Ang kapatiran banking on Principle, Integrity & Honesty in the 2007 Election

There’s a new player in town, a team unlike the disUnity or the GO between in a game that is tilted to favor the traditional players who has never heard of level playing field and fair play. Unlike the ones who promise you a Super Highway Robbery errr project, Fertilizer Scam errr funds that fattens their pocket instead of the farmers’ crop, or give known big time tax evaders amnesty these team promises nothing but their honesty and credibility. Yes, unlike the old tired shady characters we confused for our leaders and mostly jokers laughing their way to the bank this team offers hope and salvation.

They are subject of ridicule for their shoe string campaign budget whose source of funding this nation has never seen before. A people funded campaign where Jueteng and big business vested interest are off limits in their plunge to do battle against what’s perceived as a formidable opponent whose very weaknesses are their bulging pockets. This is the first step towards participatory democracy wherein the leaders’ loyalties are on the people who supported them through their contributions and word of mouth.

People so used to what’s “normal” are in quandary what in heavens name are they thinking so they say jumping in the muck of the dirtiest game in town with no money is a sure formula for defeat. Yes it maybe if you the electorates allow your good old tired traditional politicians to win but the eventual losers are not this new team of upright gentleman but you the people. How else will the traditional politicians recoup their investments running from P200 million onwards but dipping their dirty hands in the treasury (your own money duh as in you taxes) in the form of un-accountable and un-audited pork barrel? That is just the Pork barrel how about the other perks and the convenience of setting the rules of the game for their businesses and industries and their big vested interest backers of the legitimate and illegitimate kind? Just so we remember here is a timely quote from an article at PCIJ 11/ 6/04 issue titled Pork barrel for politics, not development by Yvonne T. CHUA & Booma. B. CRUZ:

Take that away, ano pang gagawin namin?" asks Compostela Rep. "Way Kurat" Zamora. "Of course, there's the national budget, naming of streets, but saturated na rin ang laws. And I think without that (pork), no one will run.

As one lawmaker notes, "You have just one flashflood of money, you keep your people poor. It's like a time bomb and it's scary.

Despite all these open admission of squandering people’s money and you are still voting and rooting for these trapos then you really deserve each other.

I have listened to the Pod Cast (nak’s did I not tell you folks sometimes you can get lucky and beyond belief found something good in the Philippine newspaper) of the three musketeers errrr candidates of Ang Kapatiran and surely I was impressed. This is nirvana; I can’t believe what I am hearing it is so surreal that I have goose bumps listening particularly to Martin Bautista. In it he cites corruption in the Philippines that has reached the lethal level literally killing our people. A doctor who sees the effects of lethal corruption with his patients would surely see it as morally reprehensible and so should we. Think about it majority of our people in the Philippines are poor and barely surviving not having enough to put food on their table as Bautista mentioned are in dire situation when they get sick, that is just so tragic. In contrast just look at how congress and the office of the president who seems to be on the verge of showdown where no bills seems to pass with so much in fighting and drama that will give soap operas a run for their money. And when it comes to approving their billions upon billions of peso national budget they all of sudden gets kissy kissy as if they were long lost friends seeing each other for the first time.

Vinchu Lapid the membership committee chairman of Ang kapatiran who is gracious enough to entertain my queries and here are some highlights:

Our platform clearly states that we are against the pork barrel - that's where the candidates get their money for elections - so if you do away with that, we start to do away with misplaced campaign spending.

Our platform clearly states that we are against any form of gambling: therefore if we had our way, there will be no more jueteng and PAGCOR from which to draw campaign funds.

Our principles and platform clearly states that we are against a politics based on patronage, therefore if there are voluntary donations from individuals and corporations (which we should publish so people will know); we should make it clear that we do not owe these people any favors, we only owe them the duty to work for the common good.

Yes the strict code of ethics was one reason why we have so few candidates. There were many names mentioned who are even now very good prospects, and have a deep love for country, but they may be living with another woman. Or sometimes, their views on a gun less society are not the same, but the biggest problem is that most incumbents (with the one exception of Joker Arroyo) are they are for the pork barrel.

Let me tell you that our three present candidates were invited to run. Jess Paredes never even thought about it before Nandy Pacheco called him up. And Martin had never heard of us when called to a meeting. They were asked to study the party platform, asked to meet and dialogue with our officers, and asked to go into prayer and discernment and make sure their families and friends would support them in a "cause". We were very careful not to have any candidate with anything that could be said against him or her, no past baggage, no political affiliations in the present government, no questions about their private lives.

Another source that got me excited is Chee Garcia of OFW Net a classmate of Martin Bautista and I quote:

Yes, they may not get that one seat in the May 14 election BUT it is a very good start. We just have to prepare more, strategize how we can wisely allocate the limited resources and get more qualified, well-intentioned people to run. There are so many of them but the amount of resources they perceive they need to shell out becomes quite daunting for them. That's why we need to show them that it can be done. And that's why someone from Kapatiran has to win. That's why I'm fully supporting them. They're a real alternative to TU and GO. We're hoping that this movement will snowball and create a groundswell of support for the non-trapos. And I'm confident that it will. ;-) How's that for positive thinking?

There are so many write ups about them so I will not delve into it for fear of sounding like a broken record and forgive me for just this one that really has drawn me on this Iskolar ng bayan. He has uttered something I have never heard from any candidate before, respect and trust in the goodness of man unlike others who continuously beat the crap out of our Filipinoness. Just for this He has my support and encouragement because a person who respects the sanctity of human life, one who speaks against human rights violation is a person I truly respect. Enough said I am not going to bore you anymore with repetitious blah blah blah just go to their site and read their Platform, the site for the Bio of Martin Bautista, Zosimo Paredes II and Adrian Sison, their Podcast at Inquirer Bautista, Paredes II and Sison.

I am so excited but at the same time there is this sliver of liberal democrat in me that makes me uncomfortable with their catholic centered outlook but as the popular Filipino saying goes “ang taong nagigipit sa patalim man ay kakapit”. Well this is one knife I don’t mind grabbing at least compared to the other alternative of a bloody upheaval who will settle any political difference under the barrel of a gun. This is definitely a safe choice (living life to normal expectancy and not cut short by some numb nut whose brain fell off his index finger) and God centered at that is a better option than the same old trapos. Another good thing about this party is for once we can counter these religious sex errr sects that dictates on their tithing like zombie followers who to vote shamelessly taking advantage of patronage politics at the expense of our suffering people. We should put them in their proper place……. a miniscule minority for what they are has no right whatsoever in dictating the outcome of our electoral process. What about these rumors that there is now a fee to get their blessing, if this is true this is like getting the blessing of the devil for those they blessed seems to be the devil incarnate themselves.

