Bro. Eddie wants Jamby, Nick in his Cabinet

MANILA, Philippines - They might be rivals in the presidential race, but Bangon Pilipinas Party (BPP) standard-bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva said if he becomes president, he would ask Sen. Jamby Madrigal and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas to be his Cabinet members.

“Nick Perlas being the number one noted environmentalist would be qualified as a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary. As for Jamby, whatever is her specialty,” said Villanueva in yesterday’s 2010 Presidential Forum at San Sebastian College in Manila.

He is also considering designating Professor Winnie Monsod to the National Economic and Development Authority, Cielito Habito to the Department of Budget and Management, and Benjamin Punongbayan to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Villanueva, Madrigal, Perlas and senatorial candidate of Ang Kapatiran Rizalino David who represented the party’s presidential bet Councilor JC de los Reyes were the only ones who showed up at the forum, displeasing organizers.

The three candidates are among those at the tailend of surveys.

One of the moderators, Mario Maranan, said those who earlier promised to attend the forum but failed to do so appear to have no palabra de honor.

‘I’d rather be an OFW’

Madrigal said she could see herself becoming an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and leaving the country if Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. ManuelVillar wins.

Madrigal said it would be an “unsavory” government if Villar succeeds in the race, with President Arroyo becoming House speaker and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, Senate president.

“Can you imagine if you have Villar as president, Arroyo Speaker of the House and if he is able to buy the Senate then guess who will be the Senate president of Villar. That’s the promise. Allan Peter has been promised the Senate presidency. That’s an unsavory government to say the least,” Madrigal said.

She said reports that Villar is the “secret” candidate of Malacañang has basis, noting that he and his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, had met Mrs. Arroyo in Syria last year “that showed the unholy alliance.”

Meanwhile, a member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said if the presidential contenders do not stop their word war or their political mudslinging, they should consider withdrawing from the race.

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said politicians running for president are bad examples to the public, especially when they engage in dirty politics through their bickerings.

“We are supposed to build bridges to love one another and present their platforms and convictions rather than attack others,” he said. – Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee Brago