CPM Volunteer-Organizers' Training
San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
Oct 29-30

Development and Reform Agenda for 2010-13
Summary

This Development and Reform Agenda is organized along four basic pillars -- (a) Ensuring Empowerment and Democratization, (b) Reducing Poverty and Inequality, (c) Building Peace and (d) Promoting a Sustainable Economy.

This Agenda builds on existing policy positions being pursued by Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) member networks and base organizations, and by other civil society networks/organizations on key electoral, political, and socio-economic issues.

However, this Agenda does not aim to integrate all the positions and recommendations of the different sectoral and cause-oriented organizations, ending up with a long list of policy recommendations. Instead, it crafts a development and reform framework (the four pillars mentioned above) and identifies a few vital actions that the next Administration should implement in its first three years in office (2010-13) in order to decisively move the country towards democratization and development. In selecting these actions, emphasis was placed on the positions and concerns of the basic sectors, a bias of development non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs). Also, these proposed actions address the most urgent concerns that affect most, if not all, sectors of our society and lay the foundation for other much needed reforms.

This Development and Reform Agenda is the product of a 6-month process (May – October 2009) that included discussions by a 7-person multi-sectoral committee and by a focus group composed of leaders of national PO/NGO networks and other civil society organizations (CSOs) and by seven (7) regional multi-sectoral consultations. It was also discussed and finalized at a national conference on October 2-3, 2009 in Manila.

I. Context: Triple Crisis - Governance, Economic, and Climate/Environmental Crisis

The Philippines currently faces the triple crisis of mal-governance, global economic crisis, and climate and environment change.

In the political arena, we are in a “democratic recession” characterized by widespread corruption, abuse of power (appointment, budget/fund release, etc.), lack of transparency and accountability, inefficiency, constricting space for people participation, and weakening of democratic institutions (Commission on Elections or COMELEC, Ombudsman, Judiciary, check and balance between the Executive and the Legislative, etc). This crisis in mal-governance stems from our profound lack of sense of national culture that has impeded our progress as a nation since time immemorial.

The global economic crisis is affecting our exports, foreign investments, overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances, and ultimately, the jobs and incomes of Filipinos. This is the worst economic crisis since the 1930s and recovery from it will take several years.

Climate change and other environmental problems (forest denudation, coastal degradation, etc.) have now combined to worsen our “natural disasters” brought about by typhoons, heavy rains, and drought.



The program of the next Administration must clearly address these three crises.

II. Ensuring Empowerment, Democratization, and Good Governance

The people are the primary force of development. Development cannot be separated from empowerment and democratization. At the most basic level, this means that development is founded on the respect for human rights and the promotion of human security. It also includes the practice of good governance through the strengthening of institutions and processes for transparency and accountability, as well as meaningful people’s participation in decision-making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation with regard to development policies, programs, and projects.

The new Administration is faced with the challenge of taking the country out of one of the darkest periods in our history. The current President has been consistently marked by low approval and trust ratings in the last four years, by Filipinos in all geographical areas and social classes. This is not at all surprising given that the President has been hounded by a string of high-level scandals. Other top government officials have not fared better in the court of public opinion. Constitutional bodies such as the COMELEC and crucial agencies for accountability such as the Ombudsman have been weakened. The principles of separation of powers, check and balance and government transparency have been damaged by a President determined to hold on to power thru whatever means.

The country’s new leaders must be at the helm of the renewal of our political institutions. The new Administration must commit itself to the cause of upholding transparency, civil service reform, constitutional reform and genuine people’s participation.

A. Transparent and Merit-based Appointments and Civil Service Reform:
 Professionalize and depoliticize the civil service by limiting the presidential power of appointment with respect to the Executive branch only to the positions of Cabinet Secretary and Undersecretary.
 Ensure that the appointments to the Cabinet, government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), the Constitutional Commissions and the Judiciary are done in a transparent manner and are based on a set of clear criteria which stress integrity and competence.
 Promote women’s participation in governance by monitoring and decisively implementing equal representation of women and men in the civil service.

B. Transparency, Anti-Corruption, and Government Accountability:
 Appoint a competent and credible Ombudsman who will pursue unresolved cases of corruption and human rights abuses committed by public officers.
 Certify as urgent the Freedom of Information Bill which gives life to the constitutional mandate for transparency in government (or, if this will be passed into law by May 2010, ensure the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act).
 Institute and/or strengthen existing citizens’ charters in all national and local government offices.
 Clearly identify and strictly regulate the role of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the elections.

