On the move!

We now have significant movements in the electoral arena. The administration party seems to be losing a lot of members while those who are allegedly in the opposition are getting more members!

It is an unfortunate sight! Those who assumed that their supposed allies are bound by principles and programs are now realizing that they are into an entirely new ballgame.

Those who spoke to the media about the unshakeable strength and power of a merged politcal party are now finding themselves humiliated.

Indeed, politicians are scampering for cover. After all, the most important thing at the moment is not anymore what (or how much)they receive today. Its about securing a place (and a hold to power) in the future.

And we have many turncoats hoping that joining the popular candidate/party will save their career in politics or in the bureaucracy.

SJSA National Colloquium

Katatapos lang ng Society of Jesus Social Apostolate(SJSA) Colloquium na ginawa 13-15 Nobyembre 2009 sa SEARSOLIN, Xavier University, Cagayan De Oro City.Nagkaroon ang grupo ng isang simpleng misa na pinangunahan ni Archbishop Tony Ledesma.

2010 elections sa mata ng isang Atenista

Pinadala ng isang estudyante bilang ambag niya sa paghahanda nating lahat para sa eleksyon 2010:




Maraming salamat Neil! Mabuhay ka at ang mga kabataang tulad mo!

SJSA NATIONAL COLLOQUIUM

The Society of Jesus Social Apostolate Network is having its 2nd Bi-Annual Colloquium 13-15 November 2009 at the SEARSOLIN, Xavier University, Cagayan De Oro City. Gathering with the theme "SAFEGUARDING 2010: ACTIVE ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION" are the Directors and Representatives of more than 30 institutions from all over the country - all partners of the Jesuits.

I gave the talk on POLED101:RE-FAMILIARIZING THE SJSA FRAMEWORK/POLITICAL FRAMING USING SJSA POSITION PAPERS. Here are some photos of the on-going conference:

Peoples Development Agenda in Sorsogon City

It is a humbling experience facilitating the process and looking into the output of a multisectoral workshop in Sorsogon City, and trying to put into writing a development direction which will be jointloypursued by the city government, on one hand, and the non-government and peoples organizations on the other.

Below are some snapshots of the workshop conducted thru the initiative of PANGOPOD with the support of The Asia Foundation last 29-39 September 2009 at Jane's Restaurant, Sorsogon City:

FOR FREEDOM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung(FES) of Germany in partnership with the Ateneo de Naga University, with the Institute of Politics as the event host organization, will be launching “FOR FREEDOM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Social Democratic Political Platforms and Practical Politics since the Middle of the 19th Century” (An Exhibit on the History of the German Social Democratic Party) on 26 August – 2 September 2009 at the Fr. James O’Brien SJ Library, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City, Philippines.

I sincerely believe that this activity will not only be a significant tool for political education, but also an opportunity to facilitate more vibrant political discussion in the locality. The various events that will be conducted aims to develop deeper understanding of the Philippine socio-politico-economic realities, and of expanding the appreciation of social democracy in the Philippine context.

Launching of FES Exhibit in Discovery Suites, Ortigas

(with my friend Aaron)


(with Randy David and other guests)

I DID NOT KNOW HER PERSONALLY, BUT…

I DID NOT KNOW HER PERSONALLY, BUT…

I did not know her personally. But I was fortunate enough to be around already when the 1st People Power took place. And I am sure then and now that I cannot distinguish one from the other: Cory led the People Power, and the People Power revolved around Cory’s courage.

She had demonstrated for us the type of leadership that strives for acceptance and legitimacy among the people.

Instead of relying on coercion usually enforced by armed groups, and manipulation observed in many patronage networks, she stood firmly and worked quietly for the restoration and strengthening of democracy and its institutions.

Instead of polarizing the armed forces, she pushed for social justice and empowerment.

Instead of manipulating government agencies for political gains, she implemented reforms in the bureaucracy.

Instead of endangering the electoral system, she gladly relinquished leadership to the next President.

I did not know her personally. But I will draw inspiration from her works and deeds. And at this point, I am sure many Filipinos are doing the same. Thus in her death, as in her life, she had awaken among us a sense of solidarity and pride for being Filipinos, Christians, and Catholics.

