Open Road » Advocay

Register Now and Vote on 2010 Election! – Rock The Vote

Flow — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:59:44 +0000

Quezon City, September 11 Rock The Vote sits with students and some youth advocates and bloggers sa Starbucks Dialogue series in Techno Hub at Philcoa near University of the Philippines Diliman.

Umikot ang discussion sa halaga ng participation ng mga tao sa election lalo na ang mga first time voter, Georg Nava of Rock The Vote and Register & Vote mention na importante ang pagpaparegistro sa darating na election para makaboto sa 2010. Georg who is also part of Youth Vote Philippines with Evita Garcia, her team mate sa RV, ikinuwkento nila how the campaign starts and how this project works. They mention na ngayon nagfofocus sila sa pagpapaalaala at pangangampanya na magparehistro ang mga 1st time voter na nasa magiging 18 na bago ang National at Local Election sa 2010 at hinihimok din nilang makiisa rin pati ang mga taong hindi pa nagpaparehistro. Ayon kay Georg ito ang 1st step na kailangan gawin para makasali sa election at ang 2nd step ay ang i-scrutinize ang mga tatakbo sa posisyon bago sila iboto.

During the discussion kasama ang mga students at ibang mga advocates at bloggers naging usap-usapan ang Automated Election na kung saan ay inapprove na ng Supreme Court, ayon kay Georg she has faith on automation, optimistic siya sa technology na ito pero ang tanging concerns lang niya ay ma-clear lang ng COMELEC ang ilang mga bagay tulad ng process ng mismong actual voting, mga taong may access sa pagpapatakbo ng prosesong ito at mismong mga voting concerns tulad ng ano ang mga guidelines na kailangan i-inform sa mga botante. Bukod dito ang tanging hiling lang ng RV ay madagdagan ang mga machines at registration form na minsan ay nagkukulang sa mga registration precints na katulad nang naganap sa Cagayan de Oro na kung saan as early 3am mayroon nang mga nag iintay sa pagbubukas ng registration area ngaunit sa kasamaang palad ay nagkulang ang mga forms na kailangan at maraming pumila ang hindi nakapagparehistro.

Ngayon ang RV ay may project na Register & Vote Bus na kung saan ay pumupunta sila sa mga lugar upang i-remind ang mga tao na magparehistro at ang mismong bus ay nagiging service para dalhin ang mga kabataan sa mga registration area sa mga local government offices. Ayon kay Georg wala nang reason para hindi sila pumunta at makapagparehisto. Simula noong ginawa ang project na ito ay nakapunta na ang RV Bus sa Tatalon, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, at ngayong September 17 ay pupunta sila sa Davao City.

Bukod sa RV Bus ay isa sa proyekto nila ang RV Concert to let other youth icons kagaya ng mga musicians at mga celebrity na himukin ang kanilang mga followers para sumali sa pagpaparehistro. “It influences much when this person whom the youth look up to and tell them to register and vote”, ito ang sabi ni Georg na kung saan nakasama na nila kagaya nina KC Concepcion, Kamikaze, Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola at iba pang celebrity sa RV Concert at sila mismo ang nag encourage sa mga fans nila na mag-participate sila sa registration.

After the last day of registration on October 31, RV is planning to have series of forums to let the youth and other voters to ask questions, scrutinize and learn more of those politicians running for the position. “Ito ang second step after registration ang kilalanin nila ang mga tatakbo sa election bago nila ito iboto” Georg mention where she and Evita tells those who is part of the dialogue na kilalanin mabuti ang mga tatakbo before giving their votes.