C. Constitutional Reform and Federalism:
 Push for the election of delegates to a constitutional convention during the next midterm elections.

D. People's Participation:
 Ensure that the National Anti-Poverty Commission, local development councils, and other special bodies are functional and have genuine NGO/PO representatives, at least forty percent (40%) of whom should be women.
 Revoke Administrative Order No. 187 and reinstate the previous AO on the basic sectors of NAPC.

II. Reducing Poverty and Inequality

Poverty continues to hound our people and is a major concern for development NGOs and POs as it affects the well-being and limits the potentials of the people.

Government data show that at least 30% of Filipinos continue to be mired in poverty. Studies on self-rated poverty would show much higher poverty rates. Also, even with continued economic growth from 2003 to 2006, government poverty statistics prove that poverty incidence has been increasing. The situation would expectedly be worse now with the global economic crisis and its effects on Philippine society, especially the loss of jobs, decreased incomes, and increased government budget deficit.

Poverty in the Philippines is closely linked to inequality. Inequality in the country, as indicated by the Gini ratio (0.4822 at the start of the 2004-10 Medium Term Philippine Development Plan or MTPDP), is one of the highest in the region. Inequality is marked between socio-economic classes and also between geographical regions. The Human Development Index (HDI) of the bottom province (Sulu, 0.35) is less than half of that of the top province (Bulacan, 0.76). Eight of the 10 provinces with the lowest HDI are in Mindanao while all the 10 provinces with the highest HDI are in Luzon, including seven in the two regions nearest Metro Manila. Based on the 2006 figures of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the fisherfolk, farmers, children and women comprised the poorest sectors with poverty incidence of 50%, 44%, 41% and 30%, respectively.

It is imperative that the new Administration address the issue of poverty by immediately and adequately implementing the four existing asset reform laws in our country – the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the Fisheries Code, the Urban Development and Housing Act, and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

Implementing these asset reform measures will also help expand the domestic demand as more people will get to own production and other assets, and increase their income.

The new Administration should also provide safety nets for and facilitate access to social services by the people, particularly the poorest of the poor, and ensure effective coordination of the anti-poverty programs of government, the business sector, and civil society.

A. Asset Reform

1) Agrarian Reform:
 Decisively Implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Extension with Reforms.
 Recognize, respect, and support the rights of women farmers and fishers.

2) Fisheries:
 Issue a new Department Administrative Order (DAO) based on the total adoption of DAO No. 2001-17 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, setting aside 15 kilometers of municipal coastal waters for the exclusive use of marginalized fisherfolk, and ensure the immediate delineation of municipal waters.
 Adopt a Joint Administrative Order on fisherfolk settlement (with the various national government agencies concerned) and clearly identify the government agency to implement it.
 Institute policies that will clearly define “women in fisheries”, recognize their contributions to the sector and industry, and require at least 40% women’s representation in all special bodies related to fisheries.
 Have an empowered body with a clearly defined function to ensure the effective implementation of the Fisheries Code.

3) Housing:
 Decisively create and implement a comprehensive shelter plan that will explore and study other alternative mechanisms for delivery of housing services and products.
 Ensure transparency and accountability in housing, from budget preparation to project implementation, by implementing regular performance review of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the National Housing Authority (NHA), and by instituting other relevant safeguards.
 Institute mechanisms for the strengthened implementation of the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA).
 Work towards the creation of a Department of Housing that would integrate all of the GOCCs, offices and other agencies working for housing concerns.
 Increase the budget for housing from 0.5 to 2% of the total budget, prioritize socialized housing and ensure the efficient utilization of these funds.

4) Indigenous Peoples (IPs):
 Fast-track delineation and titling under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.
 Enforce the a priori right of IPs within the lands covered by Certificates of Ancestral Land Title (CALTs) over state security and economic development.


B. Social Safety Nets for the Poorest of the Poor:
 Implement an expanded conditional cash transfer (CCT) program for the poorest of the poor and integrate this with supply-side reforms in health care and education, in order to avoid policy inconsistency and resource wastage, ensure that all policies, including monetary, fiscal, trade, as well as industrial and agricultural policies, are cohesively geared towards increased employment.

