On the first day of the 90-day campaign period, opposition senatorial contender Francis Escudero launched his official Web site  and had a live online chat with journalists in Manila and Filipinos in the US, Middle East and Hong Kong.

Escudero is the first Filipino senatorial candidate to use the Internet to explain his platform of government.

"Through his technology, I hope to hear what is on their minds. I am ready to answer questions they raise and explain my stand on issues relevant to my candidacy," he explained.

Lieutenant Antonio Trillanes IV, also running for a seat in the Senate under the United Opposition banner, posted his “eight-point vision" in his Friendster account. His supporters also maintain a blog at www.friendsoftrillanes.blogspot.com.

Trillanes filed his certificate of candidacy on February 6 and remains upbeat about his chances to secure a Senate seat despite his incarceration for his role in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny. Officials have said Trillanes will not be allowed to get out of his detention cell to campaign as this would be in violation of the existing rules on the confinement of officers and men.

"I have many supporters, we will launch a proxy campaign all over the country," Trillanes said.

“We will maximize technology – TV, radio, print, text (SMS) and the Internet."

Using the Internet to campaign from incarceration, a political first? 

Chiz Escudero Kicks Off Senate Bid Via Internet
Escudero, Trillanes Campaign on the Internet