Eddie Panlilio

Eddie "Among Ed" Tongol Panlilio is a Filipino Roman Catholic priest who was elected as the 26th governor of Pampanga. He was suspended from his priestly ministry since announcing his intention to run as governor. He is the second priest to be elected to public office in the Philippines while the first priest to be elected as Governor in the Philippines. The first was Fr. Margarito Gonzaga who was elected mayor of Alburqueque, Bohol in 1971. ^[2]

Personal Background

Fr. Ed Panlilio is the 6th of the Panlilio brood of seven. He was born in Minalin, Pampanga on December 6, 1953 to parents Gervacio Panlilio and Catalina Tongol. The 53 year-old priest has made his mark as a prime-mover for social development, a dedicated and well-loved priest and pastor, and a leader. He is afflicted with vitiligo, a rare skin disease.

Priesthood

“Among Ed,” as he is fondly called, is noted for his eloquence as a preacher. But the poor of Pampanga know him better as the tireless director of the Social Action Center of Pampanga (Sacop) who put a face to the Church’s presence among the communities displaced by lahar in the 1990s. Today he is recognized as the visionary behind the province’s most successful micro-lending program for the poor. (Comments attributed to Randy David) Specifically, for 15 years, Panlilio was head of the Archdiocese of San Fernando’s Social Action Center of Pampanga (on Mt. Pinatubo’s 1991 eruptions). He also established the Talete Panyulung ning Kapampangan Inc. (TPKI), based on the Grameen Bank-approach. Now on its 20th year, TPKI released P2 billion in loans to small entrepreneurs in Central Luzon.^[3]

Fr. Ed Panlilio lives a simple life, born out of respect and understanding of the plight of the marginalized and neglected in Kapampangan society. As a priest, he has been guided by the mission to “reflect the love of God and witness the character, personality and qualities of Jesus to help the people who have been entrusted to his care, especially the needy”.

The call to a priestly ministry came early on while the young Ed was in his teens. After finishing elementary at the Minalin Central Elementary School, he opted to enroll at the Don Bosco Academy as a sophomore after spending a year as a freshman at the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT). His exposure to seminarians in the religious-run school could have motivated him to join them as an aspirant.

It was not a smooth and steady climb to the priesthood. He was in and out of various seminaries as he went through a long discernment process. There was no turning back after he made the decision to pursue a priestly vocation; he was finally ordained priest in December 13, 1981 (after finishing his Theology Studies at the St. Augustine Major Seminary). In December 2005, the Archdiocese of San Fernando joined Fr. Ed in celebrating the silver anniversary of his sacerdotal ordination. (Excerpts from Fr. Ed Panlilio’s Profile)

Suspension

On January 7, 2008, Bishop Leonardo Medroso, chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Canon Law and bishop of Tagbilaran diocese, Bohol issued the appeal to priests to stay away from politics, ahead of the May 2010 elections. He cited Code of Canon Law, prohibition, Canon 285, which forbids all clerics from entering politics and that priests "cannot have an active role in political parties unless the need to protect the rights of the Church or to promote the common good." 3 priests — Msgr. Crisanto de la Cruz, Fr. Ronilo Maat Omanio and Fr. Ed Panlilio who ran in the last elections were suspended from their pastoral duties as a result of their entry into the political arena. Only Panlilio won.^[4]

Gubernatorial Campaign - May 2007

Panlilio ran for the position of governor of Pampanga province in the 2007 Philippine general election. Father Panlilio defends his controversial decision to pursue a political role as a logical continuation of his ministry for the poor, whom he sees as having been exploited and neglected for too long by successive administrations of corrupt and uncaring politicians.^[5]

His experience under the Social Action Center spurred him to announce his intention to run as the governor of the province. Because of this, he was suspended from his priestly ministry and is forbidden to perform any duties as a priest, including saying Mass. He won over his two leading competitors, provincial board member Lilia Pineda and re-electionist governor Mark Lapid (both allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), winning over Pineda by a slim margin of only 1,147 votes out of a total of over 600,000 votes cast for all three candidates.^[6].

His campaign song is "Kapampangan Ku", composed by Andy Alviz, who also served as the creative director of Panlilio’s campaign and later as his advisor for culture and tourism.^[7]

Assessment

Fr. Jerry Orbos views Among Ed ‘s victory as triumph of good over evil.^[8]The Philippine Daily Inquirer bannered in rare all caps front page that the victory of Fr. Panlilio is a miracle.^[9] On the other hand, one opinion writer, who is against any preacher wallowing the muddy water of politics, believes otherwise. ^[10] The Most Reverend Oscar V. Cruz urges him to quit priesthood. ^[11] A columnist of the Manila Standard Today lauded Panlilio’s sustained revolution in Pampanga good governance (specifically for achieving a high benchmark for quarry tax collection vis-a-vis his predecessors’ minimal quarry operations’ income). Panlilio’s legacy results in the former administrations’ legal duty and moral obligation to account to the local constituents paving the way for a money standard by which future governors will be judged by the Kapangpangans.^[12]

Governorship

Inauguration

Governor Ed Panlilio was inaugurated as the 26th governor of the province of Pampanga at noon on June 30, 2007. Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago of the Supreme Court administered the oath of office. During the inauguration, the new governor vowed to stop corruption and to make the province an example of a “new dawn in Philippine politics”.^{[13] [14]}On July 4, 2007 Among Ed began serving his term amid the province’s hope to erase its reputation of being the country’s Vatican of "jueteng" or illegal gambling. Pampanga has had a long history of patronage politics and corruption.^[15]

The Governor’s Team

The Governor’s team is composed of lawyers Vivian Dabu and Elissa Velez as provincial administrator and attorney, respectively^[16][17] as well as accountants Marilou Tolentino and Bel Katigbak, Teresa Briones, Pastor Arthur Tuason, Arch. Allain Laquindanum and Archie Reyes . Both Dabu and Velez are mediators in Judicial Dispute Resolution in Pampanga under the High Tribunal’s Justice Reform Initiatives Support (JURIS Project). ^{[18] [19]}

Quarry Industry

Panlilio collected P11.6 million from quarry taxes from July 2 to 13, 2007. In collecting the amount in 10 days, Panlilio would surpass the P29.1 million collected by Mark Lapid for the entire 2006. Vice Governor Joseller Guiao would continue pursuing the graft case against the younger Lapid and provincial treasurer Vergel Yabut. Guiao noted a "discrepancy" of P337 million between the collections of the Natural Resources Development Corp. from 1999 to 2001 and the elder Lapid’s administration from 2002 to 2004. In the Ombudsman case filed in March 2007, Guiao alleged that between P600 million and P1 billion had been lost to graft from 2004 to the first two months of 2007 under the younger Lapid’s administration. ^[20]Panlilio collected in just 28 working days what Gov. Lapid received in 2006 as quarry revenues. Panlilio’s collection totaled at least P29.4 million from July 2 to Aug. 8, making it the capitol’s single biggest source of local taxes.^[21]