Well, there are challenges and there are challenges but this is the opportune time to rally behind these candidates who may change the way we conduct politics

This talk about garnering votes higher than the squandering trapos in the tail end as a moral victory is defeatist and should be discouraged. We are just in the campaign period, voting has not even started and some supporters are already conditioning their minds and conceding defeat in exchange for a moral victory? In the first place you are in an arena of immoral politicians run by equally immoral operators of the cheating kind so where is the moral there? The point is these candidates are opening the flood gates that signal the start of leveling the political playing field. A level political playing field will of course give rise to genuine leaders with integrity whose interest is to serve their people. Voting and campaigning for these candidates is not enough though we still have to come up with a collective response to this nagging problem of fraudulent election. In order to protect our ballot we need to organize and set aside our differences and focus on what steps we have to undertake to have a clean and honest election. Let us stop making excuses on they are these or that full of motherhood statement blah blah blah nothing but pure hogwash, would you rather let the trapos dictate the outcome of the election or we the people dictating the outcome of this election?

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AN APPEAL TO ALL OVERSEAS FILIPINOS

Please allow us to introduce ANG KAPATIRAN, a Comelec registered national political party. It believes that principles and platform must come before candidates. It wants to bring back the teachings of God into the center of politics.

We recently launched a fund campaign to help clean-up politics because among others, we want to do away with the politics of money. People say Ang Kapatiran is a very good party, however, they won’t win because “walang pera yan”.

We believe that our three (3) senatorial candidates should not be burdened with raising their own campaign funds so that they will not have “utang na loob” to those who substantially funded their campaign. This will enable them to act independently for the best interest of the common good. We need funds not only to introduce our candidates but also to create awareness of our Principles and Platform. This will enlighten and guide our voters in their role to actively and wisely participate in this coming and future elections.

It is in this light that we are appealing to all Filipinos here and abroad who believe in the principles and platform of Ang Kapatiran, to contribute and share in the cost of change. Let us prove to the people that our Ang Kapatiran candidates will win because they are supported by Filipinos who care and believe in their cause. Enclosed is a convenient, fast, cost-efficient and safe way to send your contributions to the Philippines.

Your kind and generous financial support at this time will go a long way to start now Ang Kapatiran’s noble advocacy to pave the way for the generation of our grandchildren to eventually live with dignity as human beings in a just society.

Please click on the following to find out:
"HOW TO REMIT YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO ANG KAPATIRAN’S ACCOUNT IN THE PHILIPPINES"

"No man made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because
he thought he could do so little." (Edmund Burke)

Reactions to BOGUS PARTY LIST

4/2/07 Update

In an Inquirer editorial Party Time Ahon Penoy (nah, not a typo they actually represent penoy balut and not Pinoys) once again is in the “lime light”, unlike this urot has zeroed in not just on Klinkity Klink Ang whose Daddy a MT publisher and CLOSE ALLY of Arroyo, but the rest of the pseudo OFW representatives. The other two are Ernesto Herrera III is a son of a labor leader and former senator. Bernardo Ople is a brother of the late labor secretary, senator and foreign secretary Blas Ople.

The party list indeed was introduced by post Marcos constitutional framers to embed marginalized sectors in a congress dominated by the powerful and privileged rich minority ruling elite, what the heck are these pseudo leaders making a mockery of a good intent to afford the marginalized representation. There’s a word for that in the vernacular, SWAPANG AT MAKAPAL ANG MGA MUKHA (greedy dense callous bastards) out to scam marginalized sectors of genuine representation.

Here is a good one from the Inquirer editorial:

Yesterday, the Comelec's officer in charge, Commissioner Resurreccion Borra, acknowledged the obvious. "We are not hypocrites. Some nominees are well-to-do who don't represent the marginalized," he said in a TV interview. (Would that Chair Benjamin Abalos spend more time abroad and leave the interviews to officials who know whereof they speak, and who speak with becoming candor.)

Afterwards, in a phone interview, Borra was just as candid: "It's a reality we have to face. The party-list system was created for the marginalized sector but the reality is, some nominees are other than that [that is, marginalized]."

Now what was that all about, shame on this Borra he should get bura (erased) from his useless position if he can openly admit such incompetence and open admission (que barbaridad, that is just the dumbest) that people are breaking the law and he say’s they are not hypocrite. If this is the kind of people tasked to oversee this coming May election what are the chances that we will have a clean and honest election? Where is Abalos and why is he leaving someone like Borra to speak for them, well he is out on junket according to the editorial. Ok, will it make any difference if Abalos was there? The editorial has this to say at the end on the reasoning behind this abuse and fraud:

If Akbayan party-list Rep. Etta Rosales is correct, the Arroyo administration is now in the middle of an attempt to smuggle in its own party-list representatives through that same door. Last week, she charged that the Comelec had accredited at least 11 suspect party-list groups, with varying degrees of connection to Malacañang or Palace officials. (At least one party has since been removed from the list of accredited groups.)

The object is clear: The administration has seen the potent role played by a bloc of like-minded party-list representatives in both attempts to impeach the President. Now it wants to fill the party-list seats with friendly bodies.

That, not to put too fine a point on it, is an abuse of the party-list system. One way to stop it is to make the list of nominees transparent; another is for the Comelec to act on the evidence, and disqualify those who pretend to live on the political margins.

It’s a good recommendation but too soft, they are openly violating the law. They should not just get disqualified; bringing them to court charging them with fraud is a better option to discourage anyone from making a mockery of our electoral laws.

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Another follow up on this pseudo OFW party list a shameless ploy out to pull a fast one on OFWs and the electorate. A search on Ahon results in this find below (what a gas):

Votester 2007

Ahon Pinoy is a confederation of different community-based mothers' clubs which aims to address the concerns of women. Last edited by halalan_admin [ Report ... votester.yehey.com/global/partylistmain.php?id=20070220133732621 - 16k - Naka-Cache - Mga katulad na webpage

These are some of the reactions from Overseas Filipinos on the Ahon Patrty List and obviously no one has even heard of Klink Ang and his party.

Jun Aguilar: Being just one of the convenors of the PPP, I'd like to comment on the issue of AHON as the Chair of the Filipino Migrant Workers Group.

