Prepare to be entertained! In a few months, the 'circus' is coming to town. I'm not talking about the kind of circus which involve trapeze artists, acrobats and jugglers, but the kind which has traditionally been known to involve guns, goons and gold. Our national and local elections are just around the corner and we hope that this time voters will know better than to sell their votes or be swayed by mere popularity.

Last Thursday, I joined a forum for leaders of the NGO's, LGU's , the Press and the PNP. This was the 'HOPE' forum, wherein participants plotted ways whereby they could help ensure that the coming elections would be ' Honest, Orderly and Peaceful '. Our keynote speaker was Governor Orros, who is now on his last term and is not running for any position this coming May. He said that he was going around telling people not to vote for him since the vote would be wasted. His campaign now is to urge voters to value their votes and not to give them away lightly. Of course, the governor was not suggesting that they sell their votes to the highest bidder, but that they scrutinize well the credentials and character of the people they would choose to lead them. That is the best way to ensure that there will no longer be any need for an EDSA III. We were lucky twice before. The next time, there might be shedding of blood.

Greetings, to our Guest of Honor and Speaker, Atty. Alipio Castillo III. Appropriately, he is the Regional COMELEC attorney and could update us on electoral reforms and other issues about our coming 'democratic exercise'.

Lastly, we request the members of our Club, to support the real 'Circus Show' that we are organizing primarily for the less-privileged members of our community. Details will be given during my President's time.

Position : Regional Election Attorney

Office : Commission on Elections, Region 1
San Fernando City, La Union

Birthdate : 25 January 1973

Civil Status : Married

Address : Cabugao, Ilocos Sur and Baguio City

Education :

Elementary : St. Paul College, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

High School : St. Louis University, Baguio City

College : AB Economics, St. Louis University
Baguio City

Offices Held :
Project Development Officer - North Quad Growth
Commission, San Fernando City, La Union 1998
Associate Lawyer - Law Firm of Zulueta, Puno & Associates
Makati City, 1998-2001