April 16, 2010

Iligan City

Nacionalista Party (NP) senatorial candidate and spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano laughed off allegations made by the Liberal Party claiming that the motion for reconsideration that Tamano and other NP bets filed yesterday before the Supreme Court in relation to the midnight appointments was pure gimmick.

“Ang kapal naman ng mga mukha nila to say that the filing was pure gimmick. They only have the gall to say that because unlike me, they haven’t done anything concrete in defending the rights of all Filipinos. They don’t have the balls. All they do is talk. That’s all they’re good at. They have mastered the art of pure talk,” Tamano blasted.

“Funny how they can accuse me of such a thing when the motion for reconsideration is not only for my benefit but for the benefit of all Filipinos. Only goes to show who really is sincere in serving the country,” Tamano said.

“The Liberal Party says that they’re part of the opposition and yet they’re not doing anything that could stop PGMA in appointing someone as Chief Justice, which is such a crucial role. Ano yung tama doon? If we just allow the President to appoint anyone despite the fact that there is an ongoing ban, then this sends out a wrong signal to our fellow Filipinos. Not only does it undermine judicial independence, it also destroys the image of the judiciary. Kawawa naman ang Liberal Party if they don’t understand this,” Tamano explained.

The young lawyer then threw a challenge to the Liberal Party: “Do something solid. Don’t just complain. Familiarize yourselves with the law. It is my fervent hope that you will come to realize that the Constitution should be upheld at all times.”

Tamano, a constitutional law professor and the first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, filed a motion for reconsideration yesterday on the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing President Gloria Arroyo to appoint the next Chief Justice despite a “midnight appointments” ban. Tamano was joined by fellow NP bets Susan Ople, Gilbert Remulla, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza and Gwen Pimentel.

In their petition, Tamano et al stressed that under Article VII, Section 15 of the Constitution, there is no exception for appointments in the judiciary. Hence, the incumbent President must not appoint anyone in both the executive and the judiciary.

The young lawyer also shared that the recent Supreme Court ruling was in contrast with a 1998 decision on the Villarta and Valenzuela case, which barred the President then from appointing members of the judiciary within the period covered by the ban. The ban starts two months or 60 days before the elections and runs until June 30.

“According to the ruling of that case, the judiciary is not an exception to the rule,” Tamano shared.

The constitutional law professor and former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila also said that he has high hopes that the SC will not reject the motion, despite the fact that a majority of the justices voted favorably in the earlier ruling.

Tamano, the former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is the son of the late Senator Mamintal Tamano. A constitutional law professor, Tamano was the former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition.

Following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing President Gloria Arroyo to choose the next chief justice amid the legal issues raised against appointments during the election period, constitutional law professor and Nacionalista Party (NP) senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano urged PGMA to leave the task to her successor.

“While I doubt she has any decency left, I sincerely hope that PGMA leaves the task of appointing the next Chief Justice to her successor,” Tamano said.

“The SC may have ruled in her and her minions’ favor this time but PGMA should remember that so many eyes are on her. People will continue to monitor her actions. Voters will remember what she will do,” Tamano warned.

The young lawyer-senatorial candidate also shared his sentiments with regard to the SC ruling.

“The law clearly states that the incumbent president cannot appoint anyone within the period of the constitutional ban. According to Art. VII, Section 15 of the Constitution, there is no exception for appointments in the judiciary. Hence, needless to say, I’m deeply disappointed with the ruling,” Tamano said.

“However, in my many years as a practising lawyer, this isn’t the first time that I got disappointed with the ruling of the court,” he added.

“However, what’s important now is the action that PGMA will take because of this development. If she really does not have any hidden agenda, then she will leave the task of appointing the next Chief Justice to her successor,” Tamano insisted.

In a landmark decision penned by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, the high courts said that the ban on midnight appointments does not cover the judiciary. Nine out of 15 justices reasoned that there is nothing under the law that prohibits PGMA from appointing the next CJ upon the retirement of Chief Justice Reynato Puno on May 17.