On August 30, 2007, 7 Pampanga towns and 27 villages received P7.7 million as share from the P 22.2 million of quarry income from July 16 to August 15 of Panlilio’s administration. Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo joined mayors during brief rites for the distribution of shares at the capitol.^[22]

On September 11, Panlilio transferred P100 million from the P300-million deposit in 2 accounts from the Philippine National Bank to the Land Bank of the Philippines (per DF Order No. 27, 2005; increasing total deposits with the LBP to P200 million; P200 million with the PNB’s San Fernando and Sto. Tomas branches would be transferred to the LBP). PNB San Fernando kept quarry taxes account, and since July 2, P50-million was collected.^[23]

On September 21, the Pampanga Mayors’ League defeated Panlilio, as the provincial board (10-0 vote), approved an ordinance that granted mayors greater police powers over the quarry (and increased revenue shares for towns and villages and deleted the province’s P150 administrative fee per truckload). Panlilio stated he would “veto [Ordinance No. 172] to uphold public interests.” Quarry taxes as of September 20 was P60.22 million.^[24]

Panlilio collected P 85 million worth of quarry revenue for 5 months from July-November, 2007 and he distributed P 6 million as tax shares of the 3 towns and 11 barangays. On December 5, 2007, Lolita Hizon, chairwoman of Conscience Inc., sought probe on the "anomalies," (recycling of quarry tax receipts), but Administrator Vivian Dabu denied the plea of Hizon’s group.^[25] Collections from June 29 to December 5 reached P 105.678 million. P 53 million would be shared by the province, 7 towns and 15 villages on a 30-30-40 % basis, respectively.^[26] On December 20, 2007, 25% of 189 members of the Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) committee, Balas Boys, shaved their heads to protest against Panlilio and solve the current standoff between him and the board.^[27]

On January, 2008, the Pampanga board chaired by Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao, (ally of defeated candidate Lilia Pineda, wife of suspected “jueteng” lord Bong Pineda, and close friend of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) approved 81.4% of Panlilio’s P 1.1-billion budget request, but it removed removed P 45 million from Panlilio quarry reform fund. This money would supposedly be used to pay for the salaries of 187 quarry personnel "who would check payments of fees and help ensure that these are transmitted straight to the provincial government." Panlilio’s quarry earned huge P 127.05 million from June 29, 2007 to Jan. 11, 2008.

QUARRY TAKE - Collector Years collected Amount:

• Gov. Bren Guiao - 1993-1994 - P 3.823 million
• Gov. Lito Lapid - 1995-2003 - P 69.176 million
• Gov. Mark Lapid 2004 - P 10.530 million; 2005-June 2007 - P 70.815 million
• Gov. Ed Panlilio - July 2007-Jan. 11, 2008 P 124.653 million
• DENR 1999-2000 - P 288.025 million

(Sources: Office of the Provincial Treasurer; Office of the Provincial Accountant; NRDC)^[28]

Pamisaupan

On August 27, 2007, Panlilio campaigned to bring his government closer to the Kapangpangans by leading the caravan "Pamisaupan (Helping One Another)" in Pampanga. Panlilio and his team delivered bags of cement, toilet bowls, boxes of floor tiles and cans of paint to San Luis Hospital which has only 2 doctors, 8 nurses and 10 midwives to serve 140,000 residents of San Luis, San Simon and Candaba towns. Panlilio further vowed to improve or upgrade the facilities and conditions in the province’s 9 district hospitals including the Diosdado Macapagal Provincial Hospital from funds (P143-million development fund) and private groups’ contributions. Panlilio stated: What we are doing is bringing the provincial government’s services to the people to make health, education and livelihood assistance accessible to them. The capitol’s P37-million special education fund (SEF) would be utilized for the SEFs of towns.^[29]

On September 15, 2007, Panlilio, 53, in his 5th "Pamisuan", personally led 348 officials and employees and cleaned (thick moss from) century-old canopy of Pampanga capitol building’s façade. Among the 8 previous governors since 1938, Panlilio was the 2nd to have led a general cleaning (the 1st was the late Governor Juanita Nepomuceno in 1977). Panlilio admitted that his cleanup drive against graft and corruption is harder. ^[30]

White Ribbon campaign

Gov. Panlilio, launched the White Ribbon campaign on October 1, 2007 to engage the people of Pampanga to get involved in the crusade for good governance and good citizenship. Some 70 people gathered and white ribbons marked with words "Good Governance" and handbills with messages were distributed. Panlilio stated: "I believe that the spirit of the white ribbon is still very much alive. This campaign is really a call and for a response to people to be involved in good governance and good citizenship." ^[31]

Bribery Issue

On October 13, 2007, Eddie Panlilio admitted that a palace staff personally gave him a brown paper gift bag with P500,000 (P1,000 bills in 5 bundles, P100,000 each). Panlilio confessed that money changed hands after the meeting "because as a priest and a public officer, I should not lie. I believe that since the money came from Malacanang, I also believe it is public money. So I should be accountable for it and transparent about it." Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called the meeting with 200 officers of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (Ulap), an organization of governors, mayors and other local officials. It was held after Mrs. Arroyo met 190 congressmen, where envelopes of P200,000 and P500,000 were distributed. Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco confirmed he was given P200,000 as "Christmas gift."^[32]

On December 22, 2007, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Panlilio exchanged peace signs but never talked at the 4 a.m. pre-Christmas Mass at the Metropolitan cathedral. Arroyo and Panlilio, with San Fernando City Archbishop Paciano Aniceto seated between them, never communicated even in private in the entire 30 minutes together.^[33]

Panlilio’s Expose Triggered Lawyers’ Ad Against Corruption

Integrated Bar of the Philippines (48,000 members in 83 chapters nationwide) president Feliciano Bautista informed Newsbreak newspaper that the bribery expose of Governor Eddie Panlilio triggered hitting the “culture of corruption” in the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration. The advertisement was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on December 17 and in Philippine Star on December 20. IBP called for 3 courses of action: a) "prosecution of cases against corrupt government officials, b) continued Senate investigation on alleged corruption in government contracts, and c) filing of an impeachment case against President Arroyo." ^[34]

436th Pampanga Day

Amid a musical concert by the ArtiSta. Rita and a fair of native food in the December 2, 2007 6th Duman Festival at the centuries-old Sta. Rita de Casia parish church, Panlilio was the first Pampanga chief executive to have graced it. Duman is the Epitome of Artisanal Food, thus, for the duman makers, he sang “Siuala (The Voice),” and stated: “Let us be inspired by our duman makers. Let’s live by hard work and work together to bring progress to our families and communities.” ^[35]