It is so easy to fall into the trappings of our everyday routine, and forget the fact that what we do (or do not do) ultimately defines the future that we create.

It is easy to say: “It is far away, why bother?” only to realize later on that we suffer the consequences of inaction, with our fellow Filipinos.

It is easy to babble about Philippine democracy as a concept, but difficult to realize that it is also a historical reality born out of the difficulties and sacrifices of earlier generations and must be consequently sustained and guarded by the present and future generations.

I did not know her personally. But she has touched my life not only as the leader of the country, but as a human being who struggles and grapples with the same everyday concerns of Filipinos. As a scholar, an activist, a widowed parent, and a woman, the various aspects of her life is a witnessing of her faith, fortitude, and courage.

To my mind CORY symbolized courage and strength that is not born from aggression and intimidation! She had shown us the kind of determination and unwavering commitment that comes from the heart and from the soul!

She also lived a life anchored on peace and non-violence, driven by the conviction that the path to unity and development is solidarity and respect for human dignity.

Most importantly, she has demonstrated that dignity, honor, and noble ideals are worth fighting for. In essence, her life has been a living testimony to the famous ideal espoused by her husband Ninoy: “The Filipino is worth dying for!”

I did not know her personally. But I will always remember her with fondness and gratitude.

Thank you Cory. (And Thank you Ninoy.)

In your life and in your death, (both of) you fought for the Filipinos in your unique, persistent, enduring ways.

I have never felt prouder about my being Pinoy, as I do right now!

Mabalos po.



Renne Gumba
4 July 2009

Requiem Mass and Prayer Vigil for President Cory

The Ateneo de Naga University community will hold a Requiem Mass and Prayer Vigil for the former President Cory Aquino 5:00pm, 4 August 2009 at the University Church.

Aside from the Ateneo community, the public is also invited to attend the said mass and vigil.

Good bye, Tita Cory!

I join the entire Filipino nation in praying for the eternal repose of former President Corazon Aquino. A political leader like her is a rare phenomenon in this country.

At the same time, I fervently pray that her ways and deeds, shown when she was still with us, will continue to unite the people and provide inspiration for greater achievements and enhanced nationhood!

Most importantly, democratization and empowerment continues to be a worthy cause in this country!

Good bye, Tita Cory. But to the proud Filipinos pursuing a life of dignity and honor, you will never really be gone.

Consumer Forum in CASURECO 2 Area

Dear Fellow CASURECO 2 Consumers:

The member-consumers of the CAMARINES SUR 2 ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (CASURECO 2) have been hearing and reading media reports about the brewing trouble in the electric cooperative. The management is having problems about positions and jurisdictions. The workers are having problems with their payrolls and compensation. Legal cases were filed by the affected parties in various courts, including the National Electrification Administration.

It will only be a matter of time before ordinary consumers like us are affected by this predicament of the electric cooperative. Along this line, the Metro Naga Consumers Group in partnership with other socio-civic organizations decided to pursue a bold initiative aimed at providing a venue for the articulation of consumers perceptions, sentiments, and recommendations. In this forum, we hope to:

1. Provide a venue for member-consumers to protect and assert their rights over the conduct and governance of the electric cooperative;

2. Provide a venue for CONSUMER-ORIENTED discussion of the issues and problems hounding CASURECO 2;

3. Provide a venue for generating consensus on consumer interventions and actions towards CASURECO 2.

Along this line, may we invite you and your organization to the CONSUMERS FORUM ON THE CASURECO 2 PREDICAMENT, 1:30PM, 31 JULY 2009, at the Naga City Youth Center, Civic Center Compound, Naga City. Please be advised that the forum is exclusively for ordinary consumers, thus excluding the participation of any CASURECO 2 officials or workers.

Thank you and we hope to see you and your group in the forum.

Metro Naga Consumer Group
Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas-Cam. Sur Chapter
Naga City Peoples Council
ADNU Social Involvement Council

Bombs!