C. Social Services

1) Health:
 Increase PhilHealth coverage among the poorest and most vulnerable sectors, work towards universal PhilHealth coverage, and institute reforms to ensure affordable and quality health care.

2) Education:
 Institute measures to strengthen local school boards, promote a culture-sensitive education system, and community involvement in and improved access to basic education.

D. Population Policy:
 Institute a clear and rational population policy that prevents abortions and unwanted pregnancies, fosters the sustainable growth of our economy, alleviates the chronic poverty that besets our people and promotes gender equality and the rights of women.

E. Effective Coordination of Anti-Poverty Programs:
 Take an active role in the National Anti-Poverty Commission and ensure that it functions effectively in coordinating and overseeing the anti-poverty programs of government and in partnering with business and civil society organizations.


III. Building Peace
 Clearly define the national peace agenda which capsulizes the local peace agenda and ensures CSO representation in the peace process.
 Pursue and sustain the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Mindanao (RPMM), and fully implement previous agreements, including the peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
 Continue to develop and promote paradigms and frameworks for the peaceful settlement and transformation of conflicts among the Bangsangmoro, the Lumads, settlers and other IPs, through consultation, dialogue, and massive information campaigns.
 Address the issue of unregulated proliferation of small arms especially in Mindanao as a peace and security concern.



IV. Promoting a Sustainable Economy

A sustainable economy means a cleaner and environmentally friendly production and distribution of goods and services. Economic growth cannot be single-mindedly pursued regardless of its cost to the environment even in times of great need such as the present economic crisis.

The new Administration must strike a delicate balance between the needs of our people and the demands of an environment that is rapidly losing its capacity to renew itself. It must enact measures, both legislative and executive, that will protect the environment and conserve our natural resources while ensuring that the gains of a sustainable development also benefit the most vulnerable of our people.

A sustainable economy also requires an integrated, balanced and sustainable industrialized economy. We need to do more with less by the efficient use of resources, increased investments, stronger stability, and greater socially responsive competition. We also need to strengthen the domestic economy through the promotion of industrialization while at the same time maximizing the international markets.

Our country has become dependent on OFW remittances to keep our economy afloat. We believe that we should aim to generate the needed jobs locally so that Filipinos are not forced to be away from their families to better (economically speaking) their lives. At the same time, we recognize the freedom of Filipinos to seek a better life here or abroad, and that we should ensure that our OFWs are adequately supported and protected wherever they are.

Most importantly, we must stress the development of skills and human capital. A sustainable economy requires us to take a long-term view of the economy, rather than adopting short-term fixes.

A. Environment

1) Climate Change:
 Certify as urgent the Disaster Risk Management Bill, strengthening Philippine disaster management capability by institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Management Framework to decrease disaster vulnerability, increase capability for recovery, and enhance over-all resilience to disasters.
 Certify as urgent the Climate Change Bill, mandating the creation of a Climate Change Commission which will spearhead the formulation and implementation of a national climate action plan based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and related international agreements.

2) Mining:
 Bring back mining within the framework of national sustainable development, and in the context of prudent respect, protection and fulfilment of indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and human rights, and sustainable environment.
 Revoke EO 270-A (Revitalization of the Philippine Mining Industry), reject the National Minerals Action Plan (NMAP), implement of a nationwide moratorium on the approval of new large-scale mining operations and certify of the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) as an urgent legislative proposal.

B. Strengthen the Local Economy:
 Support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to improve the competitiveness of domestic firms and spur job generation
 Promote regular employment and protect the right to security of tenure of workers by pushing for the enactment of the Security of Tenure Bill (HB2453) and by directing the Secretary of Labor to ensure the effective enforcement of existing labor laws and compliance with labor standards.

C. Sustainable Agriculture and Agri-processing:
 Adopt sustainable agriculture and organic agriculture and natural farming systems as the framework for the Department of Agriculture’s commodity programs.
 Hasten the shift of support services to farmers from subsidy on fertilizers and hybrid seeds, to market support such as information dissemination, organic certification, linkaging, and capacity building.
 Promote agri-processing through various means including strengthening halal certification in the country.

D. Investments in and Regulation of Public Utilities:

 Provide for effective and appropriate regulation with multi-sectoral representation of public utilities, including power and water.
 Conduct a comprehensive study of the transportation industry to address issues like monopoly-control/ownership, public safety, among others.
 Invest in and support alternative energy sources.