On December 3, 2007, Gov. Eddie Panlilio led guests in thanksgiving prayers (observance of the 436th founding anniversary of Pampanga by Spain). For the 7 p.m. dinner, the biggest less-garnished bringhe “kalameng manuk” or Aeta chicken cake (indigenized version of the Spanish Paella) was cooked on 10-foot (3.0 m) wide black iron paellera (pan) by Claude Tayag and 21 student chefs from the Angeles University Foundation (AUF), with ingredients: 4 liters, cooking oil, 5 kg, finely minced garlic, 10 kg chopped red onions, 100 kg Magnolia boneless chicken breasts, 5 kg chicken gizzards, 50 cans Purefoods chorizo (sausage) Bilbao, 8 liters fish sauce, 2 kg grated turmeric, 100 kg glutinous rice, 50 kg chicken soup, 50 kg first-pressed coconut milk, 2 kg raisins, 5 kilos red bell pepper and 15 dozens hard-boiled eggs. 2,000 servings (each bowl contained 12 oz) were served with a P20-donation for the SVD mission in Porac, Pampanga.

The governor and Clark International Airport Corp. executive vice president Alex Cauguiran unveiled the giant 20-foot (6.1 m) sitting and smiling fiberglass Santa Claus at SM City Clark, the biggest in the Philippines. He also attended and graced the Pamangan Capampangan food festival rganized by the Sinukwan Festival Committee and the Save Pampanga Movement.^[36]

The Governor’s 54th Birthday

On December 6, 2007, Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto asked local officials to unite with Gov. Eddie Panlilio to achieve the “birthing of a new Pampanga.” Aniceto said the Mass for the 54th birthday of Panlilio, his 26th year in the priesthood, but no local officials attended the Mass. Pampanga Mayors League leader, Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo, earlier urged Panlilio to “act more like a politician than a priest.” Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao, said his “watchdog role” was part of his job. Panlilio replied: “Birthday is always a time for grounding and renewal with God… I’m offering myself to everybody who doesn’t love me, to even those who don’t appreciate me.”^[37]

Luid Ka!

On December 24 , 2007, Nina Lucia-Tomen (heads, writers’ team) / Kapampangan Marangal Inc. (group of volunteers for Panlilio) distributed coffee table book "Luid Ka!" to its supporters and local reporters to send messages of the "stories of hope" and the Panlilio good governance in Pampanga. It narrated details of Among Ed’s political battle as governor.^[38]

Gawad Kalinga housing

On January 6, 2008, Gawad Kalinga leader Antonio Meloto and Among Ed launched the GK Village in Barangay Tabun. GK goes for "massive partnerships" with Panlilio’s housing program for poor families. Mayor Marino Morales opened the Tabun village in June 2007 with the support of Couples for Christ, the Santos Ventura Hocorma Foundation and the Cabinet spouses. Dr. Reynaldo Espiritu, CFC, said GK put up 10 villages in Pampanga. Jose Luis Oquiñena , GK executive director, told the settlers: "Walang iwanan (No one will be left behind)" - the GK’s slogan 2008.^[39]

Assassination Attempt

During the launching of White Ribbon campaign on October 1, 2007, an insane man who sported a tattoo of “666” on his upper right arm, of Barangay Sta. Lucia was stopped from stabbing Panlilio with a fan knife.^[40]

Filipino of the Year 2007

On January 13, 2008, Panilio was named (20 votes, over Chief Justice Reynato Puno, 15 votes), the Philippine Daily Inquirer "Filipino of the Year 2007". Panlilio struggles with the 3 Rs of no-holds-barred Pampanga political resistance: recount (political protest by Pineda), recall (petition) and ‘‘requiem (death threats).”^[41] Meanwhile US based Filipino members of the Global Filipino Nation (GFN) and Fr. Resty Lumanlang, chair of the Save the Pampanga Movement, formed a coalition "to push for the platforms of change and get rid of corruption in the local government."^[42] On February 19, 2008, the Supreme Court issued a status quo ante order stopping the Commission on Elections from recounting the votes in Pampanga pending resolution of a petition for certiorari filed by Gov. Eddie Panlilio.^[43]On March 4, 2008, the Supreme Court resolved to deny Lilia Pineda’s motion to lift the February 18 status quo order.^[44]

 

 

 

Joseph Estrada

(born on April 19, 1937), better known as Joseph Ejercito Estrada^[1], or Erap, was a popular film actor in the Philippines and was the 13th President of the Philippines from June 30, 1998 to January 20, 2001. He was peacefully overthrown by the Second People Power Revolution after his aborted impeachment trial in the Senate, where eleven Philippine senators refused to examine the second envelope of the Jose Velarde bank account that would supposedly prove acts of political corruption. On April 4, 2001, the trial of Estrada began as Ombudsman Aniano Desierto filed before the Sandiganbayan, a Philippine anti-graft court, a PHP 4-billion plunder suit and a minor perjury charge for falsely declaring his assets and illegally using the Jose Velarde alias. On September 12, 2007, he became the first Philippine President to be convicted of a crime after the Sandiganbayan found him guilty of plunder, which is punishable by reclusion perpetua.^[2] He was detained in his Tanay, Rizal resthouse but then pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 25, 2007.^[3]

José Marcelo Ejército was born in Tondo, one of the poorest parts of Manila. He was the son of Emilio Ejército, Sr. (1898-1977), a small-scale government contractor, and the former María Marcelo (born 1905), a housewife. He is the brother of Antonio Ejercito (1932-2005) and Emilio Ejercito, Jr. (George Estregan) (1928-1999)

Dropping out of college and involvement in a street gang so displeased his family that they forbade him from using his family name. He adopted the surname "Estrada" (Spanish for ‘road’) as a last name. As an actor he acquired the nickname "Erap" (from the reversed spelling of pare, Filipino slang for ‘pal’ or ‘buddy’). He played the lead role in more than 100 movies, and was producer of over 70 films. He was the first FAMAS Hall of Fame awardee for Best Actor (1981) and also became a Hall of Fame award-winner as a producer (1983). He often played heroes of the downtrodden classes, which gained him the admiration of a lot of the nation’s many unschooled and impoverished citizens. This later proved advantageous to his political career.

Joseph Estrada married Luisa Pimentel (former Doctor and first lady turned senator) and had three children with her: Jose "Jinggoy" Ejetcito (better known as "Jinggoy Estrada"; former Mayor of San Juan turned Senator/married to Precy Vitug), Jackie Ejercito (married to Beaver Lopez), and Jude Ejercito. Joseph Estrada met his wife Loi while working as an orderly at the National Center for Mental Health (NMCH) in Mandaluyong City.