I was shocked when I saw the news yesterday about the bombing in the perimeter of the cathedral in Cotabato City. It killed five persons and wounded at least fifty others! As I have pointed out in previous blog entries, this act is becoming frequent and a pattern is emerging: the explosions are designed to sow terror among the public.

The military is quick to blame the MILF and its so-called “special operations group”, which the latter denied. In this situation, who is telling the truth, whom should the people believe? This query seems to b e the logical consequence of the unfolding events.

But a dimension that must be explored with equal interest is the question of the impact and consequences of such events. A patterned, systematic bombing gives the impression that there is an organized group capable of launching a national terror campaign. Further, it polarizes the country: the suspected bombers as the bad guys who must be chased down and the military as the good guys who must get these terrorists all cost. At the same time, it legitimizes the use of police powers by the state to protect public interest.

In any other context, this will be a widely acceptable move. But in a situation wherein democratic institutions’ legitimacy are quite low, these events tickle peoples imagination! One is reminded of the circumstances used by former President Marcos in declaring martial law then. Is it a strategy being employed by adventurist armed groups today?

Whatever is the emerging agenda in these bombings, violence is to be condemned and abhorred. Not only because it diminish the person’s dignity but also because it always hurts beyond the physical aspect. Violence is a total violation of the person.
Thus, as we condemn these bombings killing innocent persons we will also readily condemn any group who intends to use these events to legitimize further violence!

The CASURECO 2 Predicament

The Metro Naga Consumer Group endorsed and supported the entry of Mons. Nono Sanado into the cooperative’s Board of Directors as a final gesture for fostering transparency and accountability to consumers by the coop management and workers. His entry was not easy, made more difficult by the political and economic interests at play in the electric cooperative. Fortunately, Mons. Sanado got the support of the majority of the Directors.

UNFORTUNATELY, the road to transparency and accountability is not an easy one. Legal and administrative cases have to be filed and refuted. Internal and external hindrances have to be confronted. Even sectors within the cooperative eventually ended up fighting each other, further deepening the factions within the organization.

As the cooperative reels from these difficulties, the central question remains: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CONSUMERS? Some would say they are mere product purchasers with no actual influence in the management, production, and service delivery. Others say the consumers are merely individuals/corporate entities buying electricity from the cooperative. Others would assert that the consumers are the actual owners of the cooperative, although technically marginalized by the present set up!

If you are an individual consumer like me, you end up wondering about concrete experiences with the cooperative:

YOU ARE ASKED/REQUIRED TO:
a. pay membership fee
b. vote for Directors of the Cooperative
c. encouraged to attend the General Assembly as the highest policy making body of the cooperative

BUT YOU EXPERIENCE THAT:
a. you do not get any benefit from THAT membership aside from actually being allowed to purchase electricity
b. NEA (a government agency) directly supervises the cooperatives, with the BoD as an inferior entity
c. the cooperative is a corporation wherein the personnel remits their social security payments like private corporations do

This dilemmas actually run smack into some issues which the electric cooperative must be able to resolve: (1)Is it a cooperative or a corporation? (2)Is it owned by the members, by the government, or private individuals/corporations? These questions must be confronted by the consumers, particularly because the electric cooperatives are instruments for the delivery of a basic service industry: power.

I am convinced that the policy environment among electric cooperatives is ripe for adventurism among various political and economic interests, leaving the organization vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.

May we therefore ask the consumers to take a stand: Do we claim ownership of our electric cooperative? Do we simply leave it open to various players dipping their fingers into the power industry?

Feel free to leave your comments here!

Worst fear getting real!

I have always expressed apprehension over the tight schedule which COMELEC is working with as it tries to implement poll automation. Unfortunately, such apprehensions are slowly getting confirmed! A major hitch in the process is encountered by the “falling out” between the local and foreign partners of the consortium that won the bidding process.

I have also expressed the fear that if elections will not be credible, this will hasten the deterioration of our democratic institutions, encouraging adventurism among elements of the left and of the right. Indeed, we are now getting reports about coup d’etat and bombs planted and/or exploding in government offices.

This is not a very comforting scenario. I am convinced that vigilant citizens must start making the move, bonding towards a more decisive mobilization for the protection of our fragile democracy.

