Botong Lasalyano, Sulong Pilipino (BLSP), an initiative by the DLSU University Student Government, held a Mock Senatorial Elections last May 3. Open only to undergraduate students of the University, the online poll aimed to capture the sentiments of Lasallians ahead of the midterm elections on May 13.
The results were released last May 5 with a total of 1455 respondents, giving a glimpse of the candidates DLSU students would potentially shade on the ballot. With that, The LaSallian reviews the senatorial bets who made it to the University’s “Magic 12”.
Chel Diokno
A neophyte to the political scene, DLSU College of Law (COL) Dean Chel Diokno topped the mock poll, garnering a staggering 96.8 percent of the votes from the Lasallian community. A lawyer by profession, Diokno first studied philosophy in the University of the Philippines (UP), later taking up law at Northern Illinois University, finishing magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor of Laws.
Like his father, late senator Jose “Pepe” Diokno, the COL dean has also been a strong advocate for human rights, having served as the Chair of the Free Legal Assistance Group, an organization of human rights lawyers co-founded by his father.
His stances on key issues align with his background; he opposes death penalty, argues against the lowering of the age of criminal liability, and disapproves of the ongoing war against drugs. Meanwhile, he has given his support on the legalization of divorce and same sex marriage.
Samira Gutoc
Former legislator, journalist, and peace advocate Samira Gutoc acquired 90.2 percent of the votes, placing her at a close second on the list. From Marawi City, she has been a member of the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and was involved in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law as a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.
Her biggest platforms push for equality and representation, such as the passage of the anti-discrimination bill and peace education. She has also voiced her support for the legalization of divorce in the country. On the other hand, she has been critical of reinstating the death penalty and lowering the age of criminal liability.
As a lawyer, Gutoc earned her law degree from Arellano University School of Law. Before that, she took up a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and later a master’s degree on international studies in UP.
Bam Aquino
Garnering a total of 78.7 percent of the votes, re-electionist Bam Aquino places in third place. Aquino finished a degree in Management Engineering at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), graduating summa cum laude. He later enrolled in a Executive Education Program on Leadership and Public Policy at the Kennedy School or Government in Harvard University.
Aquino has previously expressed his disapproval of key administration initiatives, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, charter change, lowering of the age of criminal liability, and martial law in Mindanao.
He had also acted on key issues during his stint as senator—he voted in favor of the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2018; pushed for a Senate inquiry on the harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese vessels; and backed the Security of Tenure Bill, which would counter the practice of end-of-contract or endo against workers.
Neri Colmenares
Neri Colmenares of the Makabayan Bloc received 75.1 percent of the votes, putting him in fourth place. A former Bayan Muna party-list representative, he currently serves as its chairman. He also works as a human rights lawyer, having took up his Bachelor of Laws from the UP College of Law. Prior to this, he completed an economics degree in San Beda College.
Colmenares’ key advocacies include stopping political dynasties, allowing divorce, and recognizing same sex-marriage. Back when he was still a Bayan Muna representative, he co-authored the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2013 in the Lower House.
Meanwhile, he has stated publicly to widen the scope of annulment in the form of a divorce bill and has been vocal of his support for same-sex marriage.
Erin Tañada
At fifth, Erin Tañada acquired 69.4 percent of the respondents’ support. He took up Political Science at ADMU. He went on to study law at Manuel L. Quezon University, later entering into legal practice.
He entered politics in 2004 where he served as representative for the fourth district of Quezon. Calling himself the “voice of the farmers”, he pushed for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program as a congressman in 2009. Tañada has also supported the Freedom of Information Bill during the 14th Congress.
In terms of key stances, Tañada is against the return of death penalty, lowering of the age of criminal liability, and the ongoing martial law in Mindanao. He is also not in favor of TRAIN Law and charter change.
Pilo Hilbay
Newcomer Pilo Hilbay placed sixth in the poll with 68 percent of the vote. Hilbay studied economics at the University of Santo Tomas and later earned a law degree from the UP College of Law; he went on to top the bar exams in 1999 and serve as a member of the faculty in UP. He later obtained a Masters of Law degree from Yale Law School.
This is not Hilbay’s first foray into working for the government; he joined the Office of the Solicitor General and later served as its head in 2014, taking part in the arbitration case on the ownership of the West Philippine Sea.
