According to the latest surveys, Quezon City Mayoral aspirant Mike Defensor has surged ahead over his rivals for the Quezon City mayoralty post, with his impressive platform for improving the city and his solid record in public service being cited as the key factors for the unprecedented rise in latest surveys.

Mike has developed a holistic approach to leadership, one that is project-oriented, hinged on good, clean governance, forward-looking, and dedicated to the specific needs of the city’s various sectors and citizens.

Mike Defensor; For sure in Quezon City.

A solid record in governance

Unlike other mayoralty candidates, Defensor has extensive experience in public service both in the executive and legislative branches. He started his political career as a councilor before running for congress where he authored bills tackling issues like housing, nutrition, and the rights of the disabled. He was named one of the top 10 Legislators, New Millennium's Most Outstanding Solons and Most Consistent Outstanding Congressman for three consecutive years by the Gladiators Magazine and Congress Watch Magazine.

He later handled cabinet posts such as the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. But his most prominent accomplishments were when he was tasked to head the NAIA Terminal 3 where he presided over its turnover and opening and the Philippine National Railways where he improved the condition of the trains.

Transforming QC into a top business hub

Among Mike’s top agendas is improving the image of QC’s business sector, by making it easier—and more rewarding—to do business in the city, thus providing a highly viable alternative to cities like Makati and Mandaluyong. A Central Business District (CBD) will be established, aiming to make the city competitive and provide added employment to residents, while incentives in the form of tax breaks and free permits will be offered to those who put up shop in the CBD.

Providing for the city’s various sectors

To bring down unemployment and provide decent jobs to the people, Mike will provide livelihood training on dressmaking, food processing, automotive, electronics and other valuable skills that QC’s residents can utilize to earn a living.

Likewise, top training will also be given to both large industries such as the BPO sector and smaller businesses such as restaurants and internet outlets, with Mike stressing the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“What’s important here is that the local government, businessmen and the community should help each other in achieving the common goal of providing employment and better welfare to our people,” Mike said.

Men, women, children and the elderly: a better life for all

Of course, one of the basic and most important steps in the project of re-invigorating the city’s businesses is providing for the basic needs of the city’s socially diverse residents and helping them get ahead in life.

Among the cornerstones of Mike’s welfare program is the delivery of proper health care for all by setting up hospitals and clinics that provide quality care and medicine at low to no-cost, by granting PhilHealth memberships to beneficiaries which include expectant mothers, the elderly, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

Given Mike’s distinction as a young, dynamic leader, and his strong affinity for the youth sector, education would also be a top priority as he aims for city that will produce 48,000 scholars annually. These students will receive quality IT-driven education to equip them with the necessary skills and know-how to get good jobs when they graduate.

Reaping the fruits of progress

Given the massive fund the city has accumulated over years of competent financial management, Mike strongly believes that it is time for city residents to feel the effects of progress in the city, through programs and projects that effectively utilizes the city budget, allowing for the construction of schools, hospitals and other infrastructure without burdening the people with new taxes.

So many people claim to believe in the Resurrection, and yet it means so little to them. It has no effect in their lives. It is not enough to celebrate Easter and say ‘Christ is risen!’ Indeed, it is useless to proclaim it at all, unless at the same time we can say that we too have risen.

“The long passage of time has brought with it a temptation to keep on speaking about Good Friday without being moved by it. We hear about Christ’s death, and we sit there bored, as if we were reading a newspaper. In fact, we would find a newspaper a good deal more interesting.” — C. F. Blumhardt (1842-1919)

I don’t mean to sound preachy but it’s Holy Week. I cannot help but ponder about the kind of Christianity we practice here in the Philippines and whether such has any role to play in the rut we find ourselves in as a nation.

Indeed, going by the number of religious festivals we have here, the places of worship that dot our landscape, and the religious symbols we see at homes, in workplaces and on people, one can’t deny by casual observation that Filipinos seem to be a very religious people.