First, all the nominees were never known to me nor to any of our allies when we were fighting for the passage of the Absentee Voting Law, Dual-Citizenship Law and the Anti Money Laundering Act. I can say that I personally attended countless Meetings, Forums, Workshops etc here at ground zero but never did I encounter any of those so called "Champions of OFW's". I never seen them in any Congressional hearings or Rallies that were conducted in the past for the Sector that they wanted to represent.

Second, the timing of their Candidacy obviously smacks with dubious machinations. They are like "instant noodles" that in three minutes they became the OFW Gladiators in shining Armor.

Third, if they think the Overseas Filipinos are short of memory and dumb stupid not to see what is obvious, and then they better think twice.

I have seen so much of pseudo-leaders who took advantage of the Sector with some of them able to make millions out of it. There are those who are making a living by continuously misrepresenting the Sector.

These are the Champions who have never thrown a punch!

Daphne Ceniza: I agree totally with Jun.

Me Ann Pineda: Heard of Dante Ang first in Hong Kong when they launched their magazine. Besides providing an avenue for OFWs to bring out their issues in his paper,

I am not aware how else he or his group has advanced the cause of OFWs.

I have been there when the Party List system was first implemented. even before an information campaign could be started, there were already (and amazingly, OFWs themselves) those who didn't encourage to do the info drive because for them, the more informed the people are the more will participate and thus making their chances of winning slim. We saw how others would strategize by affiliating with the big national political parties just to win, and more realized that they don't even have to win. Just get in the wagon for the money. That is how the OFWs in politics have evolved. They became the people they once criticized! It indeed could be the law of attraction working.

Mila Aguilar: It's a pakawala of the admin, Me Ann. One of the 11 or more party list groups that Gloria's team has fielded to ensure that they have a Congress solidly against impeachment. They're not even campaigning, but you'll find their names on ballots upon counting.

Winda Lagumabay : It is a sign of desperation, this frenzied creation of
bogus party lists among other things. Another is the number of praise
releases that extol the many wonderful' things kuno that this administration
has done to the country.

I suppose they realize they can't kill or imprison all of the opposition in time for
the election

Leo J. Santiago: I am now fully convinced that indeed the Administration had organized some partylists to counter the influence of the progressive groups. I am certain now that those listed by Rosales of Akbayan are not the only one.

Consider: The Bigkis Pinoy is another one that has been accepted by the Comelec for partylist. As far as I know the group has been disqualified by the Comlec some six years ago as a partylist. It has been there for years now and nobody touches it until this time.

How it was able to get accreditation is the big question. I know, because the friend of the First Gentlemen was so vocal that they have the funding in the campaign until they were disqualified.

My friends, it is up to us to do something to expose some machinations that will thwart the people's voice or people's victory. It is still safe to fight and vote for the progressive groups for you know they will expose the cheating, corruption and highhandedness of people in government... I am sure they will do what they are expected to do: expose people in government who abuse our trusts, and hope.

Go forward. Let us do our task of uniting our people, overseas and inside this country.

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There are now a total of 91 party list and may climb to 93 if their petition goes thru with the comelec. I am sure this is not what the constitutionalist intended when they introduced the Party List system but leave it up to opportunist and scalawags, they can really mangle the pure intent into a terrible muck of scams. Just so no one forgets here is the list again:

Questionable Newly Accredited Party-list Organizations listed by Akbayan

Sigaw ng Bayan Groups

Babae Ka! - Sigaw ng Bayan Member (Pro Peoples Initiative group). The group has links with Malacanang’s Office of External Affairs (OEA). In the recent SWS survey, it has a threshold rating of 1.5 %

Ang Kasangga- Has links with the Office of External Affairs (OEA) of Malacanang, the government office behind Sigaw ng Bayan. It is also associated with the Beta Sigma Fraternity. Its president is FORMER Assemblyman Jose Tumbokon. He started his career as messenger, rose through the ranks and served as chief of office before he became assemblyman and presidential adviser. He was appointed minister of state of information and official spokesperson of the Interim Batasan Pambansa and the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan during the Marcos regime.

Akbay Pinoy- Its Chairman is Bong Guro. This group is also a member of Sigaw ng Bayan. It was legally charged by Makati residents together with Sigaw ng Bayan for manufacturing signatures for the GMA administration’s People’s Initiative.

AKSA- Aksyon Sambayanan (AkSa) is a phony social democratic movement affiliated with the government ally Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP). Norberto Gonzales and its Secretary General Beth Angsioco head it.

Initiated by government officials or traditional politicians

KAKUSA - Its Chairman Emeritus is convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte Representative Romeo Jalosjos. It is represented by its national president, R. Dodong Canonigo. The Lamb of God Foundation, an outreach program for elderly inmates established by Jalosjos, is supporting it.

AHON PINOY OFW Party - backed up by Dante Ang, Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and CEO of the Manila Times. The Number One nominess of Ahon is “Klink” Ang, son of Danter Ang. It has a 1.2% threshold rating in the recent SWS survey. Its president is Director Nicon Fameronag of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Information and Publication Service (IPS) (2003). He is also a member of ONE VOICE.

Biyaheng Pinoy- An association of tricycle drivers, Arsenio Abalos sits as director and national council member of the party. Who is Arsenio Abalos? The elder brother of COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos. Also, The group was founded and is chaired by Mandaluyong Vice-Mayor Jesus Cruz, who claimed to be a tricycle operator before.

ANAD- was formed in February 2003 by the National Alliance for Democracy (NAD), the movement that supplanted the dreaded Alsa Masa, a vigilante group organized by the government in Davao. NAD serves as the umbrella organization for all anti-communist forces in the country. In 2004, NAD registered ANAD as its party-list group.

AANGAT TAYO- Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) Pharma Executives Vice President Teddie Elson Rivera is the group’s president. PITC is a government-owned international trading company with over thirty years experience in the export, import and marketing of a wide range of commodities, industrial products and consumer goods.

In August of 2004, PITC was designated as a key agency in the implementation of the GMA’s 10-point legacy, which includes the lowering of the prices of essential medicines by 50%, by 2010. PITC is also in charged of importing medicines for GMA’s Botika ng Bayan.

Aangat ang Kabuhayan (ANAK) -Its number one nominee is Supt. Eduardo Octaviano of the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

AGBIAG!- Marcelo Farinas II, Malacanang’s Secretary for External Affairs is the group’s Secretary-General. Agbiag enjoys the backing of Chavit Singson.

