P-Noy lays down PNP role in government economic program

P-Noy lays down PNP role in government economic program
Regions
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
SUNDAY, 18 JULY 2010 19:12

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT— Stressing the importance of peace and order to economic progress, President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday to do its job well so that the wheels of the economy would continue grinding smoothly.

Mr. Aquino, who was here on Friday on his first visit to Subic as the highest official of the land, unveiled the PNP School for Values and Leadership (PSVL), a re-training facility here that was conceptualized by the PNP two years ago to produce “a more credible, professional and purpose-driven” cadre of police officers.

The President was welcomed at the Subic airport, where the presidential helicopter landed, by PNP Director Gen. Jesus Verzosa, Interior Secretary Jesus Robredo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia and Olongapo City’s first lady Anne Gordon.

At the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Aquino first thanked the police force for its role in helping quell military uprisings during the administration of his mother, the late President Cory Aquino. He then exhorted the PNP to continue playing a big role in ensuring economic progress.

“The importance of the police force is very clear. Any society cannot hope to attain progress without a strong institution to promote the security of the people,” Mr. Aquino said.

“This is why our policemen should have continuous training. And this is why we have to provide for their needs so that they can do their job well,” he added.

The President also stressed the need for the National Police to have the right values, saying that the country has no need for law enforcers who break the laws themselves.

“What happens in the streets directly influences the stability of our economy,” Mr. Aquino said. “When the police do their job right, we can be sure that others can go on with their tasks peacefully. The youth can study, the employees can work, and the economy would run properly.”

“We are both in the business of saving lives,” Mr. Aquino went on. “Our means may be different, but the goals are the same—to achieve our dream of a more peaceful and abundant nation.”

In the same occasion, the PNP’s Verzosa thanked the Philippine Antigraft Commission (PAGC) and the SBMA for supporting the PSVL project, noting that PAGC gave a P14-million grant for the construction of the facilities, while the SBMA provided a free 25-year lease for the 1.8-hectare school site at Subic’s Naval Magazine area.

Verzosa said the PSVL facility will be used to conduct refresher courses on values formation, leadership training and personality development to transform police officers into servant-leaders.

The police training-facility project broke ground in May 2008 under the administration of then-PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr., who said the school would play a significant part of the PNP’s reform agenda.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/2010/July2010/07192010/regions01.jpg
In Photo: President Aquino gamely fields questions during an “ambush interview” at the sidelines of the inauguration of the PNP School for Values and Leadership at the Subic Bay Free Port on Friday, July 16.

(Henry Empeño)

Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 July 2010 19:21 )

Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27813%3Ap-noy-lays-down-pnp-role-in-government-economic-program&catid=45%3Aregions&Itemid=71

Grand Master's Message

Warmest Fraternal Greetings to all my Brother Masons!

With the onset of Masonic Year 2010-2011, we begin a new chapter for our Brotherhood at a most auspicious time. As our country braces for the coming elections, we are faced with the need to use the power of our vote to usher in the kind of government that will rid our country of poverty, inequity, injustice, and crime.

As your new Grand Master, I have resolved to steer our Brotherhood towards that goal. Thus, the scope of our service to others will expand from the delivery of basic services to the less fortunate to the conduct of prompt relief operations in times of natural calamities to the advocacy of active citizenship and environmental protection. This may be a tall order but in keeping with the Tenets of our Craft, we must contribute our share in the task to spread more Light in our country that sometimes teeter towards stagnation or self-destruction.

To achieve this goal, we must anchor our plans and activities on the following theme "By Precept and Example, We Shall Distinguish our Conduct as Men and as Masons." By fusing our teachings with good deeds, we will gain for our Brotherhood a greater capacity to serve our country and people. This is the service we wish to render as members of the Craft whose aim is to bring brotherly love, relief and truth in an increasingly material world.

I therefore call upon all the brethren to help me attain the substance of our theme. Your support will hasten the melding of our precepts and actions to achieve the immediate fulfillment of the purpose of existence of Freemasonry in this part of the world. As Masons, we ought to work as a team the way our forebearers synchronized their endeavors in the building of great temples and other edifices all for the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe. Today, we help build communities and even nations; but labor in all humility as we all draw inspiration from the Greatest Artificer whose tools and implement are enabled by infinite wisdom and who breath life to our Universe.

