VP bet says he can stop war in Mindanao

For vice presidential aspirant Alicman Ali, being called a “nuisance candidate" is something to be thankful for. “Maraming salamat naman (Thank you very much)," was what Ali, 40, said he would tell the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should it declare him as a nuisance candidate.

But after hearing what the term “nuisance candidate" means, Ali backpedaled: “Hindi naman ako nanggugulo (I'm not here to cause trouble)." Being a Maranao, Ali said he has a competitive advantage to stop the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao. He also said his platforms are mostly pro-poor. Ali on Sunday became the first vice presidential aspirant to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) ever since the period of filing started last Friday, November 20. Since Friday, 14 aspiring presidents, one aspiring vice president, and three aspiring senators have filed their COCs. The filing will end at 12 midnight on December 1. According to Comelec Resolution No. 8678, a nuisance candidate is one who “put(s) the election process in mockery or disrepute," “cause(s) confusion among the voters by the similarity of names of registered candidates," or one who “has no bona fide intention to run for the office." The Comelec said it will be able to weed out the nuisance candidates by the end of December. Ali, who claimed to have come from a long line of politicians in Lanao Del Sur, said a “spirit" would ensure his victory in the 2010 vice presidential race. “Kilala ako sa ibang bansa (I am famous in other countries)," he said, adding that he is set to meet with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkia on Monday to talk about the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. He said running for vice president is his stepping stone toward Malacañang. “ Para naman magsimula sa baba para malaman ko lahat (So that I will start below and learn everything from there)." - GMANews.TV