Miriam Defensor Santiago presidential campaign, 2016

Miriam Defensor Santiago presidential campaign, 2016
Campaign	Philippine presidential election, 2016
Candidate	Miriam Defensor Santiago (President) Secretary of Agrarian Reform (July 20, 1989 – January 4, 1990) Judge of the International Criminal Court (2011–2014) Senate of the Philippines (June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2001) and (June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2016) Bongbong Marcos (Vice President) Senator of the Philippines (June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016) Governor of Ilocos Norte (June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007) and (1983–1986) Ilocos Norte's 2nd District Representative (June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010) and (June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995) Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte (1980 – 1983)
Affiliation	People's Reform Party
Status	Announced: October 13, 2015 Official launch: October 13, 2015
Headquarters	Narsan Building, 3 West 4th St., West Triangle, Quezon City
Slogan	'Si Miriam Ang Sagot! (lit. Miriam is the answer!)
Website
http://miriam.com.ph/newsblog/

The 2016 presidential campaign of Miriam Defensor-Santiago, an incumbent Senator of the Philippines was announced on October 13, 2015, at her book signing.^[1] Miriam Defensor-Santiago submitted her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 16, 2015. She lost to Rodrigo Duterte in the May 9 Elections.

Background

Miriam Defensor-Santiago has previously attempted election as president in the 1992 and 1998 elections.^[2]

It was reported in March 2014, that Santiago was not interested in vying for a higher post saying she would rather support a female candidate for presidency. She said she has no funds for a presidential campaign but argued that social media would be a significant factor in the 2016 elections.^[3]

On July 2, 2014, Santiago announced that she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. However, she said that her cancer is not metastasic and expects to be cured in six weeks through molecularly targeted therapy.^[4]

In August 2014, Santiago declared that she was open to run as president saying that she was recovering and considering two other career options; enter the International Development Law Organization based in Rome, or to author books about foreign policy at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C..^[5]

Miriam Defensor Santiago

In November 2014, Santiago announced that she will run for president if she is completely healed of cancer saying at that time that 90 percent of her cancer cells had regressed. She also said that she was considering entering a coalition with the Liberal Party and Nacionalista Party if she decided to run.^[6]

On October 26, 2015, a meet-and-greet event in front of UP students was held in UP Bahay ng Alummi (the same place where her co-presidential candidate Grace Poe announced her intention to run for President). Santiago reiterated that she would run for the high position for the third time to stop the corruption in the Philippine government despite having stage 4 lung cancer:^[7]

I have passed through the hardest of physical trepidations and hardships known to man. Cancer is not an easy disease to have. I decided upon consultation with my doctors at Saint Luke's [Medical Center] that it should be up to me to run for president,

— Miriam Defensor Santiago

Running mate

Defensor with her running mate Bongbong Marcos

In July 2014, Bongbong Marcos said he was not discounting the possibility for him to run as president and, at that time, he said that his party Nacionalista, had only discussed about their agenda in the 2016 election.^[8]

It was reported In September 2014, that Santiago considered Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe and Gilberto Teodoro as her running mates.^[9]

On October 15, 2015, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago confirmed Senator Bongbong Marcos as her running mate.^[10] Santiago and Marcos are two of the three senators who acquitted Renato Corona in his impeachment trial in 2012 (the other senator was the late Joker Arroyo).

Marcos revealed on January 21, 2016, that his campaign with Santiago would be officially launched in the Ilocos region, his hometown. He also said that he and Santiago would campaign separately if possible to maximize their reach.^[11]

Santiago and Marcos started their campaigns with a proclamation rally held in Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte on February 9, 2016.^[12]

Marcos, on the other hand, inaugurated his campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong City on February 18, 2016.^[13]

Political positions

Corruption

In relation to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scandal, Santiago promised to put those who have pocketed their Priority Development Assistance Fund, commonly known as pork barrel to prison.^[14]

Governance

According to Defensor-Santiago’s running mate Bongbong Marcos, he and the candidate agreed on the importance of good governance.^[15][16][17]

She has also promised to sign the Freedom of Information Act as the act is an “important tool to promote public accountability.”^[18]

Social and economy issues

Defensor-Santiago also plans to “aggressively fight the war against illegal drugs”. She has promised to reform the tax system and increase government efficiency, with the goal of keeping the government deficit below 3% of the GDP. Defensor-Santiago also plans to invest in public infrastructure, agriculture sector, and government institutions.^[19]