Let us join hands in making our precepts and exemplary actions distinguish us as Men and as Masons. Let us all continue to make the difference in the world!

Fraternally,

Avelino I. Razon, Jr.
Grand Master


Source: The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, Installation of Officers, Masonic Year 2010-2011, Jose Abad Santos Hall, Grand Lodge Temple, 1440 San Marcelino Street, Ermita Manila, Philippines, 2010 April 24.

=========================

(Avelino I. Razon, Jr.) Kuya Sonny Razon's Facebook Page:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192

and Click the "Like" button at the top.

Pabingo ni Kuya Sonny Razon sa Dalisay Covered Court, May 2, 2010

Election Survey in Manila

METRO
Lim leads in survey
By Non Alquitran (The Philippine Star) Updated April 18, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim continues to lead in the election survey in Manila but former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief retired General Avelino “Sonny” Razon Jr. is slowly closing in and turned the coming political exercise into a wide open race among three contenders.

Razon or Kuya Sonny has strategically positioned himself as an alternative to traditional politics in Manila and is expected to give a good fight against Lim and former Mayor Lito Atienza.

A survey conducted by The Issues and Advocacy Center or The Center on 2,400 respondents in the city’s six districts showed Lim garnering a rating of 40 percent, Atienza with 28 percent and Razon 23 percent.

Ed Malay, director of The Center said that while Lim continues to enjoy a commanding 12 percentage points lead over Atienza and 17 percentage points over Razon, the entire political scenario in Manila may likely change depending on how the three top contenders for the mayoralty post will promote their respective political messages as the campaign period enters the homestretch.

The survey was conducted from March 26 to April 10, to determine the sentiments of the respondents reflected in the survey results given the fact that the imponderables have all been removed as the final cast of candidates for the position of Mayor of the City of Manila have become official and are known to the voters of the City.

Awareness rating

The survey which measured the awareness rating for all the leading candidates for the mayoralty post showed that the awareness rating of Razon has improved tremendously and has reached almost the same level as the awareness rating of Lim and Atienza. While the survey results show that Lim is currently leading in the mayoral elections, the percentage of voters’ preference that Lim generated from the respondents cannot as of yet be considered as comfortable because it can still be trimmed down. There is still a good 22 days left till the last day of campaigning on May 8.

Of the three leading candidates in Manila, Malay said it is Razon who is in a position to attract the voters to his side as the people of Manila have practically seen and experienced the management styles of Lim and Atienza.

Lim first became mayor of Manila in 1992 and was reelected in 1995 with Atienza serving as vice mayor during that time.

Lim ran for president in 1998 and Atienza ran for mayor of Manila and won. He was subsequently reelected in 2001 and 2004.

Lim, meanwhile, was appointed by former President Joseph Estrada to head the Department of Interior and Local Government from where he launched his senatorial bid in 2004 after Estrada was ousted from the presidency.

Instead of running for reelection in the senatorial elections, Lim returned to Manila and ran against Atienza’s son Ali in the 2007 mayoral elections in Manila and won.

The 2010 mayoral elections, said Malay, will clearly define the future for the City of Manila and where the city is headed at this crucial time of global economic recession.

The more than 1.2 million voters of Manila will be given the opportunity to choose the kind of leader and governance they would want for the city.

Malay said Manilans have experienced what it was like to be governed by both Lim and Atienza and for some reason the 23 percent that Razon generated from the survey respondents is seen as a sign that the people of Manila are now looking for an option or alternative leader. Razon was clearly the favored candidate by those in the “ABC” class with 45 percent followed by Lim with 42 percent while Atienza experienced a seeming rejection by those in the class as only 22 percent favored him.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=567496&publicationSubCategoryId=65


=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

Number 6 sa balota.

Sa May 10, 2010.

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Razon focuses on caucus sessions

Manila Standard Today
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Metro

Razon focuses on caucus sessions

Manileños are getting attuned to the town hall type gathering or caucus being held across the capital by supporters of former National Police Chief and mayoral bet Avelino Razon Jr.

