Candidates' Visions

Click on any of the Candidates’ photos to watch their interview for Foreword 2022.

Ernesto Abella

Party: Independent

Latest Position: Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research, Department of Foreign Affairs (2017-2021)

Ernesto “Ernie” Corpuz Abella was the Presidential spokesperson of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2017. Soon after, he served as the Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the same administration until he filed his certificate of candidacy for the 2022 Presidential elections.

Apart from his strong association with the Duterte government, Abella has ventured into the field of business, writing, and pastorship. In particular, he served as the chief executive officer of AZ Agri-Products and chief operating officer of F&P Agri-Inputs, with both companies based in Davao City. Given his immersed background in the agriculture sector, Abella champions plans to improve the country’s food security.

He is an alumnus of Ateneo de Davao University. At 72, he hopes to become President and develop a government who “listens” to the people.

Leody De Guzman

Party: Partido Lakas ng Masa

Latest Position: Labor Leader

Leodegario “Ka Leody” Quitain de Guzman is a labor leader who is most known for his role as former president of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino. Currently, he is a chairperson within the aforementioned federation, and is also affiliated with PhilRights and Bulig Visayas, the International Council of the International Center for Labor Solidarity, and the Asia Regional Organization of Bank, Insurance and Finance Union.

Vocally pro-worker and anti-capitalist, de Guzman’s platform is involves challenging contractualization, decreeing minimum wage, and increasing the taxes for billionaires. He has been active in promoting transition to a “green economy,” encouraging the modernization of agriculture, and criticizing the key enforcers of Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war.

de Guzman firmly believes that true progress will only be achievable once the nation establishes a just and egalitarian society. If elected, he sets his sights on upholding climate justice, empowering workers, and demilitarizing the government—with the institutionalization of human rights measures at the very core of it all.

Norberto Gonzales

Party: Philippine Democratic Socialist Party

Latest Position: Secretary of National Defense (2007-2010)

Norberto Borja Gonzales was the National Defense Secretary and National Security adviser of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He is known for his experience in peace talk encounters with militant organizations such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and the National Democratic Front.

Gonzales has long advocated for the transformation of the current political structure into a parliamentary system. In fact, he has dealt with a massive contract controversy with United States-based law firm Venable LLP about Arroyo’s undisclosed plans for charter change.

With his background as the chair of the Philippine Democratic Socialist Party–a progressive party list established during the Marcos dictatorship, Gonzales emphasizes that his administration would recognize the importance and necessity of peaceful protest movements and expressions of dissent.

In the May elections, Gonzales hopes to convince the Filipino people that his background in national security and passion to help the agricultural sector would greatly benefit the country in the next six years.

Ping Lacson

Party: Independent

Latest Position: Senator since 2016

Having served in government for more than 40 years, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Morena Lacson is completing his third and final term in the upper chamber. As a veteran lawmaker, Lacson did not shy away from authoring controversial laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2020, the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, and the Reproductive Health Act of 2011.

Prior to his legislative career, Lacson was with the Metrocom Intelligence Security Group that was responsible for the attacks on activists during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s regime. After his promotion to Philippine National Police Chief, Lacson made headlines for saving numerous Kidnapping For Ransom victims.

As Lacson eyes the presidency for the second time, he hopes to restore public trust in the government through various legislative and bureaucratic reforms.

Editor’s Note: Lacson’s spokesperson and former Magdalo Representative Ace Acedillo was interviewed on behalf of Lacson.

Jose Montemayor

Party: Democratic Party of The Philippines

Latest Position: Cardiologist

Jose Montemayor Jr. is a first-time candidate for public office. Working primarily as a cardiologist for major hospitals, he claims to bring to the table medical, legal, and economical perspectives that have enriched his platform.

Montemayor has continually expressed his strong stance of being anti-death penalty, anti-same sex marriage and anti-abortion (except for medical reasons). Regarding policy changes he hopes to implement, he has mentioned the importance of restructuring the justice system, promoting a Christ-centered government, and identifying China as a security threat in lieu of West Philippine Sea ownership.

His 10-point agenda includes intentions for educational reforms, agricultural advancement, and negotiations with rebel groups. Should he be elected, Montemayor vows to address criminality and corruption by all means necessary. Additionally, he has promised support for overseas Filipino workers, press freedom for local journalists, and economic prosperity for all.

The Presidential Candidates’ Assembly

Click on the thumbnails below to view the candidate’s Foreword 2022 interview.

Ernesto Abella
Full Interview

Presidential candidate Ernesto “Ernie” Abella grabs the opportunity to further explain his vision for the Philippines’ agriculture sector, Mindanao and Visayas’ development lag, and the crucial role of citizen participation in nation-building.

Leody De Guzman
Full Interview

During a sit-down interview with The GUIDON, Presidential candidate Ka Leody de Guzman opens up about his plans for sectors other than the labor force. De Guzman details his vision for the healthcare system, natural resources protection, wealth tax, and fighting disinformation.

Noberto Gonzales
Full Interview

The GUIDON talks to Presidential Candidate Norberto Gonzales about his firm plans for charter change, economic competition among regions, government accountability, and the people’s freedom to exercise the right to free speech in his administration.

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Watch all 5 Presidential Candidate Interviews on The GUIDON’s Official YouTube channel

Ping Lacson
Full Interview

In a one-on-one interview with The GUIDON, Presidential candidate Ping Lacson’s spokesperson Francisco Ashley Acedillo expounds on what the future will look like for the homeless, open pit mining industry, LGBTQIA+ community, and dissenters in a Lacson administration.

Jose Montemayor Jr.
Full Interview

Presidential candidate Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr. talks about his plans for education, climate action, Marawi rehabilitation, and freedom of the press during a one-on-one interview with The GUIDON.

Links to an External Page