Sunday, November 9, 2008

PNP chief briefs Revilla on media access to police blotter

Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa clarified to Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. his memorandum circular that sought to limit media access to police blotters.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome on Sunday said Verzosa met with Revilla, chair of the Senate committee public information and media during a meeting last Friday.

Verzosa assured Revilla that the PNP respects and recognizes the right of the public particularly the media to free access to information contained in the police blotter.

"The questioned portion in the policy which defines the standard on releasing public information was created to protect the victims of crimes from undue publication of their identities and not to curtail the right of the media," said Verzosa.

Verzosa also said that this policy is intended to enhance the cooperation between the PNP and the working press and to ensure the safety and security of the victims and their families.

Verzosa specified to Revilla that this new media relations policy will protect people involved in sensitive cases like kidnapping and other sensational crimes by avoiding undue publication of the victims' identities as well as ongoing follow-up operations.

The PNP chief expressed willingness to meet with the leaders of the media industry to further clarify the intent of the PNP on the decentralization of the functions of the public information office.

The PNP will also issue a clarificatory amendment to the provision in question to avoid misinterpretation and misconception.

Verzosa assured the Senator that the PNP intends no less than the common good of the PNP, the media and the general public as far as dissemination of timely and accurate news reports are concerned.

"We recognize the vital role of media as the fourth estate and we believe that linking arms and working together translates to working better for the benefit of the Filipino people," he said.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Revilla backs sugar coops; says no to Charter change

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Saturday said he supports the opposition of sugar cooperatives to taxes imposed on their produce by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and that he will vote against any move towards Charter Change at this time.

He stressed that government officials should instead focus on a mitigation plan for the inevitable effect of a global economic slowdown that could result in Filipinos losing their jobs.

The senator was in Bacolod City Saturday to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and to speak before gatherings of the Philippine Councilor’s League, Negros Occidental Group of Contactors Inc., and the Motorcycle Philippines Federation.

“We will not allow additional taxes to be imposed on the sugar cooperatives,” he said, but did not elaborate on how this will be done.

Some sugar cooperatives will seek a Temporary Retraining Order against Revenue Regulation 13-2008 issued by the BIR last week, which, they said, has made it near impossible for them to seek an exemption from Advance Value

Added Tax on their refined sugar.

The coop leaders insist that the law prohibits taxing of cooperatives that are currently reeling from the high costs of production.

CHA-CHA

Revilla, who is an administration senator, also said he is not in favor of Charter change and will vote against it. For sure it will not pass in the Senate, he said.

He also said he does not think the Supreme Court will grant the bid for the House and the Senate to vote as one on Charter Change.

As to moves to again impeach the president, Revilla said focus should instead be made on the real problem of the nation that is poverty.

Impeachment cases that have been filed in the past have failed and if nothing happens again now we will just be wasting time and money, he said.

FOCUS ON WORK

Asked is he is running for vice president in 2010, Revilla said “we will see when the time comes”
He said if the people want him to run for vice president, why not, but, “For now let us focus on work”.

According to one of President Arroyo’s economic advisers, the Philippines has yet to see the major effects of the financial troubles being experienced by top trading partner the United States, he said.

It is estimated that once the crisis hits full-blast, at least 250,000 Filipinos may lose their jobs, primarily in the export industry, because 35 percent of the country’s exports go to the US, he added.

“Hunger is the number one problem of the country right now, followed by unemployment. If this projection is not mitigated, another 250,000 will become unemployed and fall into hunger. Government has a responsibility to prevent this,” Revilla said.

Revilla said he is urging the Department of Labor and Employment to immediately activate its Quick Reaction Team to implement a mitigation plan to provide immediate alternative sources of income for workers who will be displaced.

USE HELMET

In his speech before the Motorcycle Philippine Federation in front of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, the senator thanked its members for their support for his road safety crusade.

Revilla said he is pushing for the passage of his Mandatory Helmet Bill and Kids Off Motorcycle Bill to prevent road accidents.

While the passage of these bills into law is being awaited, Revilla said he is urging motorcycles drivers and their riders to already wear helmets and not to allow children 7 years old and below to ride motorcycles, he said.

The Bacolod City government has already passed ordinances requiring those riding motorcycles to wear helmets and banning children, 7 years old and below, from riding on.


CORRUPTION


In his speech before the PCL, Revilla told the councilors: We have to remain grounded with the people we serve so that the laws and measures we enact are the expression of their will and not ours.”

While at the contractors’ affair, Revilla stressed the need for them to help fight corruption. “Because of corruption, our people are further set in to poverty,” he said. “We must act together to battle corruption at all levels,” Revilla told the contractors.

When he joined the Senate, Revilla said, the Department Public Works and Highways was listed as the number one most corrupt government agency and today it is in 5th place but there is still corruption.

“Let it not be said, therefore, that the construction industry is also in the list of corrupt-tainted businesses,” he said. “Police your own ranks and maintain a high standard of morality in your organization,” he said.

Pamalakaya warns Bong Revilla of political defeat

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Thursday warned Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. of possible electoral defeat in 2010 if he would not stop his father, Ramon Sr., from pursuing a project that would evict small fishermen and poor communities in several coastal towns of CavitePamalakaya, a left-leaning fisherfolk alliance, wanted Ramon Sr., chair of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), to rescind the P8-billion Coastal Road 2 Project because it would lead to the reclamation of Cavite's coastal towns - Bacoor, Tanza, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario and Cavite City.

The reclamation activities will pave the way for the revival and expansion of the former American naval base Sangley Point, which Revilla Sr. wanted to develop as a major international port, along with gambling and entertainment centers.

In order to proceed with the reclamation, the PRA has to demolish 26,000 fisherfolk families sourcing their living from Manila Bay and living along the coastal towns of the province. Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a statement that "Senator Bong will pay very dearly" if he fails to convince his father to scrap the project. The militant leader said Pamalakaya will not hesitate to campaign against Bong Revilla's candidacy whether in the senatorial or vice-presidential elections should he ignore their plea. "For us, politics is always in command.

He will not entertain a second thought of publicly campaigning against him, if he will not do his legal, moral and political assignment to defend the fisherfolk's rights against this grandslam, grand scam corporate takeover of Cavite fishing areas," Hicap added.

