I thought of this last week, and I am glad to be proven correct. I see here a realignment of forces between Kaya Natin's reformist bloc and the Liberal Party of Mar Roxas. Forget the Lito what's his name bloc of the LP. It's been flushed down the toilet bowl. I am happy about the Kaya Natin-LP alliance, since LP -- the party to which I now belong -- has a long tradition of being reform-minded. Now, if only this streak of reformism burns brightly and turns into action in 2010, then Senator Roxas as presidential candidate, with Governor Among Ed Panlilio or Governor Grace Padaca as Vice-Presidential timber, will have a strong chance in the 2010 elections. *** By Tina Arceo-Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 04:34:00 03/27/2009 MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Manuel Roxas II is being asked to join a US-style popularity contest that will select the standard-bearer of a political reform movement in the 2010 presidential election. Governors Ed Panlilio of Pampanga and Grace P...

By Karla Angelica Pastores www.inq7.net blogs THE first time I met Jesse Robredo, Grace Padaca, and Among Ed Panlilio, I wasn’t star struck. They did not have an air of superiority around them, and they certainly did not walk around waving to everyone and shaking hands with people whose arms are not even extended. To me, they did not look like politicians, let alone award-winning ones. No, I wasn’t star struck when I met them. I was awestruck. Over dinner at Club Filipino one June evening last year, I was listening to these three government officials talk about their problems in their provinces and offer solutions and support to each other. They were seated across from each other, engaging themselves in a lively conversation. As I sat there, a young, somewhat inexperienced fresh graduate, I felt very privileged to have met these leaders and be privy to their thoughts and ideas. Several months and two more exceptional public servants later, my respect and admiration for Mayor Jesse of N...

GOV. PADACA ‘A HEROINE AHEAD OF OUR TIME’ ROXAS: ‘RP NEEDS MORE LEADERS LIKE GRACE’ Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca has shown Filipinos that there will come a time when people who are victims of circumstances — born into poverty and violence—will triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds and usher in a new mainstream consciousness, Senator Mar Roxas said today. The Liberal Party President said he has deep admiration and respect for Padaca, recently named as the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service, the third Liberal leader honored with the prestigious recognition this decade. “Grace Padaca is a heroine ahead of our time. Our country needs leaders like her, who shine valiantly during these turbulent times and inspire Pinoys to excel despite living in this time of despair and helplessness,” he said. “She did not allow poverty or her being stricken by polio to hold her back from pursuing personal excellence. As a public servant from the time she became the voice of Isabelanons dur...