Read my opinion on Angsawariko.blogspot.com

Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno heads the launching of Moral Force Movement

Flow — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:48:38 +0000

“Ang dangal ng lahing Pilipino ay nakasalalay sa ating pag-ibig sa bayan. Isang Pag-ibig na naka-ugat sa totoo, mabuti at tama. Isang pag-ibig na umuusbong mula sa pananalig at pag-asa” – Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

August 31, inilunsad sa Main Auditorium ng Far Eastern University sa Morayta Manila ang Moral Force Movement (MFM) sa pamumuno ni Chief Justice Puno na kung saan ito ay isang multisectoral, non-partisan movement that calls for moral transformation sa bansa. Binuo ang MFM noong March 2009 sa pangunguna ni Chief Justice Puna bilang founder ng movement, na kung saan ay kulang kulang isang taon na lang bago mag Local and National Election sa 2010. Ang pangunahing adhikain ng movement na ito ay mas mapatatag ang moral values of integrity sa bansa, magkaroon ng social responsibility at pagmamahal sa bansa ang mga Filipino sa pamamagitang ng maayos na edukasyon at service oriented programs na kung saan ang bawat isa sa kabila ng kanilang sector na kinabibilangan at relehiyong kinakaaniban ay magagawang magsama sama para magparticipate sa adhikaing ito.

Education for the Election

Sa nalalapit na 2010 National and Local Election, pinili ng MFM na mas patibayin ang moral values kagaya ng integrity, social responsibility at pagmamahal sa bansa at nakapaloob ito sa programang ilulunsad nila ang Voter’s Education Program. Ang goal ng program na ito hikayatin ang mga botante makiisa sa pagboto sa election at piliin ang nararapat na transformational leader na dapat mamuno sa bansa.

Ang transformational leaders ay ang mga taong naghahangad nang pagbabago sa mga tao, sa mga ahensya at sangay ng lipunan, at sa mismong bansa na kayang itaguyod ito at pamahalaan sa maayos, at demokratikong pamamaraan. Kumpara sa mga tinatawag na transactional leaders na nakikilala natin sa common term na traditional politicians o mga trapo, na ang tanging importante laman sa kanila ay pansariling kapakanan at ng iilang mga kaibigan nila. Nakikilala ang mga transformational leaders sa tatlong bagay they practice eveftive (Kapitan ng Bayan), empowering (Lingkod Bayan) and ethical leadership (Katiwala ng Bayan).

Hopes on Morality and on 2010 Election

Ayon kay Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa, Chairperson of the National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL) and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) na hahanapin ng MFM kasama ang mga bagong bayani o ang mga educated voters ang mga nararapat na kandidato o mga transformational leaders na mamumuno at gagabay sa bansa. Hinikayat ni Ambassador De Villa na simula ngayon hanggang sa darating na election na hikayatin ang bawat botante na maging matalino at mapanuri sa mga kandidato at hanapin ang transformational leaders na nararapat sa posisyon na kung saan ang basehan ng panunuri ay naka-ugat sa totoo, mabuti at tama na siyang core ng MFM.

Ayon sa kanya ay wala nang magagawa ang mga kandidato sa panahong ang mga botante ay maging matalino at seryoso sa responsableng pagboto doon makikita ang simula ng pagbabago ng Pilipinas at makakaahon sa katiwalian, korupsyon at conflict sa gobyerno. Idinadalangin ni Ambassador De Villa na dumating ang araw na ito na kung saan ay mas magiging maganda ang kinabukasan ng bayan kasama ang mga kabataan.

Kasama sa MFM sina Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa (Chairperson of the National Movement for Free Election or NAMFREL, Chairperson rin ng Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or PPCRV at dating Ambassador sa Vatican), Dr. Mildwida Guevarra (Former Undersecretary of Finance, Chairperson of Movement for Good Governance and of Synergia (educational reform) Foundation, and 2008 Gawad Haydee Yorac Awardee), Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Ed. D. (President of the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines or CEAP, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines or CBCP, and Episcopal Commision on Cathechesis and Catholic Education), Retired Brigade General Jaime C Echeverria (President of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers), Bishop Ernesto P. Nacpil (Retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church of the Philippines), Ms. Marixi Rufino Prieto (Chairperson of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Trustee of the Metrobank Foundation), Attorney Andres D. Bautista (Chairman of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, Dean of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law, and columnist of the Philippine Star) and Noorian S. Sabdulla (Moslem youth, 2008 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines Awardee).