Why Adel Tamano you ask, well its because I've looked up to him even before he started to appear on tv or ran for senator. I've read news articles, magazine features, etc. about Mr. Tamano, and I must say, that he is one of the most qualified Senatorial Candidates for 2010. For additional information, I also share the same ideologies and faith as him. I am PRO EDUCATION and I believe that education will bring with it better and improved employment rate. I am Muslim and Maranao, like Mr. Tamano, and although I am knowledgeable that your campaign staff is ofcourse not based on religion, I believe that its only right for me to help my brother in Islam. - Ariff Adam Sansaruna

As Mindanaoan, I would like to express to you that we are with you in your quest for senator. We need more senator

from Mindanao to represent us mindnaoans. We should help each other and I know that if we (all) mindanaoans will unite and show solidarity I'm pretty sure we can produce 3-5 senator who will sit down in the senate. - Lancelot "Allan" Padla

“Once again, our Pambansang Kamao, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has exemplified heroism, resiliency, love of country and sheer talent and dedication. His victory against Joshua Clottey is proof that amid problems besetting our country, here’s someone who epitomizes grit against all odds.

Manny Pacquiao is a son of Mindanao and as a fellow Mindanaoan, I am truly proud to see that Mindanaoans excel in the field of boxing. Manny is Mindanao’s greatest athlete, the Philippines’ pride and definitely among the world’s finest.

I have always been a big fan of Manny’s indomitable spirit. He works very hard, he’s a positive thinker and he embraces change. He’s a great role model for the youth and his religion plays a major role especially during his fights, which I can identify with.

I’m also doubly proud because Manny happens to be a proud supporter not only ofNacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar but of the entire NP slate as well. I’m proud that he’s a part of the NP family.

My warmest congratulations to Manny, coach Freddie Roach and the entire Team Pacquiao. My well wishes also go to Manny’s wife Jinkee and their children.”

Following Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus’ appeal to politicians not to use graduation ceremonies as venues for their campaign, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) president and now Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano has expressed his disgust over Lapus’ “inconsistent remark.”

“That’s rich coming from Sec. Lapus who has his face in posters for DepEd in schools all over the Philippines,” Tamano blasted, adding that the DepEd has long “politicized” schools.

“Sec. Lapus must check first if his own department has kept schools free from politics long before the campaign period. Exactly how many large billboards do we see with his and his president’s face on them? You tell me,” the young lawyer mocked.

Tamano, who is running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party, is also known as the first ever Filipino commencement speaker in Harvard Law School and the first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of the same Ivy League school.

“As someone who has spoken in numerous graduation ceremonies, definitely the focus should be on the students, to inspire them to face their new life as graduates. I do agree with Sec. Lapus that to overtly campaign would be in poor taste and unjust to the students. However, political leaders may provide inspiration and guidance to the young by being graduation speakers as long as their message is one of genuine inspiration and not the usual partisan politics. It’s really a matter of discretion and delicadeza,” Tamano stressed.

The senatorial bet also said that he was hoping the administration bets will heed Lapus’ call.

“It would be an insult if the administration bets themselves will be the first to ignore their Education secretary’s plea. Anyway, the Filipino youth are wise and they won’t vote for trapos [traditional politicians] anyway no matter how much they try to sell themselves in graduation ceremonies,” Tamano said.

Muslim senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano today urged for more pro-women laws and more opportunities for women to work and serve in the government, saying that empowered women help form better societies and that the same are part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Nacionalista Party senatorial bet and spokesperson made this statement today, March 8, 2010, during the International Women’s Day celebration. Tamano attended the “Babae, Tagumpay Ka Ng Bayan!” rally at Mendiola, which was spearheaded by Gabriela.

“We should have more pro-women laws such as those that affect maternal health, gender equality, reproductive health rights, women trafficking and violence against women. Let us remember that these very issues are part of the MDGs, which we as a country have agreed to achieve by 2015,” Tamano stressed.

The MDGs are international development goals signed by and agreed upon by 192 United Nations-member states and at least 23 international organizations to be achieved by the year 2015. The eight goals are 1) eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, 2) achieve universal primary education, 3) promote gender equality and empowering women, 4) reduce child mortality, 5) improve maternal health, 6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, 7) ensure environmental sustainability and 8) develop a Global Partnership for Development.

“Unfortunately for our country, despite the fact that we have a female president, we still see numerous problems affecting women. Just take the case of the reported rampant trafficking of Filipinas to Malaysia. The government must put an immediate stop to that. Hopefully, if I get elected to the Senate, pro-women laws will definitely be on my priority list,” Tamano said.