The observation was made by Col. (ret.) Ernesto “Dionix” Dionisio, a former councilor in the city’s second district and head of Razon Para Mayor movement.

Dionisio said at least two causes are scheduled daily in the city’s six districts, drawing crowds of up 300 hundred voters wanting to interact with the former police chief as he expounded on genuine alternative change.

“During a typical caucus, Kuya Sonny Razon, as he has come to be known, explains in detail his platform of governance for Manila, which in essence addresses the basic needs and concerns of the city’s residents that have not been given sufficient attention. This is followed by an open forum wherein the audience is given the opportunity to freely exchange views with the candidate.”

Caucuses have become so successful that the movement now had to coordinate with organizations supporting Razon that wanted to hold their own sessions to avoid conflicts in the schedule, said Dionisio.

According to him, the caucus format allows the audience to discuss key policy issues directly.

This interaction, said Dionisio, embodied Razon’s concept of participative democracy at work.

Unlike the motorcade and stage show campaigns, the caucus has a voters’ education workshop on the automated polls, how to cast the ballot, and discussions on the voter’s rights.

“This is people empowerment and participative democracy on which our “alternatibong pagbabago” campaign is anchored. The voters are informed and at the same time empowered,” Dionisio said.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/april/13/metro5.isx&d=2010/april/13


=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

Number 6 sa balota.

Sa May 10, 2010.

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Thank you!

:)

Razon caucuses very popular with Manileños

Malaya
TUESDAY APRIL 13, 2010
•POLITICAL CAMPAIGN•

Razon caucuses very popular with Manileños

MANILEÑOS, especially those coming from the ranks of the poor, have been flocking to town hall type gatherings, more commonly known as "caucuses," being organized all over the city by supporters of former PNP chief and Manila mayoralty bet Sonny Razon.

This was the observation of retired colonel Ernesto "Dionix" Dionisio, a former top councilor in the city’s second district and current head of the political organization of the Razon Para Mayor (RPM) movement.

Dionisio said each caucus, held at a minimum of twice a day in various districts, has been drawing crowds ranging from 100 to 300 who have shown keen interest in Razon’s message of genuine alternative change.

"During a typical caucus, Kuya Sonny Razon, as he has come to be known, explains in detail his platform of governance for Manila, which in essence addresses the basic needs and concerns of the city’s residents that have not been given sufficient attention. This is followed by an open forum where the audience is given the opportunity to freely exchange views with the candidate," Dionisio said, adding that voter education workshops are also a permanent part of these caucuses.

Among Razon’s priority programs are health services, improvement of public education and development of responsive skills training programs, improvement of existing and provision for new public infrastructure, arts, culture and tourism development, investor promotion, local government-initiated housing programs, continuous anti-graft and corruption and anti-red tape measures in the city government, sustainable waste management, and participation of people’s organizations and NGOs in local governance.

Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/04132010/metroroundup.html


=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 on the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Kuya Sonny Razon's Campaign Schedule for April 12, 2010, Monday

Magkita-kita po tayo sa Lunes, April 12, 2010 sa District 5 at 6!

* 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - House to House, District 5, Zone 73-74-89 Barangay 673-679-823

* 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - House to House, District 6, Zone 65-66 Barangay 625-639-645-646-647-648

* 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - We are the Reason Movement (WARM) Caucus - District 5, Barangay 675 Zone 73

* 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - We are the Reason Movement (WARM) Caucus - District 6, Barangay 830 Zone 90

Source: http://www.facebook.com/notes/kuya-sonny-razon/magkita-kita-po-tayo-sa-lunes-april-12-2010-sa-district-5-at-6/382760711572

=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 on the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Razon to rivals: Rein in followers

Manila Bulletin

Razon to rivals: Rein in followers
April 9, 2010, 2:54pm

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Manila mayoral bet Sonny Razon called on Mayor Alfredo Lim and former mayor Jose Atienza, Jr. to rein in their campaign supporters in the wake of the violent clash between members of the two camps before dawn last Tuesday in Paco.

“I understand that election campaigns can sometimes heat up and tempers could flare, but I also believe that it is incumbent upon the candidates and the leaders of the respective camps to take whatever steps necessary to prevent violence,” Razon said.