RH Law

An advocate of the Reproductive Health Law (RHL), Defensor-Santiago was not pleased by the 1 billion peso budget allocation cuts for contraceptives. She said that, if she will be elected, she will work for a full and conscientious implementation of the RHL.^[20]

Endorsements

Miriam Defensor-Santiago

Current and former Philippine Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippine Senator Current and former Philippine Representative Imelda Marcos, wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, incumbent Representative of Ilocos Norte (2nd District) Current and former Philippine Governor Imee Marcos, Governor (Ilocos Norte) City Councilor Ramon Yabut, Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod (Pasay City) Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Renato Corona Personalities Cecille Ongpauco, mother of Heart Evangelista[7] Athletes Carmela Tunay, volleyball player and TV host[21] Kathy Bersola, volleyball player[21]

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

All individuals are members or supporters of the KBL, unless otherwise stated. Current and former Philippine Senators Cynthia Villar Current and former Philippine Representatives Imelda Marcos, wife of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Incumbent Representative of Ilocos Norte (2nd District) Mitos Magsaysay, former Representative (Zambales)[13] Prospero Nograles, former House Speaker and Representative (Davao City)[13] Rodolfo Fariñas, Incumbent Representative of Ilocos Norte (1st District) Mark Cojuangco, former Representative of Pangasinan Trisha Bonoan-David, 4th District Representative of Manila Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., incumbent Representative of Davao del Norte Jonathan dela Cruz, incumbent Representative of ABAKADA Party-List and Marcos' campaign manager[22] Mark Villar, incumbent Representative of Las Piñas[23] Lucy Torres, incumbent Representative of Leyte[24] Current and former Provincial Governors and Vice Governors Imee Marcos, Governor (Ilocos Norte) Chavit Singson, former Governor of Ilocos Sur[25] Ryan Singson, Governor (Ilocos Sur) Ramil Hernandez, Governor (Laguna) Faustino "Bodjie" Dy, incumbent Isabela Governor Casimiro Ynares, Jr., former Rizal Governor[26] Rebecca Ynares, incumbent Rizal Governor Current and former Philippine Mayors and Vice Mayors Jerry Pelayo, former Mayor (Candaba, Pampanga)[13] Guia Gomez, Mayor (San Juan City)[27] Benjamin Abalos, Jr. Mayor (Mandaluyong) Casimiro Ynares III, former Rizal Governor, Mayor Antipolo City, (Bong Revilla's brother in law) Vergel Aguilar, Mayor (Las Piñas)[23] City Councilor Ramon Yabut, Member, Sangguniang Panlungsod (Pasay City) Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Renato Corona (now deceased) Celebrities Nora Aunor, actress[28] John Estrada, actor Alex Gonzaga, TV host and actress, daughter of Taytay, Rizal vice mayor Bonoy Gonzaga[29] Toni Gonzaga, TV host and actress, daughter of Taytay, Rizal vice mayor Bonoy Gonzaga[29] Richard Gomez, actor, sportsman and Ormoc mayoralty candidate[24] Paul Soriano, film director[29] Dawn Zulueta, TV host and actress, wife of Davao Representative Anton Lagdamaeo Ferdinand Topacio, lawyer (a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo) Organizations and Support Groups Alliance of Transport Organizations (ACTO)[30] El Shaddai[31] Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP)[30] Iglesia ni Cristo[32][33] Iglesia Filipina Independente Kabataang Barangay Alumni Association Inc., Manila Chapter Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP)[30] National Federation of Sugarcane Planters[34] Panay Federation of Sugarcane Planters[34] Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc. (PASANG MASDA)[30] Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (Aldub - Alyansang Duterte-Bongbong)[35] Sugar Producers Association (CONFED) Negros-Panay Chapter[34] United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines[34] El Shaddai Iglesia Ni Cristo

Senate slate

The 10-man senatorial slate of Santiago and Marcos was announced during a campaign event at the Ynares Sports Arena on February 14, 2016.^[36]

Santiago-Marcos senatorial slate

Name	Image	Political party/coalition		Notes
Dionisio Santiago			Independent	Former PDEA director-general
Francis Tolentino			Independent	Former MMDA chairman
Common candidates
Name	Image	Political party/coalition		Notes
Edu Manzano			Lakas-CMD/Partido Galing at Puso	Makati vice mayor
Isko Moreno			Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino/Partido Galing at Puso	Manila vice mayor
Susan Ople			Nacionalista Party	OFW advocate
Jericho Petilla			Liberal Party	Former Secretary of Energy
Ralph Recto			Liberal Party*	President pro tempore of the Senate of the Philippines
Martin Romualdez			Lakas-CMD/United Nationalist Alliance	Leyte representative
Manny Pacquiao			United Nationalist Alliance	Sarangani representative
Joel Villanueva			Liberal Party	Former TESDA director-general

(*) also running under Partido Galing at Puso.

