Lee Myung-bak vs Richard Gordon

Lee Myung-bak won the presidential election as the Grand National Party candidate, ending a decade of progressive rule. His background as a former Hyundai CEO shaped his business-friendly policies.

Lee launched a large-scale infrastructure project to dredge and restore South Korea's four major rivers. The project aimed to prevent floods and improve water quality but faced criticism for environmental damage and cost overruns.

Lee's government signed the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which was ratified by both countries. The deal aimed to boost trade but was controversial in South Korea due to concerns about domestic industries.

Lee Myung-bak was convicted of bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power, receiving a 15-year prison sentence. The case was part of a broader crackdown on corruption among former South Korean presidents.

Richard Gordon was appointed Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He led the organization for over a decade, overseeing disaster response and blood donation programs.

Gordon won a Senate seat in the 2004 Philippine general election. He served as a senator until 2019, focusing on disaster preparedness, tourism, and good governance.

Gordon authored and sponsored the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121), which established a national framework for disaster preparedness and response. The law created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.