The Favorites
Vice President Noli de Castro (Independent/Lakas-CMD)
VP de Castro has consistently topped the 2010 polls. The former senator and broadcast journalist has a good touch with the ordinary citizen and has an admirable non-partisan streak as an independent. His humble beginning makes for a great presidential biography. However, his ties with unpopular President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may hinder him during the election season. Also, some have raised questions about whether he has the background and demeanor to ably represent the Philippines on the international stage. Status of Campaign: de Castro’s 2010 bid has not been officially announced, but has been largely hinted at. He has confirmed that he will not seek to retain the vice presidency in 2010.
Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada (United Opposition)
The popular former president, ousted from power in 2001 following the Second People Power Revolution, has surprised many by polling highly. Despite being convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan, Estrada seems to be very popular among the electorate, particularly the poor. He is currently seeking to unite the Opposition around one candidate, not necessarily himself. He might not be eligible to run in 2010, based on the Constitution. Status of Campaign: Estrada has not announced his bid for the presidency. He has said that he will only run if the Opposition cannot find another suitable candidate to unite around.
Senator Loren Legarda (National People’s Coalition/General Opposition)
Sen. Legarda, a former broadcast journalist, is immensely popular, topping the Senatorial race in 1998 and 2007. Her solid resumé includes a Masters in Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines, and a current rank of Lt. Col in the Reserve Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. She is particularly popular with the Muslim population of the Philippines – she has been given the honorary title “Bai a labi” (Honorary Muslim Princess) by the Marawi Sultanate League. Legarda has some international recognition, including being named a “Global Leader of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, but not a lot, which may detract from her candidacy a bit. Status of Campaign: No official announcement, but rumors have been swirling of a Legarda/Sen. Chiz Escudero 2010 ticket. *
Senate President Manny Villar (Nacionalista Party)
SP Villar has a long track record in public service. After being elected to Congress in 1992, Villar has climbed the ladder from House Majority Leader, to Senator, and finally to his current position as Senate President. Villar got his start as a self-made businessman, building up his business and his massive personal wealth in the process. He holds the prestigious title of Most Distinguished UP Alumnus. Villar is also the president of the Nacionalista Party, which pretty much assures that he will have the nomination of the party and ample money to run the campaign. Status of Campaign: Villar officially announced his bid for the presidency in September 2008.
Formidable Opponents
Senator Mar Roxas (Liberal Party)
Despite placing in the middle-of-the-pack during preliminary polling, Sen. Roxas has a good chance of winning in 2010. Roxas, son of former Senator Gerry Roxas and grandson of former President Manuel Roxas, is very popular with young, idealistic Philippine voters. His long record in public service includes intense advocacy on the behalf of the poor. Sen. Roxas has international experience, as an alumnus of the prestigious Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, a Singaporean Lee Kuan Yew fellow, and being named a “Global Leader of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum. “Mr. Palengke,” as Roxas is often called, has a good grasp of economic policy, but is perhaps lacking on issue of national security. Roxas’s supporters are perhaps the most fervent of any presidential candidate, starting several Roxas 2010 blogs and “Draft Roxas” movements. Status of Candidacy: Not officially announced, but strongly hinted at. Almost a certainty at this point, given that he is also President of the Liberal Party.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (PDP-Laban)
Sen. Lacson appears poised to make another run at the presidency, after finishing 3rd in the 2004 election behind Pres. Arroyo and late actor Fernando Poe Jr. The Philippine Military Academy graduate has a strong security background, serving as Director-General of the Philippine National Police before joining the Senate in 2001. Lacson earned an easy re-election to the Senate in 2007, placing 3rd in the polls. Lacson’s senate record is solid, but he has been accused of being a part of certain scandals in the past (none of which have been proven). Status of Candidacy: Not announced, but Sen. Lacson’s sudden defection to PDP-Laban is mostly likely a move to position himself for that party’s presidential nomination.
The Dark Horse
MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando (Lakas-CMD)
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando adds an interesting dynamic to the 2010 presidential race. Fernando has certainly made an impact on Manila during his time as chairman, with various beautification projects painted in his signature blue and pink colors. Before he joined the MMDA, Fernando was a success as the mayor of Marikina City – he is largely credited for improving M.C. from a 4th class municipality to its current 1st class status. Fernando lives up to his self-proclaimed “no-nonsense” style of governing. Among the major candidates, Fernando is the only one has never served in the Senate or as President/Vice President. Some people believe that Fernando can improve the entire Philippines like he has improved Marikina City and Metro Manila. However, some people also dobut whether Fernando has the international visibility to be the leader of the Philippines. Status of Candidacy: Bayani Fernando officially announced his bid for the presidency in August 2008.
Others
Senator Richard Gordon
Mayor Jejomar Binay, Makati City (Candidacy announced, November 2008)
Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Quezon City
Former Rep. Ronaldo Puno