The young Revilla was reportedly eying the vice-presidency in the 2010 national elections, and could be the official vice-presidential standard-bearer of Lakas-CMD and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Bong Revilla rides in Negros Occ for safety, peace in Mindanao

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. met with more or less 500 motorcycle owners and riders in Bacolod City over the weekend.Revilla discussed with them the growing number of accidents involving motorcycles in the country.

The senator also stressed upon them the importance of wearing a helmet when driving motorcycles to protect themselves from fatal injuries.


Revilla explained that the Mandatory Helmet and the Kids Off Motorcycles bills in Congress aim to protect motorcycle riders and their families and at the same time to minimize fatal motorcycle accidents.


He also vowed to wear a helmet when shooting his films to further promote the use of motorcycle helmets.


Revilla led the Ride for Peace launched by Motorcycles Federation of the Philippines from Bacolod City to Don Salvador Benedicto town which called for peace in Mindanao.

Sen. Revilla cites role of contractors in nation building

BACOLOD CITY – Around 150 contractors all over the province listened to Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. when he graced the 1st Induction Ceremony of the Negros Occidental Group of Contractors Inc. (NOGCI) and served as the guest speaker of the activity held in Planta Hotel Sunday.

Revilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Works and Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said he was very grateful and honored to be with Negros contractors as he look forward the significance of construction industry in the country today.

He reiterated the importance of infrastructure as he defined it as the backbone of the nation, the foundation of development and measure of progress.

Revilla cited that better infrastructure facilities such as roads have something to do with investments.
"Kung maayos ang lansangan, bababa ang presyo ng mga produkto at bibilis ang kaunlaran. Kung sapat ang mga pasilidad, aayos ang mga serbisyo", Revilla added.

Bureaucracy leads to corruption as he described the paper trails with many "checkpoints". The so called "checkpoints" would mean additional burden to people's money since the contract of 50 million for example would become 100 million because of "tongpats". Out of this, Revilla said to the listening contractors to do their role in fighting graft and corruption.

Contractors are builders with great responsibility and partners of government in working for a more and efficient, effective and responsive construction industry.

"I'd like to believe, you are into this business not primarily to earn, but to help in the efforts of our government in uplifting the present state of our country's infrastructure. We must act together to the battle against corruption, at all levels," he stressed.

On the other hand, Engr. Bernabe Gilbor, the first NOGSI President he was very glad for having the good senator to be their guest speaker.

Gilbor was emotional in saying that in their endeavor, though they mean business but some people did some personal attacks against them as he exampled what happened to him in the Southern Negros where his license was suspended.
But despite of this situation still they are with the industry as he considered it as a very noble job with sense of professionalism.

Negros Governor Isidro Zayco as an inducting officer made a big challenge to the group to do the active role in nation building as he believed that contractors are the allies of the province in the development.

Gilbor on the other hand accepted the challenge and promised to work together in line with government's vision.
Also with the new group is 4th District Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer together with Rene Fajardo, the OIC of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Pamalakaya to Bong Revilla: 'Stop your father’s Sangley dream'

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) is objecting to the reclamation of coastal areas along Manila Bay to give way to the development of Sangley Point in Cavite City.

The activist fisherfolk alliance on Thursday called on Sen. Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr to convince his father Ramon Sr, a former senator and concurrent chair of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), to scrap the project because it would affect fishermen in Cavite.

Revilla Sr wants to transform Sangley Point, a former US Naval Station, as an international logistics hub in Southern Tagalog region.

“Senator Bong Revilla, as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, must listen to the voice of the fisherfolk and the people in general who are affected by this across-the-bay reclamation project of his father to pave way for the transformation of Sangley Point into an international port harbor in the tradition of Hong Kong and Singapore," Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said in a statement.

Revilla Sr had talked about his dream to develop the Sangley Point as an international logistics hub where casinos, hospitals, call centers and recreational centers would be built.

But before construction could take place, the PRA must first reclaim coastal areas in Manila Bay, particularly in the coastal towns of Bacoor, Tanza, Noveleta, Kawit and Cavite City.

Hicap said the reclamation project would displace not less than 26,000 fishing families along the bay from Bacoor to Cavite City. He said the reclamation would also fast track the “death of Manila Bay" as a major fishing ground in the country.

Pamalakaya said Senator Revilla, as chairman of the powerful Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, could intervene in favor of the collective interest of the people in Cavite.

Revilla Sr, a strong ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said the P 200-billion Sangley Point Development Project can lead to various businesses and if completed could rival other major international ports in Asia like that in Singapore and Hong Kong. It is also seen to generate jobs to people of Cavite.

Friday, October 3, 2008

New prosecutor to handle Revilla case

A new prosecutor will handle the preliminary investigation of the child abuse case against Princess Revilla, sister of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., filed by her former maid.

Lawyers of Renalyn Arota, 17, sought a new prosecutor after they expressed concern that she would not get a fair hearing. They asked the former prosecutor, Dennis Pastrana, to inhibit himself from the case for allegedly showing “extraordinary preferential treatment” to Revilla. The Pasig Regional Trial Court resumes hearing of the case this month when the new prosecutor, who has yet to be named, will take over.

In a motion filed in August, lawyers Yvonne Gaddi-Festejo and Irene Alogoc said certain acts of Pastrana created “serious doubts in the mind of the complainant as to his impartiality.”

The lawyers said that during the July 14 hearing, for example, the prosecutor allowed Arota’s mother and relatives to participate in the proceedings “despite the fact that they are not parties to the case.”

Arota’s mother allegedly tried to take her daughter forcibly after failing to convince the young girl to drop the case.

Pastrana, the lawyers claimed, did not even attempt to control the situation.

They also said Pastrana changed the time of the July 28 hearing from 2 p.m. to 11 a.m., without informing the complainant and her lawyers.

Pastrana, they said, had their contact numbers and Arota was staying at the Department of Social Work and Development’s Pasig office in a building nearby.

During the hearing, the prosecutor received counter-affidavits of Revilla’s witnesses. Arota, her lawyers said, was deprived the right to confirm the identity of the witnesses.

“With due respect, what transpired in the preliminary investigation on July 28, 2008 created serious doubt in the mind of the complainant as to the impartiality of the Honorable Fiscal,” the lawyers said in their motion.

