VOTERS EDUCATION AND SATELLITE REGISTRATION FOR THE YOUTH AND FIRST TIME VOTERS

Since the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Parish
Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting(PPCRV), and the National Movement
for Free Elections (NAMFREL) entered into a Memorandum of
Agreement(MOA) with the Comission on Elections(COMELEC) to help attain honest, peaceful, and meaningful 2010 elections, several activities were already undertaken jointly or separately by these institutions.

One of the activities identified in the MOA is the campaign to educate and encourage the registration of the youth, particularly those who will be voting for the first time. Thus, in Bicol Region, the Ateneo de Naga University hosted a VOTERS EDUCATION AND SATELLITE REGISTRATION FOR THE YOUTH AND FIRST TIME VOTERS last Friday, 13 March 2009 at the Xavier Hall, Ateneo de Naga University.

In the 10am - 12nn forum, the resource speakers Comissioner Leonardo Leonida of the COMELEC and Mr. Lito Bunag of the PPCRV Special Projects Office provided inputs for the guidance and encouragement of first time voters.

In the satellite registration conducted by COMELEC from 8am - 5pm, at least 150 first time voters from Naga City were allowed to register as regular voters.

The activity also served to jumpstart the campaign for the holistic formation of students towards active and responsible citizenship thru participation in the 2010 elections.


Voters Education Forum for 1st Time Voters: 10AM-12NN
Friday, 13 March 2009, Xavier Hall, Ateneo de Naga University

Satellite Registration for 1st Time Voters (Naga City): 8AM-5PM,
Friday, 13 March 2009, Xavier Hall, Ateneo de Naga University

Ehem! Anticorruption Workshop in Iriga City

The Ateneo de Naga University Institute of Politics conducted with the Coalition for Bicol Development(CBD) and the Local Governent Unit of Iriga City the Ehem! Anticorruption Workshop last Feb. 20-21, 1009 at the Masosu Spring Resort. The IP Executive Director Mr. Renne Gumba was the main resource speaker and facilitator of the two-day workshop attended by non-government and peoples organizations (NG0s and POs) of Iriga City. Ehem! is a training manual produced by the Jesuits in the Philippines, intended primarily to enhance personal commitment to combatting corruption. Since its publication, Ehem! trainings have been conducted for government agencies, private and even religious organizations in the local and national level.

Schools to mobilize for 2010

Citizens participation in the electoral exercise is hardly a walk in the park. For instance, it is projected that for the 2010 elections, PPCRV and NAMFREL will need at least 500,0000 volunteers from all over the country to do the tasks of voters education, pollwatching, and quick count.

That is why I was so glad when I learned that educational institutions are mobilizing on a national scale for the 2010 elections. The COCOPEA and CEAP have inked a memorandum of agreement with the COMELEC, PPCRV, and NAMFREL.

Among others, the agreement intends to help ensure a clean and credible registered voters list; and to conduct voters education nationwide to encourage registration among first time voters. This is will be pursued in the spirit of collaboration in the following areas: (1)promotion of voters registration, (2)voters education, and (3)recruitment and deployment of volunteers.

Aside from ensuring a reliable pool of trained volunteers for citizens participation in the 2010 elections, this initiative will encourage a more coordinated and systematic learning experience among students of various schools and universities toward active citizenship.

Keep it up?

The wonders of technology!

I have witnessed its potential in transforming our electoral culture as early as 2003 when Ateneo de Naga University run several demonstrations of the software “Botong Pinoy”, a fully-automated voting system developed by Mega Computers.

You register as a voter by being physically present and having your identity determined through biometrics, characteristics which are spectacularly unique to each individual. This will include fingerprint, retina of the eyes, etc. This process is supposed to purge the voters list of “flying voters” intentionally doing multiple registration in several localities, and even those who pose as someone else registering several times under different identities.

In the election day itself, wonders of the touch screen technology with the voter simply touching the colored picture of the candidate he/she is voting for. And at the end of the voting process, he/she just confirms the choices entered and receives a print out similar to those issued by ATM machines, confirming the accuracy of the votes noted by the machine.

Most important, the vote you cast immediately gets counted and it takes less than a day to count total votes and determine the winners!
How excited I was then of the transformation it will cause the country’s electoral process!

But after two national elections and the 2010 elections drawing nearer, I am growing to be a lot more wary of the government’s ability and sincerity in pursuing modernization of our elections!

First, it(the national government) had chosen to invest millions of pesos in the purchase of counting machines which ended up rusting in some warehouse.

Second, it has refused to fast track the modernization law then, taking it up only when the 2007 election day was a stone’s throw away.

Third, it has failed to initiate the computerization process early enough and thus ended up panicking over such pursuit before the 2010 elections. I wonder if the COMELEC will have the ability and time needed to bid out, purchase, install the computer network nationwide, and train its personnel nationwide for the computerized elections.

But let us keep our fingers crossed.

If it doesn’t happen, we have always been known for being a patient and tolerant people anyway. Much as we may desire to push the government to work harder and faster, it seems we cannot! Much as we may desire to shame those who scheme to get elected into position, it seems we cannot! Worse, much as we may desire to act together and work for the common good, it seems we cannot!

But even if we cannot, its a wonder we still keep our fingers crossed...

politics - we can't live without it!

Politics refers to any persistent pattern in human relations which involves to a significant extent power, influence, or authority.


As such, our daily life is a political experience. The act of convincing our kids to pursue a university course, the process of deciding wheteher to go out with our friends or not, the decision to desist from harming others even if we are so pissed off. All these, and a lot more, are political affairs.

But many social scientists would be largely preoccupied with institutions and processes, particularly on the macro level. Thus governance and electoral politics would be at the center of everyone's consciousness whenever politics is brought up in a discussion.

Unfortunately, this only laid down the foundation for people to believe that politics is bad and to be avoided-even if to their mind, it is clear that electoral politics and governance issues are the major concerns.

An equally unfortunate consequence of this situation is when people and institutions start to announce: we dont want to have anything to do with politics! we are not a political organization! One doesnt have to be an expert to discern the message: indifference and apathy to politics is beneficial.

But we are not supposed to forget the fact that politics will always have both a personal dimension and a social dimension. Thus even those institutions who are supposed to cater to the individual person, and his/her soul, are actually doing something political.

So can we really do away with politics? Maybe not. It is deeply embedded in our actions and emotions, both on the personal and collective level. And can we afford to be indifferent to politics? Maybe not. Because there is so much at stake!

shapin up, holdin on

The year 2009 may be described in terms of the plans and preoccupation of the people. In the Philippine social context, the 2010 elections, economic difficulties, corruption, and the drive for charter change are among the prominent issues that will be in the limelight.

A look into these issues in terms of the actors involved brought to mind an interesting theme: shapin' up, holdin' on. On one hand, a group of people is quite busy preparing for an electoral exercise. On the other hand is a group of people dreading the approach of the exercise and their descent to oblivion.

The year 2009, it seems, will be a year for hardworking individuals and organizations. Those who want to grab power and those who want to stay in power.

