A Visayan Voice and Vote for Victory in 2013 and 2016

A friend who is a member of "Ang Bisaya" asked me to frame the 2013 Elections in relation to the 2016 Presidential battle.

I told him that the 2013 elections would be a good time for the South, specifically the Visayan Islands, to send a message - that they deserve the honor of having the next President coming from their region.

For more than 100 years, the Philippines has had 14 (or 15 if Laurel is included) Presidents. Except for Osmeña, Roxas and Garcia ALL the Presidents led by Aguinaldo have come from Luzon. In fact, Garcia is a natural born Ilocano - both his parents being from Abra. Only Osmeña and Roxas therefore  are 100% Visayan.

It is about time that somebody from the South should be President. 2016 is the best time. One, the preferred successor of PNoy and the ruling party is Mar Roxas (grandson of the former President) who is from the South. Two, the region has vote-rich provinces that, if voting solidly, could make a big difference in a tight election. Three, the preferred successor, Roxas, who is from the region, embodies PNoy's "Daang Matuwid" policy - and presidential traits of being honest, humble (Mr. Palengke), honorable, and hopeful. Four, Roxas is in the best position to recruit, train, organize, develop and maintain a network of local leaders as head of the Liberal Party and as DILG Secretary.  Five, he has the personal resources and the capability of raising the financial resources from friends, family, business community, and a whole movement that wants to continue PNoy's successful but unfinished reform agenda. Most importantly, he would have the support of an incumbent President who would utilize tremendous, corruption-free government resources legitimately to benefit most, if not all, of the voting population.

"How would the Visayans show that they deserve PNoy's endorsement for the 2016 Presidency in this election?" my Visayan friend asked.

First by a strong showing of Team PNoy Senatorial candidates as well as PNoy/Roxas - endorsed local candidates. In fact, a 12-0 result in the Senatorial race from the entire region would be a clear sign and message.

Second by a poor showing of Nancy Binay, JV Estrada, Jack Enrile and Gringo Honasan (all from Luzon) who personify the UNA bloc and the three Kings (Binay, Estrada, and Enrile) - the stumbling block (and bloc) of Team PNoy and a 2016 Visayan Presidency. It also sends a message that Visayans are wise enough not to vote for an inexperienced daughter of a politician; not to have 2 brothers in the Senate; and reject a father and son tandem in a once hallowed hall.

Third by a very good showing of Ramon Magsaysay, Jr, Risa Hontiveros, and Jamby Madrigal. Currently, the 3 are statistically capable of making it to the Magic 12. A Solid South vote for them and a corresponding reduction of votes for Binay, Estrada, Enrile, and Honasan would statistically alter a survey with actual votes. These votes are with a purpose - a Visayan Voice and Vote for Victory this year and in 2016!