E. Fiscal and Tax Reform

1) Discretionary Funds and Internal Revenue Allotment:
 Direct the funds that would otherwise be allocated to the President's and legislators’ “discretionary funds” (Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF, President's Social Fund, etc.), to local governments to supplement the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and at the same time instituting measures that would pave the way for the proper use of discretionary funds.
 Support measures that propose the inclusion of magnitude and incidence of poverty in the determination of the IRA.

2) Increasing Government Revenues:
 Increase and index “sin” taxes, impose luxury taxes, simplify the income tax system to minimize loopholes and leakages, and ensure effective collection of taxes and other fees, including an effective program to go after “big time” tax evaders.


3) Budget Impoundment:
 Support the enactment of the Budget Impoundment Control Act, and not resort to the practice of budget impoundment, i.e., withholding the release of fund allocations for political and other reasons, including the generation of savings that the President can use at her/his discretion.

4) Debt Audit:
 Form a Congressional Debt Audit Commission that will scrutinize all public debt and contingent liabilities.


This Development and Reform Agenda is the product of numerous consultations with a broad range of NGOs and POs working in different sectors, both in the national and the provincial level. We subscribe to this Agenda and we will strive to make the Presidential and other candidates in the upcoming 2010 elections study this agenda and adopt its policy recommendations into their platforms of government. We will use this Development and Reform agenda in our various advocacy work and voters’ education programs from now until the May 2010 elections, and even after, as we critically and creatively engage the new Administration. We invite other NGOs and POs and other citizens to join us in this endeavor.





Nong Usting Article about CPM that appeared in the Leyte Samar Daily Express

PINOY POWER ROCKS THE VOTE!

Louie Bryan Mirafuentes Lapat's Photos - Noynoy and Mar in Tagum

Tataya tayo!

Tumawag sa:

0939-456-2013

Email:

noymar.volunteer@gmail.com

noymar_volunteer@yahoo.com

Dear All:

I am so happy today. Thanks to Louise Lampon.

While looking at the picture as attached nakita ko na ang pagbabago. Nakita ko ang bagong Presidente ng Pilipinas na mangunguna sa inaasamasam natin na pagbabago. Wala na itong iwanan. Nong kinausap ko ang katabi niya sa picture sabi niya: handa na siya sa lahat ng hamon. Kahit yong hamon na mamuno sa isang bayan o kahit saan upang matulungan natin ang mabuting hangarin ng namulat na mga kababayang pinoy at Sen. Noynoy na magtulungan tayo upang makamit natin ang tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa.

To you Mr. President Benigno Simeon Aquino:

I am with you. Ituloy natin ang laban ng iyong ama at ina. Marami tayo. Hindi ka nag-iisan. Padamihin namin ang mga tao na magtulak nito upang 7 mos. from now we will be one in celebrating the victory of our people. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Makikilala tayo hindi lang sa larangan ng Boxing kundi sa ating pagkakaisa at being together and united we will rise! The filipino can!

We will maintain the power within us. Hindi tayo papayag na mawala ito muli.

jun 'dr, moringa' mabaso

From Meeting with Noynoy Aquino

View all

Get your own

Mar Roxas gets endorsement for VP

Mga kasama at kaibigan,

In the midst of the canvassing, the rains steadily poured until our volunteer canvassers converted themselves and became relief workers in the area. The remaining items for the tinagge were given out to the residents of the small barangay where a creek exists in the Esteban Abada area.

Salamat sa lahat ng tumulong at patuloy na tumutulong…..lumabas muli ang sigla at diwa ng bayani han – bawat isa bayani at nakikipagbayanihan para makatulong sa kapwa……

Nais kong ipagbigay alam na mayroon na tayong Vice presidential candidate sa pagkatao ni Mar Roxas.He garnered 80% + votes which is way above the 50 % + 1 rule that CPM agreed upon.

We also have three senatorial candidates who all got 60% + votes – Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Grace Padaca and Frank Drilon.

On October 4 the provincial coordinators and the national council will meet to plan for the campaign and the coordination with the chosen candidates of the Movement.

Ang pagbabago na hinahanap natin ay nasa ating kamay…nasa ating pagkilos….nasa ating pakikipag-bayanhian!!! Padayon ang pagbago ng pulitika tungo sa pulitika ng pagbabago!

sunflower wishes,

dinky




Help for Victims of Typhoon Ondoy

Dear CODE-NGO Member Networks,

Below is AF's announcement re the FUND they are setting up specifically to support NGO workers and their families affected by Typhoon Ondoy, as well as drop-off centers for in-kind donations below.

