1. GRINGO HONASAN
First on my list is the 65-year-old legislator Gregorio Ballesteros Honasan II or most commonly known as Gringo Honasan. Born in Baguio City, he went on to become a distinguished soldier who played a major role People Power Revolution against Ferdinand Marcos and several coup attempts against Corazon Aquino. The Philippines needs someone like him- brave, intelligent, dedicated, and not a brainless puppet.
2. LOREN LAGARDA
She became the only female Filipino senator to top two elections, which were in 1998 and in 2007 and that did not happen for no reason. Lorna Regina Bautista Legarda or most
3. RISA HONTIVEROS
Considering the number of senatoriables whose family names are a household name in the Philippines, Ana Theresia Navarro Hontiveros aka Risa Hontiveros is an underdog in this Senate race. Born in Manila, Hontiveros dedicated most of her adult years as an NGO worker and a media and peace researcher. With concrete goals in mind, this 47-year-old widow deserves a spot in the Senate.
4. ED HAGEDORN
Another newbie in the Senate and has no family name of a Filipino political dynasty is Edward Solon Hagedorn or simply Ed Hagedorn. With clear and concrete plans for the Filipinos, this very promising 47-year-old public servant is a shoo-in in this Senate race.
5. ANTONIO TRILLANES
He can be considered as the young Gringo Honasan for several reasons. Like Honasan, Antonio Fuentes Trillanes IV or Antonio Trillanes has lead the Magdalo movement against Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was imprisoned for doing so, but was eventually granted amnesty. This 41-year-old soldier-turned-politician is a very promising senator.
6. DICK GORDON
Richard Juico Gordon or Dick Gordon is one of the senatoriables with the clearest and most doable plans for the Philippines. Having chaired the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and the Philippine Red Cross, this 67-year-old lawyer has proven that he can do the job as a senator satisfactorily.
7. CHIZ ESCUDERO
Although controversial for his
8. SONNY ANGARA
Yes, he is the son of the former senator Edgardo Angara but he should not be mistaken as one of those running for the Senate taking advantage of their political dynasty lineage. Sonny Angara or Juan Edgardo Manalang Angara is an experienced 40-year-old lawyer, educator, and public servant, and thus, deserves a seat in the Senate.
9. TEDDY CASINO
Teodoro Acevedo Casiño or Teddy Casiño is one of the underdogs in the senate race. Born in Davao, he went on to become a student activist, a journalist, and eventually a representative for Bayan Muna party list. Yes, this 44-year-old public servant should become a senator.
10. ALAN PETER CAYETANO
As the son of the late former Senator Rene Cayetano, Alan Peter Schramm Cayetano or simply Alan Cayetano is one of those abhorred by the anti-political dynasties in the Philippines. This 42-year-old lawyer and public servant, however, proved that he can effectively work in the senate without dragging his family name. Yes, he should one of our senators again.
11. MIGZ ZUBIRI
Whether he voluntarily resigned or was forced to resign as a senator in 2011, Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri or Migz Zubiri deserves a second chance. This 44-year-old businessman and public servant should be given the opportunity to prove his worth in the Senate.
12. KOKO PIMENTEL
Completing the list is Aquilino Martin De La Llana Pimentel III or Koko Pimentel. He is also a son of a former senator; however, he has proven his ability as an effective educator, lawyer, and senator. Thus, this 49-year-old divorcee should be re-elected as a senator.