Arota filed the child abuse case against Revilla in June after allegedly escaping from her former employer’s Valle Verde residence on June 12. She told the police she had been beaten with a broomstick.

She also claimed she was maltreated a number of times and on March 28 and was illegally detained at her employer’s condominium on Roxas Boulevard after she was allegedly mauled.

Revilla denied Arota’s claims in earlier affidavits, adding that the housemaid ceased to be her employee at the end of March.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Bong Revilla appeals for more prayers for his father

Former Senator Ramon Revilla health has improved but is still critical after suffering a stroke Tuesday morning.

His son, Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., said that on a scale of one to ten (ten being the best), her father's condition has improved from 2 to 5 as of Tuesday night.

Revilla said the next three days will be critical for the 81-year-old patriarch of the Revilla clan.

He asked the public to continue praying for his father's recovery.

"Kailangan pa rin ng dasal," said Revilla, who followed his father's successful career from acting to politics.

Revilla said his father is battling his illness as indicated by his response after he told him that he has a new great grandchild, Alexa Daniela del Rosario, who was born Tuesday to parents Inah and Vince del Rosario.

"Napaluha siya...napangiti siya," Revilla said of his father's response.

Bong's daughter, Inah, gave birth at 6:59 p.m. at the Makati Medical Center just hours after her grandfather suffered a stroke.

The Revilla patriarch became senator in 1992 after a long career in the movie industry. He became known as the father of the Public Works Act which was signed into law in 1995.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Senators’ streamers

Politicians who are believed to be aspiring for top national positions in 2010 came. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon joined the Translacion foot procession, while Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando, Sen. Bong Revilla and Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon came for the fluvial procession.

Streamers of Senate President Manuel Villar, Sen. Mar Roxas and Sen. Richard Gordon were posted in strategic locations to the annoyance of many residents who commented that the religious celebration was being used for political purposes.

Revilla caused quite a stir when he was allowed to board the barge or “pagoda” carrying the image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia although his name was not on the official list. Only select people, including journalists, from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres are allowed to ride the barge.

Other issues brought out included the pollution of the Naga River and the supposed P300-million deposit of the archdiocese in the closed Golden 7 Bank. But Fr. Luisito Occiano, spokesperson of the archdiocese, said the church deposit only amounted to P11 million and was mainly reserved for its social involvement activities.

Criticisms also flew that the local church, not just the city government, had been commercializing the religious activity.

Tarpaulins of telecom companies were spread inside the premises of the Naga City Metropolitan Cathedral. Booths from soft drink companies filled the Peñafrancia Basilica and other large churches.

But Msgr. Romulo Vergara, rector of basilica, said the booths were not meant for profit but to cater to the needs of pilgrims. The proceeds will be used for church maintenance, he said.

Minus the controversy, the Peñafrancia fiesta was as colorful as ever. More people joined the fluvial procession. Firework displays after the high Masses lit up the sky for several minutes.

Lani Mercado leads husband's Senator Bong Revilla Jr. bloodletting project

In Time for his husband's birthday, Lani Mercado headed the bloodletting project of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.

"This is our second year of doing this. We had organized same event last year and it turned out well so we decided to do it annually," the Revilla's matriarch said.

The senator celebrated his birthday Wednesday, September 24, 2008.

The bloodletting project is a personal project of Senator Bong in partnership with the different hospitals located in Pasig.

"Anybody who will donate blood will get blood for free," Lani said. "And then, if anybody goes to us and ask for blood we can give it for free."

According to Lani, this project of Senator Bong is an original project of Purposeful Stewardship Institute, a group where Lani is a member.

2010 plans

Last month, Senator Bong convened some of the press people to have a small dinner and talk. Many thought that was the initial way of the senator to express his plans in running for the 2010 elections.

But for Lani, she said: "Basta umiikot lang kami we're weighing what's going to happen. There is still no final decision because there are a lot of factors to consider. So far he is just continuing his work as a senator and that's it."

When asked if the senator has plans to run for a higher position, she said: "Kung yun ang pulso ng tao. He might say I want to run but then people might not like him so he needs to consider the people's want also. Kung sino ang makakasama niya and is he going to transfer or stay in Lakas. Maraming factors so pinag-aaralang mabuti ang lahat."

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Bong Revilla's second grandchild expected soon

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. said Wednesday he and wife, actress Lani Mercado, thought that daughter Inah, who is expecting her first child, was to give birth on Monday.

Revilla, however, said it was just false alarm.

“Actually, akala namin manganganak yung aking anak the other day, pero false alarm pala,” Revilla said an interview Wednesday on radio dzMM’s “Talakan.”

Reports said Inah is due to give birth to a baby girl on October 1, but the Revillas said the baby might come out earlier, maybe even coincide with the senator’s birthday.

The actor-turned-politician is turning 42 on Thursday, September 25.

During Mercado’s 40th birthday in April, Revilla confirmed that his 18-year-old daughter Inah and then boyfriend Vince del Rosario were tying the knot because of the baby.

The confirmation came amid speculations about the real reason behind the hastily-planned wedding. The two got married in May.

When asked about his political plans for 2010 elections, meanwhile, Revilla said nothing is definite yet. He said he is focusing on his work right now.

“Wala pa, [di pa] sigurado kung tatakbo tayo," he said. "Pero as of now, ayaw ko munang pag-usapan ang politika." 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Kap, Bitoy rule weekend primetime

Senator Bong Revilla's Kap's Amazing Stories and Michael V's Bitoy's Funniest Videos topped the primetime race last weekend.

Kap's Amazing Stories was on top of the ladder among Sunday (September 21) primetime programs with an amazing 30.9 percent; closely followed by Paolo Bediones's Tok! Tok! Tok! Isang Milyon Pasok—where a contestant got the jackpot prize of P1-M—with 30.6 percent.

Completing the Top 5 are Mel & Joey (27.7 percent), Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers (24.4 percent), and Goin' Bulilit (22.9 percent).

Sharon Cuneta's documentary titled Mega Tatlong Dekada, which commemorates the Megastar's 30th anniversary in showbiz, managed to grab the 8th spot with 14.2 percent.