MAGDIWANG APPEALS FOR SUPPORT

Elections 2007 not the answer

The Situation. The cheating and bribery in the 2004 Presidential elections were never resolved. The minions and partners of Garcillano were rewarded or promoted and they are all in crucial places in the Comelec today. The officers who used the armed might of the military to ensure Gloria Arroyo�s illegitimate presidency are in key positions. Together with other top bureaucrats they are also behind the extrajudicial killings. Those killed, tortured, injured, arrested or missing are nearing the thousand mark. Martial law is undeclared but it exists as soldiers swoop down on helpless barangays while they warn citizens against certain party list organizations and stealthily campaign for Gloria Arroyo-Bert Gonzales-Ronnie Puno backed candidates. Even lawyers and judges defending victims against the abuse of constitutional rights have been liquidated or are under serious threat at this very moment. Penultimately, the advent of the Anti-Terrorism Law will not only squelch post election protests but all forms of dissent against the evils and crimes of Gloria and her administration .

Meanwhile the scam of Jocjoc Bolante is being repeated and is ongoing at the DA. Billions more in the DND budget have been siphoned off to ensure the administration�s victory. Information that the Bangko Sentral has been heavily tasked to produce funds for election purposes using securities paper and plates for printing unauthorized money has not been investigated. The sourcing of funds from our government agencies for the administration�s electoral victory and the unabated plunder of the nation�s resources go on to maintain Gloria�s power. Congress which will proclaim the winning candidates still remains in the pocket of Gloria Arroyo. Under this situation the right of suffrage which is an expression of democracy cannot prevail or flourish, it is doomed to wither, if it has not yet died.

The Players. Candidates for honorable and high positions with certainty of victory assured by the administration include smugglers, grafters, murderers, pornographers, adulterers, cheats and thieves, etc. The contender for the Senate Presidency with his eyes on 2010 is known to have killed his opponents and installed his cohorts in top positions especially in the DND to maintain his power, influence and wealth. Even some candidates of the opposition have secretly talked with Malacanang and act as moles within their ranks to ensure their win and give credence to an administration landslide victory. The surveys have lulled the opposition into a false sense of victory but they have no funds with prospective funders being warned by Malacanang and their machineries are disorganized. The full force of the state machinery will be used against those who have fought Gloria and her cronies or refused to compromise with her and they will be crushed with humiliating defeat or arrested to prevent their candidacy. Party list positions are being bought by ISAFP representatives or Malacanang agents at P10M per seat to prevent impeachment and ensure an administration dominated Congress. This kind of players will only legitimize the stolen presidency of Gloria in 2004.

The Results. Neither the Team Unity nor the Genuine Opposition has any coherent program to comprehensively and concretely address the widespread poverty and hunger being experienced presently. Today 20% of Filipinos or 16M �18M of our people go to bed hungry at night but candidates in this 2007 elections do not care nor do they have the heart and will to respond to this grave crisis in our midst. Our candidates in this election are not ready to repudiate the national debt, and review the WTO commitments which have wrought havoc on our economy and which is the only proper response to the gargantuan problems confronting us. Winning candidates will not conform to a change in the system that will result in a transformation in the status quo that is currently against the welfare of majority of our people. Instead they are planning a re-hash of Con Ass after the elections and the ascendancy of PDSP-Kampi against Lakas. Thus after the elections we cannot expect any positive result for our countrymen that will bring about genuine transformation and usher peace and prosperity for ourselves and our children. It will be the same trapos dominating the political landscape and plundering the economy with their backers and minions..

The Challenge. The above-stated situation with its corresponding players and results are clear messages to all of us that Elections 2007 is not the answer. Instead we reiterate what we have previously said - that it is time for a change and that change will be genuine only if it is the nationalist alternative. The time for the re-establishment of an authentic democratic government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people has come. We commit ourselves to undertake this task of transformation until a new system and a new set of leaders are in place. We will not rest until this new governance that will indisputably address the root causes of our poverty and hunger through the repudiation of our debt and destructive WTO policies has come about. Thus we heed the Marian messages calling for the rejection of the One World Government which promotes globalization. We also urge the immediate completion of the unfinished revolution of Bonifacio and call on our patriotic military to fulfill their mandate under Article II Section 3 of our Constitution: The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. In so doing we also affirm our readiness to end the treason, corruption and immorality of our leaders � whatever it takes and whatever the cost "ang mamatay ( o pumatay) ng dahil sa Iyo (Inang Bayan)"

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! MABUHAY ANG MGA MAKABAYANG PILIPINO!!!

MAGDIWANG
Movement Against the Domination of the Ilustrados
Warring Against Nationalist Groups

IF YOU AGREE WITH THE ABOVE ANALYSIS OF PRESENT PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL SITUATION AND SUPPORT THE CORRESPONDING CHALLENGE, PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION . WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO FORGE AHEAD. MANY THANKS AND GOD BLESS...

The Internet and the 2007 Philippine Election

Is it a good thing or a bad thing? You decide where and how it will go depending on how far your imagination will take you. The only thing that will stop you is your desire and willingness how far you will take it. Hop on in the jeepney, let’s all take the journey in the dawning of a new beginning.

While checking on the progress of mybloglog account I found this interesting article of Stelify an Internet Blogger in mybloglog community who had something to say about the Internet usage and it’s relation to the 2007 Philippine election.

Her take is very refreshing citing 7 million Internet users with 1.1 million estimated active users in the Philippines which is really a sizeable number that it is surprising why up to this point not a lot of traditional politicians (I am glad they are not and hopefully never as in never ever in our lifetime and future generations to come, hahaha) venture into this realm. Although there are quite a few who personally interacts with online Filipinos most of them delegate this to their paid hacks errrr IT person who don’t know any better than just send the message of their bosses. Who knows if these paid minions are actually giving any feedback or none whatsoever to their bosses or if they even care to know the pulse of the online Filipino community?

Rep. Jun Lozada (unfortunately loss to that self confessed Jose Pidal but will not allow anyone to look into his finances because it was supposedly a violation of his “privacy”, yeah sure only in da pilipit island) is one who during the height of the Absentee Voting advocacy of Overseas Filipinos was actively involve with the online Overseas Filipino Community helping out in the passage of the AV Law.

Stelify took on the question of how the internet technology will impact the political campaign in the election in May and she may be right. Unfortunately, fraud is the biggest stumbling block in our electoral process and whatever numbers a candidate can garner through the online world will just get negated easily, to quote Stelify:

“Call me jaded or a betrayer of the great equalizer that is the Internet (or some equally idealistic phrase that praises the Web’s social structure), but that is not the point.

