Labor Day Remembrance

MAY 1 Labor Day History

As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation, the average American in the late 1800s worked 12-hour days, seven days a week in order to make a basic living. Children were also working, as they provided cheap labor to employers and laws against child labor were not strongly enforced.

With the long hours and terrible working conditions, American unions became more prominent and voiced their demands for a better way of life. On Tuesday September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.

On May 11, 1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago struck to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. They sought support from their union led by Eugene V. Debs and on June 26 the American Railroad Union called a boycott of all Pullman railway cars. Within days, 50,000 rail workers complied and railroad traffic out of Chicago came to a halt. On July 4, President Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to Chicago. Much rioting and bloodshed ensued, but the government's actions broke the strike and the boycott soon collapsed. Debs and three other union officials were jailed for disobeying the injunction. The strike brought worker's rights to the public eye and Congress declared, in 1894, that the first Monday in September would be the holiday for workers, known as Labor Day.

The founder of Labor Day remains unclear, but some credit either Peter McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, for proposing the holiday.

history.com

Statement on the Arrest of Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada

We, the leaders of Kaya Natin! A National Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership lament the arrest of NBN-ZTE Star Witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada. It is very disheartening to see that the person who risked his and his family's life to tell the truth about this controversial government transaction is now being branded as a liar. More disheartening is the fact that those who perpetuated this said anomalous transaction has not been held accountable for their actions thus, denying the Filipino people the justice that it deserves. These actions send the Filipino people a wrong message when it comes to the impartiality of our present justice system. This will also discourage other future whistleblowers from coming out in the public to expose other corrupt practices present in our current government.

As a movement composed of well-meaning government leaders, we believe that good governance in our country will only be achieved if those who perpetuate graft and corruption practices in our government be held accountable for their actions. Thus, we call on the Ombudsman to act swiftly and with impartiality in prosecuting those who have taken part in this said scandal.

We continue to extend our support to Jun Lozada in his quest for the Truth and in his fight against graft and corruption in our government.

Finally, we encourage every Filipino who believes in the Truth and in Good Governance to join our online campaign to support Jun Lozada by sending an email to him at filipinosfortruth@gmail.com .

Signed:

Hon. Eddie "Among Ed" Panlilio - Governor, Pampanga
Hon. Jesse Robredo - Mayor, Naga City
Hon. Sonia Lorenzo - Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. - Governor, Ifugao
Hon. Fermin Mabulo - Mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
Hon. Florante Gerdan - Mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
Hon. Gloria Congco - Fmr. Mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

UPDATE: SUMMIT RESULTS

30 April 2009

Peace Be With All of Us! Magandang Umaga Po!

Please allow me to update you with the following, a group of leaders, individuals, etc.... trying to unite and converge has been meeting for the last two months; finally "People's Primary's" was launched an the 4th floor of ADMU Rockwell (29 Aporil 2009). A lot of concerns were raised; more than 45 groups were represented; the place was full to capacity.

Lets thank God, the organizers and the people who attended. Lets thank Vic Barrios,(did very well in fascilitating & putting this together), Connie Gomez,(was doing almost everything), Ricky Xavier was present in all the meetings and coordinating lots of concerns, .... PPP, (members were in full support) Philip Camara (La Salle Alumni), Andy Rosales, (magaling na leader ito, very promising), Jun Aguilar, (isa pang leader to watch out), Pastor Melo Go & Emma Orozco, and others of PRG....the 3rd Force at marami pa pong iba; pasensiya na po kung di ko kayo na mention.

Bishop Lagdameo was there to give support; Former Sec. of DOTC Josie Lichauco (what a Lady, ang TINDI talaga); El Shaddai was represented by Bro. Willy Villarama ( a man trying to seek GOD just like me, but has changed a lot & led BUHAY party list to become #1, mukhang naiwanan ako sa pagbabago, hehehe), a young leader, a product of Ateneo, La Salle etc.