SOP grabbed back the top spot in the daytime race with 16.9 percent while Showbiz Central came in second spot and reclaimed the crown in the battle of the Sunday showbiz talk shows with 15.5 percent.

SOP's rival ASAP '08 came in third with 14.1 percent while Showbiz Central's competitor The Buzz rated 9.7 percent to take 6th place.

Bitoy's Funniest Videos, on the other hand, led all Saturday (September 20) primetime shows with 30.2 percent; followed by the Survivor Philippines special of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, which amassed a total of 27.2 percent.

ABS-CBN's longest-running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya, featuring John Lloyd Cruz's stunning portrayal of a schizophrenic, grabbed the third spot with an impressive 24.6 percent. GMA-7's Celebrity Duets came at No. 4 with 23.7 percent while Imbestigador completed the Top 5 with 23.2 percent.

The daytime race was ruled again by Eat Bulaga!, which collected a total of 20.8 percent.

A far second was Pinoy Records with 17.6 percent while Wowowee came in third place with 17.2 percent. Wish Ko Lang and Cinema FPJ tied at fourth place with identical 15.3 percent rating. Fifth place went to Takeshi's Castle with 13.7 percent.

Dyesebel ruled the primetime race last Friday, September 19, with 39.2 percent. It was followed by four other Kapuso shows in the Top 5: Codename: Asero (35.8 percent), Ako Si Kim Samsoon (34.9 percent), Survivor Philippines (31.4 percent), and 24 Oras (3o percent).

Completing the Top 10 are TV Patrol World, I Love Betty La Fea, Dyosa, Bubble Gang, and Iisa Pa Lamang.

Afternoon soaps Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan and Una Kang Naging Akin took the first two spots in the daytime race with 25.5 percent and 24.6 percent, respectively.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Revilla to join Mindanao peace ride

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has assured motorbikers in the country that he would join them in a motorcycle peace caravan in Mindanao scheduled after the Ramadan.

The caravan, to be spearheaded by the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), seeks to boost further Christian-Muslim relationship in the country.

In a press statement, Revilla said he assured the officers of the federation of his participation during a meeting at the Senate recently.

In their meeting, the MCPF formally informed and explained to the senator details about their planned “Freedom Ride for Peace in Mindanao,” the first ever motorcade of various motorcycle riders advocating peace in Mindanao.

The MCPF has asked Revilla to lead the Christian motorcycle riders when they launch the caravan. For the Muslim motorcycle riders, the MCPF is eyeing Revilla’s fellow action star Robin Padilla.

“Rest assured that I will participate in the peace caravan. The event will prove that serious concern for peace in Mindanao is greatly increasing in various sector in the country, including the motorcycle sector,” Revilla said in his statement.

He stressed that the event is a unique venue to further realize that the search for peace in Mindanao is alive among Christian and Muslim Filipinos.

“Having our Christian and Muslim countrymen together is a meaningful event to show that we are all one in the pursuit of the much-awaited peace in the region. We are all Filipinos,” he pointed out.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Minority senators face arrest over absences

Senators belonging to the minority bloc face arrest, if their boycott of the session continues on Monday, lawmakers said Thursday.

There was no session Thursday, as sessions are normally held Mondays to Wednesdays.

When the minority senators failed to show up Wednesday, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago moved for their arrest, adding jokingly that Sen. Gregorio Honasan head the arresting team.

But in a more serious note, Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada pointed out that the Senate rules giving the presiding officer the power to order the arrest of truant senators apply only when there is no quorum.

Thirteen senators attended Wednesday’s session, enough to enable the Senate to proceed with their business of the day. Those present were Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Senate Majority Leader Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Senators Santiago, Honasan, Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, Richard Gordon, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Lito Lapid and Joker Arroyo.

The absence of the senators from the minority bloc prevented any substantial movement of priority measures, such as those amending the Fire Code and passing a measure on renewable energy. Villar earlier pushed for the approval of the Fire Code, which had been pending for several years.

Zubiri said the individual amendments to the renewable energy bill, which he was sponsoring, were already in the late stages.

Enrile and Zubiri said the absence of the minority senators had derailed the timetable for important pieces of legislation.

Santiago had proposed that the majority take advantage of the absence of the minority by approving all administration measures.

Arroyo and Escudero said they should adjourn even if there was quorum because at least one minority senator should be present in sessions.

But the senators of the majority bloc opposed the move to adjourn. In the end, Villar ruled that while the Senate should continue with its business, it should not approve any bill.

The Senate then proceeded to the individual amendments to the renewable energy bill but stopped short of passing them on second reading.

Santiago also moved for the insertion of the Senate records of her sponsorship speeches on the concurrence of the Senate on the ratification of three Philippine treaties on mutual legal assistance with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and with Spain and South Korea.

The absence of the minority enabled the Senate to conduct its business without the tumult that had characterized the two previous sessions when they were discussing the alleged “double entry” on the C-5 road extension project.

Cayetano said he did not believe that the absence of the minority on Wednesday was merely coincidental. “They were absent because they wanted to prolong this issue [double entry] until next week.”

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Bong on No criminal act in budget entries

Two Senate committees will investigate the alleged budget irregularities.

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, chairman of the committee on finance, said he only wanted to "satisfy the public and the opposition."

"The impression is that there is something illegal, sinister, malicious and covetous in all of these things. We have to clarify that," he told reporters.

In his privilege speech on Monday, Mr. Lacson directly implicated Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in what he called "road to nowhere" mess.

But this early, Mr. Enrile noted nothing was irregular about the insertions. "There are no illegal insertions. In fact, you cannot spend any money in the budget unless you comply with the procurement law on public bidding," he told reporters in a chance interview.

Senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr., chairman of the committee on public works, told BusinessWorld, "I welcome [the investigation] since we have to ferret out the truth cannot speculate at the moment" if there was any irregularity.

In a related development, Senator Joker P. Arroyo said Mr. Lacson allegations were unfounded and that he will oppose any investigation.

"If we investigate, we admit that we engaged in corruption," he said in a briefing, adding Mr. Lacson "twisted" the facts and "obscured the whole thing."

"Is he [Mr. Lacson] saying that [Congress] is wrong and he is the only one right? The sanctity of the proceedings in the Senate is at stake here. This is serious because this is the first time in the history of the Senate that a member challenged the Senate," Mr. Arroyo said in response to Mr. Lacson’s accusations that corruption was "committed right in this hall [Senate]."