ANTI-CHACHA MOVEMENT CONVENES IN NAGA CITY

The core group of corncerned individuals and organizations opposed to charter change convened last December 2, 2008 at the Naga City Peoples Council(NCPC) office. The group conducted a motorcade/noise barrage along the major streets of Naga City. It was followed by a planning session wherein upcoming activitites and the coordinating structure of the group was finalized.

Hunger Striking Farmers and Bishops Rebuke Joint Resolution on CARP Extension

Emancipate Farmers from the Gridlock of Political Indecision:
Hunger Striking Farmers and Bishops Rebuke Joint Resolution on CARP Extension
(A Statement Issued by the Hunger Striking Farmers and Bishops)

The hunger striking farmers and bishops are united in their analysis and rejection of the joint resolution being proposed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The farmers and bishops are not swayed by this palliative measure which contravenes the Constitution and does not respond to the call of the farmers.


The said resolution supposedly resolves to maintain "the status quo" on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law as "its effectiveness extends until June 30, 2009". Setting an expiration date for the CARL is contrary to the constitutional mandate on the continuous implementation of the agrarian reform program until all agricultural lands in the country are covered and distributed to the landless farmers. Neither a resolution nor a law can terminate a program mandated by the Constitution. The Joint Resolution shows the pale resolve of our legislators to perform their mandate. It clearly exposes that the vested interests of the landed in government take precedence over the Constitution and the welfare of the farmers and over national accord.


While the Joint Resolution seeks to extend the implementation of land acquisition and distribution, it does not provide any funds for agrarian reform implementation aside from what is provided in the proposed 2009 National Budget. Without the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), the GAA budget is too limited even for a minimal acquisition and distribution of land under CARP. The farmers and bishops demand a more definite decision of extending financial support for CARP and institutionalizing needed reforms which are provided in HB 4077 and SB 2666.


It is ironic how the legislators complain about defective program implementation when the effective implementation of CARP had been historically blocked by interests of influential landowners, among who are members of Congress. The legislators cannot repeatedly ignore the command of the people and the law. They should not be allowed to feign blamelessness and claim non-accountability. Had they willed to do so, the legislators could have studied and incorporated the amendments proposed by the farmers during the past six months. They already bought time the last instance they proposed a similar resolution in June. As expected, such bogus measure resulted in the cessation of all land acquisition and distribution processes as the Department of Agrarian Reform could not boldly implement the very core of this supposed centerpiece program of the government.


What makes this second attempt different from the previous one such that it will suddenly ensure that the DAR will continue fulfilling its duty? The only difference is that this time things are worse as some legislators contemptuously insist on striking down compulsory acquisition without which the program will be at the mercy of landowner volunteerism. As such, CARP would be rendered virtually futile. The very reason for the need to reinforce CARP is the recalcitrance of owners of big landholdings—mostly families of powerful public officials- and the lack of support services to fuel agricultural production.


How could the legislators claim that they need material time to "study and generate consensus on appropriate amendments" and at the same time insist on eliminating the most critical components of the program? Do the legislators think they can convince the farmers that this resolution is being proposed to better the program and not to facilitate its termination? Do the legislators think the bishops cannot perceive that this measure is nothing but a quick fix meant to mislead? The Joint resolution is obviously being devised to merely placate the hunger strikers who demand accountability from the legislators who failed to take decisive action on the CARP extension with reforms in the last six months.


The farmers are convinced that the consensus the legislators contemplate is obviously that which will be acceptable to the landowners' bloc. The bishops discern that what is lacking in this situation is not material time but compelling resolve. And such resolve will not ferment in six months or a year. Such consensus ought not to be the consideration; it is the farmers' predicament which is of concern. In the final analysis, what is inevitable and what would surpass all this filibustering is the imperative of responding to the farmers who feed our nation, fulfilling the constitutional fiat and the policy behind agrarian reform. For the hunger strikers, the problem is not lack of material time but the acute lack of political will and resolve from the country's political leadership to ensure the compliance to the Constitutional mandate of pursuing agrarian reform until its completion.


The agrarian reform program was enshrined in the Constitution to address poverty and promote food security. It is a revolutionary and comprehensive measure which caters to the poor and will never see fulfillment unless the implementers of the law are forced to will themselves to submit to it. The legislators have been given sufficient time to respond and yet we find ourselves at this standstill yet again. It is high time to rouse them to action, to give them reason to accede to the imposition of law and national conscience.

17 December 2008

Anti-chacha mobilization in Naga City

BUSINA LABAN SA CHACHA! BUSINA PARA SA DEMOKRASYA!
COALITION FOR A CITIZENS CONSTITUTION (C4CC-NAGA CITY)
Tuesday, 2 December 2008

SCHEDULE:

4-5pm
Assembly of participants: Social Action Center, Liboton St.

5pm
Motorcade to Plaza

5:30pm
BUSINA sa PLAZA

6pm
Motorcade to Liboton

6:30pm
Planning/dinner of C4CC core group

CITIZENS ACT NOW!

CITIZENS ACT NOW!
Stop the War, Stop Charter Change, Fight Martial Law and Term Extension!

WE, the Coalition for a Citizens’ Constitution(C4CC), a national coalition composed of at least 3,000 non-government and peoples organizations implementing programs for and working with the basic sectors all over the country;

DEEPLY CONCERNED about the escalation of violence and war between the government and MILF forces in Central Mindanao due to the collapse of the peace talks after the aborted signing of the Memorandum on Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) killing scores and pushing half a million innocent civilians into evacuation centers deprived of food and other basic services;

WORRIED that the current efforts in Congress to speedily convene itself into a Constituent Assembly to revise the 1987 Constitution even without the Senate’s concurrence would result to self-serving changes such as the consolidation of power of the President and existing government officials and the extension of their respective terms in office;

UNDERSTANDING that fears for a Martial Law declaration also to extend the term of Mrs. GMA may not be totally unfounded given the current strong influence of Mrs. GMA in Congress and the Supreme Court and the increasing number of possible justifications for such as the raging war in Mindanao and the potential economic recession and depression;

AWARE that these worsening political and economic crises besetting the country are happening amidst the lingering legitimacy issue and fight for political survival and relevance of Mrs. GMA;

JOINTLY AND STRONGLY CALL:

ON THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MILF FORCES
-to immediately stop the war and any act that would worsen the situation,
-go back to the negotiating table and;
-undertake broader stakeholders consultations on the content of the peace settlements to include the indigenous peoples, small farmers and fishers and the urban poor, among others;

ON BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS
-to stop all efforts to change the Constitution before the elections in 2010;

ON THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
-to remain vigilant, educate ourselves, organize, and mobilize in a massive active non-violent expression of people power to

STOP THE WAR IN MINDANAO!
STOP CHARTER CHANGE BEFORE 2010 ELECTIONS;
FIGHT MARTIAL LAW and TERM EXTENSION!

Coalition for a Citizens’ Constitution

C4CC in Naga City

The Coalition for a Citizens Constitution(C4CC)partnered with
the Naga City Government and the Naga City Peoples Council to do an
orientation and update on charter change(CHACHA) for the city's youth
sector.