Councilor JC Gordon De Los Reyes, Father Intengan, DLSU LIPA President of Student Council with some of her friends, "Nandy Pacheco" together with the officers of Ang Kapatiran Party was in full force!

A doctor from the USA even flew in to attend this; Partidong Kalikasan was there also, at marami pa pong iba....I heard a lot of positive & negative comments, as usual, hehehehe; wat's important will be the ultimate RESULT. A TRUE CHANGE of Heart from the President up to the Kagawad who will run for 2010 elections and hopefully be elected.

A lot ow work has to be done. Is it POSSIBLE? Do we have GOOD LEADERS
in the Philippines and Worldwide who are capable of doing this? Let me speak for myself.....my answer is that if God sees a TRUE CHANGE of heart to these people who will run, IT WILL SURELY HAPPEN. but WE should UNITE, WORK and CONVERGE.

for more info pls email vic barrios, connie gomez, Ang Kapatiran, PPP, ricky xavier, Movement for Hope, MGG, philip camara, PRG...the 3rd force at marami pa pong iba....my personal discernment is that, GOD is BLESSING this group.

i see a big difference, there is JOY, LOVE, PEACE amomg the organizers, a lot of these people, leaders in these groups are sacrificing themselves, their family and work for our BELEAGURED COUNTRY the PHILIPPINES!

with all these groups having meetings nationally & worldwidewide, thousands of ORGANIZATIONS hopefully will unite. we would like to invite more groups to join and paticipate, no leader or group is taking any CREDIT...to GOD be the GLORY...

i will never forget wat Among Ed Panlilio told me...the GOOD LEADERS have to PRAY and SEEK GOd; they have to talk to each other and other Leaders Nation and Worldwide.

Humility, Love, Understanding etc...must be PRACTICED....

pls join us in Fasting and Praying for God's Divine Intervention. Mabuhay and Pilipinas! Kaya Natin Ito.....it's never tOo late for us to CHANGE! Darating na and Bagong Pilipinas! Wag tayoNG mawalan ng PAGASA! Gbusmore and mightily!

patrick




PATRICK PANTALEON
30 April 2009

USA CALLING: From California

Dear Patrick (Pantaleon), Ms. (Connie) Gomez and Others Concerned,

I believe that all well-meaning Filipinos everywhere in the world are in the movement for righteous governance in the homeland. It is not only an appropriate time to do so; it has been long overdue.

Understandably, in the course of your efforts to do good for our country and people you will encounter many obstacles that, in the light of our country's corrupt and criminal leadership, may entail risks and sacrifices on your person and well-being. Hopefully goodness will prevail and in this connection, we who are located in far away places offer you at this stage our prayers and well wishes. Hopefully, too, initial decisions reached by your group would prompt us to contribute in some other way a fair share towards the undertaking' s ultimate success.

DIONESIO GRAVA
Los Angeles, California
ProgressiveTimes
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 2:05:47 PM

GOOD GOVERNANCE SUMMIT TODAY, 29 APRIL 09

A summit of leading good governance advocates is scheduled to discuss goals, strategies, and initiatives in effecting change – with a special focus on electing in 2010 public officials who are committed to reforms and good governance. The summit will be held at the Ateneo Professional Schools (Blue Room), Rockwell, Makati on April 29, 2009, 1:30-5:30 PM.

The purpose of the summit is to mobilize leaders of reform-oriented groups to discuss the goal, activities, process and outcomes expected.

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines , will address the good governance groups and give the invocation. He is expected to give a key statement on faithful citizenship in strengthening good governance in the country.

Leaders of various reform-oriented movement groups have met and expressed the need to come together and combine efforts toward change. It was felt that: 1) the all-inclusive group should have no name or label at this stage to emphasize that all participants are coming in on the same basis as stakeholders; 2) there will be openness to new ideas and approaches, with no preconceived conclusions; 3) there are non-partisan and partisan elements in the all-inclusive group sharing a common good governance goal; and 4) on an optional basis, the all-inclusive group will undergo an efficient and timely process in arriving at a consensus on the agreed goal and outcomes.

