WHO DESERVES YOUR VOTE? Exclusive Interview With Bro. Eddie (Fourth of 5)

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Cosmo: What made you decide to run for the presidency?

Villanueva: I decided to run because there is a need. In the past, we tried--even supported--leaders who promised a better life for the Filipinos. But no one delivered.

There is an urgency to overhaul our corrupted politics. This can only be accomplished by a leader who is not beholden to any political parties and groups [with] vested interest. Sadly, not one presidential aspirant is independent from these influences. This is why I decided to run in 2004. Nothing has changed today. The Philippines needs a brand-new leadership--one that does not thrive under the shadow of the old faces of traditional politics.


Cosmo: Describe your leadership in three words.

Villanueva: Selfless. Transformational. Visionary.


Cosmo: What will be the pivotal role of women in nation building under your administration?

Villanueva: Inequality in the ownership of and access to economic resources, gender bias, lack of critical mass of women in decision-making positions, and limited support from government because of corrupted resources--these are some of the existing burdens that weigh heavily on women and prevent them from participating in nation building. These must be removed. Women should occupy a large space in the crafting of policies and programs that affect the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres of our national life. We have existing laws that call for women's participation (e.g. Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police Reorganization Act of 1998, Fisheries Law of 1998) but past administrations lacked the political will to comply with them. I shall make sure that this won't be the case.

My gender-responsive administration envisions a citizenry of women whose economic initiatives on grassroots level are energized by government support, and whose political participation especially in government decision-making is influential and not subject to prejudice.


Cosmo: Describe the modern Pinay. Who is she and who should she be?

Villanueva: The modern Pinay is selfless, fearless, and heroic. Evidence of this is the millions of OFW women who brave months and years of homesickness, diaspora, and foreign employment just so they can provide for the needs of their children, brothers, sisters, parents, even husbands. I think that every Pinay should have the characteristics of these OFW women. Their strength, excellence, and dignity so exemplify modern heroism that smearing their reputation in any way is for me such an unforgivable insult to every Filipino.


Cosmo: What are your thoughts on the RH bill?

Villanueva: I am open to discussion on the reproductive health bill. Women should have access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. I am for it as long as nowhere will it advocate abortion in any way, or reclassify abortion-inducing drugs on the level of common drugs or over the counter-medicine. It is also important that in passing this bill, the primordial principle of the sanctity of sex in marriage is not de-emphasized, that moral values are taught more than technology or device, and that children and youth are protected from any unnecessary and unhealthy exposure to sexual information.


Cosmo: What would you do to guys who beat up girls? Guys who cheat on girls?

Villanueva: Guys who beat up girls should be ashamed of themselves. One horrible monster is a power-tripping, ego-driven guy who knows nothing about responsible use of physical strength and respect for women. And perhaps cheating on girls is equally sinister. Emotional torture is something that's really hard to get over with. The Good Book teaches that faithfulness is key element to a successful relationship.

Guys who have low respect for women and abuse them in any manner badly need reformation and education. They must be made to suffer the consequences of their action (through legal and humane means) so they would have an unforgettable lesson in Respect and Fidelity 101.


Cosmo: Some of our readers have lost their jobs. How will they get back their jobs? Are we seeing a prosperous economy under your term?

Villanueva: They can get back their jobs under an administration that levels the playing field for all, whereby sufficiency, if not prosperity, is reachable for all and not just for a favored few. This is the goal of our economic programs. Our economic blueprint includes expansion of infrastructures to sustain still higher levels of investment—both domestic and foreign—production and productivity. We shall relocate informal settlers into self-contained communities with job opportunities, school facilities, and other amenities, and convert all these freed public lands into investible places for plants and factories, business process outsourcing outfits, industrial estates, and medical facilities.

This is aside from the overwhelming support we intend to give to small and medium enterprises.

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