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Revilla to Lacson: 2 bridge projects in Cavite, not 1

MANILA, Philippines – The two P50-million budget insertions that Sen. Panfilo Lacson insists are anomalous for are not double entries for just one project. They're actually for two projects – two different bridges with the same name, according to Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.

Revilla pushed for the insertions, according to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo that was aired on Tuesday over 24 Oras, GMA Network's early evening newscast.

Revilla said the insertions were requested by Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla.

The bridges are both named Aguinaldo – one is on Governor's Drive and the other is in Aguinaldo town – and the budget for each is P50 million.

On Monday, Lacson presented in his privilege speech more alleged double entries in 2008 National Budget.

Lacson noted a P50-million outlay for Aguinaldo Bridge in Cavite province, which was included under the widening of Governor’s Drive (Carmona-Dasmariñas-Trece Martires City Road, including bridges).

It appeared in a different entry under the same heading for the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highway — again for the repair and rehabilitation of Aguinaldo Bridge in Cavite.

Revilla stressed that there was nothing anomalous in his insertions, adding that he had already explained it to Lacson.

"May investigation tayo. Malalaman natin ang katotohan dito, and according to him (Lacson) wala naman daw problema doon [We have an investigation. We will know the truth about this, and according to Lacson, he has no problem with that.]," Revilla said.

For his part, Lacson said he was yet to confirm the explanations of Revilla.

"Papano pag-release ng pondo non? Baka magkaroon ng double entry din ang labas [How would the funds for that be released. It might still end up having a double entry.]," Lacson said.

But Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, chair of Senate Committee on Finance, said Lacson’s claim of double release of funds for the same project is impossible.

"Yung budget is only an authorization. You conduct a public bidding to fund the project and implement it. It is impossible to duplicate a public bidding for the same project," Enrile said.

And despite their bickering, the senators were one in approving the scrutiny of the national budget to ensure that public funds are being spent wisely.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Longest, biggest ‘pastillas’ in Guinness

City of Malolos, Philippines: It’s a long, sweet journey to the Guinness World Book of Records.

Bulacan’s “pastillas” candy made of fresh carabao milk and sugar officially made its bid to the Guinness on Friday. The candy produced by the province weighed 4,000 kilos and measured 200 meters in length and 5 inches in diameter.

Ronaldo Tiotuico, regional director of the Department of Tourism, said Bulacan’s pastillas is the third product from Central Luzon to bid for a world record. Pampanga’s “sisig” and the biggest lantern of the City of San Fernando are among the local products that have made it to the Guinness.

It took 12,800 liters of fresh carabao milk and 1,600 kilos of white sugar to make the giant “pastillas,” part of Tatak Bulakenyo product now displayed at the provincial capitol grounds.

When cut into thumb-size pieces, it would total 500,000. The Bulacan sweet surpassed its target of 200 meters in length.

About 200 residents from the “pastillas”-producing towns of San Miguel and San Ildefonso cooked the giant “pastillas.”

Gov. Joselito Mendoza and Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. led the tasting of the “pastillas,” which has become a favorite “pasalubong” fare of residents and visitors.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Senator Revilla files bill requiring the use of helmets for bikers

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Monday filed the Mandatory Helmet Bill in his bid to lessen street accidents involving persons who continuously disregard the importance of helmets.

During a radio interview, Revilla said he filed the bill to prevent the further ballooning of motorcycle-related accidents and ensure that motorcycle riders will be obliged to wear helmets.

"With this (bill) masisiguro natin na isusuot nila ang helmet. Ang dami ng na aaksidente at namamatay dahil sa hindi nila pagsuot ng helmet," Revill said.

According to Revilla, the bill is very timely because many Filipinos are starting to purchase motorbikes due to the hike of petroleum prices in the world market.

Revilla said, while people are thinking of ways to save money, they should prioritize their safety.

Under the Mandatory Helmet Bill, kids below seven years old will be prohibited to ride motorbikes.

He added that he also wants to ban pregnant women from riding two-wheeled vehicles.

Revilla said, at present, our country does not have any legislation promoting the stricter implementation of helmets use. Due to this, he has been conducting rounds in the different parts of the country to promote the bill.

"Actually nag-iikot na tayo sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa. We're really campaigning for this dahil talagang hinihiling ng mga bikers associations tulad Motor Cycle Federation of the Philippines na tulungan sila with this campaign pa ma-isalba ‘yung mga matitigas ang ulo," Revilla said.

He also appealed to the police to set a good example by showing bike riders that they are adhering to the policy.

“Pati kapulisan natin... dapat mag-set ng good example mahiya naman kayo. Dapat ipakita niyo na tayo mismong nag-papatupad ng batas ay maging magandang ehemplo," Revilla said.

Revilla said, under the bill, the license of the offenders will be confiscated and they will be subject to pay the fines which would range from P2,000 to P20,000.

Revilla said the bill is now under the Senate Committee on Public Services of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Go slow on journalists - Revilla

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has called on the government to go slow on journalists as he pushed for decriminalization of libel.

Revilla, chairman of the Senate committee on public information, noted the growing apprehension among mediamen this administration "slowly" curtails press freedom in the country.

"There are reports that are really damaging and not adhering to the principles of responsible journalism. But that’s not enough reason to suppress the press,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

The "apparent series of arrest of journalists,” Revilla said, justified the need to decriminalize libel to address the "dilemma" of journalists, who are threatened with imprisonment for doing their job.

"As a chairman of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, I am pushing in the Senate the decriminalization of libel, alongside with the proposed measures to guarantee an individual's right to reply," he said.

"But right now, the government should take it easy with journalists, who have been convicted or accused of libel," Revilla added.

Malaya publisher's arrest highlights need to decriminalize libel - solon

The arrest of Malaya newspaper publisher Amado “Jake” Macasaet has once again justified the need to decriminalize libel, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr said Thursday.

In a statement, Revilla said libel’s decriminalization will "address the dilemma of journalists who are threatened with imprisonment for doing their job as members of the Fourth Estate."

Revilla, chairman of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, said he is pushing for the decriminalization of libel alongside the proposed measures to guarantee an individual's right to reply.

