Tamano Visits RP’s Oldest Mosque as Part of Final Campaign Stop

Atty. Adel Tamano, Nacionalista Party spokesman and senatorial bet, devoted one of the final days of the campaign in visiting the Sheik Karimal Makdum Mosque at Tubig Indangan, Simunul Island in Jolo. Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim to graduate as a law scholar in Harvard, prayed at the sacred grounds of the oldest Mosque in the Philippines along with his campaign staff and relatives to seek guidance and strengthen his faith. He also prayed for unity and peaceful elections.

Tamano shared that the practice of his religion helps him purify his mind and toughen his spirit. It is that part of his lifestyle which keeps him maintain the principled track which he vowed to follow.

It may be recalled that Tamano made a firm stand against black propaganda and mud slinging. He may even got himself in trouble with some of his partymates when he openly chastised NP supporters for engaging in dirty tricks. Tamano went against former NAPOCOR President and NP supporter Guido Delgado for revealing fake psychological documents on LP standard bearer Benigno Simeon Aquino. He also made his position clear that he cannot condone fellow NP spokeman Gilbert Remulla’s visit to the Ampatuans.

Although still trailing in the surveys Tamano has gained some ground and was even endorsed by several groups. He is banking on the support of his fellow Moslem in the polls. It has been almost two decades since the last Muslim representation in the senate.

In reaction to the Iglesia ni Cristo’s announcement of support to national and local candidates, Tamano said in a statement that he “respect[s] the INC’s right to endorse candidates …[as] part of both the constitutionally enshrined freedom of religion and the freedom of association … whatever our religion, let’s pray for a peaceful and honest election.”

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Office of Atty. Adel Tamano
Unit 2108, Antel Global Corporate Center,
Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telefax (02) 710 5465
Email address: mediabureau@adeltamano.ph
Official site: www.adeltamano.ph
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Tamano Petitions the AFP for the Temporary Release of Querubin to
Attend the Nacionalista’s “Miting de Avance”

Nacionalista Party senatorial candidate and spokesman Atty. Adel A. Tamano petitioned the Armed Forces of the Philippines to temporarily release Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin on recognizance or under his custody to allow his fellow senatorial bet to attend the Nacionalista Party’s miting de avance to be held on May 7, 2010 at Marikina City, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00pm and on May 8, 2010 at Quezon City also from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00pm.

In his letter to AFP Chief of Staff General Delfin Bangit, Tamano argued that “[the] restrictions [applied] upon Col. Querubin are a violation of his constitutional right to assembly and free speech, rights that are granted to all Filipinos including those in the military. Campaigning and … access to media interviews are aspects of the right to free speech and assembly that the government – and the military – must respect and uphold.”

Tamano and Querubin (through his son Martin Loon) are two of the most vocal NP candidates opposing any and all kind of “black propaganda” and mudslinging. Tamano appeared in several media forums to denounce even the “black ops” attributed to the supporters of his party. There are talks going around that he may ultimately resign, on account of principles, either as spokeman or member of the Nacionalista Party.

Bangit has not replied to Tamano’s request. Tamano avers that Querubin’s attendance in the rallies may just win the Colonel a place in the senate. The latest Pulse Asia pre-election survey puts Querubin within striking distance at 12th to 22nd place. Tamano on the other hand made it to the top twelve in several mock polls including that of the Senate staff where he placed 7th.

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For media inquiries, please contact (+63) 919 339 3084

Office of Atty. Adel Tamano
Unit 2108, Antel Global Corporate Center,
Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telefax (02) 710 5465
Email address: mediabureau@adeltamano.ph
Official site: www.adeltamano.ph
Follow him on Twitter – http://twitter.com/adeltamano
Follow him on Plurk – http://www.plurk.com/attyadeltamano

A total of 591 senate staff members participated in an internal mock polls this week to determine the top 12 preferred senatorial candidates for the May 10 elections.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino topped the mock elections. He was closely followed by former senator Sergio Osmena and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. In the top 12 with Enrile, Osmena and Estrada are Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Ralph Recto, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Adel Tamano, Gwen Pimentel, Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Franklin Drilon, Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon, and Francisco “Kit” Tatad. It is notable that five of those who made it it to the list are “first time” senators, the rest are either reelectionists or returning senators. It is the first time for Tamano and Pimentel to seek elective posts.

