KABAYAN NOLI DE CASTRO FOR PRESIDENT ON 2010

KABAYAN NOLI DE CASTRO

Kabayan Noli De Castro was a consistent topnotcher in opinion surveys for leaders who are likely to succeed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 2010 until the latest SWS Survey released last month dislodged him from the top spot by fellow senator and one of the leading presidentiables on 2010 MANNY VILLAR. Reading from his biography posted on his official website, his life is a classic rags to riches story. I first heard of the name NOLI DE CASTRO in the early ’80s as an anchorman of an early morning radio program of a Manila-based AM RADIO Station who would usually announce the results of the JAI-ALAI numbers game and would regularly gave JAI-ALAI tips to his listeners.[I was born and grew up in CEBU Province and JAI-ALAI was very popular in the rural areas/hinterlands in the 1980's].His rise to political stardom might be credited largely to his being a popular broadcast journalist before he entered politics. Kabayan is a staunch devotee of the BLACK NAZARENE of Quiapo. Aside from being a spare tire to the president,he has kept himself in the limelight with his position as chief overseer on the welfare of our Overseas Filipino Workers and. The newly merged LAKAS-KAMPI is obviously wooing him to be their standard bearer but as of now he has not joined any political party yet.He might be thinking of it as a political suicide if he decides to join and run under the banner of the current dispensation. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing while in government but recently in the Senate investigation looking into the LEGACY PLANS SCANDAL, the name NOLI DE CASTRO was dragged into the controversy as having ties to MR. CELSO DE LOS ANGELES-the doomed LEGACY PLANS owner. In fact he even appointed him as Chairman of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation in 2007. If he would like to lead us in the next six years of our lives,then he should come clean and explain his association in the past from this alleged high profile swindler. Anyway, this is KABAYAN NOLI DE CASTRO, this is his life, accomplishments and programs of government as posted on his official website http://www.kabayannoli.com/

BIOGRAPHY
VICE PRESIDENT NOLI “KABAYAN” DE CASTRO
From rugged barrioboy to most popular political figure.

This remarkable transition is a miracle of fortune, the working of divine providence no less. He is a modern political phenomenon in a country dominated by very few elite families.

During these times when almost everyone takes a beating from life, we need inspiration from someone who has triumphed over life’s difficulties and has successfully hurdled many challenges. Take it from this man who simply refused to accept poverty as an obstacle to his dreams…Vice President Noli de Castro.

More popularly known as everyone’s “Kabayan”, Vice President Noli De Castro was born during the post-war period in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

Kabayan was not fortunate to be born in the company of privilege and conveniences. Quite the opposite, he and his five siblings were raised solely by their mother. But this young Mindoreño had grand dreams, and his hardships were the force that molded his future.

At a young age, he worked to support his education and supplement the family income. “I diligently took the rounds in our barrio, gathering pig’s fodder from our neighbors for my pig pet, which I would raise, in order to be sold later for a hefty sum,” exclaimed Kabayan.

In Pola, life was so simple. This loving son learned to be contented with the little provisions from his mother. Inay Nene taught him early on not to aspire for luxury and to always keep in mind that happiness comes from having bare essentials in life, a loving family, food on the table, roof over their heads, and the faculty to dream.

Multi-awarded TV broadcaster, seasoned radioman, farmer, environmentalist, philanthropist, nationalist, politician. Kabayan has spent a good 27 of his 54 years as a media practitioner.

But Kabayan was a self-taught broadcaster. As a young Mindoreno, he spent most of his leisure time, under his favorite mango tree, and with mother nature as his audience, he would imitate his favorite radioman Johnny de Leon — the booming baritone, the adlibs and the snide remarks on various political issues.

Kabayan got the brains. He was an overachiever in school, always inquisitive and hungry for knowledge. He finished his elementary education from Pola Central School and his high school from Pola Catholic High School. His mother’s business acumen inspired Kabayan to earn for himself a university diploma in Commerce, major in Banking and Finance from the University of the East. In 1976, he accompanied his Kuya to an audition for a slot as field reporter in a radio station. Instead, it was Kabayan’s voice which prevailed over the long queue of applicants. Since then, his life revolved around media and current affairs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Noli De Castro, garnered 16.1 million votes and emerged the number one Senator in the last May 14, 2001 Election. The anchor of prime time newscast TV Patrol, Vice-President of DZMM and host of the very popular Magandang Gabi… Bayan, is inarguably the country’s most renowned and trusted news and current affairs program personality. His exposés in Magandang Gabi… Bayan made the public aware of the irregularities in the government and other significant sectors in society. Such exposés paved the way for inquiries and investigations, which made those responsible individuals or groups accountable for their actions.