We will never bow down to authoritarianism. Nor will we be silenced by intimidation and coercion!

2010 Jitters

As the election day draws nearer, those who are actively monitoring the preparations cannot help but feel some degree of apprehension. Are we going to be successfull in our poll automation efforts? Will election-related violence be avoided? Most importantly, will the entire process reflect the collective will of the majority

I have often heard people complaining about the blatantly outrageous overspending by some politicians on their propaganda machinery. Indeed, it has reached a scandalous level, even if these potential candidate are allegedly using their own private funds.

If money will continue to be the main factor , instead of competence and development programs/visions, in the electoral exercise perhaps we should introduce a radical change in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Let us remove the provisions on elections. Instead, let us set up all elective positions for auctions/biddings! Those who can offer the highest price, or perhaps give every voter the highest amount, will get the position! That way, we avoid the messy electoral exercise and drop all pretensions of democratic ideals. Let us talk business and do business.

But of course, very few will agree to charter change before 2010 (a fact which majority of the congressmen/women prefers to ignore). Thus my proposal may have to wait after this 2010 elections. so we are back to where we started:

What will the 2010 elections do to us? Will it restore the peoples’ faith in our democratic institutions? Will it empower the marginalized? Or will it bring to the surface and simply legitimize a new ruling elite?

Dear Friends:

Sharing with you the Ateneo de Naga University Statement against Constituent Assembly finalized and adopted in yesterday's Council of Administrators meeting. The statement was signed by majority of the university students, faculty, and personnel.

Salamat po.


In solidarity,

RENNE F. GUMBA
Executive Director
Institute of Politics (I.P.)
2F Administration Building
Ateneo de Naga University
4400 Naga City Philippines
Tel. (63-54) 4722368 local 2013
Fax (63-54) 4739253

----------------------------------------------


ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY
STATEMENT ON THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
RESOLUTION 1109 CONVENING CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

In the darkness of night of June 2, 2009 the House of Representatives worked overtime. The majority passed Resolution 1109 against the valiant efforts of the minority to prevent its passage. Against the will of the majority of Filipinos, they resolved to convene a constituent assembly. They demonstrated why the majority of the Filipinos distrust Congress, and why, if the Constitution must be changed, they prefer a Constitutional Convention after 2010. In their resolution 1109, they betrayed the teeming masses they represent for the scheming machinations of Malacañang. We call on these congressmen and -women to return to representing their constituents and their consciences.

DO NOT BETRAY THE PEOPLE!

The House of Representatives, by resolving to convene itself into Constituent Assembly and to initiate charter change at this point, opens a Pandora’s box! Once convened, the Constituent Assembly may take up any agenda and make decisions, even without the consent of the people! Through the hurried passage of HR 1109, they initiated the move to amend the Constitution in a manner that lacks respect for and recognition of the duly established legal process. They junked the Senate. They betrayed the Constitution they vowed to protect and preserve. They manifested an utter disregard for genuine representation. They ceased to be our delegates, our trustees, and our representatives. Through such unprincipled action they have arrogated to themselves the authority that they are Constitutionally mandated to share with the Senate. They are not interested in reason, discussion, deliberation. They are interested in constitutional change through a sleight of hand, an intellectual chimera, a flawed argument, to strengthen the hold on power of the person in Malacanang, and to prevent any deliberation in the light.

DO NOT PLAY WITH FIRE!

Our country is imperiled by an economic situation that fails to respond to the driving poverty of our people, unmitigated corruption, declining trust and confidence in political leaders and institutions! A charter change process before the 2010 elections, that keeps charter change hostage to the interests of Malacañang, is dangerously divisive; it will fuel further adventurism among armed groups from the left and the right, and will awaken angry political action among large groups that have been content so far to be quiet. That quiet may be replaced by a willingness to fight and die in conscience for the good of the nation.

DO NOT PROVOKE TROUBLE!

In the spirit of strengthening our democratic institutions and retaining the fragile national unity that we are trying so hard to sustain, we strongly call on them to desist from pursuing Charter Change through a Constituent Assembly!