The YOUTH FORUM ON CHARTER CHANGE will be conducted 1-5pm on Saturday, 18
October 2008, at the Naga City Youth Center. Among the speakers are
Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and Mr. Renne Gumba of the ADNU
Institute of Politics. Expected to participate are around 500 youth
leaders representing the Sangguniang Kabataan, community youth
organizations, and student governments of schools and universities in
Naga City.

The Mindanao Situation and Charter Change

I. Background

A.The BANGSAMORO struggle

The situation in Mindanao is a complex experience of economic, political, and demographic factors flowing into a social context of cultural and ethnic diversity. Professor Randy David aptly describe the situation when he did an article on the Mindanao situation using sociological concepts: “The Bangsamoro problem is entangled in so many historical, legal, cultural and political questions that it is irresponsible to talk about it in a simplistic way. Every attempt to capture the issues in a single frame is bound to inflame passions and exacerbate prejudices. Reason demands that we step back and attempt to sort out the issues.”

To further understand the emergence of this situation in Mindanao, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI of the Archdiocese of Cotabato outlined the historical developments which lead to the present realities in Mindanao: (1.)Islam arrived in the Philippines 200 years before Christianity arrived. Eventually and before the Spaniards came a regime of sultans began. From that time on the Bangsamoro people have asserted and exercised self-determination and sovereignty over their ancestral domain, until the effective political power of the sultanates faded away. The Bangsamoro people came under the control of the Americans. The ancestral domain of the Bangsamoro people became public domain. (2.) But even when the Americans gave independence to the Philippine, many of the Bangsamoro people continued government. Successive waves of migrants from the Visayas and Luzon in the 1900s, authorized by a series of public laws, gained land titles in the form of torrens titles as against the native titles of the Bangsamoro people. (3.)The population pattern in Mindanao significantly changed from the 1920s to the 1960s. In the 1930s the great majority of Mindanao people were Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (IP), with a small minority of Christians. By the time the waves of migrations ended in the 1960s, Christians constituted the great majority of Minadanao people, with a minority of Muslims and IPs. In other words the Bangsamoro bacame a minority in their own ancestral domain. Difference in concepts regarding land ownership also contributed to these major changes in the ancestral Bangsamoro ancestral domain.

It is within this historical context and contemporary social complex that the Bangsamoro people sought to regain their ancestral domain. In the proposed MOA-AD, Bangsamoro refer to “those who are natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and the Sulu archipelago at the time of conquest or colonization and their descendants whether mixed or full native blood.” Spouses and descendants, including the Lumads (indigenous peoples), under the agreement, are also classified as Bangsamoro “unless they choose otherwise.” They are the ‘First Nation’ with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations,”

The struggle over ownership and control of the rich terrain of Mindanao continues. Such struggle has included both armed fighting and negotiating for sustainable peace.

B. The peace process in Mindanao

The prolonged armed conflict in Mindanao has been depicted in various ways: either as ideological/political war, religious war, ethnic/clan war, or even a combination of all. As a political war, it is sometimes viewed as the struggle to attain independence from colonizers including those from “Imperial Manila”. The conflict is sometimes also viewed as a battle between the Muslims and the Christian settlers who have driven them away from their land. There are also instances when the conflict is viewed as a war among competing clans vying for political spoils or vengeance. But the different perspectives simply underlined the persistent conflict in the island.

Given the persistent armed confrontations, several initiatives to attain peace have been undertaken, both in the domestic and international arena. To cite some, the Mindanao Peace Solidarity, an advocacy network of local government units, non-government and peoples organization in Mindanao identified the following milestones in peace-building efforts: (1.) 1976 Tripoli Agreement – An agreement to create autonomous region in Mindanao, including 13 provinces and 9 cities as possible areas under the autonomous region. The creation of the Autnonomous Region will follow the Constitutional process. This agreement was signed on December 23, 1976 with the help of Libya and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). (2.) 1996 GRP-MNLF agreement - It provided for the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and its coverage area. It also created the transitory mechanisms (SPCPD and Consultative Council, SZOPAD) for development. The agreement was Signed in Manila on September 2, 1996 with the help of Indonesia and OIC. (3.)The GRP-MILF Peace Talk – The formal talks with MILF was initiated by former Sec. Ruben Torres in December 1997 upon instructions from Pres. FVR; followed by the signing of a truce between MILF-GRP. In 2000, Erap launched all-out war against MILF and openly insulted Muslims by roasting pigs in Camp Abubakar. In March 24, 2001, the Tripoli Peace Agreement was signed calling for a General Framework for the Resumption of Talks between GRP-MILF. In Feb-March 2003, PGMA launched an attack in the Buliok Complex, the new HQ of the MILF resulting to renewed hostilities.Truce was again declared and both GRP-MILF established the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring committee and calling for the establishment of the International Monitoring Team led by Malaysia.

It is within the latest GRP-MILF peace talk that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was drafted and finalized. After almost twelve years of fighting, the document purports to recognize the aspirations of more that eight million Muslims and indigenous people of Mindanao.

C. The Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD)

The MOA-AD is an agreement of the GRP-MILF signed last 27 July 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Mohaqher Iqbal of the MILF negotiating panel and Mr. Rodolfo Garcia, head of the government negotiating panel and Secretary Hermogenes Esperon of the Office of the presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The signing was witnessed by the Malaysian special adviser to the Prime Minister.

In general, the document aimed to to define/recognize/undertake the following: (1)defined the Bangsamor people, (2)outlined their territory and the resources therein, guided by the Bangsamoro claim on ancestral domain;(3)provided for the government structure and sovereignty; (4)laid out timeframe and conditions for the completion of a Comprehensive Compact, including the conduct of a plebiscite and eventual referendum. Many of the provisions in the agreement are premised on the introduction of changes to the 1987 Philippine Constitution and amendments to the Organic Act of Muslim Mindanao.

After the signing by both panels in Malaysia, and when the provisions of the agreement reached the public, there was immediate public uproar over the alleged secrecy. A case challenging the constitutionality of the agreement, and a petition for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) which was eventually granted, was filed in the Supreme Court by local government officials from Mindanao and several national leaders including Senator Mar Roxas and former Senator Frank Drilon.

The issuance of the TRO, and the GMA administrations decision to abide by it, prompted outrage by some MILF leaders. This eventually led to the attach on several towns in Minadanao, to the continuing battle between the rebels and government forces, and to the displacement of thousands of families because of the continuing armed conflict. The situation has prompted Malacanang Palace to announce that it will be reviewing its decision to sign the MOA-AD.