Tamano was elated by his inclusion in the top twelve. He welcomed the openness of the senate staff to new blood and fresh perspective in the task of law making. “I hold the results in high regard. These are the people who work very closely with the senators and they know exactly what kind of candidate will make a good senator. I thank them for showing this confidence to us young politicians,” Tamano said.

A group composed of Susan Ople, Pia Cayetano, Danny Lim, Ariel Querubin, Gilbert Remulla, TG Guingona, Bong Revilla and Liza Masa completes the top twenty.

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For media inquiries, please contact (+63) 919 339 3084

Office of Atty. Adel Tamano
Unit 2108, Antel Global Corporate Center, Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telefax (02) 636 7608
Email address: mediabureau@adeltamano.ph
Official site: www.adeltamano.ph
Follow him on Twitter – http://twitter.com/adeltamano
Follow him on Plurk – http://www.plurk.com/attyadeltamano

Tamano contends that the controversial resolution of acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra acquitting Zaldy and Akmad from the Maguindanao Massacre murder case is but a tip of the Arroyo scheme of reward, non-punishment and cover-up of her friends’ wrongdoings and the participation of her officials in the most brutal crime in Philippine history.  Tamano explained that the establishment of martial law in Maguindanao, for one, was a pretext to destroy the evidence of cheating against FPJ in the 2004 elections and against the Genuine Opposition in 2007.  It may be recalled that Tamano was the spokesman of the Genuine Opposition in the 2007 elections.

Tamano believes that Arroyo’s administration cultivated the monstrosity of the Ampatuan’s control of Maguindanao to ensure that they control the elections in the area either through coercion and intimidation.   Tamano does not discount the involvement of Arroyo’s defense and security officials as evidenced by the cache of ammunitions and firearms that came from the armed forces and police arsenals and was found in the possession and in the properties of the Ampatuans.  Without naming anybody, Tamano suggested that these officials may even be running for office in the May 10 elections.

Tamano on the other hand praised the stand of state prosecutors against the Justice Secretary’s resolution to acquit the Ampatuans.  “It gives us hope that the justice system can still be reformed,” Tamano said.  In a forum organized by a local network, Tamano made it known that judicial, justice and accountability reforms are in his legislative agenda.  The law professor and Harvard scholar declared that since he is a lawyer and he understands the law he will prioritize the improvement in the system of justice and the empowerment of prosecutors and police officers through budget, training and equipment.

“Let’s pray that the system of justice for the poor in this country will be the same as the system of justice for the rich and powerful.  For now, those in power get away with murder while the poor languish in jail even if they’re found not guilty,” Tamano stressed.

Tamano remained consistent in his position to stop all mudslinging and negative campaigning.  At one point, he held back on his rebuttal of Bello on the issue of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s accountability on various corruption scandals.  He although told reporters afterwards that he believes there is strong evidence against Arroyo and that she should be prosecuted. Tamano concurred on Bello’s position on creating an independent peace panel to settle the peace agreements in Mindanao.  Bello, on the other hand, supported Tamano’s arguments on the non-imposition of the death penalty.  Tamano definitely showed respect towards his opponent, he said, “Pinalaki akong may respeto sa iba, ayoko ng bangayan. But I clarified in my final statement na dapat habulin ang graft and corruption cases sa ilalim ni PGMA.”

Tamano was elated by the studio and television audience’s support.  He is happy that the public took heed of his calls and has finally chosen to listen to arguments and concrete plans of action in selecting their candidates.  The young candidate made a special appeal for voters to support the representation of Muslims in the senate and for them to choose candidates who understand the law and law making.

“I’m not challenging anyone to take a similar test.  I’m doing this for myself and to assure the public of my wellness and fitness to serve the country.  It is very important that we consider the mental, emotional and physical conditions of the leaders.  We will be entrusting a great amount of responsibility to them.  We thus have the right to know whether they’ll be in the right form when they take hold of the mantle of leadership.

“We as a country has matured as voters.  The survey firms are saying that a majority of the electorate are now looking at what we say as a program of governance.  We must also look at the stability of everyone who wishes to sit in one of the thousands of positions that are being contested now.

“My office is also arranging for me to undergo a drug and substance abuse examination.  I wrote PNP Chief Jesus A. Verzosa to allow me to get this test at the PNP Crime Laboratories.  I believe that the PNP is in the best position to clear us of any use of illegal substances.  I hope that Director Verzosa will make this service available to any candidate who wish to get a clearance on drug use.