Miriam Defensor Santiago on informercials again

Flow — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:19:47 +0000

Matapos ang ginanap na Senate inquiry ni Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago kasama ang mga cabinet secretaries sa pangunguna nina Vice President Noli de Castro, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque at Metro Manila Development Authority Secretary Bayani Fernando Jr., ay muling binalikan ni Defensor ang kanyang pagpuna sa mga infomercials na lumalabas ngayon na kung saan kasama pa rin ang mga cabinet secretaries.

Sa isang session sa Senado noong August 24 ay ipinakita niya ang mga infomercials ng mga cabinet secretaries at isa isa nitong pinuna, nangunguna dito ang infomercial na ginawa ni Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Chairman Augusto L. Syjuco Jr. na kung saan pinuna ni Defensor ang pagsayaw ni Syjuco kasama ang singer actress na si Sarah Geronimo na kung saan umabot na ng 8.3 Million na ang nagastos sa paggawa ng infomercials hindi pa kasama dito ang paglabas nito sa mga TV Networks. Matapos ni Syjuco ay sinunod naman ni Defensor ang infomercial ni Ronnie Puno, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary, “sobrang kapal pa ng make up” ito ang nabanggit ni Defensor na kung saan ay gumatos si Puno ng 0.9 Million mula 2008 hanggang 2009 para sa kanyang infomercial at ginamit din niya ang pondo ng DILG sa kanyang mga media greetings. Mula 2008 hanggang 2009 ay umabot na ng 118 Million na ang nagagastos ng mga cabinet secretaries para sa kanyang info ads at hinihiling ni Defensor na tanggalin ang budget para sa advertising ng mga government agency. Bukod doon ay pinansin din ni Defensor ang info ad ni Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay

Habang pinuna naman ng Senator Dick Gordon at ang mga kasama niya sa Senado na sina Manny Villar at Mar Roxas.

Read my opinion on this issue on AngSaWariKo.Blogspot.com

Rafael Lopa and Cesar Buenaventura shares future plans for Benigno S. Aquino Jr Foundation

Flow — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:18:11 +0000

Last August 14 at the special screening of The Last Journey of Ninoy at the Rockwell Cinema at Power Plant Mall, nagkaroon tayo ng maikling conversation with Rafael Lopa the Executive Director of Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation (BSAF) kasama si Cesar Buenaventura ang President ng BSAF para kamustahin ang mga future plans nila sa foundation at paano nila matutulungan ang ating mga kababayan.

Ang isa sa mga ginagawa ng foundation ngayon ay mag-create ng awareness sa mga kabataan ngayon kung sino si Ninoy Aquino, mula sa docu-drama nilang ipinalabas sa tulong ng Unitel Production, inilunsad din nila ang Ako si Ninoy the Musical at ang isang taon na nilang campaign na ang I Am Ninoy na inilunsad nila noong August 21, 2008. Ang main goal nila sa project na ito ay makita ng mga kabataan ang kahalagahan ni Ninoy sa bansa at ang makita nila ang katangian ni Ninoy sa kanilang mga sarili.

Bukod sa scholarship na inilunsad ng foundation simula noong 1986, pinag aaralan ng ng BSAF kung paano gagawin ang implementation ng Micro Finance para sa mga kababaihan lalo na sa mga ina na siyang naging pangunahing advocacy ng yumaong dating Presidente Corazon Aquino. Ang main goal ng project na ito ay para makatulong sa pagresolve ng kahirapan na dinadanas ng mga kababayan natin sa panahong ito. Ngayon ay nakahold muna ang scholarship para sa mga bagong batch ng BSAF para mabigyan ng budget ng micro financing na kung saan ay nakikipag usap na ang BSAF sa mga micro-finance institution that will help them sa livelihood program.