If cheating is rampant—which it is, no matter what anybody says—no Internet exposure or any other sort of exposure will prevail over the tampering of the ballot count. A candidate would be better off dedicating his/her resources to poll watchers. Losing by a hairline could also mean he/she might have won by a hairline if cheating were minimized. (Obliterated? That might not be possible anywhere in the world.)”

While I tend to agree with Stelify my concern is not really on how candidates in this coming election are able to effectively utilize the online community in the Philippines and those outside of the country but how the online Overseas Filipino communities can make a difference in this election. The online world is our domain and our best asset in political empowerment and to include the politicians as I have said is not a good proposition. We are all aware how they have bastardized the fourth estate’s independence corrupted by what is now popularly known as “envelopmental” journalism. The problem is they are with us and will stay with us forever if we don’t act now or forever be at their mercy in their brand of corrupted politics.

Philippine lie papers errr newspapers of today are filled with articles that are so biased or kiss assed praise release disguised as news item depending on where the publishers and their journalist loyalties are. Don’t ask me who and where some of the so-called journalist and publisher loyalties are…….. you can never go wrong if you look down just a bit by looking at their pockets and high style of living, hehehe.

Not everything is gloomy though, newspaper are catching up with internet pod casting, website hosting, and blogging giving the online community a glimpse of what these candidates are saying which at times are basically nothing, empty, hollow, zip, nada, zilch for lack of substance or their tendency to “idiotize” their viewers perhaps, a hangover on a bad habit from the idiot box we call television. The tendency to insult their viewers or is it because they have no platform of governance to begin with that as much as we want them to bring up the level of their campaign they cling to these bad habit since it has worked before why will they do anything different this time around. The good thing about it is while you have to rummage through the muck there are some good info from time to time that are unbiased and balanced that makes it easier for an informed decision.

Technology indeed has improved and widened politicians audience, instantaneous at the click of a mouse gives the Overseas Filipinos update on what is going on in the Philippines. Unlike in the past where Overseas Filipinos settle for stale TV news that is 3 days to a week old to watch Filipino news or settle for the Xerox news of local opinionated Filipino newspapers that are as stale owing to its limited circulation. The world of technology has come a long way; sadly our politicians are stuck in the medieval age of semi feudal patronage and personality politics.

Amidst all these developments the underlying issue is whether we should concern ourselves on how the candidates should utilize technology or how the online community should utilize technology in gathering much needed information on the state of our electoral process. In a private email sent to this author errrr urot was one very sensible concrete perspective coming from a longtime OAVL advocate Gil Ramos, PhD. Which I quote:

The real issue in the coming elections is whether the institutions of the country and its dynamics with the prevailing 'culture' can sustain a process of selecting public leaders that would have some degree of credibility to warrant claims that we are still indeed a democracy.

The candidacies of the opposition figures and other independents are only minute incidentals to this underlying transcendental issue of holding credible and clean elections.

Therefore claims of the opposition that they are better than Gloria and her cohorts and issues such as adequate representation for OFW's in the senate pales like starlight in the presence of the 'blazing sun' issue of whether we will have credible elections or not.

In this context vigilance assumes a more textured meaning and the corollary of sanctions that an angered people must exact from those who have done them wrong becomes most significant.

Vigilance should mean developing scientific benchmarks which will prove beyond scientific and mathematical doubt that widespread cheating (if and when it happens) indeed took place in this 2007 midterm elections.

And more importantly, preparations should be underway this early to enable a process of SANCTIONS that would RESTORE democracy when indeed a failure of elections happens. OFW's can better use their limited resources in supporting such an effort rather than being distracted by pipedream efforts of putting up or supporting candidates in a playing field that’s marred by a tendency for fraud.”

Given all these the real question then is not how the candidates should utilize what technology has to offer but how can the online Filipino community prevent the re-occurrence of fraud that marred the last election. These early we can see very familiar trends of squandering unimaginable sums of money, millions if not billions are poured left and right in their mad dash for power. The promotion of Team Garci (the ones working under and with him as operators errr commissioner) and the military officers alluded to in the infamous garci tape by La Presidenta whose very tenure allegedly benefited from that team tells you something is cooking and they are not even from Macao. Vigilance indeed is what we need as Gil Ramos’ puts it……….. its right in front of us the keyboard and monitor through information gathering and sharing we can do our share in helping electorates come up with informed decisions in these coming Election.

Some hopeless apathetic wags will tell you in their elitist feeling superior above the rest of the masses of how a “clueless” Filipino (as if they know any better) understands this. Guess what; if you can’t figure out a way to send the message across and just keeps on whining don’t you think you are the one with a problem? There are 500K registered Overseas Filipinos voters; they did not register because it is a fad it is because they care. What do think will happen if they talk to just 1 relative back home, that’s a total of 1 million votes? Well think again, do you think they will just talk to 1? How about 2 or 3 or even more than three? What about the 7.5 million who did not register? What if they by any stroke of miracle set aside their dancing shoes, puwit ng baso tiaras and sashes for 30 minutes or so talk to people instead back home, will it not create a groundswell to turn the tide in this election? Last but not least what if our kababayan aboard errr abroad suddenly realized that they can’t all be leaders at the same time, with some luck their ego just got deflated and found out (duh) that in order to be a good leader you have to be a good follower first?

All it needs is a little follow up after the election and some organization and pretty soon we can have a collective vigilant response should cheating prevail once more. Instead of whining and complaining we can get our feet wet and prevent these from happening, why not we are wired aren’t we?

How about it? Are we ready to rock and roll and shake the very foundation of the corrupt electoral process? Hop on in the Jeep of progress towards a clean and honest election, let them know we are not just watching but also comparing notes. This internet is a great equalizing and democratizing factor where rich and poor alike are on equal footing, let us not waste the opportunity to change things for the better.

“Dyip” photo courtesy of Andre Cawagas an artistic rendition that
evokes hope.

Pulong-Pulong on Extra Judicial Killings

An Independent Statement before the Pulong-Pulong at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, last March 22, 2007 on Extra judicial Killings in the Philippines.

My name is Adolfo Q. Paglinawan, and I find myself in somewhat a funny situation being at the other end of this forum. I was the Press Attaché of the Philippine Embassy from 1986 to 93. General Razon and I also worked under former Presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos, and this is the reason why my heart bleeds so much on this issue.

Point of Departure

During the Aquino and Ramos administrations, we were able to dramatically reduce the numbers of active New People’s Army and Moro insurgents, as we talked genuine peace with them and provided the widest democratic space to our people. We did not shoot dissenters nor gave them an opportunity to shoot each other.