Most popularly known as “Kabayan”, Senator Noli De Castro is a multi-awarded radio commentator, TV newscaster and public affairs program host. Fearless, focused and committed, the newsman has received a number of citations, recognition and prestigious awards from different award-giving bodies and non-governmental organizations like Catholic Mass Media Award, 7th and 9th KBP Golden Dove Awards, KBP Awards, Dangerous Drugs Board.

Senator De Castro does not merely read news. He informs, provokes reaction and debate, gives insights and at times even amuses. Critics and competitors grudgingly concede to Senator De Castro’s unprecedented success and prominence as country’s “nangunguna” in broadcast journalism. Now as one of the country’s top senators, he aims to correct all the problems he saw as a broadcaster and to act on all of the people’s concerns. Above all, he pledges his commitment of being the “Boses ng Bayan sa Senado”. Tenacity, Integrity, and Credibility are his formula for success.

And as one admirer aptly puts it, “It is simply difficult to imagine a day without watching or listening to Senator Noli De Castro”.

SUCCESSFUL MEDIAMAN
1. Vice President of ABS-CBN, DZMM from 1999-2001 (through his management, DZMM achieved unprecedented commercial success);
2. Executive Production Head, Editor and Anchorman, TV Patrol from 1987-2001 (with Kabayan as sole anchorman, TV Patrol reached all-time record in ratings history);
3. Executive Editor and Host, Magandang Gabi… Bayan! from 1988 to present (MGB has been a part of regular Filipino family Saturday night activity. The show continues to enjoy lead in ratings among other news and current affairs shows).

Multi-Awarded Television and Radio Broadcaster
Winner/recipient of numerous awards and citations, such as:
1. 1989, Star Awards for TV
2. 1989, Catholic Television Award, Best Public Affairs Program
3. 1990, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, Gawad CCP Para sa Telebisyon
4. 1996, 1997 and 1999 KBP Golden Dove Awards, “Best Public Affairs Program Host Award”
5. 1998, Philippine National Police Award as Best Public Service & Public Safety Award
6. 1993 Catholic Mass Media Awards “Magandang Gabi… Bayan!”
7. 2000 Catholic Mass Media Award “DZMM Balita”, “Best News Program”
8. 2000 Gawad METRRO at Parangal sa mga Beteranong Broadcaster
9. “Gawad Broadcaster”, 2000 Rotary Club of Manila Emilio Jacinto Journalism Award for Radio

Well-loved Family Man
Married to Ms. Arlene Sinsuat de Castro from Cotabato City; father of three: Manueli (29), Katherine (25) and Shamier (12).

Topnotch Legislator
Elected No. 1 Senator in 2001 Elections with more than 16 million votes, highest in the history of Philippine elections.

INITIATIVES AND PLATFORMS
Program of Government
Kabayan believes in the collective strength and the inherent capacity of the Filipino to be a great nation. The primary obligation of government is to lead and guide the people towards the common good.

In order to achieve national success, the country’s leaders in government must have credibility, achieved by sincere efforts to improve the lives of the masses, competence, by experience and track record in governance, and accountability, by transparency and institutional check and balance mechanisms.

As Vice President, Kabayan shall strive for the following programs:
SOCIAL SERVICES
DELIVERY OF SOCIAL SERVICE
1. Improve delivery of social services by strengthening the DSWD as the primary Agency of Government
2. Strengthen government relations with concerned Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and Peoples Organizations (POs)
3. Provide adequate resources to local government units to better implement National Policies on Social Welfare and Rural Development
4. Reform national policies and programs on emergency and disaster reaction

HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE
1. Provision of affordable health services and medicines for the poor
2. Strengthen and improve health services and health systems
3. Rational health regulatory policies and responsive hospital networks
4. Equitable health financing through social insurance
5. Expansion of outpatient benefits
6. Family planning program that takes into account reproductive health and the right to choose of women
7. Intensified immunization program for diseases such as TB, polio, malaria, etc.
8. Emphasis on adequate nutrition and disease prevention
9. Improvement of access to SAFE water and sanitation facilities

EDUCATION
1. Strengthen primary and secondary education through efficient and effective budgetary allocation (increase in teachers’ pay, construction of additional school buildings and facilities, improvement in accessibility and affordability of education)
2. Increase capacity of private schools to absorb excess students from the public school system through government subsidies and sholarships
3. Strengthen the curriculum on character development, emphasizing filipino language, traditional Filipino values, and civic consciousness such as respect for the rule of law, and love for country above self
4. Emphasize knowledge and skills needed for the modern global environment by priority to science and technology as a core educational requirement
5. Provision for socialized tuition fee system in tertiary education
6. Rationalization of the system of higher education

HOUSING
1. Decongest the urban centers by Integrating housing projects with industrial and agricultural programs
2. Facilitate the implementation of housing projects in declared priority site development areas
3. Strengthen local government and private sector participation in housing programs

POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
Restore people’s confidence in government:
1. Institutionalize merit-based systems and minimize patronage in appointments, promotions and placements
2. Uplift morale and Strengthen the career service
3. Unreasonable incentives (e.g. birthday bonus, anniversary bonus) which contribute to growing deficit
4. Strengthen bureaucracy by making it leaner yet more responsive to peoples’ needs
5. Strengthen legitimate income generating capacities of government agencies and instrumentalities to increase national wealth
6. Streamline departments, bureaus and other agencies

PEACE AND ORDER
1. Strengthen the pillars of law enforcement: police, prosecution, and judicial system. give adequate support for PNP men in form of salary and incentives, and sufficient resources to fight crime
2. Strengthen democratic processes (elections, legislation, people’s participation) as an essential element in addressing the causes of rebellion and conflict especially in the countryside
3. Pursue the genuine and sincere effort towards lasting peace with our countrymen from the CPP-NPA-NDF, and the MILF.
4. Restore internal security through a vigorous campaign against terrorism, drugs and organized crimes
5. Institute government administrative reforms consistent with ethnic and religious diversity

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION
1. Speedy completion of investigations of charges of graft and corruption, and expeditious resolution of cases
2. expedite the complete computerization of BIR and BOC nationwide
3. Institute the electronic procurement system in all national and local government offices, as well as government-owned and controlled corporations
4. Weed out “ghost” government employees and limit the number of paid government consultants and advisers

TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT / ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS
1. Foster honesty and fairness in public sector administration
2. Lower the costs of transacting with government/ cut red tape to the minimum essentials
3. Institute measures to improve citizens’ access to information regarding the performance of government
4. Promote a favourable atmosphere for consultation and discussion
5. Enhance the citizens’ powers of referendum and recall, whatever their age, class, gender, or ethnicity, in order to contribute to more effective and meaningful change at the local level

RESPONSIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT TO PEOPLES’ NEEDS AND DEMANDS
1. Build on the relative strengths of, and partnerships among private agents, civil society and state agencies in the provision of goods and services
2. Strengthen local government participation in service provision (ensure that they have alloted funds for services)
3. Strengthen community involvement in service provision
4. Direct DILG and concerned national offices towards monitoring service provision
5. Address specific concerns of different sectors of society:
1. Protect constitutional and statutory rights and freedoms of individuals especially for women, children, indigenous peoples, and our Muslim brothers and sisters
2. the special problems of youth, including street children, child labor, child abuse

PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT/PATRICIPATION
1. Raise citizens’ vigilance in protecting their rights especially in relation to the government;
2. Encourage religious sectors and the civil society to participate in policy-making

ENVIRONMENT
1. Strengthen national and local policies and legislations for the protection and conservation of natural resources including air, forests, seas and other bodies of water, wildlife and aquatic resources
2. Institutionalize sustainable development as a major factor in all national and local programs and projects
3. Includes massive reforestation campaign

