Villar courts Gringo-led Guardians

For being the only one who expressed 'interest' in the Guardians, Senator Manuel Villar Jr. on Saturday got the formal support of an organization of active and retired military and police officials and civilians. Senator Gregorio Honasan II, chairman and grand supremo of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc (PGBI), said they would not forget the attention given to them by Villar and his ticket. "Bukas sa lahat ng kababayan natin ang pinto ng Guardians pero napansin namin na kayo lang ang nagbigay ng panahon sa aming mga guardians at sinisigurado ko sa inyo na hindi namin kayo makakalimutan," Honasan said during the national convention of PGBI held at Tarlac State University. The PGBI claims a total national base of 2.2 million members. Aside from Villar, among those present during the national convention to "explain their programs" were Senator Pilar Juliana Cayetano, Gilbert Remulla, Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, Martin Querubin on behalf of his father detained Col. Ariel Querubin—all senatorial candidates of Villar's Nacionalista Party. Also present were former Senator Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III and Rep Rodolfo Plaza, both senatorial candidates of Nationalist People's Coalition. In a separate interview with reporters, Honasan said that the national convention was a PGBI affair where the candidates were given a chance to lay down their programs. "I welcome everybody but the candidates here are the only ones who have expressed interest in meeting the Guardians. How can I prevent them? Whatever the interpretation is, I take full responsibility for any color," he said. Asked if they will support Villar in the May elections, a number of PGBI members approached by GMANews.TV said they will. "Ang sinasabi ng kapatiran ay ito ang suportahan at yun ang ibibigay namin," Rey Dawal, a government employee, told GMANews.TV. However, he said their members are still free to choose their own candidates. "Ako personally, oo, susuportahan ko (si Villar), sa chapter ko sa Cavite, oo, susuportahan namin pero sa ibang chapter hindi ko alam," Dawal said. Villar pointed out in his speech that a candidate's managerial ability is important. "How can you lead this nation? You must have shown leadership in the past. Kawawa ang bayan wala ka pa lamang karanasan na manguna o mamuno ng isang organisasyon," the senator said. Plaza, who is a member of PGBI, refused to say if he will support Villar.–JV/GMANews.TV