This was because we acknowledged only one cause of insurgency – poverty especially in the countryside. So we provided productive opportunities for the people – in country employment for those who can serve in a fast development pace that was called by our neighbors as a tiger-cub economy, or livelihood for those who were willing to bury their guns and till the fields or engage in some form of entrepreneurship.

Quite paradoxically, it took a president from the military ranks to understand the ways of peace and the urgency of development for a country that was still nursing itself from the debilitating effects of martial law.

What went wrong? Politics and political greed overtook our desire to get out of the vicious cycle and perdition of poverty.

In 2001, because it became apparent that former President Joseph Estrada was using his office to practice organized corruption, we deposed him, unmindful that he was elected by the greatest majority in our country’s history. At a time we were reeling from the potential effects of a catastrophic regional currency crisis, nobody wanted to lose our erstwhile tiger-cub economy. So we threw our cares towards the direction of the sitting vice president, a doctor of economics, but breaking the momentum of our democracy. I was so moved by Edsa Dos, I even agreed to help the first three years of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as acting president.

But it did not take long for the prescribed solution to be the resident problem. First, despite public profession to the contrary, Mrs. Arroyo broke her promise not to run for election in 2004. Then she systematically diverted public funds, including P3billion in fertilizers, in order to raise a humungous war chest to steal the electoral count from Fernando Poe Jr., through a bogus national canvass characterized by a monumental dagdag-bawas engineered by the notorious Commissioner Garcillano.

The brazenness of this exercise resulted in a pervading public perception of illegitimacy over the present dispensation. Subsequently Mrs. Arroyo would embark on a systematic campaign of cover-up, often using the police and the military forces under her as commander-in-chief, executive orders and the justice system in order to feign a mailed-fist policy against dissenters. She would lie openly on television. She would often allow her inferiors to test the separation of powers between the three instruments of government, generating a confrontational instead of cordial relations with members of the minority.

As a result, she succeeded in isolating herself from the very people that she had sworn to serve, as her personal agenda began to take precedence over her governance responsibilities. Low tax collection cut short department budgets that could ill afford programs but only personnel salaries. Lack of local production sent our labor to Diaspora into foreign countries, to as much as a million just in 2006 alone. And no matter how the Arroyo administration fakes it, much of our GDP can only be accounted to inbound remittances by overseas Filipinos that pour in more than $1 billion a month.

The lack of domestic opportunity has caused increasing poverty among our people making it possible for us to hear for the first time in our history about a rising hunger index. When combined with repressive policies by a government widely perceived to be illegitimate, we come face to face with a sure formula for fanning dissent and insurgency.

Blood in the Ground

Today as we speak, the extra judicial killings in the Philippines has moved to 838 – two more added this week to the 836 reported by Karapatan to the US Congress.

If the military and the police have indeed adopted systematic elimination of so-called “enemies of the state”, we all lose because they have gone out of the democratic space. If the numbers, however, correspond to what is being widely alleged, we also all lose because our security forces and the entire justice system are being held ineffective, if not outright inutile in putting law and order in its proper place. Nobody wins.

So I say enough of finger-pointing and proceed with dispatch towards the resolution of this problem where we all lose, and the only way to achieve that is for the police to speedily investigate, and elevate those which are ready for prosecution to the courts. Only a clear show of success will clear the air for our people.

But let us not speak so hastily.

1) Karapatan is not comparing notes with the authorities.

Chito Gascon, a former education undersecretary under GMA and who is here under a fellowship with the National Democratic Institute, said that this is due to a low-trust factor on the part of the dissenters on our justice system.

I grant that but this same lack of cooperation brings about shortness of evidence and witnesses, thus most cases cannot be reasonably litigated.

2) Task Force "USIG's" curious breakdown of the more than 836 cases filed by Karapatan includes 3 who were found to be alive, 23 Abu Sayyaf, 8 due to labor dispute, 76 because of armed encounter, 2 suicides, 1 killed by mentally-ill uncle, 10 relating to agrarian-related dispute, 18 personally-motivated, 29 incidents not reported to authorities, 17 fictitious victims and 268 other cases.

On the other hand, if we make this a game of numbers then, we will never see the end of this debate in blood.

I see that because Karapatan and the church groups are suspicious of the government, it is only through the intervention of foreign investigations that matters can be eventually put together and into the light.

Clearly, as Mr. Gascon avers, we find the extra judicial killings as inseparable from the political climate in the Philippines today.

But this must not stop Karapatan and others similarly situated to be forthcoming with their own witnesses and evidences, whether through local or foreign authorities. It does behoove upon civil society not to simply rely on whistle-blowing for purely propaganda or political gain. It is primordial for citizens to come forward, positively identify criminals, provide evidence within their reach to lawfully-constituted authorities. After all, the solution of extra judicial killings is a matter of national interest.

Whistle blowing for Justice

The common impression that not one conviction has been achieved in the issue of extra judicial killings is not true. Let me cite the case of Marlene Esperat, who was assassinated right in her own living room and before the very eyes of her children.

If my group can organize witnesses, evidences and legal prosecution with the cooperation and assistance of the PNP CIDG and (to the surprise of many) the present secretary of justice and government prosecutors, which led to the arrest of the suspects, the grant by the Supreme Court of the transfer of the case from Tacurong to Cebu City, why can’t Karapatan?

The litigation did not exceed one year and finally concluded in the sentencing of three assassins for life.

This is why it is opportuned that I personally thank General Avelino Razon tonight for picking up the Esperat case at that stage and onto this year to actually seeking the further prosecution of the case to the next level - the unmasking of the masterminds.

General Razon, I consider this a sterling example of professionalism and bravery that you have displayed before all uniformed personnel and our people, and I thank you in behalf of Marlene’s children and friends.

You sir, stood for justice and national interest, regardless of personal consequences. Marlene's bloodstains may eventually push forward from the Department of Agriculture's Regional Finance Officer and her chief accountant, to a former Undersecretary now hiding behind immigration cases here in the United States, to a sitting secretary twice-appointed by Mrs. Arroyo, and finally god willing, to the presidential bedroom.

Yes, Marlene Esperat was murdered because she was the whistle blower of the fertilizer scam. Before her untimely death, she filed with the Ombudsman 20 cases against agriculture officials, including the P324 million that was channeled through the National Food Authority for fictitious fertilizer deals, the first of the many trenches that eventually totaled P3 billion – again, the main weapon the Arroyos used to steal the 2004 elections.

