Pagcor chief launches 2010 Coalition

A new political coalition was launched yesterday at the Manila Hotel to search and field candidates for president and local government units in the 2010 elections.

The Coalition for the Deserving is composed of the Bigkis Pinoy of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman Efraim Genuino, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) founded by former president Ferdinand Marcos, Aksyon Demokratiko of the late Sen. Raul Roco, and Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reforma of former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa.

KBL chairman Vicente Milliora, Naga Rep. Simplicio Roco of Aksyon Demokratiko, Waldo Flores of Reforma, and former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Tomas Toledo of Bigkis Pinoy formally forged the coalition.

The leaders of the four political parties agreed to form the coalition during simple ceremonies held at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel, attended by 400 members of the four parties.

Lawyer Perfecto Yasay, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and a defeated senatorial candidate of Aksyon Demokratiko, said the coalition will screen the qualification of candidates and will enlist the help of the people in selecting their official candidates for the coming elections.

“We want to generate the support of the people for our deserving candidates,” said Yasay.

He said the coalition would mobilize various group to raise funds for the election.

“That leader (presidential bet) must capture the imagination of the people, and must be compassionate,” said Yasay, who declined to name possible presidential candidates.

Milliora told The STAR that their party has an initial list of candidates that will be nominated to be the coalition’s candidate for president.

He said among the possible KBL nominees are Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and Genuino. – With Helen Flores and Evelyn Macairan