Tamano, the son of the late Senator Mamintal Tamano and the first ever Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, also shared that the Islamic world has historically, contrary to the common view, progressive views on women empowerment.

“In fact, many aspects of Islam regarding the rights of women in marriage and their right to property, among others, were deemed revolutionary,” he explained.

The young lawyer also urged for more opportunities for women to serve in the government. Tamano said that of the 17,385 elected public officials from the national down to the local levels, only 3,106 are women. In the Senate, only 4 legislators are women while only 51 out of the 240 congressional seats are occupied by women.

“Women can be great leaders. They’re resourceful, courageous, hardworking and very loving towards their families. With these traits, women leaders can definitely pave the way for women’s advancement and empowerment,” Tamano said.

Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate and spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano received warm response from Ang Ladlad Saturday when he said that he will be the partylist group’s “voice in the Senate.”

Tamano made this statement before officers and members of Ang Ladlad, the national organization of Filipino lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs), during the group’s national convention Saturday.

Tamano was one of only three senatorial candidates invited to grace the event.

“Being a Muslim, I, too, am a part of a minority group that is stereotyped and discriminated against like LGBTs in the Philippines. I know what you’re going through and I know how frustrating it is not to be heard,” Tamano said.

“It takes someone who has experienced discrimination to be able to represent marginalized sectors like LGBTs. I could be your voice in the Senate,” Tamano offered.

The Ang Ladlad group warmly welcomed Tamano’s offer.

Tamano, a constitutional law professor, is a supporter of Ang Ladlad and its advocacies to promote equality, regardless of sexual preference.

Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate and spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano has vowed to take the necessary legal action if restrictions against detained colonel and fellow NP senatorial bet Ariel Querubin continue. Tamano made this clear today when he visited Querubin this morning at his detention area at Camp Aguinaldo. Tamano was with NP standard bearer Manny Villar, vice presidential candidate Loren Legarda and fellow senatorial bets Lisa Maza, Bongbong Marcos, Susan Ople and Gwen Pimentel. Querubin is currently in jail and faces mutiny charges. The charges are connected to the 2006 standoff in the Philippine Marines Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. Speaking as a spokesman for legal matters for Col. Querubin, Tamano, a constitutional law professor, said to reporters at the site, ""If Col. Querubin is not allowed media access or the right to campaign in the next couple of weeks, Gwen Pimentel and I have volunteered to take the necessary legal action to protect the rights of Col. Querubin." “We demand that Col. Querubin be immediately allowed to campaign for two reasons - Number one, as matter of fair play and equal treatment because the Liberal Party candidate who is similarly situated has been allowed by authorities to have interviews and even go to social activities like school homecomings where he can campaign. As you reporters see right now, our candidate is not even allowed by the higher ups in the military to talk to you so I am forced to be the one to answer your questions. It is most unfair to Col. Querubin and this is not how we should treat our heroes in the military.” “Number two, Article III of the Constitution on the provisions on bail are very clear: all persons have a right to bail except those whose crimes are punishable by Reclusion Perpetua and the evidence of guilt is strong. The underlying rationale for the limitation of the right to bail is the risk of flight or escape of the accused. But Col. Querubin is not a flight risk. In fact, he wants to do the opposite of running away and hiding, he wants to become known to the Filipino people so he can get their support for the upcoming elections. Note that the 1987 Constitution grants bail to all persons and no exception is made because of membership in the military,” Tamano added. The senatorial candidate then reiterated that “it is well within Col. Querubin’s rights to campaign. It’s his constitutional and democratic right to campaign. Let’s not undermine the rights of the Filipino voters to choose the best candidates.” Tamano is the first ever Filipino Muslim to graduate from Harvard Law School. He’s also the former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. His senatorial campaign highlights education, youth and good governance.

Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate and spokesperson Atty. Adel Tamano has thanked the Magdalo group for their endorsement. In a statement released yesterday, the Magdalo group threw their all-out support for Tamano’s senatorial bid. “The Magdalo and I share the same advocacies on poverty eradication, the Mindanao peace process and reform as well as the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These are crucial issues that we need to address and I’m glad that we share the same vision,” Tamano said. The Magdalo group also endorsed the candidacy of NP standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. In the Magdalo statement, the group said that they chose Villar for his “competence, character and vision.” “I would like to think that they chose me because of those criteria as well,” Tamano said. The Magdalo group is a self-styled band of junior military officers and enlisted personnel known for the Oakwood mutiny and the Manila Peninsula siege. They have roughly 55,000 members nationwide. Meanwhile, Tamano is the first ever Filipino Muslim scholar graduate of Harvard Law School. A former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila wherein under his leadership gave away 10,000 scholarships to poor but deserving students, Tamano is also a constitutional law professor and an advocate of youth programs.