CEASE AND DESIST! STOP CON-ASS!

Mga tugang kong Bikolano!

Mga tugang kong Bikolano:

Harani na po an 2010 elections. Sana nakaparehistro na kita gabos para
siguradong makaboto kita sa maabot na eleksyon.

Alagad afuera kan orolay sa eleksyon, naglataw naman ngonyan an kariribukan
tungkol sa charter change. Sa paagi kaining satuyang blogspot, tibaad pwede kitang
magbararetaan kan mga kalakawan asin mga plano manunungod digdi sa isyung ini.

Puonan ko:

1. Sa Ateneo de Naga University, naglalakaw na an pagpapirma para sa sarong
university statement na papaluwason kan unibersidad. Pag nagkataon, ini masentro
sa tulong aspeto: habo kami sa chacha before 2010; habo kami sa constituent
assembly; asin minasuporta kami sa pagkondusir kan 2010 elections!

2. May mga pigpaplanong paghiro digdi sa lokal. Saro kaiyan iyo an noise
barrage/motorcade sa june 27, alas-6 nin hapon. Su mga may auto, pig-iimbitaran
mi kamong magbali sa pagbusina asin pagribok laban sa con-ass chacha!

By the way, pwede man nindo akong makua sa http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tindogbikol/

KUMILOS KA!

Panawagan para sa pagkilos!

Ako ay mahigit isang dekada nang gumigitna sa kalye, lalo na kapag may usaping di kayang tugunan ng mga institusyon ng lipunan. Lalo na kapag ang huling takbuhan ay ang hukuman ng masa...ang pananaw at pandinig ng nakararaming mamamayan.

Mas tahimik sana kung ang mga hinaing ay kayang tugunan ng pamahalaan at mga ahensya nito. Matiwasay sana kung ang mga problema ay hindi galing sa administrasyon at sa mgas nakaupo sa puwesto.

Ngunit hanggat marami ang nasisilaw sa posisyon...sa kinang ng yaman...di matatapos ang gulo.

At dahil di maaaring ipagwalang-bahala ang gawaing ganito sa isang demokrasya, babangon at kikilos ang mga mamamayan. Sa gitna ng gulo, kanino ka kakampi...?!

KUMILOS KA! MANINDIGAN KA!

CHACHA EXPRESS?!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090607-209257/Constituent-assembly-convenes-in-July

ARROYO ALLIES SAY--Constituent assembly convenes in July

Only SC can stop Charter change
By Villamor Visaya Jr., Vincent Cabreza
Inquirer Northern Luzon
First Posted 21:50:00 06/07/2009

Filed Under: Charter change, Politics, Elections, Eleksyon 2010,
Protest

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies
in the House of Representatives said they would convene a constituent
assembly to amend the Constitution without the Senate when Congress
reopens in July despite outrage by religious and civil society groups.

Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan, one of the authors of House
Resolution 1109, which calls for a constituent assembly, said the
House would start the Charter change process upon the resumption of
Congress sessions in July by “inviting everyone” to form the
constituent assembly, including senators.

Domogan said the assembly would proceed even if senators refused to
cooperate and they would only stop if the high court stepped in to
rule on HR 1109’s constitutionality.

“We want the court to settle once and for all how to interpret the
provisions guiding Charter amendments so that the next Congress won’t
have to argue should they move to invoke this mode of amending the
Constitution,” Domogan said.

Domogan said on Sunday that administration lawmakers were aware that
they were taking a calculated risk in approving the measure before
adjourning the 14th session of Congress last week.

Nueva Ecija Representative Rodolfo Antonino said that the House
leadership was considering sending HR 1109 to individual senators, and
not the Senate as a body, for endorsement.

Antonino said that this would serve as an invitation to attend the
constituent assembly.

He said the constituent assembly would be convened a few weeks before
the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 27 in order to
create a “justiceable” cause for the Supreme Court to lay down a final
ruling on how should a constituent assembly be formed.

He said lawmakers were hoping that public outrage would provoke a
challenge in the Supreme Court on the House position that amendments
to the Constitution could be approved by three-fourths of the entire
membership of the two chambers voting jointly.