ECONOMIC PROGRAMS
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
1. Provide adequate safety nets to local industries in line with the country’s GATT/WTO commitments
2. Broaden the economic, political and cultural interaction among ASEAN member states, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China
3. Strengthen diplomatic relations and beneficial trade with other states within the region and the rest of the world
4. Increase philippine initiatives and participation in, and establish the philippines as a leader of, regional alliances such as asean, apec, and AFTA
5. Establishment of favorable financial and technology-transfer arrangements with other countries

LOCAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
1. Intensify development programs for key industries, e.g., agriculture and related industries, information techno-logy industries, telecommu-nications and services.
2. Explore new markets for export and strengthen existing trade relations with other countries
3. Provide incentives and support for domestic industries to raise their level of competitiveness

SOUND FISCAL POLICY
1. Increase revenues and income-generating government programs
2. Target government projects and implement prudent expenditure system, to minimize deficit
3. Reform tax system by making it simpler and more efficient
4. Exercise of fiscal discipline and accountability
5. Adoption of policies to reduce charges on remittances

AGRICULTURE-BASED GROWTH
1. Institute measure and policies to Raise productivity of the rural economy / promote diversification in rural industries
2. Provide incentives for rural investments
3. Establish low-interest agricultural credit systems for small farmers
4. Full implementation of comprehensive agrarian reform program and strengthen agrarian reform communities as an effective channel of support services
5. Promote organization of farmers and peasants as an effective partner of the government and Empower farmers to have greater control of harvest, post-harvest and marketing facilities
6. Speedy and Just resolution of resource conflicts between local communities and landed elite

DEBT MANAGEMENT
1. Honor all legal international and domestic obligations entered into by previous governments
2. Appeal for a mutually benefitial debt restructuring arrangements with creditors
3. Prevention of behest loans and illegal government loan guarantees

SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES
1. Provision of social safety nets for the vulnerable and disadvantaged
2. Institutionalization of instruments for direct credit

OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM AND REINTEGRATION POLICY
1. Prioritize domestic placements over overseas employment
2. upgrading of skills and knowledge of the country’s human resources especially in fields subject of international demand
3. Taking advantage of new opportunities in emerging labour markets for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
4. Strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations with overseas labor markets
5. Protection of the welfare of Overseas Filpino Workers (OFWs) through the diplomatic officers assigned abroad, coordination with the United Nations and concerned international organizations (e.g., International Labor Organization)
6. Ensure protection of internationally recognized human rights of OFWs
7. Enhance welfare of OFWs through bilateral and multilateral agreements

NATIONWIDE EMPLOYMENT
1. Nationwide employment will be directly linked to comprehensive socialized housing, farm projects and infrastructure programs
2. Enhancing micro and small infrastructure projects such as irrigation and farm-to-market roads

PRO-POOR INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Paving of all roads connecting the barangays to the main highway and with neighboring barangays
2. Provision of all-weather roads
3. Institution of simplified and effective procedures for the implementation of infrastructure projects
4. Explore alternative funding for road projects
5. Prioritize less costly pump systems drawing from surface water resources for irrigation

WATER AND POWER
1. Fast track the lighting of every village and achieve security of energy supply
2. the development of cheap and clean energy generating infrastructure
3. Explore a shift to energy systems based on renewable natural resources
4. Facilitate the provision of water nationwide
5. Institute stricter guidelines for water and power concessions
6. Provide support for electric cooperatives for the further electrification of rural areas

MR.PUBLIC SERVICE
1. As radio broadcaster, he acted as effective bridge of many of our poor countrymen to concerned government offices in bringing about valuable answers to their problems. He has helped many overseas Filipinos repatriated, missing persons reunited to their families, and indigent patients get quality medical care.
2. As host and production head of Magandang Gabi… Bayan!, he exposed numerous instances of corruption, scams and scandals in government as well as social concerns that led to effective and expeditious resolution thereof: Marcopper Mining disaster, Pinatubo Megadike and Pyramid Scams, Sea Tragedies, Mail-Order-Bride Syndicate, Illegal Drugs, and other social issues.
3. As Senator, his Constituency Concerns Office , probably the most active, provided social services to thousands of our indigent countrymen in the form of medical and legal assistance, Balik-Probinsya and Scholarship programs.

O ano mga kabayan?! Ke Kabayan Noli de Castro na ba tayo sa darating na halalan? Ala! kayo na ang bahala!

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