But is it the kind of religiosity wherein one can do what one wants for as long as he, or she goes to Mass on Sundays, says the Rosary, or performs the rituals during Holy Week?

How can one explain, for instance, the institutional and cultural corruption in the country? How can a people so deeply religious practice or tolerate such corruption?

Our country’s perennial poor ranking on regional and international survey results on corruption is well known. Just recently the Philippines was rated the fourth most corrupt of 16 major Asia-Pacific investment destinations, according to the survey conducted by the Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC). That’s actually an improvement because in the 2007 PERC survey we were ranked the most corrupt. It’s certainly not news that we’ve been a regular bottom-dweller in similar surveys.

These surveys, of course, always lead to finger pointing at government. Bureaucrats and politicians are blamed for the official corruption that drains public coffers of its already meager resources.

But private corruption is just as extensive and extreme. Many businessmen are not actually paragons of virtue. Private corruption may be just as responsible as public corruption is for making “lack of integrity” a societal problem.

How can one explain the disconnection between our people’s religiosity and the ethics we practice or do not practice in government, in workplaces, in society in general?

Christianity teaches that faith without action is nothing, that for faith to make a difference it has to be lived and fulfilled in our lives. Faith without action is nothing more than false enthusiasm, empty phrases, much like the political rhetoric we hear today.

It’s foolish and shortsighted to talk about economic and political change without seriously addressing the moral fiber of our nation. Should we not depend on our religious values to sustain the commitments we want to see in society?

I don’t want to sound like Brother Eddie, but the man hit on something solid. Religion may not be a cure-all against corruption but it should matter. It should even be the starting point for change.

I know, people don’t necessarily have to be religious to hold values and to have firm ethical principles.

Over the years, I have met many people who don’t even go to church and yet are close to being as humanitarian as Mother Theresa.

Conversely, I have also met many church-going politicians and businessmen who even as they rant against corruption, lying and dishonesty, practice these all the same to advance their personal interests. They believe in “survival of the fittest” because they happen to be on top of the food chain.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has invoked the name of God in a lot all of her public addresses. She regularly attends the prayer rallies of various congregations and flaunts her religious convictions every chance she gets. When she chose to renege on her promise not to run for another term, she even implied that the decision was inspired by her 2003 meeting with John Paul II, who she said blessed the Philippines through her and approved of her policies because they were in accordance with the doctrines of the Church.

This just bolsters the point that Christianity, or Catholicism or any other religion should matter more in the ethical behavior of individuals and organizations.

Sure, we need to deal with public issues of vigilance, enforcement and punishment. We need to look at reforms in our system of governance, look at possible changes in our economy and politics.

But all the political and economic reforms in the world will not succeed if there are people willing to corrupt and be corrupted. No amount of legislation or policy-making can truly prevent crime and corruption because, bottom line, we cannot legislate or appoint integrity or character or honesty. By: Ernesto Herrera

Local officials of this province have banned foreigners from participating in this year’s annual traditional re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion every Good Friday to keep the ritual’s “solemnity,” it was learned Monday.

City Councilor Jimmy Lazatin said the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion, locally called the “Cutud,” this Good Friday is being organized by San Pedro residents.

The yearly event is participated in by Filipino Catholics who see it as a form of penance.

Lazatin told newsmen that the annual Good Friday event has attracted thousands of local and foreign tourists, especially Asian.

When asked why foreigners are now banned from joining the traditional crucifixion re-enactment on Good Friday, the officials said tourists “made fun of the rites” last year.

“Ginawa nilang parang shooting or parang laro-laro lang. Nawawala yung kahalagaan ng aming panata tuwing sasapit ang Mahal na Araw,” an official here said.

Foreigners can still watch but can no longer join in the event that will be held at the “Groto of Cacutud.”

Meanwhile, Church Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David said the crucifixion reenactment is not tolerated by the Roman Catholic Church.

“This is a tourist activity drawing thousands of people yearly but does nothing for the teachings of the Church," David said.

“The archdiocese tolerates the ‘Cutud’ but would rather it not take place. It is folk religiousity but not one we favor at all," he added.