Based on records of the Manila Police District General Assignments Section (MPD-GAS), two people were hurt and a vehicle was damaged when the clash took place along Quirino Ave. near Plaza Dilao in Paco at 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6.

The latest incident seemed to have stemmed from a dispute between followers of the two camps regarding the posting of posters and other campaign materials in the area where the clash took place.

Razon said that he was given a copy of the police report on the latest incident but qualified that he is not in a position to make any determination as to who started the clash, adding that his primary concern is to prevent any further violent incidents.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/251792/razon-rivals-rein-followers

=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 on the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Razon goes door-to-door instead of motorcades

Manila Standard Today
Monday, April 5, 2010
Metro

Razon goes door-to-door instead of motorcades

Tedious, labor of love but worth it is how the campaign fits his active life, according to former National Police Chief and mayoral bet Avelino Razon Jr.

At 57, he runs against decades-older re-electionist Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and comebacking former Mayor Joselito Atienza over an agenda of alternative change and participative democracy.

“Caucuses and going house-to-house are more strenuous and you cover less ground but they are the most interactive way by which we who are seeking public office could communicate with the voters,” he said adding that importance is given to the electorate to explain “how city government should be run.”

Razon said direct contact with people was more effective than caravans and stage shows with entertainers, both of which required heavy spending.

A sortie kicks off with a breakfast dialogue with city-based organizations leading to house visits at the designated locality, segueing to lunch meetings and more community meetings that end up late in the evening or early morning.

Razon said he has stayed in top shape since his cadet days at the Philippine Military Academy, a condition further toughened by leading the Special Action Force.

He joined his troops on long runs, scuba and skydiving to keep the elite group ready round the clock for any engagement of threats to civil order and security.

Being in the uniformed service required mental alertness to cope with administrative duties especially in life-and-death situations in crime-fighting campaigns, said Razon.

“The only reason I retired from the uniformed service is because I reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. I stepped down last year as presidential adviser on the peace process because I wanted to devote all my energies to pushing my advocacy of alternative change in Manila. Otherwise, I am in good physical and mental shape. I am as fit as I was when I was a PMA cadet.”

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/april/5/metro4.isx&d=2010/april/5

=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 on the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Retired Manila cops support Razon’s bid

Manila Bulletin

Retired Manila cops support Razon’s bid
April 04, 2010, 4:30 p.m.

Members of the Manila’s Finest Retirees Association led by its president, Col. (ret.) Felicisimo Lazaro, as well as its board of directors, formally decided during the organization’s assembly last week in Malate to support the candidacy of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Manila mayoral bet Sonny Razon.

The organization’s members, who are retired Manila police officers, decided to endorse Razon after he bared his plan, if elected, to help the retirees and their families by granting them the gratuity due to them as well as institute a program that would provide pensions, livelihood opportunities and social services.

“Utang ko kung ano ako ngayon sa Manila police (What I am now I owe to the Manila police),” Razon acknowledged.

Razon served two tours as district director of the Manila Police District, previously called the Western Police District, from 1996 to 1998, and from 1999 to 2001. During his two stints as district director, Razon instituted best practices such as heightened police visibility.

His service as MPD chief earned him an appointment to other positions, among them head of the National Capital Region Police Office and eventually as director general of the 120,000-strong PNP.

Lazaro said that Razon commanded the respect of the officers and men of the city’s police force when he headed it because he led by example and was a firm but fair commanding officer.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/251050/retired-manila-cops-support-razon-s-bid

=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 on the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Moriones sets tone of Razon campaign

Manila Standard Today
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Metro

Moriones sets tone of Razon campaign

Manila mayoral candidate Avelino Razon Jr. says with his reception on Friday in Plaza Moriones, Tondo, the rest of the 45-day campaign period will find more adherents heeding the call for participative democracy.

“Alternative change for Manilans, now!” he told in Pilipino a crowd of about 10,000 people amid cheers and repeated applause citing the past 18 years of switching leaderships that have continued to be insensitive to the plight of residents.

In his consultation with communities, Razon said Manilenos should be empowered by recognizing their right to be involved in charting the city’s future without the poor and disadvantaged b eing left behind.