“Again, I don’t challenge anyone but I do hope that you look at this as a positive example which if followed will contribute to trhe credibility of our elections

In a television interview on April 12, 2010, Tamano denied that his party is behind the black propaganda that has been the topic of political bickering for the past week.  The NP spokesman stressed the importance and relevance of the mental, physical and emotional fitness of those who aspire for any position but he also agreed that the release of a fake report is way below the belt.  He made several calls for all parties to stop all “black ops” and close their “dirty tricks department.”

Tamano declined to engage LP senatorial bet Riza Hontiveros on a debate on her allegations on the wealth of NP presidential bet Manuel Villar.  Tamano explained that all the issues on Villar’s assets have already been explained.  Tamano requested Hontiveros and the program’s hosts to shift the discussion to issues and track records.  He commented that the campaign can be elevated if they start avoiding topics that lead opposing parties to attack each other.

Tamano concluded by announcing that he scheduled himself to undergo psychiatric, physical, and drug testing in the spirit of transparency and his own well-being.  If elected, Tamano will look in the inclusion of “fitness testing” as an additional electoral reform.

The young lawyer and first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School managed to garner 1,407 votes, just 4 votes shy of the 8th placer and 27 votes shy of the 7th placer.

“I am extremely grateful for the UP community’s trust and confidence,” Tamano enthused.

“I used to dwell in the halls of UP back when I was still taking up my Masters and I was fortunate enough to have been awarded the Distinguished Alumni citation by UP’s National College of Public Administration and Governance. Now, with this show of strong support from UP students and the whole UP community as a whole, I cherish my award even more and I pledge to continue to become a role model for others. Mabuhay ang UP, mabuhay ang kabataang Pilipino,” Tamano shared.

Botong Isko 2010 aims to unite students and the whole UP community for a clean, transparent and honest elections. The mock polls also aims to find out which candidates are being favored by the Iskolar ng Bayan in the upcoming elections.

The son of the late Senator Mamintal Tamano, the youngest senatorial candidate is the former president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. After his stint in UP, Tamano went on to become the first Filipino-Muslim scholar-graduate of Harvard Law School, a brilliant lawyer, a published author, a constitutional law professor and a spokesman for the Genuine Opposition.

Currently, he is gunning for a senatorial seat under the banner of the Nacionalista Party. Tamano is also the party’s spokesperson.

Among Tamano’s advocacies are youth, good governance, quality education and real, lasting peace in Mindanao.

MEDIA RELEASE 

March 22, 2010

Nacionalista Party (NP) senatorial candidate and spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano filed a motion for reconsideration today, March 22, 2010, on the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing President Gloria Arroyo to appoint the next Chief Justice despite a “midnight appointments” ban.

Tamano filed the petition Monday morning at the SC. He was joined by fellow NP senatorial bets Susan Ople, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Gwen Pimentel and Gilbert Remulla.

“Defending the Constitution is important to me. The law is clear. The incumbent President must not appoint anyone in both the executive and the judiciary. According to Article VII, Section 15 of the Constitution, there is no exception for appointments in the judiciary. Hence, the SC ruling is deeply disappointing,” Tamano stressed.

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,” he 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.

“Hopefully, the court will review our petition in about a week and may even give us the chance to orally argue our case,” Tamano said.

Tamano also questioned the seemingly “photo finish” of the ruling.

“There is no rush. Incumbent Chief Justice Reynato Puno will retire on May

17 so that gives the next President ample time to decide and choose the best candidate who can take his place. Remember, the role of a Chief Justice is no joke,” he said, adding that the role of a Chief Justice is vital especially this election year.

“The Chief Justice plays a crucial role in our society. If we just allow PGMA to appoint anyone and despite the fact that there is an ongoing ban, then this sends out a wrong signal to our fellow countrymen. Not only does it undermine judicial independence, it also destroys the image of the judiciary,” he said.

“Also, while I doubt that she has any decency left, PGMA must not do anything about the SC decision. She must just thank the high heavens that the court is on her side today. Hopefully, PGMA will leave the task of appointing the next Chief Justice to her successor. I believe and I know that she knows that this is the right thing to do,” Tamano emphasized.

Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar-graduate from Harvard Law School, is the son of the late Senator Mamintal Tamano. A constitutional law professor, Tamano was the former spokesman of the Genuine Opposition.

1. SC Motion for Reconsideration (Click to view this document)
2. SC Motion for Intervene (Click to view this doucument)