Ex-defense chief Norberto Gonzales runs for president
MANILA, Philippines — Former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales has officially entered the race to Malacañang, with him filing on Wednesday before the Commission on Elections his candidacy for president under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.
Addressing the media after he filed his candidacy, Gonzales said it is time to change the “rotten” politics he said is prevailing in the country.
“We have always been saying, as a party, that ang talagang sumisira sa kinabukasan natin at ang hindi magandang pagtakbo ng gobyerno ay yung hindi magandang paggamit ng pulitika dito sa atin,” he said.
(We have always been saying, as a party, that what is wrecking our future and the reason for the ugly way that our government is being run is the ugly way politics is being used here.)
Gonzales floated the possibility of changing the Constitution and shifting to a parliamentary form of government, but it was not clear whether he would actually pursue these reforms.
He admitted that he is not a well-known and rich politician, unlike some of the contenders for the presidency, but said he is relying on his party, which he has chaired since 1973 and his experience in government to carry him through the campaign.
Gonzales was former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s defense secretary from July to August 2007 and from November 2009 to June 2010. Prior to this, he was National Security Adviser from February 2005 until his appointment as defense chief.
Follow this thread for updates on the aspirants for local and national posts in the May 2022 elections. — Main photo by The STAR/Boy Santos
Former senator Bongbong Marcos, with 56%, maintains his lead in the Pulse Asia pre-election survey conducted from April 16 to 21.
Vice President Leni Robredo ranks second with 23% followed by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with 7%.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ranks fourth with 4% and Sen. Ping Lacson is in fifth place with 2%.
The latest Pulse Asia pre-election survey shows that former senator Bongbong Marcos remains the top choice of 60% of Filipinos for president.
Vice President Leni Robredo ranks second with 16%, followed by boxer-turned-senator Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno with 8% each.
Sen. Ping Lacson is in the fifth place with 4%. The poll was conducted from January 19 to 24 using face-to-face interviews.
Larry Gadon, a candidate for senator, is accused of violating Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act after he was seen in a viral video cursing at a journalist, according to a report by ABS-CBN.
The complaints, which include libel and cyberlibel charges, were filed by freelance investigative journalist Raissa Robles. Gadon had accused her of spreading fake news in a separate video.
The Supreme Court last month suspended Gadon for profanities he hurled at Robles in the earlier video.
Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan will hold their proclamation rally in Naga City, Camarines Sur on February 8, campaign manager Erin Tanada says.
Tanada adds that the opposition camp will also hold proclamation rallies in different areas in Bicol region on from February 8 to 9.
All 12 senatorial bets endorsed by Robredo are also invited to the event.
Makabayan coalition holds press briefing on their endorsement of the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. — Xave Gregorio
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