He also had a child from an out-of-wedlock relationship, Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito (from socialite Guia Gómez, and is married to Cindy Lotuaco), who also made a name for himself in Philippine politics by following his father’s footsteps as the current mayor of San Juan City. Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Emilio Ramon Ejercito III, known in Philippine showbiz as George Estregan Jr. or E.R. Ejercito, is his nephew.

During the 2000 impeachment proceedings, reports of Estrada’s numerous out-of-marriage relationships and offspring surfaced in the press.

As an actor with no prior political experience, Estrada ran for mayor of San Juan, a municipality of Metro Manila, in 1968 and ended up losing his bid for mayor. He was only proclaimed mayor in 1969, after winning an electoral protest against Dr. Braulio Sto. Domingo.

When Corazon Aquino assumed the presidency in 1986, all officials of the local government suspected of malfeasance and anomalies were removed and replaced by appointed officers-in-charge. Estrada was then removed from his position as mayor. The following year, he ran and won a seat in the Senate under the Grand Alliance for Democracy (GAD). He placed 16th place in the said elections (out of 24 winners).

He served as Vice President of the Philippines under Fidel V. Ramos from 1992–1998.

Presidency

Election

Main article: Philippine general election, 1998

The 1998 presidential election campaign, like most presidential election campaigns in the Philippines, had hardly anything to do with a contest between political platforms and programs. Estrada’s political strategists and financial backers were aware that a large share of the Philippine electorate, the "masa" (the poor and undereducated masses), were looking for a leadership they could relate to. Estrada’s financial backers designed a campaign strategy that reflected Estrada’s pro-poor image that he had built up throughout his movie career. Central in the campaign was Estrada’s campaign slogan "Erap para sa Mahirap" (Erap for the poor) that succeeded in inspiring the masses with the hope that Estrada would be the president of and for the masses. Estrada’s running mate, Edgardo Angara, was defeated by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. During the campaign, Estrada’s political rivals tried but failed to discredit him while publicizing his womanizing, drinking and gambling. Estrada was inaugurated on June 30, 1998 in the historical town of Malolos in Bulacan province. Like all presidential election campaigns in the Philippines, billions of Pesos (hundreds of millions of US Dollars) were spent by most of the financial backers of the candidates.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Estrada criticized The Philippine Daily Inquirer, the nation’s most popular broadsheet newspaper, for "bias, malice and fabrication" against him — a charge The Inquirer denied. In 1999, several government organizations, pro-Estrada businesses, and movie producers simultaneously pulled their advertisements in The Inquirer. The presidential palace was widely implicated in the advertising boycott, prompting sharp criticism from international press freedom watchdog.

abinet Secretaries

TitleNameTerm

President Head of State Head of Government	Joseph Ejercito Estrada	1998-2001
Vice President	Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo	1998-2001
Executive Secretary	Ronaldo Zamora	1998-2000
	Edgardo Angara	2000-2001
Press Secretary	Rodolfo Reyes	1998-1999
	Ricardo Puno	1999-2001
Presidential Spokesman	Fernando Barican	1998-2001
National Economic and Development Authority	Felipe Medalla	1998-2001
Agrarian Reform Secretary	Horacio Morales	1998-2001
Agriculture Secretary	William Dar	1998-1999
	Edgardo Angara	1999-2001
	Domingo Panganiban	2001
Budget and Management Secretary	Benjamin Diokno	1998-2001
Education, Culture and Sports Secretary	Bro. Andrew Gonzales	1998-2000
Energy Secretary	Mario Tiaoqui	1998-2001
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary	Antonio Ceriles	1998-2001
Finance Secretary	Edgardo Espiritu	1998-2000
	Jose Pardo	2000-2001
Flagship Programs	Robert Aventajado	1998-2001
Foreign Affairs Secretary	Domingo Siazon, Jr.	1998-2001
Health Secretary	Dr. Felipe Estrella	1998
	Dr. Alberto G. Romualdez	1998-2001
Interior and Local Government Secretary	Ronaldo Puno	1998-1999
	Alfredo Lim	1999-2001
Justice Secretary	Serafin Cuevas	1998-2000
	Artemio Tuquero	2000-2001
Labor and Employment Secretary	Bienvenido Laguesma	1998-2001
National Defense Secretary	Orlando Mercado	1998-2001
National Security Adviser	Alexander Aguirre	1998-2001
Public Works and Highways Secretary	Gregorio Vigilar	1998-2001
Science and Technology Secretary	William Padolina	1998-2001
Social Welfare and Development Secretary	Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo	1998-2000
Tourism Secretary	Gemma Cruz Araneta	1998-2001
Transportation and Communications Secretary	Vicente Rivera, Jr.	1998-2001
Trade and Industry Secretary	Jose Pardo	1998
	Mar Roxas	1998-2001
Presidential Chief of Staff	Aprodicio Lacquian	1999-2000
Presidential Management Staff	Leonora de Jesus	1998-2000
	Macel Fernandez	December 2000 - January 21, 2001
Director General, Philippine National Police	Gen. Roberto Lastimoso	1998-1999
	Gen. Edmundo L. Larozza (OIC)	1999
	Gen. Panfilo Lacson	1999-2001

Corruption charges and impeachment

The Estrada presidency was soon dogged by charges of plunder and corruption. He was reported by his Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian to have allegedly spent long hours drinking with shady characters as well as "midnight drinking sessions" with some of his cabinet members during meetings. In October 2000, an acknowledged gambling racketeer, Luis "Chavit" Singson, governor of the province of Ilocos Sur, alleged that he had personally given Estrada the sum of 400 million pesos ($8,255,933) as payoff from illegal gambling profits, as well as 180 million pesos ($3,715,170) from the government price subsidy for the tobacco farmers’ marketing cooperative. Singson’s allegation caused an uproar across the nation, which culminated in Estrada’s impeachment by the House of Representatives in November 13, 2000. He was the first Philippine President to be impeached. The articles of impeachment were then transmitted to the Senate and an impeachment court was formed, with Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. as presiding officer.

Major television networks pre-empted their afternoon schedules to bring full coverage of the Impeachment Trial. There were three sets of cameras in the Impeachment Court (normally the Senate Chamber): one from ABS-CBN, one from the GMA Network, and one from NBN (Then, it was PTV, or the People’s Television Network. (used as a pool camera).

During the trial, the prosecution (composed of congressmen and private prosecutors) presented witnesses and evidence to the impeachment court regarding Estrada’s involvement in illegal gambling, also known as jueteng, and his maintenance of secret bank accounts. However, the president’s legal team (composed of a former chief justice, former congressman, former solicitor-general and other lawyers) denied these allegations.

Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson was one of the witnesses who testified against President Estrada. The President and the governor of Ilocos Sur were said to be "partners" in-charge of the operations of illegal gambling in the country. Governor Singson feared that he would be charged and stripped of power (there have been talks about the governor making a deal with the opposition… he was to help incriminate Estrada and he would be compensated for his service), but he was offered immunity by anti-Estrada lawmakers. He was then asked to accuse the President of having committed several illegal acts. He gave personal accounts that may or may not have been biased. Singson’s credibility has been questioned several times in the past, and he has been involved in various scandals that have not been resolved up to this day.

On December 11, 2007, Pulse Asia October 20-31 survey result showed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the most corrupt President topping the list with 42% of respondents nationwide. Ferdinand Marcos was 2nd with 35% and Joseph Estrada was 3rd with 16%. Fidel Ramos (5%) and Corazon Aquino (1%). The Arroyo administration was also the most corruptions (Metro Manilans with 56%).^[4]

EDSA II Revolution

On the evening of January 16, 2001, the impeachment court, whose majority were political allies of Estrada,^{[citation needed]} voted not to open an envelope that was said to contain incriminating evidence against the president. The final vote was 11-10, in favor of keeping the envelope closed. The prosecution panel (of congressmen and lawyers) walked out of the Impeachment Court in protest of this vote. Others noted that the walkout merited court contempt which Davide, intentionally or unintentionally, did not enforce.^{[citation needed]}

The afternoon schedule of television networks covering the Impeachment were pre-empted by the prolongation of the day’s court session due to the issue of this envelope. The evening telenovelas of networks were pushed back for up to two hours.

That night, anti-Estrada protesters gathered on the historical EDSA highway at EDSA Shrine, not too far away from the site of the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew Ferdinand Marcos. A political turmoil ensued and the clamor for Estrada’s resignation became stronger than ever. In the following days, the number of protesters grew to the hundreds of thousands.

On January 19, 2001, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, seeing the political upheaval throughout the country, decided to withdraw its support from the president and transfer its allegiance to the vice president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

On January 20, 2001, the Supreme Court declared that the seat of presidency was vacant. At noon, the Chief Justice swore in the constitutional successor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as President of the Philippines.^[5] Estrada and his family were quickly evacuated from the presidential palace.

On January 18, 2008, Joseph Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) caused full-page advertisement in Metro Manila newspapers, blaming EDSA 2 of having "inflicted a dent on Philippine democracy". Its featured clippings questioned the constitutionality of the revolution. The published featured clippings were taken from Time, New York Times, Straits Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Asia Times Online, The Economist, and International Herald Tribune. Supreme Court justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma opined that EDSA 2 violated the 1987 Constitution.^[6]

On March 13, 2008, Joseph Estrada named Lucio Tan, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Fidel Ramos, Luis Singson, and the Ayala (and Lopez clans who were both involved in water businesses) as co-conspirators of EDSA Revolution of 2001.^[7]

Post-presidency

Estrada returned to his old home in San Juan. He maintained that he never resigned, implying that Arroyo’s government was illegitimate, despite the international community’s recognition of Arroyo’s succession and the acknowledgment of Arroyo as the new president by all government offices, the military, and the national police.

The new government charged him with plunder and had him arrested in April. Estrada’s supporters, particularly those among the poor, marched to the EDSA Shrine demanding Estrada’s release and his reinstatement as president, attempting to replicate the success of the previous revolution. On the morning of May 1, the protesters marched straight to the presidential palace. Violence erupted and the government declared a State of Rebellion. Many of Estrada’s supporters were arrested, including politicians accused of provoking the violence. The government called out the military and was able to quell the rebellion. The rebellion came to be known as EDSA III.

Estrada was initially detained at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center in Manila and then transferred to a military facility in Tanay, Rizal, but he was later transferred to a nearby vacation home, virtually in house arrest. He was still facing the charges of plunder and corruption. Under Philippine law, plunder has a maximum penalty of death, though it was unlikely that Estrada would be given that sentence.

On April 2, 2005, the United Opposition movement named Estrada "Chairman Emeritus". The unexpected death of Fernando Poe, Jr., after the election brought with it uncertainty as to the opposition’s direction and leadership, yet with Estrada still facing charges and trial some had been left to speculate how much of an influence or support this declaration would create in the formation of an opposition front to the current Presidency, and her Lakas-CMD party.

On September 5, 2007, Leonardo-de Castro, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta and Francisco Villaruz were assigned 2 extra bodyguards per initiative of the Sheriff, after getting threatening messages from an anonymous person. Renato Bocar, executive clerk of court confirmed the “new face" in De Castro’s office who has been “acting like a bodyguard."^[8]

On September 7, 2007, the Sandiganbayan’s Teresita De Castro announced that the graft court would promulgate the judgment on September 12, 2007 in the 6-year-old plunder trial (October 2001 to June 15, 2007) of ousted President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. The verdict would also inclued his son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; and lawyer Eduardo Serapio. Court Sheriff Ed Urieta said tight security would include 4,000 police and 2,000 soldiers, and military. Estrada was accused of stealing 4 billion pesos (US$81 million; €62 million) in illegal funds and falsely declaring his assets^[9].

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation 1362 "Declaring Sept. 12, 2007 as a National Day of Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation of our Nation." She lead the nation in praying for peace and reconciliation on the day the Sandiganbayan would announce the judgement of Joseph Estrada. Within a year, Arroyo declared September 12 as National Day of Prayer, Reparation and Consecration for the Nation^[10].

On September 11, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Philippines allowed live television coverage of the promulgation on September 12, 2007 — granting the petition to the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. The court, however, directed media to install a video camera in the Supreme Court public information personnel office^[11].