“When I started going around, people were reluctant to openly voice out their complaints but have become increasingly vocal especially after hearing our take on the current dismal condition of the city and our advocacy for genuine alternative change,” said after the rally.

He said discontentment was starting to boil over in the face of one administration after another unable to efficiently deliver basic services.

Razon’s team went to San Andres in the fifth district on Saturday and Tambunting in the third district the following day.

Bustillos in the fourth district and Plaza Balagtas in the sixth district have been lined up for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/march/30/metro7.isx&d=2010/march/30

=======================================

VOTE

Kuya Avelino "Sonny" I. Razon, Jr.

For Manila Mayor!

* Number 6 in the ballot

Alternatibong Pagbabago para sa Manilenyo!

======================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Thank you!

:)

Kuya Sonny Razon vowed never to engage in mudslinging

By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:30:00 03/27/2010

Filed Under: Leisure (general), Local authorities, Eleksyon 2010, Elections

...

Another mayoral candidate, former Philippine National Police chief Avelino “Sonny” Razon also held a proclamation rally at Plaza Moriones in Tondo Friday night.

Razon vowed never to engage in mudslinging.

“I will not do that. I will not tarnish the names of my rivals. I will just continue telling people about what I can offer to them,” Razon said.

Apart from Atienza, Lim and Razon, four others are eyeing the city's top post. They are Onofre Abad, Ma. Teresita Hizon, Matilde Limbre and Benjamin Rivera.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20100327-261157/Atienza-vows-to-restore-Baywalk

Atienza is challenging Lim along with former National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr.

Manila Standard Today
Friday, March 19, 2010
Metro

...

Cabigao is running for councilor under the wing of resigned Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza, who is challenging re-electionist Lim along with former National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr.

...

Macon Ramos Araneta

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/march/19/metro3.isx&d=2010/march/19

Razon: Women in front line of change

Manila Standard Today
Saturday-Sunday, March 20-21, 2010
Metro

Razon: Women in front line of change

Former National Police Chief and mayoral bet Avelino Razon Jr. is calling on women of Manila to organize themselves and be catalysts of change.

He visited Tondo recently and inducted about 2,000 members of the fifth district chapter Manilena, an advocacy on participative democracy and people empowerment in governance.

“As mothers, wives or daughters, in your workplace or in your communities, you can make a difference if you act in a concerted manner following a clear program of action. You possess unique qualities that empower you – you have credibility, you are very persuasive when you believe in a cause, and you do not hesitate to act when it means that it would be for the good of your community,” he said.

Wife Cecile joined him in urging support in fostering women and children’s rights along with economic advocacies to open Grameen-type facilities for credit and other types of cooperatives for marginalized residents across the capital.

“I have seen this myself in many areas in Manila. When a family member gets sick, it is the woman of the house who takes care of that members and seeks medical care. She also has to care for the children and make sure they go to school. Aside from this, she has to, in many instances, take on a job or pursue livelihood activities such as vending in order to augment her husband’s meager income,” said Razon.

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/march/20/metro4.isx&d=2010/march/20

============================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Razon as alternative

Atienza hits Lim for reversing his policies
By Joel Caballero, ANC | 03/19/2010 7:22 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza is seeking the mayoralty post in Manila once again.

In an interview in ANC's Headstart, he alleged that incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim has no plans to develop the city, and has only occupied himself in putting up various restrictions throughout the city.

Atienza also lashed at Lim for stopping various programs under his administration.

"What Manila needs today is a genuine development plan that will provide opportunities for a healthy business climate, economic development, employment and the correct philosophy of governance. Di pwede yung bawal-bawal. Every time the mayor says bawal, it only adds to corruption because pag pinagbawal mo. Lagay dito, lagay doon," Atienza said.

("What Manila needs today is a genuine development plan that will provide opportunities for a healthy business climate, economic development, employment and the correct philosophy of governance. You can't keep saying this is illegal or that's illegal. Every time the mayor says it's illegal, it only adds to corruption because if you say it's illegal, it will lead to bribes.")

Atienza claimed the city government lost a lot of revenue when Lim ordered the closure of bars, restaurants and other shops in Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard.