"But right now, the government should take it easy with journalists who have been convicted or accused of libel," he said.

Macasaet was arrested Thursday inside the Malaya office in Port Area, Manila in connection with a libel suit filed by former Rizal governor Casimiro Ynares Jr nine years ago. He posted bail later for his temporary liberty.

The case stemmed from a series of articles written by Macasaet regarding two cockfighting groups, one of which allegedly headed by Ynares, in March and April of 1999 in Malaya and its Filipino-language sister publication Abante.

Revilla said defamatory and unfair reports against certain individuals are not enough reasons to curtail the press freedom.

He described Macasaet’s arrest, as well as that of Tribune newspaper publisher Niñez Cacho-Olivarez early this year, as a calculated move to curtail press freedom in the country.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sen. Revilla Freedom of Information Act stalled in Senate

bong_revilla_11 The passage of the freedom of information act, which can force government agencies to disclose state “secrets,” has hit a snag in the Senate.

The Senate Committee on Public Information, chaired by Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, has yet to conduct a hearing on House Bill 3732 or the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) after the House of Representatives approved the bill last May.

Rep. Lorenzo ‘Erin’ Tañada III, lead author of HB 3732, said in a public forum on the FOI held Friday at the Ateneo de Manila University that the access to information bill is in danger of being derailed in favor of “priority” bills such as the one on whistleblowers’ protection.

According to a source who requested anonymity, the Senate Committee on Public Information has cancelled three hearings on the FOI. These hearings were cancelled a day before or on the day of the hearing itself. The reason: the committee has not done any research on the bill.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Sen. Revilla in Donating for Aklan typhoon victims reach P56-M

bong_revilla_09 Donations for Aklan's typhoon victims in cash and in kind forwarded to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) here have reached P56,329,496.07.

The figure was given by Mrs. Elma S. Malbas, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) at the press conference held recently at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House here attended by PDCC officers and members led by its chairperson, Governor Carlito S. Marquez and members of the local media.

The PSWDO report revealed that as of August 20, 2008, a total of P23,981,336.34 donations in kind was received by the PDCC while cash donations reached P7,812,749.88. Various non-government organizations (NGOs) too, some operating internationally also forwarded donations which were distributed directly to typhoon victims in Aklan's 17 towns. These NGOs, which properly coordinated with the PDCC before proceeding to their targeted areas, were able to extend P24,535,409.85 assistance in cash or in kind.

Presently, other NGOs, like the Dios Mabalos Po Foundation is still extending assistance through feeding programs for children in the province' different towns, and has vowed to stay for 6 months in Aklan for the mission.

Sacks of rice, boxes of bottled mineral water, boxes of sardines and noodles and family food packs, medicines and used clothing were forwarded to the PDCC and recorded as donations in kind. These came from various government, non government and personalities like the DSWD, NDCC, DOH, DOLE, PAGCOR, JICA, Province of Guimaras, US Navy, LBP, PETRON, Smart Communications, Universal Robina Corporation, Senators Loren Legarda,. Bong Revilla, Mar Roxas, Manny Villar, Kiko Pangilinan to name a few, and many others. Cash donations which included those given by the PCSO amounting to P2 million; Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, P2 million, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Prov'l Government of Cebu, P2 million; Sunwest Water and Electric Co., P500,000 and other amounts ranging from P200,000 to the lowest at P5,000.00 from various organizations and personalities in Aklan and outside the country, were properly receipted by the Office of the Provincial Treasurer and deposited for the meantime at the province' official depository bank, according to OIC Provincial Treasurer Suzette Pioquid.

"All the donations are properly acknowledged and donors were recognized for their laudable contributions for the province' relief operations", said PSWD Officer Elma Malbas.

Saying that donations still keep coming in and with other civic organizations in Aklan yet to submit their report of assistance, Governor Marquez foresees that the donations' figures for Aklan's typhoon victims will still increase.

Gov. Marques said the cash donations, still undisbursed and in bank, will be used by the province for its rehabilitation efforts.

Bong Revilla Sangley dreaming

bong_revilla_12 Casinos, hospitals, hotels, call center offices and even a bowling alley, but no nightclubs, please.

A reemergence of recreational establishments and job opportunities is what former Sen. Ramon Revilla, chair of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), sees when a P200-billion international logistics hub rises in the former US naval base at Sangley Point in Cavite City.

“This is a longtime dream for Caviteños,” Revilla, now 81, said in an interview with the Inquirer at his house in Bacoor town in Cavite.

The Sangley Point Development Project can lead to various business establishments, he said, “but not the nightclubs that proliferated in the city before.”

Used by the American military since 1898 as a ship repair facility and berthing area before turning it over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1971, Sangley Point is to be developed with three main components:

A 2,000-hectare reclamation project for export processing zones, industrial, commercial, military, institutional and tourism facilities.

An international seaport and container terminal for transporting passengers, cargoes and other finished products to industrial estates in Southern Luzon, and for serving the needs of an international logistics hub.

A modern international airport that will decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and make international travel in Cavite more accessible.

“Once completed, it is expected to be Asia’s envy, rivaling existing hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore,” the actor-turned-politician said in a press statement.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Sen. Revilla on Arming civilians not good idea, says Amnesty International

bong_revilla_13 The human rights group Amnesty International on Friday warned the Philippine government against arming untrained civilian militias to repel Moro rebels, saying the move would only set off a “chain of reprisals” that would endanger more lives in Mindanao.

“Experience from around the world shows that the deployment of civilian militias only increases the danger facing civilians,” said AI Asia-Pacific Director Sam Zafiri.

“All sides to this conflict should step back from the brink and demonstrate their commitment to avoid harming civilians,” he said.

The sentiment was echoed in the Senate, where even senators who used to be actors playing gunslinging, vigilante heroes on screen opposed the plan to arm civilians, claiming it would only spark a civil war.

Amnesty issued its objection Friday after the Philippine National Police announced that a shipment of 1,000 shotguns had been sent to Mindanao and that the arms were to be issued to “selected, screened and trained” police auxiliaries, deputized village watchmen and selected civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs).

The PNP said it would supply 12,000 more shotguns if the project proved to be successful.

Local leaders in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato have pursued the formation of civilian groups following the attacks by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in several municipalities.