The San Fernando bishop and various parish church leaders in this province also shunned the participation of both local and foreign tourists in the event, saying “the ceremony is not good for anyone."

“Whether or not foreigners take part in the ceremony is no concern to us,” a church official said.

Several priests in Pampanga said they do not sanction the event. Father Arnulfo Serrano, parish priest of Santo Niño parish near San Pedro, said his parish has no interest in the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion in San Pedro Cutud.

“We cannot sanction these private pious acts, and parishioners know it,” Serrano said, adding that some of his parishioners who join the Scourging at the Pillar rite on Holy Thursday “cover their faces so we would not recognize them.

A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And thisis something worth celebrating.

For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that's the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It's my vice. The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive. I don't ever want to stop feeling these emotions. But it is serenity that brings me to where I'm at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment. At this moment I'm feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.


Many people told me: "Ricky it's not important", "it's not worth it", "all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse", "many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature". Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

If someone asked me today, "Ricky, what are you afraid of?" I would answer "the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war...child slavery, terrorism...the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith." But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.

Malacañang has endorsed the proposed inclusion of the portrait of the late President Corazon Aquino in the country’s new P500 bill.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Gary Olivar said the proposal of the Bangko ng Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to redesign the bank notes was a fitting tribute to the late leader, a key figure in the first Edsa revolution that restored democracy in the country.

The Central Bank reportedly plans to include Mrs. Aquino’s picture in the P500 bill which carries the portrait of her husband, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

“The Palace was actually planning that among measures to honor the late President Cory Aquino was to place her in a new currency. We were just preempted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that revealed the same plans. We can expect this has the endorsement of Malacañang to honor the memory of President Cory Aquino,” he said.

Mrs. Aquino, the country’s first female president, passed away on August 1 after a battle with colon cancer. After the bloodless revolt that ousted the Marcos dictatorial regime, she served the country from 1986 to 1992.

The massive outpouring of sympathy for Aquino has prompted her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III, to join the presidential contest in 2010 supposedly to continue the legacy of his deceased parents.

Before the new bills could even be produced, Olivar expressed hope that the tribute to the late President Aquino would be free of campaign politics.

“The honor given to a person should not be a condition in the way politics and campaign work. The tribute should be given wholeheartedly to honor the late Senator Aquino and the late President Aquino for their contributions to the country,” he said.

Bagumbayan presidential candidate Richard Gordon and Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Mar Roxas have topped an online mock elections conducted among students of the University of the Philippines.

At the Botong Isko 2010 conducted from March 18 to 25, Gordon got 1,236 votes which comprise 31.23 percent of the total number of online participants in the mock elections. He was followed by Gilbert Teodoro (923); Sen. Manny Villar, Jr. (698); Sen. Benigno Aquino, III (591); Eddie Villanueva (100); Nicanor Perlas (79); Sen. Jamby Madrigal (32); Joseph Estrada (22); JC De Los Reyes (15); and Vetellano Acosta (3); while 259 of the voters are still undecided.

“I’m happy because this is not a survey, it’s a mock election. And it is in mock elections like this where you can see the real pulse of the voters. This is much different from surveys, where you don’t know who commissioned it, what questions were asked and what was the methodology used,” Gordon said.

Gordon is a graduate of the UP College of Law class 1975, and has supported UP in various projects like the renovation of the Vinzon’s Hall and the restoration and upgrade of the UP Carillon.
In the mock elections for vice president, Roxas won with 1,383 votes, followed by Gordon's running mate, Bayani Fernando, with 943 votes. Loren Legarda and Jejomar Binay followed with 579 votes and 563 votes, respectively.

In the mock elections for 12 senators, Miriam Defensor-Santiago topped all candidates with 2,302 votes. Other candidates who made it to the top 12 were Pia Cayetano, Satur Ocampo, Franklin Drilon, Liza Maza, Gilbert Remulla, Risa Hontiveros, Ralph Recto, Adel Tamano, Juan Ponce Enrile, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sergio Osmeña III. (David Cagahastian)

Meanwhile, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s opposition party, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), Friday expressed worry that the May 10 polls would not run as smoothly as the mock elections conducted in the Senate on Thursday.