Hilbay is a supporter of divorce and same-sex marriage, while he has since expressed his disapproval of returning death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability, and imposing martial law in Mindanao.
Mar Roxas
Placing seventh in the poll, Liberal Party stalwart Mar Roxas garnered 66 percent of the vote. Roxas took up economics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, working first as a banker before entering public office. His first encounter with politics was in 1993, where he was elected Congressman for the first district of Capiz. He later served as senator from 2004 to 2010.
Roxas staunchly opposes returning the death penalty, the TRAIN Law, and lowering of the age of criminal responsibility. He also believes in standing up to China regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute, and criticized the government for allowing an influx of Chinese workers into the country. On civil issues, Roxas also expressed support for divorce, but is against same-sex marriage.
Roxas is the third generation to enter politics. His grandfather was former President Manuel Roxas, while his father was former senator Gerry Roxas.
Gary Alejano
At eighth with 62.1 percent of the votes is Magdalo Party-List Representative Gary Alejano. A former Captain of the Philippine Marines, he was part of the Class of 1995 in the Philippine Military Academy. He later took up a Master’s Degree in Public Management in UP Open University.
Alejano entered politics when he served as a congressman under the Magdalo Party-List. Prior to that, he was part of The Magdalo Group who organized the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 and the Manila Peninsula siege in 2007.
He is currently in opposition with most administration initiatives, namely the TRAIN Law, charter change, and the martial law in Mindanao. He has, however, supported the passing of the Bangsomoro Organic Law. He is also not in favor of legalizing divorce and in returning death penalty.
Romy Macalintal
Romy Macalintal received 54 percent vote, placing him in the ninth spot in the poll.
Although this is Macalintal’s first attempt at entering politics, this is not the first time he has been involved in elections—he had previously served as an election lawyer. Prior to his Senate bid, he assisted the likes of Vice President Leni Robredo, Former President and incumbent House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and boxer turned politician Manny Pacquiao.
Much of Macalintal’s platforms focuses on the welfare of senior citizens and persons with Disabilities (PWDs), including improved benefits and even social media literacy programs for senior citizens, and increased inclusivity for PWDs.
Macalintal studied Advertising in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, serving as a member of their faculty but never formally practicing the profession. He obtained his law degree from the University of the East.
Grace Poe
A frequent topnotcher in the national surveys, reelectionist Grace Poe found herself at the 10th spot on the DLSU poll, capturing only 44.5 percent of the votes. Poe finished her bachelor’s degree in Political Science in Boston College. Poe previously served as the Chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, and later ran for Senate in 2013.
Poe’s views on current issues is mixed. While she has expressed her support for some administration initiatives such as the implementation of the TRAIN Law and the extension of martial law in Mindanao, she is also against the death penalty, the implementation of federalism, and lowering of the age of criminal liability.
Leody De Guzman
Labor leader Leody De Guzman placed 11th with 40.3 percent of the votes. Serving as the Chairman of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, De Guzman is one of the bets of the Labor Win Alliance, which describes itself as the third alternative between the administration-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago and opposition group Otso Diretso.
Similar to his party’s stances, De Guzman also advocates for the welfare of Filipino workers, having served as a textile worker himself. He is against contractualization and calls for the improvement of labor standards in the country.
On administration efforts, he opposes the imposition of death penalty, martial law in Mindanao, and the push for federalism. Meanwhile, he has previously given support to legalizing same-sex marriage and divorce.
De Guzman completed a degree in customs administration from the Philippine Maritime Institute Colleges.
Serge Osmeña
Rounding out the list is former senator Serge Osmeña, garnering only 27.5 percent of the votes. Grandson of former President Sergio Osmeña and son of former senator Sergio Osmeña Jr., he is the third generation in his family to have contributed to the Senate
While he has not obtained a formal college degree, he has entered institutions such as Harvard University, Georgetown University, and UP Los Baños.
Osmeña has been supportive of initiatives to lower the criminal age of liability, to legalize divorce and same-sex marriage, to build stronger relations with China, and to end political dynasties. During his time in the Senate, he has authored various bills on economic reform, such as the Securities Regulation Code and the new Insurance Code.
With elections just around the corner, it is important that voters ensure that they read up on the people they want to see in the Senate and be aware of who these candidates are and what it is they stand for. Aside from this, voters should also take note of proper voting procedures and precinct assignments to avoid any mishaps while voting on May 13.