There are two sets of participants attending the summit. One set is non-partisan, i.e., involved in the process of effecting governance change without involvement with a political party or election candidate. The second set is partisan, i.e., with the end in mind of endorsing candidates, being part of a political party and/or participation in the coalition or formation of political parties. Both sets of participants have the opportunity of defining leadership qualities for candidates and rating these candidates according to criteria for political leaders.

Contact: CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES
Deputy Executive Director, Global Filipino Nation
0632 9866343
CELL 0917 5281323
FAX 0632 7242946
Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal
Makati City Metro
Manila
Philippines

'KAYA NATIN' CHOOSES PUBLIC SERVANTS

by: Atty. Eirene Aguila
The Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/24/yehey/opinion/20090424opi6.html

For 10 months now, amid the most disheartening tales we hear and read about wheeling and dealing politicians, less-than-stellar government officials and self-serving public servants, Kaya Natin! has been showing the public glimpses of hope and examples of good work.

Kaya Natin! seeks to continue doing just that. Besides providing a sanctuary to officials who continue to try to do good, it endeavors to inspire the public and make us dream again of a better Philippines.

Our country suffers from poor governance and a citizenry that is cynical and apathetic. Underlying this is both a leadership and citizenship crisis made worse by a dearth of action, example and standards. There is therefore a need to restore faith in government by showing people (in and out of government) who are champions of good governance and ethical leadership.

Convincing the people that it is still possible for good governance to reign will make many of our citizens trust their exemplary leaders once more and share in the immense work of reform that lies ahead.

Kaya Natin!’s vision of a Philippines run by good and effective leaders and a citizenry actively involved in nation-building can turn into reality—with your help.

Having five champions of good governance and ethical leadership is simply not enough. There is a whole gamut of work to be done, an entire country that needs to be brought back to the right track. Surely there are others in the bureaucracy that are doing their best to serve our country and the Filipino people. Kaya Natin! seeks to bring those who practice good governance and promote ethical leadership together. If bad people can come together and bring this country to the dogs, surely, good people can come together to make this country great again!

Today, April 24, 2009, KN! welcomes eight new champions of good governance and ethical leadership. Together with our existing five champions, we will continue spreading the hope virus and bringing the Caravan of Good Governance to as many places and as many citizens that continue to believe in the goodness of the Filipino.

What is a Kaya Natin! champion? Gov. Among Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, Gov. Teddy Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, and Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City might come from different political backgrounds and belong to different political parties but they fundamental virtues and values. While there is a more detailed process by which these champions are identified—it basically boils down to two things. Competence and Character. Those are the fundamental twin requirements we in Kaya Natin! are looking for in our champions.

Philippines as Model Country?

The Philippines was deleted as a 'model country' in the “Guide on Ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW)”, and is published by the International Steering Committee for the Campaign for Ratification of the Migrants Rights Convention.


The International Steering Committee is composed of December 18, Human Rights Watch, International Catholic Migration Commission, International Trade Union Confederation, International Labour Office, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Organization for Migration, Migrant Forum in Asia, Migrants Rights International, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Public Services International, UNESCO, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and World Council of Churches.#



Reference:


Alex Gregorio

Migrante Europe

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

office@migrante-europe.net, mig_europe@yahoo.com

GOOD GOVERNANCE SUMMIT ON TODAY

A summit of leading good governance advocates is scheduled to discuss goals, strategies, and initiatives in effecting change – with a special focus on electing in 2010 public officials who are committed to reforms and good governance. The summit will be held at the Ateneo Professional Schools (Blue Room), Rockwell, Makati on April 29, 2009, 1:30-5:30 PM.

The purpose of the summit is to mobilize leaders of reform-oriented groups to discuss the goal, activities, process and outcomes expected.

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines , will address the good governance groups and give the invocation. He is expected to give a key statement on faithful citizenship in strengthening good governance in the country.