PMP spokesperson lawyer Ralph Calinisan, who represented the opposition party acting as a poll watcher during the mock elections, criticized the event as “extremely unrealistic.”

In the mock elections, the “Sorsogon precinct” opened at 7:20 a.m. to accommodate 100 people to cast their votes. It closed after only 85 minutes at 8:45 a.m. on March 25.

Calinisan emphasized that the entire voting process took “less than one minute per voter (from) start to finish,” which he stressed “would not serve as a peg for any time and motion study as this certainly does not reflect realities in the field.”

“It would have (gone) that way if the elections were held in paradise, where everything is perfect; but the mock polls held at the Senate were extremely unrealistic,” he said.

If Nacionalista Party (NP) presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar has ring hero Manny Pacquiao as supporter, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. also boasts of a Manny Pacquiao as an ardent endorser here.

However, unlike Filipino boxing idol Pacquiao, Cebu City’s Manny Pacquiao is a lawyer who has given honor to Cebuanos when he placed third in the 1976 Bar examinations.


Now 61, Pacquiao, the lawyer, showed up at the jampacked reunion of “Green Movement” volunteers at the Cebu International Convention Center to personally tell Teodoro that he is strongly batting for his candidacy as president.

Pacquiao, who is running for vice mayor in Cebu City, was accompanied by his mayoral partner,

Georgia Osmeña, who belied claims by her brother, former Sen. Serge Osmeña, that Cebu City is a “Noynoy country,” saying that the “Cory magic” has shed off its popularity.

“Cory is different. I don’t think the magic can rub off on Noynoy. I want the people of Cebu City to vote for somebody who is capable to be president not because they miss Cory, they love Cory or they idolize Cory,” she said.

“Gibo is most qualified among all presidential candidates. We will be disfavoring our country if we will endorse any candidate based mainly on their popularity and their TV advertisements,” the vice mayoral bet said.

He added: “Gibo is capable of discharging his functions on the basis of initiative, on the basis of experience, and on the basis of intelligence.”

Asked if he has any words for his namesake, the boxing champ, lawyer Pacquiao said: “He can see his way around and probably change his mind soon and throw his support to a more qualified candidate.”

Meanwhile, politics divided anew the influential Osmeña family here with Georgia backing Teodoro while her brothers going for Aquino.

Georgia, who is representing Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said she has not asked her brothers – outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña and former Sen. Serge Osmeña, to endorse her candidacy for mayor.

She explained that Teodoro is her presidential candidate not only because she is a member of the administration party.

“We need to help him, we can’t play politics anymore. We should vote for somebody who is capable of running the country,” the mayoral bet stressed.

Senator Osmeña has predicted that LP presidential bet Aquino will win in Cebu City because his late mother has won the hearts of city voters.

Georgia also chided claims by certain candidates that majority of Cebu political leaders are not backing Teodoro.

“But I believe more of us in Cebu City will be supporting Gibo. We are solidly for Gibo, we will not change our mind, tonight or tomorrow, until the end,” she said. By BEN ROSARIO

Canadian Lisa “Bad News” Brown was indeed bad news for Filipino boxing aficionados.

Working behind her vast experience and more solid combinations, Brown pummeled Fil-Am Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton to score a unanimous decision and capture the vacant World Boxing Association Female Super Bantamweight belt Sunday in Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

Save for the first two rounds, Brown controlled the tempo of the fight, landing the more telling blows against a surprisingly easy target Fil-American fighter, whose left and right cuts above her eyes hastened her defeat.

The 29-year-old Julaton had her moments in the fifth and sixth rounds as she turned on the heat coming through with crisp punches.

But it was not enough against the wit and savvy of fighter who is 10 years older than her.

The cuts, which were caused by accidental head butts, made her more vulnerable, but credit should also go to Julaton for her courageous stance.