Trial

Teresita de Castro heads the anti-graft court’s special division on the Erap plunder case. The Sandiganbayan, has 90 days or until mid-September 2007 to decide the case of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, but the decision could be issued much sooner than that. Leonardo-de Castro was candidate for the vacant post of Supreme Court Associate Justice, duly nominated by the JBC for the vacancy due to retirement of Romeo Callejo, Sr. and will be a very strong candidate for the vacancy due to the forthcoming retirement of Cancio Garcia on October 20, 2007.^[12]

Decision

On September 12, 2007, the Sandiganbayan finally gave its decision, finding Estrada not guilty on his perjury case and guilty of plunder "beyond reasonable doubt." He was sentenced to Reclusión perpetua.^[13]

Sandiganbayan’s Presiding Justice Teresita De Castro and 2 other magistrates unanimously acquitted his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and a lawyer Edward Serapio of plunder charges. The Fallo of the 262-page Decision declared the forfeiture in favor of the government: P542.701 million (bank accounts including interest), P189 million (Jose Velarde accounts including interest) and the Boracay mansion in New Manila, Quezon City.^[14][15]

Only the fallo or dispositive part of 2 judgments were read (resulting to only 15 minutes judicial proceedings).^[16]During the reading of the judgment, witnesses said Joseph Estrada cried; his wife, Luisa Ejercito Estrada, Jackie Ejercito Lopez, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, (Estrada’s son with Guia Gomez), other family members and mistresses (including, Laarni Enriquez) all wept during the promulgation by the clerk.^[17]

Estrada’s lawyer Estelito Mendoza stated that Estrada will file a motion for reconsideration (before September 27) of the 262-page Judgment and then appeal the verdict to the High Tribunal. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it will support a presidential pardon for Estrada. Jinggoy Estrada said The people will receive this with moral outrage and disgust. The time of reckoning will come. That time may not be too far now. “This verdict is intended to legitimize the occupancy of an illegal tenant in Malacanang^[18][19]

Estrada, in Filipino Barong Tagalog (pineapple fibre dress shirt and cream trousers) with his trademark wristband stated that "I thought the role of justice would prevail here but really it’s a kangaroo court." President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stated that the court’s decision must be accepted: "We hope and pray that the rule of law will prevail." Estrada’s counsel Rene A.V. Saguisag issued the statement:"VICTORS’ JUSTICE" - "It’s victors’ justice. It’s ruling class justice. The special division (of the court) was programmed to convict. We never had a chance." Estrada will appeal the verdict and would be under automatic review at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.^[20]

Estrada told Agence France-Presse that he was resigned for the latest drama in his presidency: "last and best performance of my life." The prosecution’s lead counsel Dennis Villa-Ignacio proudly asserted: "It shows that our judicial system really works.This is the last chance for the state to show that we can do it, that we can charge, prosecute and convict a public official regardless of his stature."^[21]

Joseph Estrada rose from obscurity to having been top Filipino film star, then hit the mark, by claiming the Presidency until destiny sent him to jail. He stated to Agence France-Presse "I feel depressed, but it’s my style not to show it." Before the release of the fatalistic judgment, he warned that he prevent his fans from making street protests.^[22]

Estrada returned to his villa in Tanay, Rizal (driven on from a golf cart, to the helicopter)^[23] The court permitted him to return to his villa, "until further orders".^[24]

Appeal

On September 26, 2007, Joseph Estrada appealed by filing a 63-page motion for reconsideration of the Sandiganbayan judgment penned by Teresita de Castro (submitting 5 legal grounds).^[25][26]Estrada alleged that the court erred "when it convicted him by acquitting his alleged co-conspirators."^[27]

On October 5, 2007, the Sandiganbayan’s Special Division ruled to have set for October 19, oral argument (instead of a defense reply) on Joseph Estrada’s motion for reconsideration. Estrada asked court permission to attend the hearing, since it ordered the prosecution to file comment before October 11.^[28]

Pardon and Release from Detention

On October 22, 2007, Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera stated that Joseph Estrada is seeking a “full, free, and unconditional pardon” from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Estrada’s lawyer Jose Flaminiano wrote Arroyo: "The time has come to end President Estrada’s fight for justice and vindication before the courts. Today [Monday], we filed a withdrawal of his Motion for Reconsideration." Estrada, 70, stressed the "delicate condition" of his mother in asking for pardon.^[29]

On October 25, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted executive clemency to Joseph Estrada based on the recommendation by the Department of Justice (DoJ). Acting Executive Secretary and Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye quoted the signed Order: "In view hereof in pursuant of the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant Executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua. He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights." Bunye noted that Estrada committed in his application not to seek public office, and he would be free from his Tanay resthouse on October 26, noon.^[30][31][32]On October 26, 2007, after almost 7 years of detention, Joseph Estrada was finally released after the Sandiganbayan promulgated the historical Resolution.^[33]

Aftermath

On September 14, 2007, Chief presidential legal counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol officially stated that Sandiganbayan Justices Teresita de Castro, Diosdado Peralta and Francisco Villaruz Jr. should decline Judicial and Bar Council nomination and await other vacancies to ease pressure on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: Para hindi na maipit ang Presidente (In order to spare the President from pressure), they should withdraw their nomination. Parang iyong nangyari kay Justice (Gregory) Ong (Remember what happened in Justice Gregory S. Ong’s case) …It’s a sacrifice on her part..Hindi niya maiwanan (ang posisyon) (She cannot leave the Sandiganbayan) because of the case of Joseph Estrada - Erap (Estrada’s nickname)." ^[34]

In the aftermath of the verdict, De Castro, Villaruz and Peralta are now at the receiving end of two unsolicited advices from key officials. Senate of the Philippines Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, ex-officio member, Judicial and Bar Council stated that the three Sandiganbayan justices "should have the delicadeza not to accept a promotion to the highest tribunal to dispel any suspicion that they pronounced Mr. Estrada guilty expecting a reward from Palace … We do not want to see a cloud of suspicion over the appointees to the Supreme Court. They should always be above suspicion.”^[35]

On November 5, 2007, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, in a privileged speech vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of Sandiganbayan Justices Teresita De Castro and Edilberto Sandoval (who convicted his father - President Joseph Estrada). Jinggoy said that: "Such a promotion would seem like a reward in exchange for the guilty verdict against the deposed President. We are convinced, then and now, that the special court created to exclusively try the case of President Estrada was established precisely to convict him, which is what exactly happened."^[36]Also, Joseph Estrada opposed court seizure of his assets, stating that: "These properties are mine. I acquired them way back when I was still a movie actor."^[37] Eventually, De Castro made it as the latest Arroyo appointee to the High Court.