II.Issues Involved

A.In the Mindanao Situation:

1. Perspectives on the Bangsamoro Struggle and the MOA-AD: paradigms, nation-building, constitutionality, and the peace process

The proposed MOA-AD attempted to steer the peace process towards the recognition of a fundamental element in the prolonged armed conflict: the Bangsamoro claim over their ancestral land. Technically, the document is upholding the Bangsamoro claim, even in a limited sense, over ancestral domain. But it must be noted that Mindanao at the moment is populated by the Christians, Muslims, and the indigenous peoples known as Lumads. These phenomenon is more often called the tri-people character of Mindanao. There are distinct differences in the paradigms or world view among these people, each group having their distinctive way of looking at realities around them. A classic case would be that on land ownership. The Christians would look at it in terms of land titles and the corresponding rights it gives to the owner. Muslims and the lumads however would rather look at it from the point of view of ancestral ownership. It is not surprising then that Christians would be up in arms against the perceived taking of what is “rightfully” theirs, as shown by land titles and several generations of their families having occupied the land. Nor will it be surprising that several lumad organizations are now coming out to speak against the proposed MOA-AD. They are claiming that if the Muslims can claim ancestral domain, so can the lumads. In fact, they were in the island long before Islam came into the territory.

Even as the MOA-AD predicament is uncertain because of public pronouncement of the Philippine government to review the decision to sign it, the document still deserved closer scrutiny. The impact and implications of the issues it triggered are too grave to be ignored. Whether it is a boon or bane will depend on whose talking and what perspective is used. For the Bangsamoro, the agreement would have signified a limited advancement in their struggle to regain ancestral domain. As cited by the U.P.-based Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CENPEG): “The MILF views the MOA as step forward for the Bangsamoro goal of self-determination. Its leaders can always invoke the general concepts and principles of the MOA-AD to pursue the MILF'S political goal more so if they choose to declare unilaterally a separate state later on.” But for others, the MOA signified an arrogance and abuse of discretion by the government negotiating panel. Atty Barry Guttieres pointed out: “What is bothersome about the current situation is that apparently the negotiations was conducted without recognizing the conditional nature of certain points contained in the agreement...And perhaps this is one point where the GRP panel can be called to task – for failing to adequately delimit the actual parameters of its authority to negotiate.”

The question of whether the agreement is constitutional or not would also have contending views. Senator Mar Roxas argued that it is unconstitutional: “This MoA initialed and sought to be formalized, in Malaysia, violates at least three major articles of our Constitution. Unang pahina pa lang, hindi na papasa ito sa ating Saligang Batas. Rather than respect our national territory, this MoA breaks it up into already smaller bits. Rather than uphold the ideal that all government authority emanates from the people, the government had the gall to enter into an agreement that would partition our country, and create a state within a state, all without prior consultation with the people of Mindanao, or with the people in the rest of the country. It had the gall to shroud this agreement in secrecy. Rather than uphold one sovereign people enjoying the equal protection of law, the MOA effectively splits the citizenry in two, each clothed with differing political and economic standards.” But Atty. Soliman Santos, a Bicolano human rights lawyer countered: 'To seek constitutional change and reform has not usually been treated as unconstitutional, except it seems when it has to do with the Moro question.” And Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J., a prominent constitutional expert clarified: “MOA is not a done deal: elaborate collection of “wish list” of those who want to revise the Organic Act of Muslim Mindanao and event the Constitution...But amendment proposals cannot be illegal and much less unconstitutional”

2. On the Peace Process

Thus the main issue now is what will bring lasting peace in Mindanao. Cotabato Archbishop Quevedo is convinced that the MOA-AD can lead to lasting peace: “But the MOA-AD, no matter how one looks at it, is a remarkable document. It is a very serious attempt to balance national sovereignty and Bangsamoro aspirations for self-determination and freedom. For this reason, I believe that the MOA-AD can bring lasting peace.” Unfortunately, Macanang Palace is now rethinking the decision to sign it because of the recent atrocities committed by renegade MILF troops.

Allegations of abuse and indiscretion against the government panel is starting to surface. Mr. Mon Casiple of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms observed:“Where did the President and her negotiators got their authority to promise what they cannot give?...If what they are thinking of doing is to change the 1987 Constitution in order to shift the Philippine state from its current unitary system to a federal state system with local states, then they are putting the cart before the horse. They should do this before negotiating on a federal framework for the peace process”.

With the current peace process being haunted by difficulties in the national political landscape, particularly the spectre of its being used to compel charter change and extend Arroyo's term, the tendency to rely on the military solution is expected from the government side. But several organizations have spoken openly against military solutions, and called for a broader dialogue. They argue that the other stakeholders must be involved in the peace process, going beyond the emphasis of peace process on the armed groups. Special attention must be given to the marginalized sectors, such as women and children who suffered most in the present situation.

Unfortunately, while no effective strategy is being adopted and no decisive action is undertaken, the number of civilians displaced by the on-going battle in several areas of Mindanao will continue to increase. The situation in Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, North Cotabato , Sarangani, Basilan and other areas of conflict may turn out to be extremely serious humanitarian problem.

B. Charter Change

1. Federalism will bring lasting peace in Mindanao?

Many of the provisions in the MOA-AD will require changes in the 1987 Philippine Consitution to be viable and do-able. For example, the establishment of the BJE will entail a set up akin to federalism, wherein the Bangsamoro will be one state in a federal system. Thus, with the MO-AD being peddled as the blueprint for peace in Mindanao and charter change as the tool to implement that blueprint, the government was quick to play it up and push for federalism and charter change.

Unfortunately, many sectors felt that the situation is not right and the process is so hurried. Thus, instead of focusing on intelligent discourse on the impact of a political set up such as federalism to the persistent armed conflict in Mindanao, critical awareness, inherent caution and even paranoia prompted strong opposition to any discussion of charter change. Such public reaction effective exclude significant discussion on the viability of federalism as a solution to the persistent armed conflict in Mindanao.

It is thus unfortunate that intelligent discourse on alternatives and proposed structural changes in Mindanao is effectively hampered by political considerations.

2. When do we introduce changes in the 1987 Philippine Constitution?

Several provisions in the present Constitution have been identified for possible changes. Among these are the form of government and economic provisions. But as important as the substantial changes being proposed is the debate on the timing for initiating these changes.

There are several options being floated among those who seek structural reforms through charter change. Majority of the legislators seem to have attained consensus on the matter of transforming themselves into a constituent assembly to work immediately on the changes to be proposed in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, allegedly taking into consideration the urgency of the situation in Mindanao. In fact, there are pending bills in the Senate and in the House of Representatives proposing the immediate constitution of a constituent assembly.

But civil society organizations, religious groups, and even the business sector seem to agree on the position that charter change may be undertaken only after GMA is out of Malacanang Palace. From their point of view, it is imperative that discussions about changes in the Philippine Constitution be undertaken only at the right time and in the right situation. It must neither be used for political gains or for entrenching local elites. Charter change must be a tool for broader citizen participation and empowerment of the basic sectors of society.

3. If changes will be made, how will it be done?

Another persistent issue related to charter change is the mode of introducing change. Although the Constitution provides for three options, the more prominent options being considered are Constituent Assembly and Constitutional Convention. This is probably because of the difficulties encountered by those who previously attempted to initiate charter change through peoples initiative.

Constitutional Convention, though admittedly more costly, is more popular among the citizens because people get to elect their delegates to the body that will deliberate on the proposed changes. The other option, Constituent Assembly (which converts the Senate and House of Representatives into deliberative body for charter change), is less attractive because of the perceived political and partisan interests already displayed by congressmen and senators during their term.

