Moner: Yes, but they eventually included me after we asked for reconsideration. In the new alphabetical listing, I am number 4. The reason then why I was disqualified according to the Comelec was that I have no capability to launch a nationwide campaign to support my candidacy being an independent candidate. But it was very clear in my certificate of candidacy that I am the lone representative of the Partido Sosyalista Demokratiko ng Pilipinas. I might not be a a broadcaster or a TV host but, as I've said, my name would surely ring a bell among the people being a former member of the MILF peace panel.

AN: So how does it feel to be fielded against giants of Philippine politics?

Moner: If you're asking me if I'm intimidated, not at all. Because I think this is even a plus factor to my candidacy because wherever I go, people are saying that they are tired of old names, old faces, candidates or politicians who have been in politics for so long, that there is really a need to change the structure of our politics. And many of our countrymen feel that this is the time for people with vision, candidates with platform of government, that looks at the future and the ideals of candidates who will work for programs for peace and development especially in Mindanao. And that is exactly the central theme of my campaign.

AN: Why peace? Not economic development as most politicians woo people with?

Moner: Because without peace, there is no development whether you talk of bagong pulitika or new politics. Without peace nothing is worth talking about.

AN: You've been around Mindanao since the start of the campaign period. What is the common thing that people have told you they detest about Philippine politics?

Moner: I think the most detested thing I have hearing is this campaign of 13-0. This is not acceptable to our people in Mindanao. They interpret that as something like 13 for Luzon and the Visayas and zero for Mindanao. So it seems that the campaign of 13-0 is sort of going back at its campaigners because our people have interpreted it as absence of representation from Mindanao. If we are looking at proportional representation in the Senate, Mindanao should have at least 6 senators.With only two remaining senators in the senate now from Mindanao, there is a need to fill-in at least four seats for Mindanao. And a campaign of zero for Mindanao is something that is not acceptable. There is a move now from many sectors, from the media, the civil society to campaign for Mindanao candidates.

AN: Now you're selling yourself as a Mindanao senator. Can you summarize your platform for the people of Mindanao?

Moner: We need to present to our people laws that are Mindanao-friendly. Laws that will enhance and even promote harmony in Mindanao. Laws that will help our people in Mindanao in order to achieve peaceful and harmonious relationship between and among themlseves. In particular, I like to see the end of war in Mindanao. I would like to have a specific law that will totally ban the declaration of war in Mindanao. I would like to institutionalize peace as a program of the government. I would like to institutionalize dialogue as a form of settling conflicts in Mindanao as well as the whole country. I would also like to introduce a law that would create a peace corps. Of course, my background is that of an educator with MSU and I have had many years of experience both as a teacher and an administrator. This experience I can share in my capacity as a lawmaker.

AN: There was this words going around that you are being fielded by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or even by the Organization of Islamic Conference. This apparently sprung from your ties with the previous MILF panel that conducted dialogue with the Estrada administration and its predecessors?

Moner: Well, the truth of the matter is that I am not an MILF candidate, the MILF did not field me. This is my personal decision because I believe in the democratic process, I believe in the lectoral process. I thought I should express this by seeking a public office. I am a candidate of the PDSP as a political party. This is the party that is fielding me. Maybe they thought of the MILF thing because I always joke that MILF means 'Moner Is a Loving Fellow'."

AN: It is a known fact that waging a nationwide campaign can be straining, not only to body but also to one's pocket. How are you coping up with these?

Moner: I'm enjoying it. Talagang pagod but it is good to know that there are a lot of people who share my view. About the finances, the party is taking care of that. Also, friends would share in their resources mostly in kind like campaign ads, their places as headquarters and small things in the eyes of some people but to my campaign, is mean a lot.