Thus like Marlene, all the victims of extra judicial killings cry out for justice from their graves.

Moving forward from the Esperat Experience

General Razon, you enumerated in your statement some steps being undertaken by the Philippine government to address the situation, such as

1) Establishing Task Force Usig and the Melo Commission;

2) Creating 99 special courts and designating special prosecutors dedicated to the trial of extra judicial killings;

3) Coming up with a reward system to entice witnesses and informers to come forward;

4) Enhancing the witness protection program;

5) Creating AFP Human Rights Office to assist their Chief of Staff on matters relating to human rights and international humanitarian law;

6) Integrate the fact-finding of the Department of Justice, Defense and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into one body;

7) Issuance of the Chief of Staff of memorandum on strict adherence to command responsibility;

8) Releasing P25 million by the Commission on Human Rights for investigations;

9) Providing legal and technical assistance to victims' families; and

10) Maintenance of high level of transparency and willingness to cooperate with the international community, e.g. full access given to UN special rapporteur and Amnesty International.

But I agree with Mr. Gascon's advice to you that the police and military should not be the ones presenting this in Washington DC, elsewhere in the world and especially in the Philippines to defend the Arroyo government. As he said you should maintain an arm's length with having to debate with the dissenting groups.

Your main job is to see through resolution of prosecutions, while allowing the Arroyo and her government and foreign embassies and consulates abroad to do the talking. Manila should call for a talking summit on this issue. There should also be an agreement in Manila as to who will be the sole spokesperson when it comes to extra judicial killings. A civilian would be most preferred.

The press secretary, the secretary of justice, the AFP chief of staff, the defense secretary, the national security adviser and the executive secretary have all rendered themselves not only ineffective but ridiculous because they have irresponsibly attacked the UN rapporteur, the US Senate, Amnesty International and other international bodies trying to help in the issue.

Their statements, obviously motivated in gaining brownie points from their employer-president, came in direct and violent contradiction to her position and that of the Philippine embassy and consulates in the United Sates, that foreign initiatives are welcome. Worse, they projected a government in disarray and seemingly on auto-pilot and a “president” who does not have grasp at the situation and who has no control of her own security and propaganda forces.

Mrs. Arroyo must order a gag on all diarrheas of the mouths by her hound dogs and enforce what she announces in media as welcoming cooperation, period. In other words, she must lower the rhetoric’s and instead prove the deliverables she always talk about in a manner felt by the majority of the people.

She can begin by giving the nation the first honest and clean elections under her watch. She can follow that up by convincing her husband that he too is a public figure who must withdraw all suits and belligerence against journalists and critics as soon as possible.

And as a parting shot, you who are professional policemen and soldiers should never allow yourselves to be positioned by a president between the people and herself in such a divisive issue as the extra judicial killings. Otherwise the people will forever hold you suspect as lackeys of a dying regime, caught in a crossfire of arrogance and suspicion that might usher our country into a civil war.

The rule stands – the constitution allows you to disregard illegal orders, especially coming from politicians whose only agenda is to perpetuate themselves in power. Unless you are truly perceived to be protectors of the people, the role of the international community is held vital to our survival of democracy in our country.

We will continue to count on your patriotism.

ADOLFO Q. PAGLINAWAN

Movement for Free Philippines, DC Chapter

2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #180, Washington DC 20006

mymaestro888@yahoo.com

BOGUS PARTY LISTS

A follow up article on the Questionable OFW Party list.

This Ahon Pinoy brouhaha is getting interesting and from Manny Amora came this blog from a so-called “philosopher”, named Lloyd Luna a “webdeologist” whatever the hell that means:

To those who don’t know yet, I’m helping my friend Klink Ang, the President and CEO of The Manila Times on his nomination in the Congress to represent AHON PINOY Party List, a party-list for OFWs. To me, helping him is already a privilege.

Ok, so now we know and glad we are learning more of this “confederati of women network” (according to votester) disguising as Champion of OFW Party. At least the guy is “honest” confessing like the self confessed little brother Jose Pidal and Lady Telebabad on her “indiscretion” (yeah, sure I believe that uhuh) that gives us some insights on what this is all about. Will someone please tell this “Pilosopong webdeologist” that the party list is intended for marginalized sectors and his chicken (as in manok di bah) running as representative of the OFWs when he is the CEO of MT. Here’s another “good” one from Mr. “webdeologist”, motivational (If you ask me it’s more of motivational conspiracy to screw the OFW sector) speaker:

Today, I personally meet his campaign manager, his dad, Sec. Dante Ang of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. We scheduled this meeting on Thursday after Ian and I visited him in his office in Osmena Highway. I thought I would just present the initial website study but when Klink and I got there (at the Bayview Hotel which was originally set in their office in Aduana), we just had some chit chat and eat.

Sec. Dante Ang, from nowhere, said if the party wins he will surely ask to be a consultant. If they would win three slots, then I would have three consultancies, he said.

Hah, there it is in black and white patronage politics in digital form for the world to see. Now what in heaven’s name was that all about, don’t they know that Father don’t know best should not get himself involve directly or indirectly in his son’s campaign. Either they are too deluded or think they can just get away with Akbayan’s electioneering charges or they think they are untouchable. In countries where people adhere to strict ethics and code of conduct they resign their public position or take a leave of absence if they are to get involve in campaigning for anyone not just close relatives.

This “webdeologist” is promised 3 by the Elder Ang the campaign manager, yes you got it 3 consultancy if they win with the required number may just get such and what is in store for OFWs, nothing but bogus representation. What about that Klink, so you say you are your own man, uhuh yeah I believe that. You are your own man alright but daddy dearest directs the campaign and offering people position in your “future pork barrel tongressional” seat contradicts your “feeling insulted” with Ms. Rosales.

There are a lot of people in the OFW sector and not one I repeat NOT ONE has ever claimed or deluded themselves into thinking they are the champion of the Migrants. I am sorry Klink Klunk but I have never heard of you or what exactly it is that you have done to deserve such distinguished “champion” of the migrants title.

And then we have another anonymous feedback on the article wherein he sees the uncanny similarity of Ahon’s website header with that of the government website http://www.gov.ph/ . Hmmmmn, looks fishy to me and I hope these people are not squandering government resources to further their questionable ends.

Let me end this with Manny’s sentiments and repost the 11 questionable party lists supported by a convicted rapist, confessed Jueteng bagman, elder brother of Abalos, reincarnated vigilantes and numerous characters of the self admiration club of rejects:

Are they legitimate OFWs? Who sacrifice loneliness away from home and love ones, poured tears and blood for our motherland to uplift our economic condition? Are they truly Bagong Bayani?