III.Challenges

The situation in Mindanao and the resurgent move to introduce changes in the 1987 Philippine Constitution are two significant developments that must be understood, analyzed, and acted upon by the Filipinos. The predicament of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao (the lumads, Muslims, and Christians) must be understood from the informed perspective so that solutions and actions may be guided accordingly. It should also heighten the sense of solidarity with our fellow Filipinos in that island. The charter change initiative must be taken on and exposed for whatever it is: a sincere initiative for structural change and reform or an instrument for manipulation and political interest. Thus, the following challenges are posed to the university community:

1. The education we experience in the university is supposed to enlighten us with the truth and inform us of the actual social conditions. What do we know about the situation in Mindanao? How do we distinguish factual information from biases and stereotypes? Do we understand the charter change issues? What is our take on these issues? Do we have an appreciation of the impact of these issues to our lives as Bicolanos, as Catholics, as Filipinos?

2. Our knowledge and awareness is expected to condition our convictions and principles. Including our notion of what is right and what is wrong; what must be done and what must be discouraged. But most important is the shaping of our social conscience, when we go beyond vague generalizations and learn to train our sight on actual and empirical circumstances. Our paradigms and framework significantly affect how we perceive reality.

3. Most importantly, knowledge/awareness and convictions/principles should inform our action. It triggers a certain response from us. It leads us to ask: What have I done? or What will I do? The question increases in difficulty and complexity when elevated to the societal level. But the impetus to act will not go away. The need to actualize and live out or become witnesses of our principles and convictions will demand a certain response, whether as individuals, as a group, or as an institution.

Waging peace!

What makes peace so attractive? It is because everybody yearns for a condition of relative tranquility, wherein one is free to express oneself, and to pursue one's interest. What makes peace so elusive? It is because many would look for peace from the outside, without realizing that peace comes from within.

Anyway, I attended the 1st Naga City Peace and Order Summit today and the perspectives presented were as varied as the participants gathered in the said event. But what struck me most is the interest manifested by people who are not in the formal structures of the government.

It never cease to inspire me whenever I witness such enthusiasm for citizens participation in governance. It may not always cause miracles, but for me, the phenomenon of active citizenship by itself is extraordinary.

I only hope that the government, including all of its units/sub-units, would continue to sharpen their tools for openess to citizen participation. It will not take a single act to perfect the art, but with patience and perseverance, good things usually come out.

Thus waging peace is not only about catching criminals or silencing the guns. It is also about our growing up, as a people, in the respect for diversity and in the understanding of complexities.

May peace thrive in the heart of Naguenos.

Go for it!

Several reasons why I am supporting the bid of Msgr. Nono Sanado to become a member of the CASURECO 2 Board of Directors:

1. as a consumer, I feel the need for more significant participation of the member-consumers in the affairs of the cooperative. at the same time,it is so frustrating when I feel that the cooperative is not intent on opening itself up to significnt consumer intervention. thus, there is a need to install more leaders who are willing to open up the cooperative and engage the consumers as partners!

2. as a citizen/Nagueno, i believe that transparency and accountability is an imperative every elected leader must uphold. unfortunately, this is not always the case. citizens are then compelled to learn the art of lobying and social movements. groups and organizations are manifestations of collective sentiments. it is extremely important that agenda and interest can be articulated, not only by institutions and leaders, but by the citizens themselves.

3. as a Catholic, i am so proud of a clergyman who identifies with and works for the laity. the seed of solidarity that is sown, when social stratification and differentiation is partly obliterated by common aspirations, actually strengthens the church! the inspiration that is generated when a priest becomes a servant-leader goes beyond this generation. and it makes me proud to be a catholic!

"An Tama, Tama! An Sala, Sala!"

Mons. Nono Sanado is running unopposed. It seems he will be riding high into CASURECO 2 Board of Directors fuelled by the clamor for change and passion for involvement among consumers.

This early, the prelate intends to visit each barangay for a hectic consultation schedule with electric consumers. Such process will not only be campaign sorties but also the initial organizing work for barangad-based consumer groups. It is hoped that upon assumption to office, the prelate will maintain tight working collaboration with the consumer groups in his area of responsibility.

Thus the general call of Mons. Sanado: "An Tama, Tama! An Sala, Sala!" becomes a rallying point for improving the management and service-delivery of CASURECO 2 via greater participation and involvement of the member-consumers.

Consumers are then confronted by a three-pronged challenge: 1. organize themselves and get their acts together; 2. establish working relations with Mons. Sanado, particularly on policy directions to be pursued via the Board; and 3. go out and vote on August 30 as Mons. Sanado calls for more voter turn-out in the elections.

Im Back!

Its been a while since my last entry in this blog. A lot has happened since then. And a lot more is bound to happen soon.

At the moment, we have several interseting phenomenon in the socio-political arena. Mons. Nono Sanado, the parish priest of the Metropolitan Cathedral, is running for a slot in the CASURECO 2 Board of Directors, to represent the North District (at least 15 barangays in Naga City, including the Naga City Public Market).

The Metro Naga Consumer Group has engaged the prelate in their advocacy for wider consumer participation, more transparency and accountability, as well as meaningful reforms in the cooperative.

In the national scene, the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is turning out to be the GMA administrations latest justification for charter change. CHACHA and the MOA-AD is now being peddled as the solution to the peace problems in Minadanao.

In response, the Coalition for a Citizens Consititution (C4CC) has launched a capaign premised on the following: (1)affirm the struggle for self-determination of Moros as crucial element in the attainment of PEACE , (2)TANGO before CHACHA; GMA must be out of the picture before we talk about changes in the Philippine Constitution; (3)PEACE and CHACHA must be a truthful, transparent, and participatory process; (4)elections of CONCON delegates may be undertaken simultanoeously with the 2010 elections; (5)FEDERALISM must ensure greater resources and power to the citizens, not to local warlords.

The Camarines Sur NGO-PO Formation has also started consolidating its ranks. Several engagements are underway, particularly its membership to the Coalition for Bicol Development (CBD). CBD is a regional network affiliated with the CAUCUS OF DEVELOPMENT NGOS (CODE-NGO).

Of course, we cannot ignore the coming 2010 national elections. Presidentiables have been shuttling back and forth to Naga City. Aspirants for various positions in the local and national level are starting to make their presence felt in various ways. I even heard that campaign funds are strating to circulate this early.

I will discuss these concerns in my coming blog postings. For the moment, I just want to mention those highlights cited above. My blogspot is back.

7th Annual KDC Conference

"Strengthening KDC parnerships for transformational leadership and good governance" is the theme of this year's conference. Some snapshots from Tuguegarao City (Thanks to Moira):


Welcome Dinner at the St. Paul University Philippines




Opening of the KDC Exhibits at SPUP



Formal Session/Discussions


The RED TEAM invades Patio Enrico, Tuguegarao City


Socials and dinner at Patio Enrico

Visit to SPUP partner community, Bgy. Tagga:


(From L-R: myself, Edcel of GPPB, Mark of SPUP, and Mel of AIM)





The Star KDC, University of San Carlos led by the Star KDC Member and USC President, Fr. Rod (3rd from the Left)


Closing Dinner at Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City

Visiting Tuguegarao City

I was in Tuguegarao City last 21-25 April 2008 for the Annual Conference of the World Bank-Knowldge for Development Center(KDC). Aside from the substance and proceedings of the conference itself, I was pleased to discover the warm reception by the people of Tuguegarao City specially that of the St. Paul University Philippines community led by its President, Sister Remy.