We'll appreciate your help.

Thanks,
CODE-NGO Secretariat

-------- Forwarded Message --------
From: AF Secretariat
To: af@afonline.org
Subject: Help for Victims of Typhoon Ondoy
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:07:00 +0800

Dear AF Members, Partners & Colleagues,

We encourage everyone to participate in and/or support activities in helping the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.



For AF, we are setting up a FUND to help specifically the affected NGO WORKERS and their families. Contributions to this Fund may either be brought to the AF office at Room 1102, 11/F Aurora Tower, Aurora Boulevard, Cubao Quezon City or deposited in the AF bank account with the following details:



Account Name: ASSOCIATION OF FOUNDATIONS

Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Cubao-Aurora Branch

Account No.: 0121-0354-48



For proper accounting and to facilitate the issuance of official receipts, please fax a copy of your deposit slip and indicate therein the name of the donor and contact details.



For IN-KIND DONATIONS, there are many drop-off centers, among them are the following:





ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA WAREHOUSE at 13 Examiner St., West Triangle QC or at ABS-CBN Center along Mother Ignacia QC/Scout Bayoran corner Tomas Morato, beside Alex III, Quezon City. Tel 413-2667 / 416-0387.




GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION, INC. - 2nd Floor GMA Kapuso Center, GMA Network Drive cor. Samar Streets, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel 982.7777 loc. 9901 & 9905.


ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY – drop-off at MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan Building) Lobby. Also at Cervini Hall Lobby at 12nn. For details, please contact 0917 631 2423 or 0917 703 5357.


DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY - proceed to South Gate, Taft Avenue, Manila (gate nearest to McDonalds).




LA SALLE GREEN HILLS- go to Gate 2 along Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong.




CARITAS MANILA OFFICE at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no.5639298/5639308) or Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).




NOYNOY AQUINO AND MAR ROXAS DISASTER RELIEF: Drop off for relief donations at Balay Expo across Farmers Market, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Contact Jana Vicente: +63 928 520 5499 or Clare Amador: +63 928 520 5508.



Please go to any relief drop-off center nearest you.
Please check this site also:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tAyGMVpnzlSwFKMXRMe5hxQ&output=html



Let us also continue praying for the safety and success of the missions of all the rescue and relief missions, and for comfort and strength for all the victims.



God bless us all.



AF SECRETARIAT



--------------------------------------------------
Association of Foundations
Room 1102, 11/F Aurora Tower
Aurora Boulevard, Cubao
Quezon City 1109 PHILIPPINES
Telefax Nos. +63 (2) 9119792, 9137231
Email: afonline@info.com.ph
Website: www.afonline.org

Building Foundations, Building a Better Future!






Tiangge for Change (garage sale)!

WE need to raise funds for the continuing change politics movement building process.

WE need volunteers and support for a Tiangge for Change (garage sale)!
this September 11 and 12, 2009. Proceeds will go to the CPM fund.

WE need:

1/ Products

a. mga bagay bagay hindi na ninyo kailangan na puwedeng gamitin ng iba (your
donation to CPM, your nationalistic way of getting rid of excesses in your cabinets/shelves)

b. mga bagong bagay (na di ninyo magamit) na ok nang maibenta sa murang halaga
(para may mabalik man lang sa puhunan). set your minimum price on consignment basis. ang
tianggehan ang magbibigay ng final price para naman kumita. siyempre, most welcome din na
donasyon na lang ang mga ito!

2/ Volunteer Time

a. "shopping experts" as sorters of donated or consigned goods; putting price tags
b. engaging storekeepers on designated shifts
c. over-all super store managers on shifts
d. setting up of Tiangge Store in the most creative/appealing way
e. hard working marketing agents --- magbabaybay (word of mouth, online, texting) about the
tianggehan to both givers and buyers

3/ Tiangge props (on loan only -- will be returned after)

a. Tolda to protect goods and buyers from rain and sun (like what you use on
picnics, all saints day --- pahiram!)
b. shelves, boxes, strings/hangers, etc.

WE plan to have the opening Tiangge launch in the garage of CODE-NGO, extending to the back side, on September 11, Friday thru Saturday, September 12.

WE are also on the look out for other volunteer venues -- where there's good buyer traffic; or alongside CSO gatherings/events.