It was another explosive Forbidden Questions today on Good Times with Mo! Senatorial candidate and political advisor of the show, Adel Tamano, walked in the studio and we grilled him good. One thing we all have grown to love about Adel is that he is the most honest opinionated political figure that graces our program. Adel tells it how it is, so when we asked him about his personal life, sex life, and thoughts about politicians--he brought out the thunder. Here is the recording of the entire FQ segment, I have yet to write the transcript but if anyone is willing to do it for me and email it to goodtimeswithmo@yahoo.com, I'd appreciate it.

Adel is passionate about education. If elected, he said he would dedicate his work to make sure that all Filipinos receive a quality education and more specifically, a FREE college education for the poor. He has a stellar resume and as young leader, would be a solid addition for a new Philippine Senate. Click here to visit his website. Follow Adel on Twitter by adding him here.

Listen to today's Forbidden Questions with Adel (below)

Source: http://www.motwister.com/blog/2010/2/23/forbidden-questions-with-adel-tamano.html

“Good to know that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has come to their senses.”

This was Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate and spokesperson Atty. Adel Tamano’s statement with regard to the latest move of the COMELEC to enlist the help of celebrities for its voter education campaign.

Earlier this month, the COMELEC hinted that celebrities endorsing political candidates should either go on leave or resign. Tamano lambasted the COMELEC’s move saying that celebrities are covered by the same rights to express their opinions and support candidates that they like.

“I’m glad that instead of irking the entertainment world, the COMELEC now has plans of forging an alliance. The COMELEC should remember that celebrity endorsers serve an important purpose for lesser known candidates like myself by acting as the bridge to introduce a worthy but less known candidate. Similarly, our celebrity friends can also act as the bridge to promote voters’ education,” Tamano said.

Tamano cited celebrities like Ogie Alcasid and Robin Padilla who can really help spread information on the processes involved in the automated balloting.

“Ogie and Robin have undeniable star power and they can use that power to help educate the Filipino voters,” Tamano underscored.

Tamano garnered the endorsements of Alcasid and Padilla.

In his TVC endorsement, Alcasid said that he’s confident with Tamano’s qualifications as a lawyer, Harvard graduate, university president and Muslim-Mindanaoan. The popular Filipino actor-singer emphasized that he trusts Tamano and that he believes Tamano can bring brain power to the Senate.

Padilla, on the other hand, has expressed his strong support for Tamano. Padilla said that it’s high time that someone from Muslim Mindanao should be back in the Senate. Tamano is the first ever Filipino Muslim to graduate from Harvard Law School.

Atty. Adel Tamano emphasizes need to combat HIV/AIDS, urges government to make condoms readily available

“Combating HIV/AIDS is one of the MDGs. RP will be the laughing stock if we fail by 2015”

Following reports from the Department of Health (DOH) indicating a sharp increase in the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in the country especially in the 25-34 age group, senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano has urged the Philippine government to make condoms readily available especially to the poor.

“Distributing condoms is all about health services, responsibility and protection. We don’t want to become like African countries with epidemics,” the Nacionalista Party senatorial bet and spokesperson emphasized.

“Let’s not forget that combating HIV/AIDS is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that we need to achieve by 2015. This is not a mere secondary task of the Philippine government. It is a primary task, it is something that the government promised the rest of the world to do,” Tamano explained.

“While it’s true that our country is facing so many challenges, we should remain steadfast in achieving the MDGs. We owe it to our fellow Filipinos. The Philippines will be the laughing stock if we fail by 2015,” Tamano added.

The MDGs are international development goals signed by and agreed upon by 192 United Nations-member states and at least 23 international organizations to be achieved by the year 2015. The eight goals are 1) eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, 2) achieve universal primary education, 3) promote gender equality and empowering women, 4) reduce child mortality, 5) improve maternal health, 6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, 7) ensure environmental sustainability and 8) develop a Global Partnership for Development.