It was a truly revealing visit and an inspiring experience in hospitality for visitors. Thank you Sister Remy, Mam Jo, Mark, Joan, and all the people of St. Paul University Philippines and Tuguegarao City! We hope to reciprocate when Ateneo de Naga University and Naga City hosts the annual conference next year.

Jesuit Guidelines for Communal Discernment and Action

Guidelines for Communal Discernment and Action
to Address the National Crisis

The Context

1. The ZTE-NBN controversy has once again raised questions about abuse of power and systemic corruption in the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo(GMA). This is just the most recent in a series of events that indicates a worrisome pattern of behavior in government, particularly of anomaly and cover-up, leading to the weakening of Philippine democratic institutions. Among these are the “Hello Garci” scandal, the fertilizer scam, the promulgation of calibrated preemptive response (CPR), EO 464 and PP 1017, the unresolved extrajudicial killings and disappearances of activists and media practitioners, the undermining of impeachment proceedings, the pursuit of self-serving charter change, and the lack of a decisive response by the government to the farmers of Sumilao, Bukidnon due to political compromises in the implementation of agrarian reform. Good governance and longterm reform are being sacrificed for short-term political survival.

2. Many Filipinos are outraged by this situation because of what appears to be a deliberate suppression of truth, and the refusal of the government to be made accountable. Many also feel confused and powerless, leading to a sense of hopelessness and deepening distrust of political leaders and institutions. There is a real danger that citizens will become disempowered and disengage themselves from politics. At the same time, there are also those whose frustrations have led them to join armed insurgent groups or are seriously considering insurrectionary and other unconstitutional options because of the inability of government to effectively address the issues of the poor and respond to the call for truth and accountability. Then there are some members of the economic and political elite, who out of pragmatic considerations, have adopted a “wait-and-see” position and have therefore not helped in providing clear leadership in terms of clarifying the issues and options.

These include the politicians who are potential presidential candidates in the 2010 elections.

3. While there is anger and despair because of what is happening to the country, there are also possibilities that have opened up with the recent events, for bringing about serious and much-needed changes in the political and governance institutions and culture of the country. How we respond as a people to this crisis will determine whether we can make the most of this opportunity for a renewal of Philippine democracy.

Diversity of Responses

4. Part of the reality of the present crisis is the diversity of views and even division among people, across and within sectors, in their analyses of and reactions to the situation. Therefore, it is important to note the range of political positions and options among those who have responded. This range represents a continuum, that allows a capture of the essential differences across groups, while at the same time recognizing that there are real overlaps among the positions and those who represent them.

a. “The economy is good. Let’s move on.” The Arroyo government and its
allies insist on projecting a picture of a growing economy, on the one hand,
which is undermined by unnecessary and debilitating “political noise,” on the
other hand, created by “partisan” groups whose only agenda is to unseat the
President. This type of politics is seen as bad, not just for economic growth,
but also for addressing the poverty problem because it is the poor who are
most affected by political instability. Therefore in this view, the country must
move on, since it argues that the administration has a mandate to rule until
2010. Likewise, there are those who may not explicitly support GMA, but
believe that given the alternatives, the President represents the lesser evil.
Effectively, they do not support any moves to hold the government
accountable.

b. “All politicians are corrupt. Let’s focus on jobs, services and the poor.”
Some business associations, socio-civic organizations and faith-based groups
are highly cynical of national politics or have given up on it altogether, and
thus do not see it as the avenue for meaningful change. They concentrate on
what they see as the more important tasks of job-creation and servicedelivery
(e.g., housing, health, education). They believe that what they are
doing has more long-term impact because they address the more basic issues
of poverty and hopelessness, which breed corruption and a culture of
dependence.

c. “Let the 2010 elections resolve the crisis.” Strict rule-of-law advocates hold that President Arroyo legitimately won the 2004 elections, even if there are serious and impeachable questions of cheating. They believe in accountability through constitutional mechanisms like an independent factfinding commission, impeachment and ultimately elections. In this perspective, there is no doubt that the search for truth must be pursued, even as they believe that the crisis can only be eventually and truly resolved through the electoral exercise scheduled for 2010.

d. “Bring out the truth, hold GMA accountable, and work for reform.”
There are faith-based and civil society organizations that call for “truth,
accountability and reform,” emphasizing concrete measures like resolving the
issue of executive privilege, calling for an independent counsel (with
investigative and prosecutorial powers), pushing for possible impeachment,
and advocating long-term reforms pertaining to freedom of information and
transparency, electoral and civil service reform, and social justice (especially
agrarian reform). These initiatives are meant to provide constructive ways for
people to participate in meaningful democratic governance and institutionbuilding.

e. “No real reform is possible under GMA.” There are prominent concerned
individuals and groups who also adopt a truth-accountability-and-reform framework, but are more emphatic that a precondition for genuine long-term
reform is holding President Arroyo directly accountable for the undermining
of institutions. Thus, they would tend to be more explicit in taking a
principled position that the government should step down, and that a
succession should hew as much as possible to the Constitution.

f. “Oust GMA.” Various groups from both the Left and the Right of the
political spectrum, many of them not sharing a long-term agenda, are
tactically coming together on the objective of ousting the Arroyo
government, even through extra-constitutional means. This may take the
form of an EDSA-like people power, military withdrawal of support, a
Cabinet coup, or some combination thereof. They are not in agreement on
who or what should assume power in the aftermath of an Arroyo ouster.
Some may accept Vice President Noli de Castro taking over, while others
prefer special elections (on the premise that the Vice President will also step
down or be made to do so) or “snap elections” or an interim civilian-military
junta that will put key reforms in place and oversee a return to constitutional
government. It is important to note that groups on the Left recognize the
need for bringing in more long-term structural reform, beyond merely
replacing the President.