Bukod sa I Am Ninoy (iamninoy.com) website na siyang nagre-reach out sa mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng mga activities mula sa shirt campaign hanggang sa community involvement na ngayon na kung saan ay part ang I Am Ninoy Runner Project where the funds na makukuha nila rito ay ipantutulong sa 57-75 Movement, isang private sector that leads the initiative to reverse the education crisis through focused interventions and school-community action. Nariyan na rin ang PinoyMe Foundation (PinoyMe.com) ito ay isang social investmentbank for microfinance institutions (MFIs) na tutulong para magkapuhunan ng mga small entrepreneur kagaya ng isang maybahay para matulungan niya ang kanyang sarili at ang kanyang pamilya.

Narito ang kumpletong panayam ko kina Rafael Lopa at Cesar Buenaventura ng Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation.

On Saving Earth: “There are so many choices that people can make, and everyone has a commitment to make”

Flow — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:42:59 +0000

One on One with WWF-Philippines CEO, Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan
(As posted on angsawariko.blogspot.com and flowgalindez.com, and filipinovoices.com)

Ang bawat isa ay may responsibilidad na kailangan gawin para maisalba pa ang kalagayan ngn ating Inang Kalikasan, last August 15 ay nagkaroon tayo ng pagkakataong makausap ang Chief Executive Officer ng WWF Philippines (Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas) na si Jose Maria Lorenza “Lory” Tan at pinaunlakan tayo ng ilang minuto para sagutin ang mga ilang katanungan ukol sa mga proyekto at mga adhikain ng WWF dito sa bansa.

Naging priority ng WWF-Philippines ang marine life na kung saan ito ang siyang pumapalibot sa Pilipinas. Ayon kay Lory bukod sa marine life at species ay kasama rin sa ang energy conservation at usapin ng illegal logging sa kanilang mga binabantayan ngayon, bukod dito mas gusto nilang tignan ang mas malalim sa kadahilanan kung bakit nagaganap ang mga bagay na ito, at iyon ang human footprint. Ang alamin ang ugat sa pamamagitan kung kanino nagmula ang mga bagay na ito ang pagtatapon ng basura, dynamite fishing, at maraming iba. Dahil kung mismong magfofocus na sila kung ano ang resulta at hindi titignan ang cause ng problema ay hindi nila maaayos ito.

Noong 2008 ay hinanggan ng buong mundo ang Pilipinas na kung saan ay humigit sa 15 Million ang nakiisa sa taunang Earth Hour tuwing ika huling Sabado ng Marso, ayon kay Lory hindi na siya magugulat kung paano naging active ang mga Filipino pagdating sa bagay na ito, dahil bukod sa matalino ang mga Filipino patungkol sa ano ang makakabuti para sa kanila ay alam din nila na may problema, at iyon ay nararamdaman na ng mga kababayan nating nasa mababang lugar, ang suliranin ng climate change.

Last July ay kasama ng Nido Discovery Center at Mall of Asia ang WWF Philippines at inilunsad nila ang isang documentary na ang title ay Ice World, inilarawan ng documentary na ito ang epekto ng Global Warming sa buong mundo at ang mga pangunahing mga manonood dito ay ang mga kabataan. Sinabi noon ni Lory na hanggang maaga ay maging mulat na ang mga kabataan patungkol sa kalagayan ng Inang Kalikasan kaysa kung sa mantanda na sila at huli na ang lahat.

Para kay Lory, ang tanging pinagkaiba lang ng Greenpeace at PETA sa WWF ay dalawang bagay lang at iyon ay ang focus nila sa kanilang mga proyekto at ang lugar kung saan sila ay matatagpuan ngayon. Walang magaling o nangunguna, ayon kay Lory ang bawat isa ay may responsibilidad na magagawa na isa lang ang adhikain at iyon ay ang maisalba pa ang kalikasan. Ang tanging inaasam lang ni Lory na 5 years or 10 years from now na ang mga noong tinulungan nila ay magawang ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan ng WWF sa kanilang community na sa kanila mismo ay kikilos sila para pangalagaan ang lugar nila present man o hindi ang WWF.

Narito ang kumpletong panayam ko kay Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan ng WWF Philippines.

Para maging volunteer o makapagdonate sa WWF-Philippines visit www.wwf.org.ph

Blogger’s Note:

Nagpapasalamat ang author sa pagpapaunlak ni Ginoong Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan ng WWF Philippines sa interview na ito na kung saan ay isang malaking bahagi ng Advocacy section ng Filipino Voices.

Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig Calls for Runners to Save Pasig River

Flow — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:21:07 +0000

The Philippine International Marathon 2009, A Run for the Pasig River goes to the starting line on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.

Organized by Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and under the helm of race director Rudy Biscocho, the run with categories in 3 kilometer, 5 kilometer, 10 kilometer and the full 42 kilometer marathon, aims to boost awareness about the project as well as raise funds to rehabilitate the Pasig River. A unique feature of the race is the 42K full marathon which can also be run by a relay team of 20 people.

The route has been crafted to provide the public a glimpse of the state of the river as well as challenge marathoners with its non-traditional route crossing nine of the thirteen bridges of the Pasig River, and with portions to be run alongside the river. Gunstart for the full marathon is at 4:30 a.m.

Gina Lopez, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. one of the lead partners of KBPIP called on the public to show their support for the multi-sectoral effort to save the Pasig River: “The marathon is a step of faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river.”

The Philippine International Marathon was established in 2000 by the Clean & Green Foundation headed by First Lady Mrs. Ming Ramos. In 2008, the Clean & Green Foundation passed the torch of reviving the Pasig River to ABS-CBN Foundation along with it the task of organizing the marathon as a fund-raiser for the effort.

The run is open to the public with a participation fee of P250. Corporate groups may also register as a team.

Free Running clinics will be made available for first time runners through the Pinoy Ultra Runners which is supporting the marathon.

Pre-registration forms are available at the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig office at the 3/F ELJ Building. Interested participants may also call: 415-2272 loc. 3797, 416-1911 or email ilogpasig@abs-cbn.com.

AFI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission signed a Memorandum of Agreement last March 2008 to co-manage the rehabilitation of the Metro Manila river basin, with initial focus on Pasig River and its tributaries. This gave birth to Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig, which was formally launched in February 2009.

Prayer for a Happy Death by President Cory Aquino

Flow — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:49:20 +0000

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.

When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.

Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love, Amen.

Share your message, love and prayer to the family of the late President Corazon Aquino visit http://coryaquino.ph.

The 3rd ANC Leadership Forum on July 28

Flow — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:51:01 +0000

After the 9th State of The Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the July 27. ABS-CBN will ba having its third ANC Leadership Forum on the 28th of July with Senators Francis Escudero, Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Manuel Roxas II, as well as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno as they give their own version of State of the Nation Address and what are their hopes and plans on the 2010 National Election.

Before the said event lets back track on the 2nd Leadership Forum last June 5, at University of The Philippines Diliman School of Economics. What has Loren Legarda, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Jejormar Binay and Bayani Fernando Jr.

Joseph Estrada
Political Affiliations: PMP-UNO (current), NPC, CAD
Vision of Governance: ‘Walang tutulong sa Pilipino kundi kapwa Pilipino.’

On his intention to run for president in 2010. “Wala po akong ibang iniisip kundi ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan at higit sa lahat… ‘yung mga mahirirap dahil si ERAP, mamatay, mabubuhay hindi makakabayad ng utang na loob sa mga mahihirap.”
On his real estate properties. “I’ve been a movie actor, a superstar for quite a long time…I made my earnings there. I invested a lot in real estate…Now, to cut the long story short, I have no more property. Because when I became president, I diverted it all to the corporation of the family… which I’m not included, okay?”

On the reproductive health bill. “Kahit pa noong panahon ni Marcos, gawa tayo ng gawa ng eskwelahan—kulang… Sa madaling salita, malaking problema ang ating population growth…we are creating potential prostitutes, potential criminals due to no fault of their own, because they were not given opportunities in life…Dapat mabigyan ng edukasyon. You (should) teach the mothers the right size of family that they can afford.”

On the Hayden Kho sex video scandal. “Dapat ‘tong si Hayden Kho, mabigyan ng advice. Dapat nilagay niya doon, ‘For Adults Only.’ Joking aside.. ako, tutol ako diyan. Dapat i-ban ang mga ganyan sa internet dahil it is corrupting the minds of our young people.”

