SPOTTED: Full replay of PDAF 'pork barrel' scam mastermind Napoles hearing with Senator Miriam Santiago

Here is a full video replay of the dialogue between Senator Miriam Santiago and alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles during the latter's Senate Hearing on the PDAF scam.

Video Link: Youtube channel GMA Kapuso TV Shows

Spotlight Philippines Special: Top 12 Picks for Senators

The election is fast approaching, and bloggers have started expressing their opinions regarding the upcoming democratic event and their top senatorial choices. If the 2013 national election was held today, the 12 candidates whom I would vote for and who I think will win come May 13 senatorial midterm election will be the following:

1. Edward Hagedorn (Independent)

2. Juan Edgardo Angara (LDP)

3. Richard Gordon (UNA)

4. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel (Akbayan)

5. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. (Liberal)

6. Francis Escudero (Independent) 

7. Alan Peter Cayetano (Nacionalista)

8. Teodoro Casiño (Makabayan) 

9. Francis Escudero (Independent)

10. Loren Legarda (NPC) 

11. Grace Poe-Llamanzares (Independent)

12. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. (Liberal) 

We have so much senatorial candidates today; it just goes to show how diverse representation of PH democracy is. Too many perspectives, too many visions for the country. I still think there are those who are up to contest and possibly enter the Magic 12 Senators List since the fight will be really close on this one:

13. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas)

14. Antonio Trillanes IV (Nacionalista)

15. Bam Aquino (Liberal)

16. Jamby Madrigal (Liberal) 

17. Aquilino Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)

18. Antonio Trillanes IV (Nacionalista)

I really think UNA's reputation has been besmirched knowing that its political Lions (or Kings) have been clouted with allegations of a lot of corruption controversies in the past. How on Earth could one former President, who was deposed by the Filipino people in a popular revolution for so many scandals, still be able to run for office in the capital of the Philippines? Hence, even I had to resort to choosing a few "less corruptible" candidates who would really get into the top 12. Well, this is just a personal view. Voice out your top 12 choices too! Comment them down below.

Official List of 2013 Senatorial Candidates

An official list of senatorial candidates (senatoriables) for the upcoming May 2013 senatorial elections, at least consisting of four (4) former lawmakers, five (5) incumbent senators, one (1) congressman, and one (1) Cabinet official, was issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) last month.

52 out of the 82 candidacy aspirants were declared nuisance candidates by the COMELEC.

The official candidates for the  2013 senatorial elections are the following:

1. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel (Akbayan)
2. John Carlos de los Reyes (Ang Kapatiran)
3. Marwil Llasos (Ang Kapatiran)
4. Rizalito David (Ang Kapatiran)
5. Greco Belgica (Democratic)
6. Baldohero Falcone (Democratic)
7. Christian Señeres (Democratic)
8. Francis Escudero (Independent)
9. Grace Poe-Llamanzares (Independent)
10. Ramon Montaño (Independent)
11. Edward Hagedorn (Independent)
12. Ricardo Penson (Independent)
13. Juan Edgardo Angara (LDP)
14. Bam Aquino (Liberal)
15. Jamby Madrigal (Liberal)
16. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. (Liberal)
17. Teodoro Casiño (Makabayan)
18. Alan Peter Cayetano (Nacionalista)
19. Antonio Trillanes IV (Nacionalista)
20. Cynthia Villar (Nacionalista)
21. Loren Legarda (NPC)
22. Jack Enrile (NPC)
23. Aquilino Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)
24. Samson Alcantara (Social Justice Society)
25. Nancy Binay (UNA)
26. Tingting Cojuangco (UNA)
27. JV Ejercito (UNA)
28. Richard Gordon (UNA)
29. Gregorio Honasan (UNA)
30. Ernesto Maceda (UNA)
31. Mitos Magsaysay (UNA)
32. Juan Miguel Zubiri (UNA)

Whom would  you vote for? Comment them down below and voice out your reasons for voting them.

Senator Ralph Recto resigns as Ways and Means Committee chair, withdraws sin tax bill report

Senator Ralph Recto on Monday, October 15, has resigned as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, ABS-CBN News’ Ryan Chua reported on ANC.

“I want to be relieved of my resident kontrabida role,” said Recto on the reason why he had chosen to give up chairmanship.

The report furthered, Recto stepped aside to give way to “a senator who can better fight for what the Department of Finance wants.” Recto reportedly withdrew the controversial committee report of the sin tax bill.