The "Tiangge for Change" will also be a place where people can get information about the Change Politics Movement or hear in general why we need active citizenry to change our country for good! 2010 is practice, 2016 is a continuing build up, for 2022 where we hope to see that reformed politics is the norm.

Halina na mga kabayan! Baguhin natin ang pulitika, tungo sa isang pulitika ng pagbabago!

Salamat po.


email lang sa asiadhrra@asiadhrra.org; caucus@codengo.org


o tawag sa

AsiaDHRRA 4266739, 4364706; or 09189289454 / 09189238698

CODE-NGO 920.2595, 926.8131 and 435.6616


Drop off points will be at

AsiaDHRRA Office , 59 C. Salvador St. Loyola Hts. QC (look Lorna David, Josie Dalino, Rey Encarnacion) or

CODE-NGO Office, 69 Esteban Abada St. Loyola Hts. QC (look for Pete Rahon, Cecille and Dimple)



PAKI-PASA PO!

Change Politics Movement Vows Support for Noynoy Aquino for President, Asserts Need to Change Politics Now


We are leaders and members of NGOs and people's organizations (POs) and citizens from all walks of life, coming from 47 provinces and 13 cities including NCR, who have come together to re-claim politics from the hands of politicians who betrayed the people’s trust. We have united and are acting to change politics from a “dirty word” into a badge of honor – marked by integrity and simplicity, commitment and service, people centered development and justice.

We are the Change Politics Movement, now numbering 4,602 members. Since our establishment on May 10, 2009, one year before the 2010 elections, we have been actively engaged in searching for “change politics” candidates whom we will actively support and campaign for in the 2010 elections. We believe that in order to change politics in our country, citizens must engage in “change politics” and actively support reform candidates. We began with agreeing on the criteria for such candidates, which centered on their integrity and track record, immediate and strategic agenda to restore the Philippines in the track of good governance and democratic reform, and capacity to win power for reform.

Then, we had nominations from our members, deliberating in groups of 10 or more, and choosing whom they believed passed the criteria among the emerging national candidates. We then strove to get to know these nominees, sponsoring candidates forums, preparing profiles and deliberating and discussing among ourselves. Last August 28, 2009, we started our 2-round voting process involving all our members to democratically select the national candidates that our movement would support.

In the middle of counting the votes Sen. Mar Roxas made his historic announcement last September 1, 2009, regarding his withdrawal of his candidacy for President, and his support for Sen. Noynoy Aquino. We were inspired and encouraged that a long-time politician could rise above his personal interests and ambition, and put country and the public good first. Sen. Roxas' declaration of support for Sen. Aquino was swiftly followed by similarly laudable statements from Gov. “Among” Ed Panlilio and Gov. Grace Padaca. Sen. Roxas, and Gov. Padaca were among the leading nominees for our movement's candidate for the Presidency.

Soon after, what had been a growing support for Sen. Aquino among our members, developed into an overwhelming clamor. _82% of our members, voting through text or on-line last Monday, September 7, 2009, manifested their support for Sen. Aquino to take up the challenge of running for the highest position in the land during this difficult period.




We thus declare our support for Sen. Noynoy Aquino's candidacy for the presidency. We believe that Sen. Aquino's integrity and commitment to good governance; his track record as a legislator in human rights and social reform especially in local governance will provide the needed leadership for change that the country needs.

We believe that we need to change politics in our country now. We cannot allow our country to continue to suffer from politics devoid of integrity, transparency, justice and concern for the poor. We need change. For change to happen, ordinary citizens – non-politicians - must be actively engaged in politics and governance, including supporting reform politicians during their candidacy and when they are in power. For change to happen, “change politics” politicians need to step up and demonstrate true public service and leadership for reform in their words and deeds. We are happy and hopeful now that we are able to see the beginnings of the change we aspire for.

Huge challenges lie ahead of us. But we are united and resolute in our efforts; we have faith in the Filipino capacity to stand up for what is good , for what is right, for what is just. Inspired by Ninoy and Cory Aquino, together with Sen. Noynoy Aquino we shall overcome and change politics to Politics for Change.