Meanwhile, the constitutional law professor and former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila also lauded the Department of Labor and Employment’s plan to intensify its advocacy against HIV/AIDS.

Senatorial candidate Atty. Adel Tamano has criticized the army in relation to the controversial arrest of 43 health workers on February 6, 2010 from a health training seminar in Morong, Rizal, branding the army’s statements as “plainly stupid.”

“The military spokesman’s statement on a TV interview that the health workers were helping communist rebels or are rebels as well is not only plainly stupid but also misunderstands the work of health workers,” Tamano emphasized.

Tamano’s reaction comes after the non-appearance of the group now dubbed as the “Morong 43.” Despite the Supreme Court’s order on Thursday ordering the military and police to present to the Court of Appeals the “Morong 43,” not one detainee showed up Friday. The group is currently detained at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Col. Aurelio Baladad, Commanding officer of the 202^nd Infantry Brigade, appeared before the court instead and explained that the AFP did not have enough resources to immediately transport 43 “high risk” detainees.

“That reasoning is preposterous. Are you saying that the AFP, the very same group that’s supposed to defend the country, is that incapable of tapping resources?,” Tamano slammed.

“Some of the people illegally arrested and detained by the military are Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) graduates who were merely providing health services and training to the poor. As president of PLM, we have always oriented our graduates towards public service and a preferential option for the poor. Because of this, our health workers are arrested and detained in violation of law,” Tamano said.

“There is no politics in health work – you provide health service to all in need, no matter what political orientation. Even convicted criminals get health services. The health workers should be released immediately,” Tamano added.

“Why wait for 5 more years when it should have been done decades ago”.

This was the statement of Atty. Adel Tamano, senatorial candidate of the Nacionalista Party, questioning the sincerity of Senator Benigno Cojuangco Aquino III when the latter promised to redistribute Hacienda Luisita in 5 years at a press conference held in Aquino’s ancestral home in Concepcion, Tarlac.

Tamano said that the redistribution of Hacienda Lusita is long overdue. He was referring to the 6,419-hectare sugar estate operated by the influential Cojuangco clan located in Tarlac. Tamano said that Hacienda Luisita was subjected to land reform in 1980 for distribution to the farmers. Instead of complying with a court order transferring control of Hacienda Luisita to the then Ministry of Agrarian Reform, the Cojuangcos elevated the matter to the Court of Appeals. The case against the Cojuangcos was dismissed in 1988. In 1989, under the administration of President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the Cojuangco clan took advantage of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) scheme provided under the Aquino administration’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Under the SDO scheme, landlords were allowed to run landholdings like a corporation wherein the farmer-beneficiaries are given stocks in exchange for land.

After 16 years of SDO, the farm workers beneficiaries have become more impoverished. They complained of unfair labor practices and illegal dismissals and retrenchment. They claimed that their take-home pay went down to as low as P18 for seasonal workers and P9 for casuals per week. The deadlock between the farm workers and the Cojuangco family led to a strike by 5,000 farm workers and 700 mill workers. Seven striking farm workers were killed and more than a hundred workers were wounded when police and military dispersed the picketline at the hacienda’s gate on November 16, 2004. This is what is now more popularly known as the “Hacienda Luisita Massacre.” Seven other farmer leaders and their supporters have been killed since the strike.

Compounding the woes of the poor farmers, Tamano said that in August 15, 1995, the Cojuangcos applied for conversion a 500 hectares land of the hacienda. The 500 hectares were sold for over 2 billion pesos but the farm workers were only given 37.5 million pesos. In 2006, portions of the hacienda were converted to make way for infrastructure projects like the SCTEX where the Conjuangcos reportedly earned a huge sum due to overpricing.

Tamano said that up to this time Senator Aquino has not been able to fully explain why the distribution of the hacienda could not be implemented. As to the claim of Aquino that the hacienda is heavily indebted hence the family does not want to burden the farmer-beneficiaries with the alleged debt, Tamano said that it is unfair to make the farmer-beneficiaries to suffer from the Cojuangcos’ own wrongdoings. Tamano noted that on December 23, 2005, the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) issued Resolution No. 2005‐32‐01 which recalled/revoked the SDO plan and placed hacienda Luisita under the compulsory coverage scheme of the CARP. Instead of complying with the order, the Cojuangcos were able to secure a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Supreme Court which enjoins PARC and DAR to implement/execute the resolution revoking the SDO. In the meantime, the farmers continue to suffer.