The victory proved Brown (17-4) is not over the hill yet as she bagged her third crown with a lopsided score of 99-92, 99-91, 100-90 from the judges.

The loss, on the other hand, stymied Julaton’s bid to become the linear champion of the 122-lbs division. She’s currently holding the IBA and WBO Super Bantamweight titles. The loss also cut short Julaton’s bid of becoming one of the quickest fighters (if not the quickest fighter) to snare three world titles in boxing history as she dropped her second defeat in only her ninth bout.

“I’m disappointed with the outcome, but I’m proud of her,” said Julaton’s father, Cesar, who watched the live fight at GMA-7 Complex in Quezon City. “From what I’ve seen, this was really her (Ana) toughest fight. Lisa was a pretty strong woman. Ana matched up with a veteran, but I thought she showed a lot of determination and courage.”

Cesar, along with his wife Ahmelia, weren’t able to fly to Canada after paying a visit to the former’s hometown in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan because they couldn’t book flights out of the country.

Asked what advise could he give his daughter after getting beaten in what he described as her bloodiest fight, Cesar said: “Knowing my daughter, she’s gonna continue (fighting). I’ll support her in every way that I can, but it’s her decision (if she wants to continue). Of course, boxing is not forever, but whatever she decides I’ll just support her.”

‘Here in the Philippines, where 80 percent of the people are Catholic, similar complaints of clerical child sexual abuses have been made over the years and NGO social workers say that the response of church authorities has been inadequate. Abusers still go free without any accountability while the victims are ignored.’

Pope Benedict, in a pastoral letter to the Irish church on 21 March, expressing deep compassion for victims of clerical sexual abuse of children, said that he was “truly sorry,” and, expressing shame and remorse, gave a sincere apology to the victims. He castigated clerical child abusers, reprimanded bishops, gave words of comfort to parents, youth and the innocent religious and clergy and revealed a great weakness in the fabric of the institutional church namely a mistaken belief among some authority figures that power and privilege puts them above the law and gives them impunity.

The Holy Father wrote to the victims; “You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have endured. Your trust has been betrayed and your dignity has been violated. Many of you found that, when you were courageous enough to speak of what happened to you, no one would listen. Those of you who were abused in residential institutions must have felt that there was no escape from your sufferings. It is understandable that you find it hard to forgive or be reconciled with the Church. In her name, I openly express the shame and remorse that we all feel . . .”

And none of us can truly understand how much the victims of sexual abuse have suffered.

Their lives have been shattered and they have been accused of lying, threatened so as to stay silent or even worse, made to sign non-disclosure agreements. As the Holy Father said “No one would listen.” This widespread abuse, cover up, failure by some religious superiors and bishops to bring the known abusers and their criminal actions to the civil authorities was harshly criticized by the Pope.

He wrote to the bishops:

“It cannot be denied that some of you and your predecessors failed, at times grievously, to apply the long-established norms of canon law to the crime of child abuse. Serious mistakes were made in responding to allegations . . . Nevertheless, it must be admitted that grave errors of judgment were made and failures of leadership occurred. All this has seriously undermined your credibility and effectiveness. I appreciate the efforts you have made to remedy past mistakes and to guarantee that they do not happen again. Besides fully implementing the norms of canon law in addressing cases of child abuse, continue to cooperate with the civil authorities in their area of competence. Clearly, religious superiors should do likewise.”

What led to such mistakes and grave errors by the bishops so severely rebuked by the Pope? As he said, some acted to preserve the institutional image of the church instead of helping the victims by doing what Jesus would have done, acting at once to help and protect the victim, pursuing justice for them and bringing the criminal priest pedophiles to justice. It is clear when Jesus said of the child abuser that it would be better that a millstone be tied around his neck and he be thrown into the deepest ocean.
Matthew 18.6: (Also Mark 9.42), Luke 17.2.