"It injected life in Malate, Ermita, Remedios, Intramuros, and all those parts in Manila boomed in development. High-rise buildings were put up, investments rolled in. Can you imagine all the employment and economic opportunities which were lost because of that one single act which I cannot understand?" Atienza said.

Pandacan oil depots

The former mayor also criticized Lim for allowing oil depots in Pandacan to stay. He believes the potential danger posed by the depots is discouraging businessmen from investing in the city.

"How can Manila now develop if you have a place where you have 300 million liters of gasoline at any given time and the age of terrorism is in our midst? You cannot afford to endanger properties and, of course, you are discouraging investments. No serious investor will go to that part of Metro Manila where you have an oil depot beside you," Atienza said.

Atienza believes his relationship with Lim turned sour after Lim lost in his presidential bid in 1998.

"Maybe, out of bitterness. He lost and I won [as city mayor], and he told everybody: 'Si Atienza, hindi ako sinuportahan' (Atienza didn't support me). That's false," Atienza said.

ANC's Headstart tried to contact Mayor Lim but he was unavailable for comment.

Razon as alternative

Meantime, retired Police General Avelino Razon said he decided to seek the mayoral post in Manila so that the people will have an alternative candidate to Lim and Atienza.

Razon vowed to provide basic services to Manileños, which he found lacking from the leadership of both Lim and Atienza.

"Unang-una, good governance. Pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan sa parte ng kalusugan, edukasyon, livelihood, peace and order at saka socialized housing. Ito ang mga services na matagal ng sinisigaw ng mga Manileño na di natugunan, di naibigay ng tapat at sapat ng mga nakaraang administrasyon," Razon said.

("First of all, good governance. I will address the needs of the people in aspects of health, education, livelihood, peace and order and socialized housing. These are services the people have been clamoring for that was not provided by previous administrations.")

as of 03/19/2010 7:35 PM

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/03/19/10/atienza-hits-lim-reversing-his-policies

============================================

Become a Fan of Kuya Sonny Razon in Facebook:

Please go here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/Kuya-Sonny-Razon/198525074192?ref=mf

Click the "Become a Fan" button at the top.

Thank you!

:)

Kuya Sonny Razon with the Cabasal Hiking Society - morning walk, Roxas Boulevard

Source: Abante Tonight March 16, 2010 Page 8

Peace Covenant

Lim chief aide slams Atienza ‘hatchet man’
by Itchie G. Cabayan
Sunday, 14 March 2010 18:43

THE chief of staff of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday scored ex-Environment Secretary Lito Atienza for making a mockery of the peace covenant and at the same time reminded Manila residents to examine closely character of the candidates who are asking for their votes.

Ric de Guzman bared that while the signing of the peace covenant by Lim, Atienza and former peace process adviser Gen. Avelino Razon was ongoing at the Manila Police Department headquarters last March 10, a man, reputedly Atienza’s special projects coordinator when he was mayor, was busy distributing a letter supposedly addressed to MPD chief Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, but was actually aimed at discrediting Lim. The letter, he said, hurled “imagined accusations” such as Manila policemen escorting department of public services teams (DPS) in dismantling Atienza’s campaign materials.

“There is an implied lie here that the administration in using the police and is destroying his (Atienza’s) materials. Una, gawain niya ang manira ng materials.

“Pangalawa,mahigpit ang panawagan at paalala ni Mayor Lim sa pulisya na huwag magpapagamit sa pulitika and to avoid engaging in partisan politics or any form of electioneering,” he said.

De Guzman also took exception to a portion of the letter where Atienza alleged that his people are being harassed by those identified with the current city administration.

“For the record, our employes from the DPS recently filed a case against a group of goons led by one Warren Codina, Atienza’s former official, na nambugbog sa mga tao namin. Nagsara ang mga mata nu’ng mga kawawang empleyado dahil sa bugbog na natikman sa kamay ng may 50 katao. Sino ngayon ang nangha-harass?” De Guzman asked, claiming that the same group even destroyed trucks belonging to city hall.

De Guzman laughed at the bottom portion of the letter where Atienza’s signature appeared on top of the words, “Mayor Lito Atienza,” saying it only goes to show his “desperation” he is to have the title again.