On January 10, 2008, Edgardo Urieta, Sandiganbayan chief of the Sheriff and Security Services Office released the 2 page report (based on 13-page Banco de Oro to the Sandiganbayan Special Division) which discovered intact due to the 2001 levy by BIR distraint - P 1.107 billion ($1 = P 41) account of Joseph Estrada: P500 million - ‘promissory note and chattel mortgage’; 450 million shares of Waterfront Philippines valued at P 427.5 million; and 300 million shares of Wellex Industries worth P 84 million; cash deposits in a common trust fund investment account of P 95.76 million.^[38]

Filmography

Sa Kuko ng Agila (1989) Order to Kill (1985) Bangkang Papel sa Dagat ng Apoy (1984) Machonurin (1983) Pedring Taruc (1982) Kumander Alibasbas (1981) Hoy Tukso, Layuan mo Ako (1980) Okey Lang Basta’t Kapiling Kita (1979) Mamang Sorbetero (1979) Warrant of Arrest (1979) Magkaaway (1978) Tatak ng Tondo (1978) Yakuza Contract (1978) Bakya mo Neneng (1977) Huwag Mong Dungisan Ang Pisngi Ng Langit (1977) Sa Dulo Ng Kris (1977) Alas singko ng hapon, gising na ang mga anghel (1976) Arrest the Nurse Killer (1976) Bago Lumamig Ang Sabaw (1976) Hoy Mister, Ako Ang Misis Mo (1976) Battle of the Champions (1975) Counter Kill (1975) Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa (1975) Dugo at Pag-ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa (1975) Hit and Run (1975) Huwag mo akong Paandaran (1975) Ang Nobya Kong Sexy (1975) King Khayam and I (1974) Manila Connection (1974) Ransom (1974) Tama na, Erap (1974) Ang Agila at ang Araw (1973) Dragnet (1973) Erap Is My Guy (1973) Okey ka, Erap (1973) Panic (1973) Blood Compact (1972) Kill the Pushers (1972) Magiting at Pusakal (1972) Tatay na si Erap (1972) Apat na Patak ng Dugo ni Adan (1971) Digmaan Ng Mga Angkan (1971) Valentin Walis (1971) Boss Areglado (1970) Padre Pugante (1970) Sebastian (1970) Simon Bastardo (1970) Alamat ng Pitong Kilabot (1969) Anim ang Dapat Patayin (1969)

Aragon Brothers (1969) Capitan Pepe (1969) Ang Ninong kong Nazareno (1969) Patria Adorada (1969) Sagupaan (1969) Abdul Tapang (1968) Azero Brothers (1968) Cuadro de Jack (1968) De Colores (1968) Diegong Daga (1968) Dos Por Dos (1968) Galo Gimbal (1968) Jakiri Valiente (1968) Kid Brother (1968) Killer Patrol (1968) Quintin Salazar (1968) Rancho Diablo (1968) Suntok o Karate (1968) Tatak: Double Cross (1968) Tatlong Hari (1968) Valiente Brothers (1968) Alex Big Shot (1967) Angkan ng Haragan (1967) Boy Aguila (1967) Ako’y Magbabalik (1966) Badong Baldado (1966) Bantay Salakay (1966) Batang Iwahig (1966) Bodyguard (1966) Dodong Tricycle (1966) Ito ang Pilipino (1966) John Doe (1966) Soliman Brothers (1966) Stowaway (1966) Totoy Bingi (1966) Batang Angustia (1965) Big Boss (1965) Buhay sa Buhay (1965) Deadly Pinoy (1965) Hahamakin ang Lahat (1965) Hamon sa Bandila (1965) Jose Nazareno, Ang Taxi Driver (1965) Labanang Lalake (1965) Maskulado (1965) Paalam sa Kahapon (1965) Pepeng Pingas (1965) Sa kamay ng mga Kilabot (1965) Salonga Brothers (1965) Sapang Palay (1965) Valentin Galit (1965)

Garuda, Flight to Fury (1964) Ako ang Papatay (1964) Berdugo ng Mga Maton (1964) Cordillera (1964) Mga Daliring Ginto (1964) Deadly Brothers (1964) Encuentro (1964) Geron Busabos, Ang Batang Quiapo (1964) Pambato (1964) Panginoon ng Pantalan (1964) Siyam na Buhay ni Martin Pusa (1964) Takot Mabuhay, Takot Mamatay (1964) Vendetta Brothers (1964) Barilan sa Pugad Lawin (1963) Basagulero (1963) Ginoong Itim (1963) Istambay (1963) Ito ang Maynila (1963) Kilabot sa Daang Bakal (1963) Kung Hindi ka Susuko (1963) Los Paliqueros (1963) Patapon (1963) Pulong Diablo (1963) Sugapa (1963) Talahib (1963) Tres Kantos (1963) Via Europa (1963) Asiong Meets Alembong (1962) Digmaan Ng Mga Maton (1962) Hari ng mga Maton (1962) Kapit sa Patalim (1962) Markang Rehas (1962) Tondo Boy (1962) Asiong Salonga (1961) Baril sa Baril (1961) Moises Padilla Story (1961) Nag-uumpugang Bato (1961) Pantalan ng Trece (1961) Sa baril mag-uusap (1961) Cuatro Cantos (1960) True Confessions (1960) Sumpa at Pangako (1959) Batas ng Puso (1958) Mga Liham kay Tiya Dely (1958) Lo’Waist Gang (1958) Matandang Tinale (1958) Kandilang Bakal (1957) Sampung Libong Pisong Pag-ibig (1957) Kandelerong Pilak (1956)

 

GORDON, Richard “Dick” Juico

 

Early life and career

He was born on August 5, 1945 to James Leonard Tagle Gordon (the first mayor of Olongapo City) and Amelia Juico Gordon (first city mayor of Olongapo City). On 1954, he completed his elementary education at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila and on 1962, he completed his secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila University. He stayed in Ateneo and completed his tertiary education, earning a degree of Bachelor of Arts, major in History and Government in 1966. He was a student leader having been consistently elected president of his class. On 1975, he graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines College of Law after taking a break in 1971 to ran for the Constitutional Convention. Prior to that he topped the 1969 UP Student Council elections leading to the First Quarter Storm and joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi in 1968. From 1966 to 1967 he became a Brand Manager for Procter and Gamble Philippines. Towards the end of the 1960s, he helped his mother Amelia run the government of Olongapo after his father James Leonard Gordon was assassinated. With the declaration of Martial Law after finishing his law degree and passing the bar, he became an Associate of ACCRA Law Offices.

Early political career

On 1971, while still a law student at UP, he was elected as a delegate of the constitutional convention that drafted the 1973 Constitution representing the first district of Zambales. He was the youngest delegate of the convention and swore former President Diosdado Macapagal into office. In 1980, he ran as mayor of Olongapo City. In 1983, Olongapo became a highly urbanized City. Having been a victim of crime with the assassination of his father then Mayor James Leonard T. Gordon in 1967, Gordon managed to transform Olongapo from a “sin city” to “model city” with various innovations in local governance namely color coded transport system, public markets’ expansion, integrated solid waste management program, vendors’ cooperatives, community organizations and many other public and community development programs. In 1986, Gordon and Joseph Estrada became two of the local executives who refused to vacate their positions after the government reorganization by President Corazon Aquino. Gordon gave way for the Aquino appointed Officer-In-Charge after a formal written directive from the Executive Secretary representing Aquino was issued. In 1986 he joined Philippine Vice President Salvador Laurel in reorganizing the Nacionalista Party around the country. They campaigned for a "No" vote on the 1987 Constitution framed by the Aquino appointed constitutional convention. In 1988, he was elected as mayor with the help of the Nationalist People’s Coalition a breakaway of the Nacionalista Party under former Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco.

