five million Filipinos through Philhealth.

She will also expand college scholarship through the Pantawid Tuition Program, which seeks to fund one college scholar for every poor family, particularly those belonging to the 3.8 million poorest households.  

Legarda continues to work with different sectors in solving key issues such as poverty, malnutrition and unemployment, through L.O.R.E.N. sa Bawat Barangay, which is short for Livelihood Opportunities to Raise Employment Nationwide.

The program aims to inform citizens about livelihood and employment opportunities available to them and to involve various sectors and local government agencies in the creation of jobs and businesses.

REGAL MATRIARCH MOTHER LILY ENDORSES EDGARDO "SONNY" ANGARA

Regal Entertainment producer Lily Monteverde endorsed Team PNoy senatorial candidate Edgardo "Sonny" Angara today (May 7) in a press conference at the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City.

“I support Sonny Angara because of his exceptional credentials and track record. He has attained excellent education here and abroad. In his nine years as congressman, he has accomplished incomparable legislative work and projects not only for his district but for the entire country,” said Monteverde, a pillar of the Philippine entertainment industry.

“In my decades of experience as a producer, I can say that I’m a good judge of character. I know a qualified candidate when I see one, and Sonny Angara is definitely among them,” she added.

Monteverde also noted the achievements of the senatorial candidate's father, Senator Edgardo Angara, who was in public service for 24 years. The older Angara, the longest serving post-Edsa senator, is now on his last term.

“Sonny’s a very smart, hardworking and competent public servant. There’s no doubt he would continue, or surpass even, the outstanding performance of his father in the Senate,” the movie mogul said.

Angara said that an endorsement from Monteverde is definitely “sought after,” since her stature in the Philippine entertainment industry carries a lot of weight.

“I am deeply thankful for the vote of confidence Mother Lily has shared for my candidacy, especially since she is really known to follow stringent criteria in choosing who she endorses. Piling-pili po talaga ang kanilang endorsements,” said the Harvard-trained lawmaker.

Earlier, Angara was endorsed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who described him as “young and idealistic, also full of sex appeal.”

Kris Aquino, top celebrity endorser and sister of President Benigno Aquino III, also backed Angara’s candidacy explaining that she really feels that the Aurora representative wants to serve.

“Sa mga batas na naisulong niya, buong pamilya naalagaan na ni Sonny Angara,” said Aquino during an earlier ambush interview.