“Makikita mong atat na atat talagang mag-mayor ulit kahit alam naman niyang ni isang health center o ospital ay wala siyang naipatayo para sa mga taga-Maynila. Sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Mayor Lim, kumpleto na sa susunod na buwan ang tig-isang public hospital sa anim na distrito at 51 na ang health centers,” he pointed out.

De Guzman suspects that Atienza attended the signing of the peace covenant not because he wants honest, peaceful and orderly elections, but to take advantage of the crowd so he can spread more lies.

“Iba ang ginagawa ng kanang kamay niya sa kaliwa. Habang pumipirma kunyari ng peace covenant, abala naman ang tao niya sa pamimigay ng kanyang sulat na puno ng kasinungalingan,” Lim’s chief of staff sighed.

Source: http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/metro/5134-lim-chief-aide-slams-atienza-hatchet-man.html

Manila mayoral bets sign peace accord

METRO
Manila mayoral bets sign peace accord
By Sandy Araneta and Nestor Etolle (The Philippine Star) Updated March 11, 2010 12:00 AM

Manila mayoralty candidates Lito Atienza, Alfredo Lim and Avelino Razon Jr. raise their right hands as they recite the oath of covenant for a peaceful election.
Edd Gumban

MANILA, Philippines - Incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and former Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr. yesterday signed a peace covenant for clean and honest elections during the May 2010 polls.

The signing of the peace covenant was done at 2 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Manila Police District headquarters along United Nations Avenue.

The event, called “Covenant Signing for HOPE 2010,” was initiated by National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Roberto Rosales in all Metro Manila cities to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay saw to it that the seating arrangement for the three mayoral bets would not put Atienza and Lim seating side by side, with the two seated between Magtibay and Rosales. Razon was seated beside Lim.

The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting coordinator for National Capital Region Monsignor Hernando Coronel and NCR regional election director lawyer Michael Dioneda who led in the oath of peace covenant among Manila candidates.

Meanwhile, a staff of Atienza distributed letters to the media after the signing which called on MPD officers to “be impartial and not to take sides during the entire campaign period.”

According to Atienza, his camp has been receiving reports the MPD mobile units have been escorting the personnel of the City Hall’s Department of Public Services, specifically along Road 10 Boulevard in Tondo, in the dismantling and removing materials of Atienza’s Buhayin ang Maynila team.

Manila policemen have also been harassing vendors in the Blumentritt area who openly expressed support for Atienza team, to the point of forcing them to use yellow tents identified with Lim, Atienza claimed.

He also said pedicab drivers were promised by some policemen that they would not be apprehended for traffic violations if they show their support for Lim.

“Many of our supporters were harassed and threatened by goons identified with Lim, and this will definitely not lead to a peaceful and orderly election,” Atienza said.

Razon echoed the same sentiments, but said the harassment stopped when he reported it to the media.

For his part, Lim said the accusations were all political propaganda. “Let the matter be investigated and let charges be filed if there is a violation of the Omnibus Election Code,” he told reporters.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=556757&publicationSubCategoryId=65

Speech of Kuya Sonny Razon, March 09, 2010

Dinner with Kuya Sonny Razon Manila Part 1 of 2 Part 2 of 2

Three bigwigs back Razon’s mayoral quest

Manila Standard Today
Monday, March 8, 2010
Metro

Three bigwigs back Razon’s mayoral quest

Former Manila councilor Ernesto Dionisio Sr. said three political honchos have joined the ranks of mayoral bet Avelino Razon Jr.

He said the new adherents were Fourth District Rep. Trisha Bonoan-David, Ex-Rep. Mark Jimenez of the Sixth District covering Sta. Mesa, Sta. Ana, Pandacan and San Miguel along with former Councilor Honorio Lopez II of Tondo, younger brother of former Mayor Mel Lopez and twice three-termer Rep. Jaime Lopez.

According to Dionisio, Bonoan-David has signed up in Razon’s ticket, being a colleague in the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Jimenez, also ”MJ” in his sphere of influence, appears to have been prevailed upon to link arms with the former National Police chief through former Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, Razon‘s congressional candidate in the Sixth District.

Boy Lopez, who held several executive posts in the government after his stint at the city council, was convinced that the capital needed a respite from the cycle of politics that merely transferred power from one old leader to another.