Loren Legarda
Political Affiliation: Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)
Vision of Governance: “Tao muna, bago tayo.”

If she’s willing to run only as vice-president. “Kung ang tao ay merong kakayanan, merong puso na maglingkod, at mamahalin ang taong bayan, bakit hindi? Para namang hilo ang taong magsasabi na siya lang ang magaling na taong maaaring magbigay ng solusyon sa problema ng ating bansa.”

On her wealth. “I was born to a middle class family in Malabon. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old and—I’m not ashamed—as a commercial model, as a TV host, as a producer since I was 18. I’m 49 now. I’ve worked all my adult life and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”

On the continuing migration of Filipino workers. “First of all there is nothing wrong with migration. Migration is part of globalization and we are mighty proud of our overseas Filipinos who have brought in billions and billions of dollars to keep our Philippine economy afloat. What is important is that we provide them with the social safety nets so that the problems that abound because of separation from families do not happen as a rule.

On the reproductive health bill. “I am against any form of abortion. But I am for an informed choice for the women of our country…It is important that the women are allowed to be able to make enlightened and informed decisions about their body. We must also do everything we can to bring down the level of maternal mortality. It is growing because of a lack of knowledge, lack of information.”

Jejomar Binay
Political Affiliation: UNO-PDP-LABAN
Vision of Governance: ‘To provide the people with opportunities for advancement, services they deserve and the chance to live with dignity.’

On his priority once elected president. “Ang advocacy ko is a strong local government…I sincerely believe when the barangay is progressive, your town or city will also be progressive. And if the town or city would be progressive, then the province would also be progressive. And when the provinces would be progressive, you’ll find a progressive Philippines.”

On corruption allegations against him. “Ang tatay ko taga-Bauan, Batangas. Ang nanay ko taga-Cabagan, Isabela. Ito ay mga bayan at lalawigan na ang laging sinasabi: masisipag at tsaka matiyaga sa hanapbuhay…If I was able to manage and administer—to make what Makati is now, siguro, yun namang management and administration style ko, pwede ko namang gamitin sa negosyo ko.”

On the most important quality in a Supreme Court Justice. “Eto hong magiging Justice natin, eh ‘yung kanyang gagawing desisyon ay kaya niya pong ipagtanggol sa Diyos at sa tao…Hindi ho ‘yung katulad ng nangayayari ngayon, maraming mga Justices, binabali ang tunay na provisions of the law dahil sa ang nangunguna, loyalty to and upon orders of the people in Malacanang.”

On corruption allegations against the Arroyo family. “I think Mrs. Arroyo will have to answer all of these accusations of graft and corruption. ‘Yun bang tubig na naging fertilizer, ‘yun ba hong ZTE… Bakit ho siya nagpunta sa China sa madaling araw na wala mang protocol…Eto hong mga isyu-isyu na mga milyon-milyong piso ang ginagastos tuwing dadating ang halalan. Kailangan humarap siya sa hustisya at ipaliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari.”

Bayani Fernando
Political Affiliation: Lakas-CMD
Vision of Governance: ‘For change to happen, order must be put first.’

On the reason behind his presidential bid. “Meron akong sinimulan 17 taon na ngayon. Sinubukan ko sa Marikina at nasubukan ko sa Metro Manila na sa tingin ko ay kasagutan sa mga maraming suliranin natin.”

On being the “richest” Marikina mayor ever. “Ang pinakapobre (mayor ng Marikina) ang aking ama, totoo ‘yon. Pinakapobre ang aking ama. Kaya ako ay nagsimulang pobre. Pero 25 years… Kamuntik ko nang makalimutang mag-asawa dahil sa naghanap buhay ako for 25 years.”

On why public money should be used in the elections. “Katulad ng Germany, hindi na gumagastos ang kandidato. Pati contributions from private individuals and firms hindi nila tinatanggap. It’s all government spending for the elections. Para wala nang babawiin ang sino man. Walang dahilan para bumawi.”

