Analyst: 2010 election period has begun

MANILA, Philippines--The resignation of Senate President Manuel "Manny" Villar not only signals the "start of the 2010 election period" but could also mean changes in how the chamber handles the investigation of the "fertilizer fund” and the "Euro generals" scams, a political analyst said Monday.

Ramon Casiple said the public must now keep an eye on the chairmanship of the Senate committees, particularly the blue ribbon.

The blue ribbon committee is spearheading the investigation into the alleged diversion by former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante of P728 million in fertilizer funds to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 2004 election campaign.

"Investigations will be affected because of the changes in the chairmanship of major committees, for example the blue ribbon committee, as [committee chairman] Senator [Allan Peter] Cayetano has always been identified with Villar," Casiple told INQUIRER.net in a phone
interview.

"The majority will flex its muscles over the chairmanship of major committees," he added, noting that Senate chairmanships are elected.

Cayetano resigned chair after Villar stepped down to give way to a reorganization.

Casiple said it was also expected that a non-presidential candidate replaced Villar as Senate president.

"It is clear that those who sided with Enrile are 2010 presidential candidates. This is internal politics affected by the virus of [the] 2010 elections," said Casiple.

Casiple said Villar is a big threat to the other presidential wannabes because he is the "front runner and declared candidate," has the most campaign funds, and has established a nationwide network.

"He was a serious threat to all ‘presidentiables.’ All the presidentiables he will be going up against banded together to get a non-presidentiable as Senate president."

Casiple also noted that although it is possible that Enrile’s ascent to the Senate presidency has to do with the impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he remains a "wild card."

"Enrile is really a wild card. You can't classify [him] one way or another. He's always been wherever he wants to be. Don't put Enrile in a box...the key is what did he say he would do, and the people in the opposition went along with him," said Casiple.

"I don't buy the speculation that he [Enrile] is carrying the Palace agenda, because the situation now is a transition, the Philippine president is going into lame-duck presidency," he said. inquirer.net