The MILF rebels slipped into the towns of Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Maigo and Bacolod in Lanao del Norte and Maasim in Sarangani on Monday, destroying houses and schools, brazenly killing residents and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Amnesty said the existence of CVOs would only fuel more clashes in the region, pointing to claims by the MILF that it had targeted armed civilians during the recent attacks that left 40 people dead.

In an interview with reporters, Senator Lito Lapid said he was against arming civilians because it would only worsen the situation in Mindanao.

“The government does not know who is the rebel and the civilian, they are hard to identify. It would have been good if the government had an efficient intelligence system,” he said.

Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada said that civilians should not take the law into their hands because the military and police could handle the situation if the government did not hold them back from going all out against the rebels.

“If they (MILF) want war, the government must take it to them so that civilians would not think of defending themselves,” said Estrada.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla said he was alarmed at reports that civilians had started to arm themselves because the government could not fully protect their families and communities from the rebels.

Citing the declaration of the vigilante group Ilaga to engage the MILF tit-for-tat, Revilla warned that a civil war could erupt in Mindanao if the government did not step in soon to contain the conflict.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

It’s Noli vs. Erap for president, Revilla far for Vice

bong_revilla_10 If elections were held today, Vice President Noli de Castro and former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada would hotly contest the presidency. The former broadcaster and the former actor are the top choices of voters, according to Pulse Asia’s survey of possible presidential contenders July 1 to 14, 2008.

About 22 percent of Filipino voters would choose de Castro while 16 percent support Estrada. Despite the six percentage-point difference, Pulse Asia claims the two “are essentially tied for first place because the margin of error is plus or minus 3 percent.”

How 6 percent and 3 percent can be the same, statistically, only Pulse Asia can explain.

Meanwhile, Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Loren Legarda, No. 2 and No. 1 in the 2007 senatorial elections, are the top choices for vice president. Escudero polled 25 percent while Loren 23 percent.

Again, with a 3 percent margin of error, one can say, using Pulse Asia’s phrase, both are “essentially tied for first place.” A far third is Sen. Francis Pangilinan, 11 percent.

Significantly, Chiz and Loren tied for third place as well as choices for president, with an identical 14 percent. A close fourth for president, with 12 percent, is Senate President Manny Villar.

Since the difference between 14 and 12 is just two points and the margin of error is 3 percent, one can safely say Chiz, Loren and Manny”are essentially tied” in third place, behind Noli and Erap, for president.

Since the difference between 16 (Erap’s) and 14 (Chiz and Loren’s) is 2 percent and the margin of error is 3 percent, one can again say Erap, Chiz and Loren “essentially tied”—again. Which goes to show that the 2010 presidential race remains anybody’s game.

Proof is that in terms of public satisfaction ratings, Senate President Villar enjoys a tremendous advantage over Vice President de Castro.

Villar has a net satisfaction rating—satisfied minus dissatisfied of plus 57, 17 points more than the plus 30 percent of de Castro. That’s an almost two-to-one ratio. In an election, a two-to-one performance advantage can easily wipe out de Castro’s eight-point advantage over Villar in popularity—22 percent vs. 14 percent. On the other hand, the fact that Erap placed a strong No. 2 despite his not having yet declared his desire nor “qualified” for the presidency in 2010 shows the ousted president’s continuing popularity and tremendous vote-getting power.

According to the same Pulse Asia “Ulat ng Bayan” survey, the No. 1 quality voters look for in a president is being pro-poor—39 percent, followed by can enforce the law 35 percent, and knowledgeable in management of government 34 percent. All these are attributes of Estrada whose slogan when he won the 1998 presidential race was “Erap Para sa Mahirap.”

Erap had spent over 30 years in public service, as mayor for 17 years, senator for six years, vice president for six years, and president for 30 months. Noli, on the other hand, ran for vice president after being senator for only three years.

Pulse Asia says Escudero (14 percent), Legarda (14 percent), Manuel “Manny” Villar (12 percent) and Manuel “Mar” Roxas (8 percent) “are essentially tied for second place, while the rest of the possible presidential candidates included in the list of 10 names are essentially tied for third place.”

About 4 percent of voters have no choices yet. In a close fight, 4 percent can make the difference on who eventually becomes president. Pulse Asia says results indicate that Vice President de Castro essentially maintains the voter support (21 percent) he enjoyed in March 2008.

Escudero and Legarda lead the vice-presidential race. They are tied for first place if the May 2010 elections were held today, with the former obtaining 25 percent of the votes and the latter, 23 percent. Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Mayor Jejomar “Jojo” Binay of Makati, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, and Batangas Governor Vilma “Ate Vi” Santos are far second, with voter preferences of 5 to 1 percent.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Biography of Bong Revilla

Jose Marie Mortel Bautista, more popularly known by his screen name Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., or simply Bong Revilla, is a Filipino actor, politician and Senator of the Republic of the Philippines.

Information
  • Born: September 25, 1966
  • Birth place: Manila, Philippines
  • Nationality: Filipino
  • Political party: Lakas-CMD (1995 – )
  • Spouse: Lani Mercado (Jesusa Victoria H. Bautista)
  • Residence: Imus, Cavite
  • Occupation: Actor/Politician
  • Profession: Actor/Senator
  • Religion: Roman Catholic
Early life and education

He was born Jose Marie Mortel Bautista to Jose Acuna Bautista (better known as Ramon Revilla) and Azucena Mortel Bautista. In 1979, he finished his elementary education at Jesus Good Shepherd School in Palico II, Imus, Cavite. It has not been documented that he finished his secondary education at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California, but he did attend the school.

Acting career

Revilla is known for his lead roles in numerous action movies during the 1980s and the 1990s. He also starred in a few movies alongside his father, Ramon Revilla. Recently, he has been involved in a number of comedy related movies and TV shows in GMA-7.

Political and public service career

As a native of Cavite, he made several films focusing in his home province. Revilla also made several charity works for the province through the RRJ Foundation Inc. He was invited by former NBI director Epimaco Velasco to be his running mate as Vice Governor of Cavite. In the 1995 local elections, Velasco and Revilla won as governor and vice governor beating the Remullas who dominated the Cavite political arena since the 1980s.