On the reproductive health bill. “I follow the precepts of my church. And so I am not for modern contraceptions (sic). But I’m for natural ways of limiting the number of children to affordable level.”

ANC will air the event live at 7 p.m. with replays on Studio 23 on August 1 at 7 p.m. and on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best on August 2 at 10:15 p.m.

Learnings from Antero Ely for Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan

Flow — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:51:55 +0000

After seeing Tuntoy on how he compare the life that his family and friends faces from Baranggay Gutom to Baranggay Busog, Antero Ely shares his struggle on how he learn to stand from the life of being discriminated because of what poverty brought them.

Being a brother’s keeper, Gawad Kalinga encourages people to participate to be part of the Bayan Anihan campaign and that is to eradicate hunger and giving the people the pride to stand for themselves and for their family and not living by waiting for alms that people gives.

Be a hunger warrior, give your 4 hours or more per month to Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan, or visit BayanAnihan.com for more information on how you can be part of this campaign.

Also read my post on the Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan launch on GK Selecta Village and listen to my exclusive interview of Tony Meloto founder of Gawad Kalinga.

CITIZEN JOURNALISTS TO DELIVER OWN S.O.N.A. ON ABS-CBN

Flow — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:21:45 +0000

This year, it’s not only the president who’s reporting about the state of the nation. Starting Monday (July 20), Filipinos worldwide who have joined the Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula movement will get a chance to deliver their own state of the nation address (SONA) on national television through ABS-CBN’s “SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo.”

Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo’s citizen journalists or “Boto Patrollers” are encouraged to send their take on the real situation of the country to ABS-CBN by text, voice message, email, or video. The best contributions will be aired in “TV Patrol World,” “Bandila,” and “Umagang Kay Ganda” starting next Monday (July 20) in the run-up to and during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s own State of the Nation Address on July 27.

“Through “SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo,” we hope to flesh out the true condition of the country based on how “Boto Patrollers” see it from their communities,” ABS-CBN New Media Manager Arlene Burgos said.

ABS-CBN news executives recently flew to Davao and General Santos cities to conduct citizen journalism workshops for “Boto Patrollers,” such as storytelling, video recording, and journalism ethics.

To participate in “SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo,” registered “Patrollers” should key in ireport(space)name(space)address(space)message, and then send their pictures or videos with caption to 2366. “Patrollers” may also send their entries online by email. They have to type their names and Patroller IDs on the subject line and attach their picture or video, short captions, or the links to these pictures or videos, and then send it to ireport@abs-cbn.com. Submissions will be accepted from July 18 to 24.

The 3rd ANC Leadership Forum will be aired on ANC (SkyCable channel 27) at 7 p.m. on July 28, with replays on Studio 23 on August 1 at 6 p.m. and on August 2 at 10:15 p.m. on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best. Invited to the forum are Vice President Noli De Castro, Senators Francis Escudero, Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Manuel Villar, Manuel Roxas, as well as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca.

ABS-CBN also continues its drive in mobilizing some nine million new voters to register in partnership with the Commission on Elections on July 29 (Wednesday) in Dagupan, Bacolod, and Zamboanga cities.

“‘Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo’ is a countdown to change. We need new voters to change traditional politics and make the 2010 elections work,” said Maria Ressa, ABS-CBN Senior Vice President for News and Current Affairs.

Since the launch of “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” last May 11, over 15,000 Filipinos have signed up to become “Boto Patroller” citizen journalists who will report election-related anomalies using their cell phones and the Internet to ensure clean and honest elections.

BMPM recently welcomed another partner in Life Haven, a non-government organization that represents People with Disability (PWD).
Join “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” by keying in REGBMPMname/age/gender/address then sending to 2366 for Globe and Sun subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers, or online by logging in at www.abs-cbnnews.com.

For updates on the “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” campaign, stay tuned to ABS-CBN, ANC, Studio 23, and DZMM, or visit www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo or subscribe to http://twitter.com/abscbn_halalan and http://botomoipatrolmo.multiply.com/ for the latest election updates.