Why I went for JC Delos Reyes.

Since January I have already declared that I will vote for Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos Gordon-delos Reyes for president. And since January I've been getting lots of flak for choosing him. And until now I am standing my ground.

Why?
Because I believe that a vote for JC is a vote for Integrity.

I've always valued integrity even before I became a member of Buklod-UPLB, a youth organization whose principles revolve around its pillars of Integrity, Initiative, and Involvement. And ever since I've opened myself to the world around me, I have never seen a Philippine government whose integrity remained intact. Yes, there may be leaders whose ability to lead is unquestionable, but with their lack of integrity, development in all aspects, most especially moral, remained stagnant, if not deteriorating.


"Konsehal lang si JC. Kulang pa siya sa experience"
That's one thing impressive about JC. Only having served two terms as Olongapo City councilor (1995-1998; 2007-2010), he has already presented numerous projects, livelihood programs, etc. that helped uplift the livelihood of his constituents and make Olongapo City the "model city" it is now today. On my last visit to the city, I was able to interact with the residents, and they attested that "it was Councilor JC who actually upped the development momentum of Olongapo that his uncle Dick Gordon started." Another resident even told me that Councilor JC's office in the City Hall always has the longest queue of people asking for help, because "kapag kay Konsehal JC dinulog, 100% may tugon". And outside government service, according to Political Arena, JC is "n active member since 1995 was the National Renewal Movement and the Ang Kapatiran National Political Party or the Alliance for the Common Good, a registered political party that seeks to promote the politics of genuine social concern. Presently, he is national animator of Solidarity Philippines, a movement to pro-actively advance the Social Justice Agenda of the Church and Executive-director of Breaking the Yoke of Poverty Foundation whose project is Jubilee homes for the Poor, a housing project for 60 families."

While it's true that there are candidates whose C.V. can be more impressive than what JC has to offer, JC's commitment to help his countrymen is never a questionable issue. [INITIATIVE]


"Masyado pang bata si JC."
A mentality that should be removed from the Filipinos is the so-called "Seniority Complex", wherein the elders are always right and the younger people should just listen to what the elder people have to say; and that young people are just alike - nothing good to contribute to society. My dad put this as the "mentality of the quitters." I firmly believe that it is time for the Philippines to recognize that the youth is becoming a strong force in society that needs to be reckoned with. Today's young generation are better equipped with knowledge and wisdom that makes them a significant contributor to society. And JC's youthfulness and vigor is nothing short of an inspiration to today's youth. [INVOLVEMENT]

"Hindi naman mananalo yang si JC dahil hindi siya kilala."
It was Councilor JC himself who told me, "Standing up for the truth and integrity is a victory in itself." Though I also recognize that it may really be a long shot for JC this elections, the fight for integrity he and his party, Ang Kapatiran, is waging is already a triumph. As we have always put it, "You only win when you are in truth." [INTEGRITY]


I'm not saying that you vote for JC (otherwise I'll be considered campaigning and will be kicked out of PPCRV). The only message that I would like to convey is that it is high time to bring INTEGRITY back in our government.


just a postscript...
If JC does not win, I hope it's Dick Gordon. hehe :)

TOGETHER LET US STOP THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE. [a repost]

We are Lester Pascua’s friends.

We come together to give a voice to his story.

Five unknown men, brandishing metal pipes and hidden by masks, viciously attacked our friend, Lester, in Katipunan at the night of April 29. As our friend Lester was walking to buy dinner, these men mercilessly, and without any provocation, attacked him. They ganged up on him and beat him to a pulp. As if their treachery and brutality was never enough, they soon drove off in a silver Vios (plate number ZMD 300) to escape.

As his friends, we continue to receive persistent reports that this crime was a fraternity-related hit gone wrong. Knowing that our friend Lester was never a fraternity member in UP, and had no known enemies, only heightens our suspicions that this was a case of mistaken identity. In our eyes, Lester was an innocent person caught up in a senseless act of vendetta.

Even as we still piece together what really happened in this case, and we trust our authorities in their investigation, we still condemn – in the strongest terms – this barbaric act. If it was indeed true that this was a fraternity hit, these men who attacked him are no different from criminals. These criminals, whoever they are, must not go unpunished.

We are angry that these things can actually happen in our streets. We are indignant that these hoodlums think that they can get away with their crimes. Nonetheless, we are united by our demand to exact justice.

As Lester’s friends, we come together as one to bring attention to his case, and never stop until the criminals who have done this to him are punished.

If you believe in what we stand for, please repost this note and tag your friends.

LET US SHOW THESE CRIMINALS THAT WE DON'T TAKE THIS SITTING DOWN.

For those who are against violence and for those who condemn the barbaric act against Lester, please copy this note and post it as a new one so you can tag your contacts. Thank you very much.