In no particular order.

1. Ruffy Biazon - 3 termed congressman, passed numerous laws most notably the magna carta for homeowners, and the internal displacement act. Unlike his father he not really that associated with the military. I'd like to see what he can do.


2. Pia Cayetano - Too many cayetano's in the Senate? I don't seem to mind. Just watching her in the debates makes her a promising future veep contender. Notable laws passed by her is the Cheaper Medicines act (one amendment she is credited for is removal of VAT for senior citizens). She is also credited for Renewable Energy Act of 2008. You better watch this lady.

3. Joey De Venecia - The only candidate so far that has a focus on Information Technology so far. I usually vote not because your somebody's son. In this case, If I was that kind of voter he will be at a very big disadvantage. Fortunately for him I listen on the issues. +1 on no new taxes, +1 again on Universal health care position.

4. Miriam Defensor-Santiago - I have a love/hate relationship with this lady in terms of her politics and choice of political allies. But the senate will be absolutely dull without her. Interestingly, despite of this idiosyncrasy, the Senator from Iloilo managed to file 1/5 of the total bills passed by the 13th congress. Making her among the top hardworking senators in this batch. She is known to be a top brass fiscalizer and has uncovered a lot of anomalies in government such as the Road Users Tax scandal. I support Senate Bill No. 1757, or the Clear Sidewalks Act of 2009 which she co-authored with Sen. Aquino. +1 again for devoting her entire pork barrel to institutions such as the PGH, rather than re-allocate the fund back to the president. Other notable laws passed by Santiago will be the Seatbelt, Anti-Rape law of 1997. She also sponsored the anti-billboard law but was killed in the House of Representatives due to intense lobbying by private companies benefiting from billboard ads.

5. TG Guingona - I also believe that national budget should be posted online and also audited with the most strict standards. So this vote is precisely because of that stance. Will he deliver? Hope so.

6. Risa Hontiveros - few knows this but she is one of the main authors of the increased tax exemption for individual earners. Unfortunately the 150,000 exemption originally written was watered down as the bill passed the committee of ways and means the exemption has been limited to 50,000 per household with 4 children. She plans to push for the original bill once given a senate seat. Risa is also noted for her anti-administration positions.

7. Liza Maza - There isn't lacking in women in the Senate. What is lacking though is a counter to Miriam's humongous megaphone of a mouth. Liza Maza is a potential balance to the often Pro-Admin stance of the Ilongga senator. I'd love to see them clash! Liza is notable for her speeches are purely spoken in the most traditional activist way -- malalim na tagalog. I doubt Miriam would ever understand her though.

8. Sonia Roco - I'd like an educator in the Senate. One who will ensure our education system gets updated. I'm unsure how she will do this, I honestly think the deceased Roco was a total waste of talent. But she seems to be a departure from the traditional politicians so I'm willing to give her a vote.

9. Adel Tamano - Mindanao now has a very interesting, young and potentially electrifying candidate in their hands. It will be nice if he mediate in the peace process by quitting his day job as Belo's consort.

10. Gilbert Remulla - it will be interesting if he wins. Chiz will surely have someone put him in his place. The young Remulla is one feisty mean propagandist. He will have a bright future ahead of him as long as he distances himself from his own clan and also try to avoid the Ampatuans.

11. Johnny Enrile - Manong Johnny is an old geezer who knows how to please the public with populist laws and measures. He did not survive 44 years in RP politics for nothing. This man is a trooper and as a retirement gift I'd give him just 1 more shot at it. Manong, gusto ko rin happy ka.

12. Bong-Bong Marcos - This is definitely a gamble. However, I truly don't believe in the saying, "kung ano ang puno ay sya ring bunga". If an Aquino will be a sitting President, I'd like at least one Marcos in the senate ready to give privileged speeches just to balance things a bit. I saw what he did in Ilocos and personally I think he will be more useful in the executive position rather than one of the 24 senators. If he loses this election, will Aquino make an unprecedented move to appoint him as a Cabinet secretary (Marcos in DOE?) will he accept it? Why not. Could be improbable out of delicadeza but then again in Philippine politics alliances change as often they change bed sheets.

All in all 7 men and 5 women. I only voted for 3 re-electionists.