Tamano says accusations are baseless and insulting

Nacionalista Party senatorial bet and spokesperson Atty. Adel Tamano defended Comedy King Dolphy’s move to endorse NP standard bearer Manny Villar. This, after text messages accusing the popular actor of accepting a P30 Million bribe from Villar’s camp started to circulate yesterday.

“That accusation is baseless and a big insult to Dolphy,” Tamano underscored.

“Let us not forget that the Comedy King is an institution, a legend, a man of conviction. He won’t put his name on the line if he doesn’t believe in the person. He believes and trusts Sen. Manny Villar,” Tamano added.

The text message also accused Dolphy of “hanging on to Satan” and even hit the actor for having “20 children” who are all “drug addicts” and “gay.”

“Criticisms like these really come out during the campaign period. It only goes to show how desperate Sen. Manny Villar’s detractors are and the great lengths that they are willing to take just to destroy a person’s name and reputation. It’s sad, really. Why can’t we just consider track record?,” Tamano said.

The senatorial candidate and former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila also stressed that this is the first time ever that the Comedy King has publicly endorsed a political candidate.

“Sen. Manny Villar and Dolphy both come from the same district in Tondo. They were both poor but because of sheer hard work and patience, they both succeeded in their chosen careers. That’s what people should remember,” Tamano said.

Popular Filipino singer, actor, entrepreneur and comedian Ogie Alcasid endorses Adel Tamano for Senator this May 2010 elections. Ogie Alcasid underscores Atty. Adel Tamano's qualifications as brilliant lawyer, University President of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, promising statesman who can add brain power to the Philippine Senate. Siya ang boses ng kabataan ngayong eleksyon 2010.

Cebu City residents warmly welcomed lawyer and Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate Adel Tamano yesterday during the world famous Sinulog Festival 2010, a yearly celebration in honor of Cebu’s patron saint Santo Nino. Thousands shook hands and requested for photo ops with the NP spokesperson and former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president. Festival organizers estimated this year’s Sinulog crowd to be 8 million.

Lawyer and senatorial candidate Adel Tamano blasted MARINA for the recent sea tragedies which resulted in deaths of no less than 20 people. More than 50 are also still missing.

"While it's true that shipowners must be made responsible for negligence, authorities must also be held liable. Administrative cases must be filed against officials who do not implement the laws effectively," the young lawyer said.

"We never seem to learn about these tragedies. It has become such a common occurrence that the public is no longer shocked," Tamano said.

M/V Baleno 9 sank a little past 10pm December 26, 2009 on its way to Batangas City from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. M/V Catalyn B, on the other hand, sank 3 nautical miles from Limbones Island Christmas Eve.

"It seems that MARINA is inefficient in checking the vessels' seaworthiness. Does MARINA also have a way of checking these maritime companies? Why are substandard vessels allowed to sail?," Tamano asked.

"There have been a lot of maritime mishaps already. How many must perish before we resolve all these tragedies?," Tamano emphasized.

"Our country is an archipelago so the government has an important duty to insure that maritime travel is safe," he added.

Tamano also reiterated the need to file administrative cases against authorities who need to "answer to the people."

"The public must know that the government does not tolerate ineffective officials. If they can't do their jobs well, then relieve them from their posts and file appropriate administrative cases," he stressed.

Following Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari's endorsement, popular Filipino actor Robin Padilla has also expressed his support for fellow Muslim Atty. Adel Tamano.

Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School and President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, is a senatorial candidate under the Nacionalista Party.

In a handwritten personal note to Tamano dated December 9, 2009, Padilla wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesperson well in his political journey.

"May Allah guide you and give you success," the note read.

Tamano, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Padilla's show of support.

"I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence," Tamano said.

"Rest assured that I will continue to protect not only the rights of our fellow Muslims but of all Filipinos. Hopefully, if I get the privilege to serve in the Senate, I will help foster peace and acceptance," Tamano underscored.

Recently, Misuari virtually endorsed Tamano before hundreds of MNLF commanders and leaders when he invited the latter to be the guest of honor during the 5th Bangsamoro National Assembly. Tamano was the only national politician allowed to attend the event.