References

1. Bartolome, Jessica; Sisante, Jam (October 13, 2015). "Miriam announces presidential run in 2016". GMA News and Public Affairs. Retrieved 2015-10-13.
2. Matsuzawa, Mikas (20 January 2016). "Will Miriam Defensor-Santiago get the youth vote?". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
3. Macaraig, Ayee (12 March 2014). "Miriam for president? No money – I never sold my body!". Rappler. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
4. Macaraig, Ayee (3 July 2014). "Miriam Santiago: I have lung cancer". Rappler. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
5. Mendez, Christina (28 August 2014). "Miriam licks cancer, eyes running in 2016". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
6. Burgonio, TJ (15 November 2014). "If healed, Santiago to run in 2016". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
7. Macaraig, Ayee (2015-10-26). "Miriam: Fighting corruption made me run despite health". Rappler. Retrieved 2015-10-27.
8. Ramos-Araneta, Macon (27 July 2014). "Bongbong, Miriam seen as other presidential bets". Manila Standard. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
9. Burgonio, TJ (11 September 2014). "Santiago as presidential candidate ticks off possible running mates". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
10. Macaraig, Ayee (October 15, 2015). "Miriam Santiago: Bongbong Marcos is my running mate". Rappler. Retrieved 2015-10-15.
11. Mangosing, Frances (21 January 2016). "Santiago-Marcos tandem still a go". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
12. "Duterte's proclamation rally in Tondo set". Sun.Star. February 8, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
13. Manlapaz, Jong (February 18, 2016). "Gloria boys suportado si Bongbong Marcos (Gloria boys supports Bongbong Marcos)". DZIQ. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
14. Echeminada, Perseus (10 February 2016). "Miriam hits rivals for premature campaigning". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
15. "Bongbong Marcos confirms tandem with Miriam Defensor-Santiago". CNN. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
16. "Bongbong Marcos: Tandem with Miriam 'not a surprise' to me". Rappler. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
17. "Miriam Santiago will run for president in 2016". newsinfo.inquirer.net. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
18. "Miriam promises 'faster than ever' economic growth if elected president". GMA News Online. 2015-10-27. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
19. "Local News". Sun.Star. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
20. Geronimo, Jee Y. (January 8, 2016). "Miriam Santiago on RH budget cut: Immoral'". Rappler. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
21. "Duterte top presidential pick, two-way race between Robredo, Marcos for VP among young athletes". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. May 7, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
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25. Beleo, Erwin G. (13 November 2015). "Chavit to campaign for 'Binay-Bong' in Solid North". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
26. "Rizal province's Ynares family endorses Bongbong Marcos". GMA News. February 29, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
27. "Marcos gets backing of San Juan mayor". ABS-CBN News. February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
28. "Nora Aunor picks Grace Poe for president and Bongbong Marcos for VP". Philippine Entertainment Portal. March 31, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
29. "Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano criticized for supporting Sen. Bongbong Marcos's VP bid". Pep.ph. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
30. Casayuran, Mario (February 25, 2016). "'Big 4' transport groups endorse Marcos". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
31. Pilapil, Jaime R. (April 30, 2016). "El Shaddai endorses Marcos". Manila Times. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
32. Rosario, Ben (April 28, 2016). "INC chooses Bongbong for VP -sources". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
33. "Iglesia to vote for Duterte-Marcos on May 9". Eagle News. May 5, 2016. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
34. "Sugar barons sweeten Sen. Marcos' VP bid" (Press release). Senate of the Philippines. February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
35. "Party-list backs bid to pair Rody, Marcos". The Standard. March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
36. Gagalac, Ron (February 13, 2016). "Miriam-Marcos tandem bares senatorial slate". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 13, 2016.