Some clerics in high office fell to the idea that they were above the law, and had privileges of impunity so that no one would dare challenge or confront them. That era has passed. Jesus said that he had not come to be served like the rulers of the world, but to serve others (Matt.20.20 ff) He washed the feet of his disciples as a symbol of the humility and simple life of service that church leaders are committed to imitate but seldom do.

Here in the Philippines, where 80 percent of the people are Catholic, similar complaints of clerical child sexual abuse have been made over the years and NGO social workers say that the response of church authorities has been inadequate. Abusers still go free without any accountability while the victims are ignored.

Church authorities have moved accused clerics to other parishes, or even abroad, usually to the United States. This is wrong. Children are again put at risk and the superior or bishop who allowed it must answer for it to the civil and church authorities as seen in the Pope’s pastoral letter. Let us hope that this important lessen is learned. BY FR. SHAY CULLEN

By: RJ Marmol (http://adayinthelifeofrj.com)

“Before I lose your interest in all these ramblings, I would like to thank Ms.jane Unmatiao and Philippinebeat for the live streaming on Qik — it’s the next best thing to being there. You can watch the recorded videos of that event here.

When I first heard of the event through Facebook friend and fellow blogger Paul Farol (Thanks for the heads up Paul.), I found it rather surprising that Mr. Defensor would call for a blogger session knowing that he was eyeing for a local post which, to my mind, didn’t really require such coverage from non-QC residents. But since Mike Defensor has become somewhat of a household name — thanks to lingering memories of his mostly embattled tri-media interviews (always in GMA’s defense), I figured it would be lovely to ask him questions specially about his rift with the Liberal Party and how his running against Herbert “Bistek” Bautista is being rumored as some sort of vengeance/redemption for him and dad Mat on that LP vs. Lito Atienza issue. That seems an interesting topic. After all, it’s easy to fantasize about political vendetta in this country. And of course, a mayoralty win for Defensor should be enough statement that their political clout endures.

By the way, Mike Defensor is running under the PRP (People’s Reform Party) of re-electionist senator-relative Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Defensor’s running mate is Aiko Melendez under Erap’s PMP (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino) but says he has been endorsed by presidentiable-senator Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party as their mayoralty candidate in Quezon City and Defensor also endorses Villar for president.

You might assume that you and I probably share the same indifference to Defensor on account of his very strong ties with now outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (to the frustration of many, I reckon). But to dispel all doubts and set the record straight, I must admit to the fact that I was once (and to a certain extent, still is) enamored with his glorious stint at the House.

Man, did the “Spice Boys” rock that time!

It was within that period in his political career (and shortly after that) that I saw him as a potential leader and one worthy of trust and support. And I’m not using the words ‘trust’ and ’support’ here lightly. Too bad that being handpicked by GMA would prove detrimental to his career later on. That’s from an outsider’s perspective, of course. Only Mike knows what it’s like to be ‘inside looking out’. For all we know, and by all indications apparent to me, all things considered, his close association with GMA worked well for him.

His accomplishments (feel free to dig through archives online and offline yourself) present us with some proof to his efficiency as a public servant.

What better results to demonstrate such than those programs and policy changes he implemented in Pag-ibig and DENR during his stay at these agencies. Try going over some publicly available stats and compare.

Claim to efficiency

We took a housing loan years back and the process surprisingly didn’t take long, 3 months at most. Also, the reduced interest rates from 12/13% to 6/7% plus extended loan period from 20 to 30 years (which sadly we weren’t able to take advantage of because it was implemented a month after ours was approved) is now benefiting many average income earners who under the old rules and long & winding process would have found getting a house through Pagibig nearly impossible.

If I were to assess his performance, disposition and policy-making, I’d say I would have wanted to see him become senator one day or be reinstated in DENR or Pagibig. And may I add that I was a bit disappointed that he didn’t pursue his senatorial plans (not that I know of any to begin with anyway). It is natural to assume he’d run for senator but given the circumstances he got himself into, it’s understandable that he may have veered away from any national post. Still, if he did, I think he would have easily won and deservedly so. But I guess losing the 2007 senatorial elections made him rethink his goals, after all, he’s still young. Time is on his side.