Non-negotiable Principles

5. Given these and other options that may be taken, it is important to identify some non-negotiables, for more thoughtful and responsible communal discernment and action:

a. Uphold the truth. Truth, especially regarding cases of graft and corruption,
cannot be sacrificed in the name of stability. Stability that is the product of
unresolved issues tends to be shallow and short-lived, as the credibility and
capacity of institutions designated to pursue the truth are weakened, and
other cases of corruption surface again and again. Moreover, this situation
contributes to the reinforcement of a culture of impunity.

b. Exact accountability. Government must be held accountable by the
people, for all its actions and decisions, in all policy areas, and at every point
of its stay in power. This means that the exacting of accountability should
not take place only at the time of elections because democracy cannot be
confined to the single act of casting a vote, but is a continuing process of
citizen participation. Nevertheless, elections are also a core mechanism of
accountability, especially since the present political crisis is linked to
unresolved questions of electoral cheating. Part of the response necessary at
this time involves the rebuilding of public trust and confidence in
institutional mechanisms of accountability.

c. Pursue meaningful reforms. Even in situations of crisis, efforts at electoral,
bureaucratic, and social reform should not cease because many of the country’s problems are really of a structural and institutional nature, needing
continuing transformation. There is a need to recognize the problems and
propose concrete solutions.

d. Build and strengthen democratic institutions. The country needs to
establish and fortify democratic institutions, which provide consistent,
organized and self-regulating procedures, applied to all citizens equally.
Among these institutions are due process, civilian supremacy, rule of law,
checks and balances. While Philippine democracy is still flawed, the genuine
gains that came with the dismantling of the Marcos dictatorship and the
restoration of democratic institutions should not be lost. The alternatives
(e.g. a military junta, a civilian-military authoritarian regime, a communist
government) are even more unstable, unpredictable, unsustainable, and
potentially harmful. A second democratic breakdown, moreover, will be
much more difficult to undo. Strong democratic institutions can likewise help
address the present conditions of real divisions among Filipinos. By
providing agreed-upon rules and mechanisms which are accepted as credible
and fair, institutions facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts among
dissenting positions and approaches.

e. Promote responsible and engaged citizenship. Moral outrage in the
present moment is called for, and is critical for a committed response; but it
must also lead to a serious and responsible consideration of consequences
for the medium and long term. Hopefully, such a responsible and engaged
citizenship will lead to the transformation of the present culture of one-sided
dependency on leaders. The country’s problems have been reinforced by
generations of patronage that have led Filipinos to depend disproportionately
on those who have more resources and more power, in politics and society at
large, in the Church, and even in the ordinary barrio or baranggay.

f. Champion active nonviolence and protect human rights. Action is to be
guided by principles of active nonviolence. “Violence is evil… violence is
unacceptable as a solution to problems…. Violence destroys what it claims to
defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 496). Human and civil rights must always be respected and promoted (Centesimus Annus, 22). Any coercive means is unacceptable, including forms of harassment, detention without due process, and policies that seriously undermine the freedom of the press and the right to self-expression and organization.

g. Prioritize the poor. The real and urgent concerns of the poor should be
given highest priority amidst all efforts to search for the truth and promote
accountability. If many Filipinos seem to be uninvolved or uninterested, it is
primarily because of an overriding concern for economic survival during very
hard times. Indeed, the search for the truth is integrally linked to the fate of
the poor. Corruption and dishonesty have made the lot of the poor worse.
Programs and initiatives from both government and the private sector to
address poverty and inequality, and to respond to the urgent needs of the poor, in fields such as education, health, housing, livelihood and the
environment should continue to be supported, and indeed intensified.

h. Engage and involve the youth. It is important that all activities should seek
to involve the youth, and harness their energies, especially for truly
sustainable reforms and institution-building. Significantly, recent events have
awakened many young Filipinos and stirred them to become more politically
involved. Today, there is an opportunity to do political education and
mobilization of the youth on a scale not seen for many years.

Analysis of Options

6. Given these guiding non-negotiable principles,the different positions and options presented above can now be reviewed, in order to help build common ground and move towards a consensus on how best to respond to the ZTE-NBN scandal and the broader political crisis:

“There is no problem with GMA.”
a. Business as usual, status quo. Not holding government accountable in any
way is unacceptable. “Political authority is accountable to the people….
Those who govern have the obligation to answer to the governed”
(Compendium, 408, 409). The nature of the allegations of corruption in this
particular case is so serious, that any government with some sense of
responsibility to its citizens cannot but respond, to work towards establishing
the truth beyond any major question or doubt, and so confirm its legitimacy.
“Political corruption… betrays both moral principles and the norms of social
justice.” (Compendium, 411) Moreover, there is much truth to the view that
fighting corruption is not against the economy. Indeed, corruption is antidevelopment
and anti-poor.

“GMA is not the main problem.”
b. Give up on politics. Among those who hold this position include a range
that spans from the exhausted, to the cynical, to the apathetic. All of them
move towards a position that views all politicians as being equally selfinterested.
Effectively, none of them focuses on GMA as the problem. Such
a view that disengages from all politics and does not identify concrete points
of action and reform only contributes to the sense of hopelessness and
paralysis. At all times, participation in the social and political realms, either as
individuals or as members of organizations, is a duty to be fulfilled with
responsibility and with a view to the common good (Compendium, 189).

c. Focus on the delivery of services to the grassroots. The preferential
option for the poor necessitates a long-term perspective on development beyond mere regime change. It also makes the delivery of services to the
grassroots essential, regardless of who is in power. Thus, those who have
opted to concentrate on this course of action are to be commended.
However, while citizen-involvement in particular areas of social development
and local politics is a form of participation, they will always be constrained by
large-scale anomalies and abuse of power on the national political level. All
citizens must work towards the eradication of the evils of patronage politics
and national political corruption, in order to promote the common good.
“How does one address the GMA problem?”

d. Call on GMA to resign. There are individuals and groups who have been
calling for President Arroyo’s resignation since 2005 and continue to hold
that position as a matter of principle. At that time, the CBCP itself
recognized the call for the President’s resignation, as well as for a “Truth
Commission” and impeachment, as legitimate options under the guiding
principles of accountability, constitutionality, non-violence and effective
governance. While the bishops did not call on President Arroyo to step
down, they asked her to discern “to what extent she might have contributed
to the erosion of effective governance and whether the erosion is so severe
as to be irreversible.” Therefore, those who in conscience have made a
decision that the President should not remain in office deserve respect. Their
call for her to resign voluntarily is one of the options provided for in the
Constitution. However, it also needs to be pointed out that while this
position is one of principled moral conviction, it ceases to be a real political
option if GMA remains resolute that she will not resign voluntarily.

e. Cabinet declaration of incapacity of the President. The Constitution
provides that a majority of Cabinet members can declare in writing to the
Senate President and the House Speaker that “the President is unable to
discharge the powers and duties of his [her] office” (Article VII, Section 11).
This is a constitutional way of removing a President who is seen to be
physically or mentally incapacitated, but the meaning of this provision may
be interpreted more broadly. This is one scenario for an “internal or Palace
coup” within the GMA regime. But such decisions on regime change tend to
be elitist, as they are dependent on so few people. This declaration can be
challenged, however, by the President, in which case Congress may confirm
the Cabinet decision by a two-thirds vote of the two houses of Congress
voting separately. Note that this requirement is even more stringent than the
one-third percentage required for the House of Representatives to send an
impeachment complaint to the Senate for trial.

f. Oust GMA. When faced with the President’s refusal to resign voluntarily,
those who are willing to push the demand for her to step down to the point
of employing even extra-constitutional means must be reminded that
democratic institutions may be harmed in the long-term, especially if a political vacuum is created for groups with an anti-democratic, adventurist or
power-grabbing agenda to try to seize power and hold on to it indefinitely.