In February 1998, Velasco resigned as governor of Cavite when he was appointed as secretary of Interior and Local Government replacing then Senatorial candidate Robert Barbers. Revilla assumed as the chief execitive of the province. In the May 1998 local elections, Revilla defeated the returning Juanito Remulla for the position of governor.

In January 2001, Revilla joined the EDSA II Rally and asked for the resignation of President Joseph Estrada. His participation was a widely used topic in the May 2001 local elections. Revilla lost to Cavite congressman Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi as governor of Cavite. Former governor Remulla's son and Malisksi's running mate Juanito Victor "JonVic" Remulla won as vice governor.

Revilla returned to his acting career and became a TV actor in GMA-7's sitcom Idol ko si Kap. In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Revilla as Chairman of the Videogram Regulatory Board (now Optical Media Board). Revilla became a popular figure in reducing optical media piracy in the Philippines. Due to his efforts, he was given a Plaque of International Recognition for Efforts Against Piracy by the Motion Picture Association of America on July 23, 2003 and the Huwarang Lingkod Bayan Award by the Consumers League of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. on October 25, 2003.

In February 2004, he resigned as Chairman of the VRB and recommended Eduardo "Edu" Manzano as his replacement. His father, Ramon Revilla, ended his term as senator on June 30, 2004. Revilla Sr. was elected senator in 1992, reelected in 1998, and could not run for third term according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Bong Revilla ran for the position of Senator under the administration K-4 coalition. He won and received the second highest number of votes from the national electorate.

On March 28, 2007, he jumped onto a bus being held hostage in the Philippines in order to ensure the safety of the students on the bus and try and talk the hostage taker into giving themselves up.

Personal life

He married Lani Mercado (Jesusa Victoria Bautista Revilla) in 1987 in a civil wedding. They have six children namely: Leonard Bryan (born November 22, 1986), Jose Lorenzo (Ramon "Jolo" Revilla III, born March 15, 1988), Inah Felicia (born October 2, 1989), Ma. Viktoria Gianna (born August 15, 1995), Ma. Franzel Loudette (born October 15, 1997) and Ramon "Ram" Vicente (born December 8, 1998). He also has another son out of wedlock with Lovely Guzman, a University of the Philippines political science graduate, formerly of St. Ignatius Village.

In the Philippine Centennial celebrations, Revilla portrayed General Emilio Aguinaldo. To highlight the celebrations, he and Lani remarried in through church wedding using the same costume they used in the centennial.

He is also the older brother of Strike Revilla, the incumbent mayor of their hometown of Bacoor, Cavite.

Bong's children, Bryan, Jolo, Ram and Inah, were also third-generation stars of Revilla Family.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Bong Revilla: Amazing Political Story

The gossip girls are talking about Bong Revilla, the action star and former governor of Cavite now a duly elected member of the Senate, and his supposed bid to be the next vice president of the Republic of the Philippines.

While it is less than two years before the presidential elections in 2010, the political landscape is quickly changing as we start to see personalities trying every possible means to be noticed and, like one of the millions of commuters in Tokyo’s subway, pushed inside the train on the campaign trail.

Revilla is not pitching to be considered a candidate for the highest position in the land. No, he’s not that foolish to even think about it, although not a few say, “Why not?”

Yet the actor who followed in the footsteps of his father (former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr.) knows he’s not quite ripe to be in the most coveted seat of power. If ever, he says, asked to be a running mate of a presidential candidate, he won’t decline the offer.

He also knows that it is premature to even speak about running (for vice president) in the coming elections. “At this point, I just want to let people know that as their elected senator I have made several milestones in legislation,” he told us over dinner recently. “You can check them out in the Senate records.”

He admitted that he has heard his name mentioned in political discussions as a possible candidate for vice president, yet he never gave them serious thoughts.

“If you’re familiar with the way politics is conducted in our country, you know that everything is speculations,” he said as a way to clear the air that he had his name flaunted in political circles. “I am glad that my name has come up, but I don’t want to even think about it. I’d be too presumptuous to even consider myself as the best possible vice presidential candidate.”

Revilla’s rise to politics is one amazing story. Following the success of his father in that period of the country’s political history when movie stars became the darling of the majority of the nation’s electorate, the junior launched his political career when he sought Cavite’s second highest position of power —vice governor. He won the elections as predicted and immediately embarked on a campaign to take the governorship for himself as soon as he got the chance, and he did.

Three terms later as a local government official, he had already trained his sights on higher office. The Video Regulatory Board, as chairman, became his training ground, and with the help of the movie media, gave him high approval ratings among the electorate with his unrelenting campaign against movie piracy.

When he finally ran for a seat in the Senate, while other movie stars that also joined the political fray struggled to get past names in the top 12 candidates, Revilla was comfortably coasting in the top six, and even beating veteran showbiz politician Tito Sotto to the finish.

The question now is, will the Bong factor work in the coming presidential race if he is asked to be on board as a running mate to whoever is declared as official presidential candidate?

It is too early to say, but if you ask the gossip girls in coffee shops across the metro they’d say, “Why not?”

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Bong Revilla clears issue on running for VP on 2010

Senator and actor Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. cleared the issue on his reported intention to run for vice president in the 2010 national elections.

Revilla said that it is still too early to talk on whether he will run for the vice-presidency.

"Napag-uusapan lang 'yan tuko tukso but you know that will come," the senator said.

"Alam mo napakatagal pa niyan, wala tayong idapat i-rush sa totoo lang 2010 ilang taon pa 'yan ang daming problemang hinaharap natin sa bansa ngayon," Revilla added.

The senator said that right now he is focusing on his legislative work and doing his best to help those who are in need.

"It's still early to say, still two years from now siguro ang priority natin ngayon ay makatulong tayo sa mga mahihirap," Revilla said.

He said that he still considers the idea of running again as a senator in 2010 but he is also open to accept things if fate will give him the chance to run as vice president.

Revilla reiterated his words that he is willing to give way if ever Batangas Governor and showbiz's Star For All Season Vilma Santos would run for the post.

"We should move as one napakaliit lang ng movie industry dapat isa lang ang mundo namin," the senator said.

Bong Revilla or Jose Marie Mortel Bautista in real life is famous for his action films during the 80s and 90s. He is the son of former senator-actor Ramon Revilla.