The 23-member Senate has opposed the move, but Arroyo allies expect to
overcome the upper chamber’s resistance with their sheer number in the
lower house.

House Majority Leader Arthur Defensor Sr. said: “I don’t believe the
House will convene without the Senate or at least majority of them
must signify their intention to attend.”

Otherwise, the Iloilo lawmaker said, this would put the House in bad
light.

Defensor said the call to convene a constituent assembly would be made
by Speaker Prospero Nograles, “but he will have to first get a
consensus of all leaders before making a declaration.”

A pastoral statement issued over the weekend by Jaro Archbishop Angel
Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines, urged peaceful protests against HR 1109, but Domogan said
the Church action was “premature.”

“The final judge would be the Filipino people in a plebiscite that
[would] ratify whatever proposals that would be approved [by a
constituent assembly],” Domogan told reporters in Baguio.

Referring to criticism that Charter change was meant to prolong the
term of the President, which is will end next year, Domogan pointed
out that HR 1109 did not seek the extension of term limits of elective
officials.

In Isabela, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Malacañang was
respecting the principle of separation of powers and would not meddle
in Congress’ moves to change the Constitution.

But Bello said lawmakers should explain to the public their decision
in passing HR 1109.

“The people have the right to know the reason behind their action,” he
said. “The public must have an open mind regarding this resolution.”

Lawyer Oliver Lozano and his daughter on Wednesday went to the Supreme
Court to challenge HR 1109.

CHACHA EXPRESS?!

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun08/news2.htm

Church threats won’t stop Cha-Cha, says Nograles

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

THE House leadership will not be deterred from amending the 1987
Constitution despite threats of mass protests from all sectors
especially the Catholic Church.

"Maybe we should remind them of the separation of Church and State,"
Speaker Prospero Nograles said yesterday.

In a pastoral statement Saturday, CBCP president archbishop Angel
Lagdameo called on those opposing Charter Change "to go on with their
plan of mobilization to protect the common good and national
interest."

The Archbishop of Jaro, however, appealed to the public to "express it
in a peaceful nonviolent way in order that we may not fall into the
trap that will necessitate martial law again."

Nograles also took a pot shot at Planning Secretary Ralph Recto’s
warning that the decision of the House to approve the Constituent
Assembly resolution will jeopardize the economy.

"Well, it’s the job of the economic managers to take care of the
economy and it’s the job of Congress to pass bills and resolutions by
voting in public and transparent manner. Secretary Recto did not make
that statement when we were proposing and debating the issue on
constitutional change. Why is it only now that he is warning us?" he
said.

"If the NEDA thinks that this could cause more shocks on the economy,
it is also therefore correct that the reason why our economy has been
suffering from shocks since most of us can remember is because of this
Cha-Cha issue," Nograles said.

"We have to find the answer now because otherwise, this cycle of
debate whether to Cha-Cha or not to Cha-cha will continue to have its
effects on the economy," he said.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel said Nograles should not to
waste his time reaching out to senators to support a Senate-less Con-
Ass.

Sen. Francis Escudero said Nograles’ attempt to persuade senators
should be on the premise that the House cannot do it without the
Senate. "Without that commitment, it would be useless to talk," he
said.

Sen. Mar Roxas said he is convinced that the 23 senators who signed a
resolution last year expressing their opposition on Cha-Cha would not
change their mind.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said he has always believed Malacañang has
plans B, C, D, E… and so on to stay in power. "It is not a move by
congressmen and women of palaka (Partido Lakas-Kampi) alone. It has
PGMA’s blessings."

He cautioned the move of the House to talk to senators one by one
"must be taken seriously. This may be mind conditioning. Maybe they
have already the support of some senators."

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde assured that President Arroyo is not
seeking any elective position after 2010.

Reports said Arroyo might run for Congress in 2010, which could
entitle her to election as prime minister if she wins and joins
Congress.

"Hearsay lang iyan. Wala namang ebidensya na tatakbo siya," Remonde
said. – With JP Lopez and Jocelyn Montemayor