g. People Power. People power is a precious legacy from the struggle against
the dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. EDSA I
was the culmination of a long process of political education, organization and
mobilization throughout the martial law years and especially during the nearly
three years after the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino. Active
nonviolence was a defining characteristic of EDSA People Power. It is
enshrined in the Constitution, which values initiatives from below as a way of
harnessing the direct participation of the people in politics and governance.
In its current usage, however, it is problematic because it is often equated
with popular insurrection and takeover as a method of regime change. This
creates a dynamic where crisis situations continue to be resolved through
extra-constitutional means which are not predictable, weaken democratic
institutions and install leaders with questionable mandates. Thus an endless
series of EDSA’s spells serious instability.

h. Snap elections. Any call for “snap elections” would be extra-constitutional,
since there is no such provision in the present charter. What the Constitution
provides for is the holding of “special elections,” should vacancies arise in
the offices of both the President and the Vice President. Therefore, those
who are advocating this option presume that both the President and Vice
President will step down or will be made to do so. Moreover, special
elections before 2010 without meaningful preparation and electoral reforms
will only lead to a contest between those already entrenched in power and
thus will not produce genuine change.

i. Military intervention. Some have called for an interventionist role of the
military to effect regime change. While recognizing that there are reformminded
members of the military who have a genuine concern for the good of
the country, military intervention in whatever form must be eschewed,
especially in the present context of a weak Philippine democracy. Allowing
the military to become the arbiter to resolve political conflicts and stalemates
undermines civilian supremacy, long-term democratization and political
stability.

j. An Independent Counsel. Some have called for an independent institution
with the credibility and capacity for investigating and prosecuting
government corruption at the highest levels. This proposal has been made
because some see the Senate investigations as partisan, while the
Ombudsman is overloaded with corruption cases and is perceived as partial
to the government in power, given its recent track record. For this option to
prosper, however, three difficult issues need to be addressed: (i) creating such
a body through a law approved by Congress, (ii) defining the scope of its
power and responsibilities, especially in relation to the Ombudsman, and (iii)
giving it real autonomy, particularly from the President, who would be the
appointing official.

k. Impeachment. This mechanism is provided for by the Constitution to exact
accountability from the President. It is also a way by which allegations can be
verified, thus giving the President a fair hearing and an opportunity to defend
herself. However, impeachment will only work if people are willing to
participate actively in pushing for and making sure that this process is
effective (e.g. sustained lobbying, pressuring their representatives in Congress
to prioritize the search for truth and accountability). Thus, it can provide
excellent opportunities for active political participation, especially for citizens
outside Metro Manila.

“How does one go beyond GMA?”

l. Elections. The forthcoming elections in 2010 will be critical. Not only will a
new president be chosen, but this national exercise will also be crucial in the
restoration of trust in the democratic system and the emergence of a new
alternative leadership. It is imperative that they are conducted freely, honestly
and credibly. Furthermore, there is a need for responsible citizens to organize
around candidates, leaders and parties who are upright and capable, and who
can contribute positively to the strengthening of weak institutions.

Action Points

7. It is precisely during times of great upheavals and crises that the call to hope becomes more urgent. Desperation and cynicism cannot be allowed to eat up people’s inner resources. To move forward from this crisis means identifying and pursuing specific forms of action, such as: (a) joining circles of ongoing reflection and discernment, and efforts at political education and organization, including training in anti-corruption advocacy (Ehem) and active nonviolence; (b) supporting institutional efforts to get to the truth and creating a broader climate of truth-telling which encourages and protects whistleblowers; (c) joining activities that promote accountability; (d) articulating long-term ideals and policies for national political reform; and (e) establishing sectoral and multi-sectoral organizations and networks to promote dialogue and concerted action.

Concretely, eight action areas fall within the range of options which are consistent with the principles identified above, especially the need to build strong democratic institutions and promote engaged citizenship for socio-political reform:
a. Support for the ongoing Senate investigation of the ZTE-NBN case not only to bring out the whole truth on matters of public interest but also to strengthen the institutional system of checks and balances that seek to prevent the abuse of power.

b. Creation of a credible Independent Counsel , in order to ferret out the veracity of various allegations and promote accountability within the judicial system, in which unfortunately many of the official institutions are seen as severely compromised politically. Thus there is a need for an institutional venue and mechanism that will be viewed as autonomous of the government currently in power and free of the antics of traditional politicians.

c. Initiation of a genuine impeachment process, particularly by pressuring Representatives in the House to hold the President accountable for serious violations of public trust if there are sufficient bases for doing so.

d. Pursuit of reforms towards government transparency in all its transactions, especially in processes like procurement, decisions on loans, development projects, social reforms, and on issues such as mining, energy and land use that have a profound impact on poor communities and the environment. There is a need to ensure rigorous implementation of laws and policies, the institutionalization of a culture of social accountability, free access to information, and the enhanced participation of civil society in governance decisions at all levels.

e. Promotion of electoral reforms to ensure the conduct of clean, honest, and credible elections in 2010, including the revamp of the Comelec, beginning with the appointment and confirmation of commissioners of unquestioned integrity and competence; the modernization of the electoral system; the eradication of warlordism; the monitoring of campaign finance and expenditure; and the continuing political education of voters.

f. Search for worthy candidates and potential leaders, parties/coalitions and platforms for 2010, through positive preparations, planning and strategizing. This would mean clarifying political values and development priorities, candidate selection and recruitment, resource mobilization, and political organizing.

g. Organization of and support for basic sectors, to enable them to have a real say in democratic processes and to address the urgent needs of economic development and social justice.

h. Engagement of the youth in current issues, through political education, organization and mobilization for democratic institution-building, lobbying for transparency and accountability, policy reform, and involvement in electoral politics.

8. These specific and concrete calls for action are not isolated and discrete but are precisely interconnected in a framework that seeks to promote truth, accountability and reform. They address gross injustices in the country through active citizen participation that will support and be supported by efforts at political education, organization, mobilization and network-building in order to strengthen and transform democratic political institutions under the Constitution. Responding to the Call for Communal Discernment, Conversion and Action

9. We offer these guidelines as a response to the call of our bishops for “circles of discernment” to “pray together, reason together, decide together, act together.” We trust that these reflections help clarify the context, principles and options for people – especially the youth – who seek to respond in action to the current crisis rather than succumb to the temptations of despair. For as Pope Benedict XVI has said, “All serious and upright human conduct is hope in action” (Spe Salvi 35).

Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus Commission on the Social Apostolate Easter Sunday, 23 March 2008
Albert E. Alejo, S.J.
Xavier C. Alpasa, S.J.
Anna Marie A. Karaos
Antonio M. La Viña
Jose Cecilio J. Magadia, S.J.
Antonio F. Moreno, S.J.
Ermin B. Pimentel
Karel S. San Juan, S.J.
Benjamin T. Tolosa, Jr.
Primitivo E. Viray, Jr., S.J.
Peter W. Walpole, S.J.
Roberto C. Yap, S.J.

Feb. 29 in Naga City

More photos of the Feb. 29 mobilization in Naga City
(Thanks very much, Pines!)