Efficiency as a talent

The wonderful thing about an efficient public official is that you can put him anywhere in the bureaucracy and he will still somehow pull through and get things done. Talent is one thing. Character (and efficiency) is another. It goes with you wherever you go. That’s why even if Sec. Esperanza Cabral was already doing well with the DSWD (save for that ‘relief goods rotting in warehouse’ blog issue), I had no misgivings whatsoever when she was fielded to occupy the post vacated by Sec. Duque of DOH (who is, by the way, another poster boy for efficiency) when he was transferred to CSC — although why him and why in that department eludes me to this day. But well, all cabinet secretaries serve at the pleasure of the President so no argument there.

Business-style management in governance

I know you Gloria-haters and Bistek fans are probably sneering in disgust right now. I don’t mind. I know a results-oriented man when I see one (or in this case, hear one). See, this is why we should give businessmen a chance in governance. We’ve seen lawyers and how they toyed with our laws and made it work against us. We’ve seen economists and how they wowed us with empty “figures” that were devoid of tangible results. You know very well what I’m talking about it and I will say this, at the risk of being partisan and elitist — that we need to allow ourselves to rub on that “rich-guy, businessman thinking”. We can no longer afford to limit ourselves with outdated rules and archaic thinking which has done nothing but to enslave us into this “small-mindedness” that has crept into the very foundation of our society — the home.

How many times have we seen movies and teleseryes awash with tales of the rich oppressing the poor and the poor wallowing in small-mindedness that that’s what’s “in the cards” for them? How many times have we taught our children, directly or implied that the neighbor’s kids have flashy toys because their parents were just plain rich? And that conversely, they should not aspire for anything more because they should “know their place” in the world? Countless times, I bet. It would have done a world of difference if instead of sourgraping on somebody else’s fortune, we chose to see it as a challenge and consequently prompted us to re-educate our children and taught them of the many perks of hardwork and persistence.

Now, what has that got to do with Defensor, or all the other rich businessmen running for public office? Two words — inspiration and replication.

To inspire and replicate

Successful business people inspire us to do better and not settle for second best. Two things, hopefully, should happen after that, we copy (or devise one customized to our own current circumstances) the formula that worked for them and repeat the same, pass it on to our children, relatives, friends and colleagues. It’s that idyllic revolution of paying it forward.

Objectivity vs. Fanaticism

Again, I never lived in Quezon City so I can’t really compare or assess the current political and socio-economic conditions there and it’s not that I know how residents feel about their candidates. I can only see as far as what I’ve heard, read and seen about Mike Defensor which is mostly, on a national scale. I can’t tell whether QC residents are better off now and are contented with the services they’re getting from the local government or if they want to change how things currently are. But I hope they see past political affiliations and get through the heart of effective and progressive leadership and to consciously make an effort to know their candidates.

We need leaders like Mike Defensor who are testaments to the truth that it is neither brilliance nor charm that makes a successful public official but efficiency. Those who can deliver results are the ones who deserve to serve. Because at the end of the day, your low inflation rate and GDP growth figures mean nothing to a working class family who can’t even afford to buy a house because of overly restrictive rules and agonizing wait.

Let’s see what happens when official campaigning for local elections kicks off this March. I’ve heard that Bistek is the runaway favorite. He has endeared himself to QC people which is not surprising since he served QC for a long time. The entry of Mike Defensor will make the coming QC mayoralty race extremely intense. It would be interesting to see how the electorate will decide. But whatever happens, I have a strong feeling that we’ll be seeing more of Mike. In the Senate, perhaps? Maybe.

Calculate the risk

Are you ready to try something different? Would you like to take a chance in Defensor? It’s up to you. I’m in no position to proclaim that he won’t disappoint you. And I’m not saying he might either. But I suggest you keep your options open and unlimited. Who knows, you might just like Mike.

Note: This is not a paid post and I am not a paid hack. Vote objectively.”