INDEED, TITA CORY IS NOT ALONE!
Statement of the Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO)
19 August 2009



We, former senior government officials, express our solidarity with the Filipino people who condoled with the Aquino family, celebrated President Cory’s life of service to our nation, and affirmed their support for the democracy and good government for which Cory and Ninoy lived and died. We believe the power of Tita Cory’s legacy lies not only on the fact that it has helped us win and defend our democracy before, but also that it remains alive and relevant to our fight against abusive leaders and bad government today and in the future.

The death, wake and funeral of Tita Cory were occasions for new heroism and various events around the first week of August showed our nation and its many heroes at their best. We wish to commend their fine examples and point out what we regard as their lessons for all of us.

We wish to cite the following:

· The Aquino daughters and son, who, by their words and actions and despite their grief, embraced the masses of our people wishing to express their thanks and say goodbye to their mother, who was also our dear President Cory. We thank the Aquino family particularly for deciding on a funeral that was truly from the people, by the people and of the people.

· The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for showing what an institution, tasked by our Constitution to be a true “protector of the people,” does in the people’s funeral for Pres. Aquino. The services rendered and honors bestowed by our uniformed men and women for their former commander-in- chief not only affirmed their adherence to the democracy she stood for but also showed their unity with the Filipino people.

· The Judicial and Bar Council for deciding to follow their own rules and deny GMA’s desire to include other names to the list of nominees already submitted for two vacancies in the Supreme Court. By refusing to follow Malacanang’s bidding, the JBC stops the further erosion of checks and balance established by the Constitution in making appointments to the judiciary.

· The Senate of the Republic for continuing to refuse participation in any attempt by the House of Representatives to tamper with the Constitution before the 2010 elections. We also commend those honorable members of the House who have wisely and courageously opposed, or withdrawn their support for, the House resolution seeking to convene a Constituent Assembly to revise the Constitution.

· Former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and former Philippine Ambassador to the USA, Albert del Rosario, who have each spoken publicly and authoritatively to expose past attempts by the Arroyo administration to impose emergency rule as a ploy to extend its hold on power. These witnesses have helped alert many more Filipinos to be less complacent and more vigilant in guarding against future attempts.

· The enterprising and courageous members of our media for continuing to bring the truth to our people about the depths and extent of corruption and lavish waste that mark the current GMA administration, in contrast to the example of integrity and simplicity shown by President Cory. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism is commended for its careful, comprehensive and detailed report revealing how GMA’s wealth grew at scandalous rates as she rose higher and stayed longer in power. The foreign media and our internet-based journalists are also commended for bringing to our ordinary people’s attention such casual callousness of GMA as enjoying P1 million-peso dinners abroad while hungry Filipinos mourned the death of Tita Cory at home.

We are gratified that Tita Cory’s funeral was not only a commemoration of a great leader’s life but also a re-commitment to that leader’s higher purposes: democracy, good government, greater good of the nation. As we admired Tita Cory’s faithful service to the nation through pain and sacrifice, we have also grown to admire all others similarly doing faithful service to the nation despite pain and sacrifice. In the words of President Cory, “All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.”




CHANGE OF DATE OF THE FIRST VOTE AND FINAL VOTE

Greetings Comrades and Colleagues!

The national council of the Change Politics Movement met today and reviewed the progress of our work. As of August 17, 2009 we have 4, 151 registered members in the national secretariat! !!

Pagbati sa lahat!!! Congratulations! this is sheer commitment, hardwork and creative mobilization!

The National Council deliberated on the current context and political developments. It also assessed our capacity to conduct the first vote on August 21 and 22 as well as the final vote of September 5……after much debate and discussion, we decided to move the first vote by one week. We wanted to give the secretariat and the provincial coordinators the time to disseminate the information on the candidates and prepare for the special precincts for those who do not have access to mobile phones and internet.

The new dates are:

FIRST VOTE – AUGUST 28 – 29

FINAL VOTE – SEPTEMBER 11

WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS IN A PRESS CONFERENCE ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2009.

LET US DISCERN, DELIBERATE, DEBATE, DISCUSS….AND THEN DECIDE!

WE ARE TAKING THE FIRST STEP TO CHANGE POLITICS BY APPLYING THE CRITERIA WE
AGREED UPON TO CHOOSE AN ACCOUNTABLE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP.. ..A
LEADERSHIP WITH INTEGRITY AND PRINCIPLES.. …BALANCING OUR IDEALISM
WITH REALISM….. …LIVING OUT OUR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP ….

CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF TITA CORY …

DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE POOR!

SUNFLOWER WISHES,

dinky