Questionable Newly Accredited Party-list Organizations listed by Akbayan

Sigaw ng Bayan Groups

Babae Ka! - Sigaw ng Bayan Member (Pro Peoples Initiative group). The group has links with Malacanang’s Office of External Affairs (OEA). In the recent SWS survey, it has a threshold rating of 1.5 %

Ang Kasangga- Has links with the Office of External Affairs (OEA) of Malacanang, the government office behind Sigaw ng Bayan. It is also associated with the Beta Sigma Fraternity. Its president is FORMER Assemblyman Jose Tumbokon. He started his career as messenger, rose through the ranks and served as chief of office before he became assemblyman and presidential adviser. He was appointed minister of state of information and official spokesperson of the Interim Batasan Pambansa and the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan during the Marcos regime.

Akbay Pinoy- Its Chairman is Bong Guro. This group is also a member of Sigaw ng Bayan. It was legally charged by Makati residents together with Sigaw ng Bayan for manufacturing signatures for the GMA administration’s People’s Initiative.

AKSA- Aksyon Sambayanan (AkSa) is a phony social democratic movement affiliated with the government ally Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP). Norberto Gonzales and its Secretary General Beth Angsioco head it.

Initiated by government officials or traditional politicians

KAKUSA - Its Chairman Emeritus is convicted child rapist and former Zamboanga del Norte Representative Romeo Jalosjos. It is represented by its national president, R. Dodong Canonigo. The Lamb of God Foundation, an outreach program for elderly inmates established by Jalosjos, is supporting it.

AHON PINOY OFW Party - backed up by Dante Ang, Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and CEO of the Manila Times. The Number One nominess of Ahon is “Klink” Ang, son of Danter Ang. It has a 1.2% threshold rating in the recent SWS survey. Its president is Director Nicon Fameronag of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Information and Publication Service (IPS) (2003). He is also a member of ONE VOICE.

Biyaheng Pinoy- An association of tricycle drivers, Arsenio Abalos sits as director and national council member of the party. Who is Arsenio Abalos? The elder brother of COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos. Also, The group was founded and is chaired by Mandaluyong Vice-Mayor Jesus Cruz, who claimed to be a tricycle operator before.

ANAD- was formed in February 2003 by the National Alliance for Democracy (NAD), the movement that supplanted the dreaded Alsa Masa, a vigilante group organized by the government in Davao. NAD serves as the umbrella organization for all anti-communist forces in the country. In 2004, NAD registered ANAD as its party-list group.

AANGAT TAYO- Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) Pharma Executives Vice President Teddie Elson Rivera is the group’s president. PITC is a government-owned international trading company with over thirty years experience in the export, import and marketing of a wide range of commodities, industrial products and consumer goods.

In August of 2004, PITC was designated as a key agency in the implementation of the GMA’s 10-point legacy, which includes the lowering of the prices of essential medicines by 50%, by 2010. PITC is also in charged of importing medicines for GMA’s Botika ng Bayan.

Aangat ang Kabuhayan (ANAK) -Its number one nominee is Supt. Eduardo Octaviano of the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

AGBIAG!- Marcelo Farinas II, Malacanang’s Secretary for External Affairs is the group’s Secretary-General. Agbiag enjoys the backing of Chavit Singson.

As if the likelihood of fraud is not bad enough in the national and local level it now appears that the party list system is the subject of abuse and outright bastardization of the process. What’s up with this, where are we headed with all these?

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

Update 4/2/07 3:00pm

GMA news came up with this sketchy report:

The Urban Poor for Legal Reforms (UP-LR) and Bantay R.A. 7941 (the law that created the party-list system) have sought the disqualification of 44 sectoral nominees led by Biyaheng Pinoy bets lawyer Jesus Cruz and Dr. Arsenio Abalos.

The two groups argue that Cruz, being the incumbent vice mayor of Mandaluyong City, and Abalos, brother of Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr, could not represent Biyaheng Pinoy which is a tricycle drivers’ organization.

Myrna Porcare, UP-LR secretary general, said some people have sought the “bastardization" of the party-list system to deprive the poor from being represented in government.

“Do you believe that a transport group would be represented by a doctor who is a brother of the chairman and by one who is a vice mayor?," she asked.

“The party-list system was set up for the poor. The way it is happening now, the rich are stealing the rights of the poor," she added.

The poll body’s legal department has been refusing media access to the list of party-list nominees saying that doing so would defeat the spirit of sectoral representation.

The 41 party list groups whose nominees are being asked to be disqualified are:

1-United Transport Koalisyon

Aangat Tayo

Abante Ilonggo

Abay-Parak.

Abgbiag Timpuyog Ilocano Inc.

Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines Inc.

Ahon Pinoy

Akbay Pinoy OFW-National Inc.

Aksyon Sambayanan

Alagad

Alay sa Bayan ng Malayang Propesyonal and Repormang Kalakal

Alliance for Barangay Concerns

Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy

Alliance of Neo-Conservatives

Alliance of People's Organizations

Alliance of Volunteer Educators, The True Marcos Loyalist Inc.

Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Mamamayan Inc.

Ang Galing Pinoy

Ang Laban ng Indihinong Filipino

Angat Antas Kabuhayan Pilipino Movement

Angat Ating Kabuhayan

Arts Business and Science Professional

Asosasyon ng Maliliit na Negosyanteng Gumaganap Inc.

Association of Administrators, Professionals and Seniors

Babae Para sa Kaunlaran

Bago National Cultural Society of the Philippines

Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan

Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency

Bigkis Pinoy Movement

Biyaheng Pinoy

Biyayang Bukid

Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement

Hanay ng Aping Pinoy

Kapatiran ng mga Nakakulong na Walang Sala

Kasangga sa Kaunlaran Inc.

Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange

Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta

Sulong Barangay Movement

The True Marcos Loyalist Inc.

United Movement Against Drugs

NOTE: I have removed PARENTS ENABLING PARENTS (PEP) in the list of Urban Poor for Legal Reforms (UP-LR) and Bantay R.A. 7941 they are petitioning for disqualification based on feedbacks from Scumey and Yuko Takei. They are victims of this educational plan company and it seems they are being victimized again in the conduct of dirty electoral contest populated by "fixers" (as reported by TV news crew) and inept body tasked to oversee clean and honest election.

Carbon Cebu Market Photo courtesy: Andre Cawagas an excellent Artistic Photographer check out his flckr page.