U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay

On September 1991, Gordon led a nationwide rally for the retention of the U.S. Bases in the Philippines. The U.S. naval base in Subic Bay was a major income generating client of Olongapo City. In the same year, Olongapo experienced the greatest volcanic cataclysm of the century when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and dumped 14 inches of wet ash on the City. Determined not to be defeated, Gordon and the citizens of Olongapo fully mobilized and lobbied for 3 months to include the free port concept into the Bases Conversion Act which hitherto had been hastily cobbled together without consulting the people directly affected. They succeeded in their first unusual act of self-empowerment and volunteerism when the special provisions for the establishment of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) were included in R.A. 7227 in March 1992. On November 24, 1992, the U.S. Navy completed its withdrawal from the facility and its conversion for civilian and commercial use began. Volunteerism and the high civic spirit of the host community marked the pioneering efforts at conversion.

SBMA & Subic Bay Freeport

In the 1992 local elections, Gordon won a landslide victory and was reelected as mayor of Olongapo City. 1993, a citizen questioned Gordon’s dual duty as mayor of Olongapo City and as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. The Supreme Court decided that Gordon must hold one position. Gordon decided to vacate his position as Mayor and assumed the position of SBMA chairman in full capacity. In the 1995 local elections, his wife Katherine, a three term Congresswoman, was elected mayor of Olongapo. In the 1996 APEC Summit, 18 world leaders were impressed with the facility and Subic became a new investment hub in Southeast Asia. Bluechip companies like FedEx Express, Enron, Coastal Petroleum now El Paso Corporation, Taiwan computer giant Acer and France telecoms company Thomson SA invested US$2.1 Billion in the freeport reinvigorating the economy and creating 70,000 jobs replacing those lost during the US Navy withdrawal.

1998 forced removal

During the late 1990s, Gordon became one of Joseph Estrada’s vocal critic over differences on the US Naval Base. After winning by a large margin during the 1998 presidential elections, President Estrada issued Administrative Order No. 1 removing Gordon as Chairman of SBMA. Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo, Gordon’s critic and congressman of Bataan as new chairman. The removal process was not easy. Hundreds of volunteers barricated the gates of SBMA and Gordon locked himself inside the SBMA Administrative Office Building 229. The issue sparked the interest local and foreign press known as the Showdown at Subic. Gordon filed for a temporary restraining order before the local court. The local court of Olongapo granted Gordon’s request but Payumo’s party filed an appeal before the Court of Appeals. The CA reversed the local court’s ruling and it was affirmed by the Supreme Court G.R. No. 134171. With the Supreme Court decision, Gordon called Payumo and turned over the reins of SBMA at the Subic Bay Yacht Club two months later on 3 September 1998. Together with the Subic volunteers, they cleaned up the facility.

Philippine National Red Cross and Department of Tourism

Since 1987, Gordon was elected as governor of the Philippine National Red Cross, taking active roles in rescue, relief and rehabilitation in various disasters from shipwrecks, typhoons, 1990 earthquake in Cabanatuan, 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, 2004 landslides in Aurora, Quezon and 2006 Ginsaugun, Southern Leyte mudslide and the PhilSports Arena stampede. Currently he is the chairman as well as a Member of the Governing Board of the International Federation of the Red Cross. On January 2001, Gordon actively participated in the second EDSA Revolution that led to the removal of Joseph Estrada from the presidency. Newly installed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Gordon as secretary of the Department of Tourism. With his experience as a former brand manager of Procter and Gamble Philippines and chairman of SBMA, Gordon placed the Philippines in the international tourism map by actively marketing the Philippines in several tourism expositions and road shows with the Wow Philippines campaign strategy winning awards at ITB and WTM. From 2002, after four years of negative growth and in spite of threats of terror post 9-11, Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, SARS, Oakwood Mutiny, tourism arrival increased heavily. He also encouraged domestic tourism by holding regional events and having provincial destinations showcased at Intramuros and the rationalization of Holiday Economics. He held the position until January 2004.

Senate

In the 2004 national elections, Gordon ran as senator of the Philippines. In the initial public opinion survey, Filipinos were lukewarm on electing Gordon as senator. But with his very positive personality and achievements aired in TV and radio advertisements, public opinion changed and Gordon won and received the fifth highest number of votes from the electorate.

During the 13th Congress (2004–2007), as Chairman of the Senate Committee of Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Laws, he upheld the supremacy of the Constitution at all times. Though he may not have voted for the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, he took an oath to preserve and defend it. He insisted on the lawful process of Charter Change only according to the process set forth in the Constitution. He opposed the unlawful method of Constituent Assembly or "con-ass" initiated by President Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. as well as the Sigaw ng Bayan People’s Initiative and was one of the triumphant parties in the case of Lambino and Aumentado vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 174153, October 25, 2006.

He also preserved the separation of powers in government and asserted the Senate’s constitutional right and duty to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation against Executive Order No. 464 in Senate, et al. vs. Ermita, G.R. No. 169777, April 20, 2006, and Executive Order No. 1 in Sabio vs. Gordon, et al., G.R. No. 174340, October 17, 2006.

He was also responsible for the passage of Republic Act No. 9369 — or the Automated Elections System to obviate cheating and post election controversies and protests that hound Philippine elections.

On April 9, 2008, Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor in Bataan, President Arroyo signed into law Republic Act No. 9499- Gordon’s Veterans Bill. The Filipino World War II Veterans Pensions and Benefits Act of 2008 amends Sections 10 and 11 of Republic Act No. 6948, as amended, by removing the prohibition against our veterans receiving benefits from the United States government. Before the law was signed, the Philippine government benefits of veterans would be revoked once they were granted benefits by the United States government. Because of Gordon’s advocacy and persistence, this prohibition is now eliminated, and our veterans will now be able to receive any form of benefit from any foreign government without losing the benefits given to them by the Philippine government.

Potential presidential candidate

On August 6, 2007, Gordon announced that he was considering contesting the Presidential election scheduled for 2010. He also said that he would be organizing a new political coalition from among the parties that have emerged over the past decade, as, in his view, the two traditional parties, his own Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party, had "nothing to offer." [2] A CLSA Asia Pacific Markets Country report on the Philippines meanwhile expressed the opinion that Gordon "was believed to be a strong presidential material as early as 1992. His claim to fame was his work to turnaround ^[sic] Subic Base after Mount Pinatubo’s eruption… his stint as tourism secretary was equally spectacular… He was an energetic, combative administrator who delivered results… But in the Senate, he has failed to inspire because of ‘his way or the highway’ brand of management." ^[1]