”Time for change is now. And Razon is the best alternative,” Dionisio quoted Lopez as saying.

Tony Macapagal

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/march/8/metro4.isx&d=2010/march/8

Song of Kuya Sonny

The Philippine Star > Business Features > Business As Usual

Song of Kuya Sonny

By Donna B. Velasco (The Philippine Star) Updated March 08, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The “Sonny” side of his life is recalling every now and then how timid he was as a bachelor attempting to court the girl of his dreams.

“The first time I met Cecille (his wife with four kids), I was devoid of words,” Avelino “Sonny” Razon Jr. recalled. “My inability to express how much I adored and loved her was sort of a disadvantage for me, because Cecille had suitors who were glib-tongued and vocal in expressing their true feelings for her. But I started writing love letters to her, praying I would soon receive a “yes” answer. He describes his wife as sweet and considerate, that through the years she continues to be a loving, understanding and broad-minded wife and mother. He said she has always shown genuine care and concern for those who were with him as well as other people, even strangers who were in need of help.

But Kuya Sonny said like married couples, life has not always been heaven, so that when the kids started growing up, he asked her to quit her nursing job and would rather attend to his needs and the children’s. After retiring from the service as chief, PNP, Kuya Sonny seemed not to have retired at all. People in need sought for assistance. Because of these, one more kind of service beckons as Kuya Sonny sees it.

Kuya Sonny quoted parts of a Greek philosopher’s maxim, saying education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. Unfortunately, unschooled children reveal how much a vessel has been filled, rather than the extent to which a flame is kindled. For him, education is for all.

Whoever leads the city of Manila soon, if he truly has the passion to serve well will face an entirely new challenges.

Ready to serve, the retired chief PNP said he is the Mamang Pulis who institutionalized the incentive system among his peers and subordinates, pushed health care, scholarship grants, legal assistance, government housing (cash and non-cash) for police personnel.

He strengthened the peacekeeping and the crime-busting capability of the police force and re-integrated the foot and mobile patrol for higher police visibility and faster response time, plus other non-related activities to his duties then as top cop. He is aware of what Manila wants and needs.

“May Razon ang pagbabago. (There are reasons for change). May alternatibong pagbabago para sa Manileño. (There are alternative changes for Manileños). These reasons for change, he said have bearings on sustainable development, opportunities for all sectors’ empowerment, arts, culture and sustainable development. All that had been covered by leaders before Kuya Sonny wishes he would enhance developments if he so makes it in his Manila mayoral plans.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=555884&publicationSubCategoryId=78

Kuya Sonny Razon's motorcade in Sampaloc, Manila

Abante Tonite February 28 2010 Page 8

Kuya Sonny Razon in Santa Mesa Market

Abante Tonite
February 24, 2010
Page 8

City Hall: Century Park auction valid

Manila Standard Today
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Metro

City Hall: Century Park auction valid

Secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas said the sale of Century Park Hotel under Mayor Alfredo Lim as authorized by the city council led by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is aboveboard.

He downplayed the complaint by lawyer Reynaldo Bagatsing before the Office of the Ombudsman as unfounded, noting that the sale along with a prime lot was legitimate.

“The deal is aboveboard and there is nothing to be afraid of,” he said, awaiting a copy of the graft complaint against him and other city executives.

“There is nothing irregular with everything that attended the sale of the Century Park Hotel.”

The property was auctioned off on Dec. 23, 2008 to Maranaw Hotels and Resorts Corp. which is reportedly owned by taipan Lucio Tan.

Comebacking mayoral bet Joselito Atienza and National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr., who are pitted against re-electionist Lim, have taken opposing views on the transaction.

“I vow to recover the said prime city property presently occupied by the Century Park Hotel that was sold at a give-away price by incumbent city officials, led by Lim and Moreno, in a rushed sale that was grossly disadvantageous to the city government. We will make sure those found guilty will go to jail,” Atienza said.

Razon has said deals of his rivals will merit priority once he gets to city hall.

“I will immediately order a thorough review of all patromonial properties auctioned off by the two past administration from 1992 up to the present, and initiate proper legal and judicial actions,” he said.

Tony Macapagal

Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/march/3/metro1.isx&d=2010/march/3