Leaders of various reform-oriented movement groups have met and expressed the need to come together and combine efforts toward change. It was felt that: 1) the all-inclusive group should have no name or label at this stage to emphasize that all participants are coming in on the same basis as stakeholders; 2) there will be openness to new ideas and approaches, with no preconceived conclusions; 3) there are non-partisan and partisan elements in the all-inclusive group sharing a common good governance goal; and 4) on an optional basis, the all-inclusive group will undergo an efficient and timely process in arriving at a consensus on the agreed goal and outcomes.

There are two sets of participants attending the summit. One set is non-partisan, i.e., involved in the process of effecting governance change without involvement with a political party or election candidate. The second set is partisan, i.e., with the end in mind of endorsing candidates, being part of a political party and/or participation in the coalition or formation of political parties. Both sets of participants have the opportunity of defining leadership qualities for candidates and rating these candidates according to criteria for political leaders.

Contact: CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES
Deputy Executive Director, Global Filipino Nation
0632 9866343
CELL 0917 5281323
FAX 0632 7242946
Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal
Makati City Metro
Manila
Philippines

SENATOR VILLAR ON THE MOVE

A meeting-cum-lunch was held last SAturday, 26th of April 2009 among supporters of former Senate President Manuel now running for president. Congresswoman, Cynthia Villar led the event at the the historic Laurel House along Shaw boulevard now owned by them and explained why the charges of unethical practice regarding construction of roads in south of MetroManila by Sen. Ping Lacson against Sen. Villar are uncalled for.

"Daig ng maagap ang masikap," as the Pilipino saying goes.

Macli-ing On-line Library Launched

I met Macliing Dulag way back in 1979 when he was campaigning against the implementation of the Chico River Hydroelectric Project during the bodong, a peacepact system, in Bugnay, Kalinga-Apayao. He was a charismatic leader, barely 5 feet tall. He wore colorful headdress and g-strings when dancing. And he could command the attention of the whole tribe when he spoke about the need to be courageous in the face of impending obliteration of their place to give way to the Project. Luckily the Project was scuttled as the indigenous groups, aided by non-government organizations raised their protests to the highest levels, the World Bank which was funding the Project. The latter was intended to bring electricity to Cagayan and the Ilocos Regions, home provinces of the most powerful persons in the country at the time during martial law. By the way, I had gone there to shoot on video the proceedings and was able to produce two products: an audio-visual presentation, Besieged Generations which became the subject of my MA Thesis on Communication in Ateneo, and the Super 8mm film Vochong.

Wilhelmina S. Orozco

**************************************************************************************
The Pamayanang SanibLakas ng Pilipinas, through the Lambat-Liwanag Network for Empowering Paradigms, just uploaded in the internet its on-line library of articles on 15 empowering paradigm shifts.

The soft-launching date today is timed with the 29th death anniversary of Apo Macli-ing Dulag, the Kalinga village chieftain and inter-tribe peace pact holder, who led the Cordillera people in defiantly opposing the Marcos dictatorship's mega-dam project upon the indigenous wisdom of the tribes, which inspires present-day scholars to think out of the very restrictive and divisive boxes brought upon us by western schools of thought.

For this reason, Apo Macli-ing aptly represents the assertion of indigenous knowlege systems that have resulted in much more civilized human societies than the "modern" social systems that have been forcibly developed based on greed.

The Macli-ing Dulag Memorial On-Line Library may be accessed via this website:


Posted by Prof. Ed Aurelio C. Reyes
Lambat-Liwanag Network Executive Convenor
and Acting Spokespersonhttp://lambat-liwanag.8m.net

APPEAL

Dear Friends,

Among Ed is a TRUE EXAMPLE of a leader trying to practice GOOD GOVERNANCE. What can we expect from a PRIEST who becomes a GOVERNOR of a province like Pampanga? Just like you and me, he also makes mistakes. He runs Pampanga like a University, wherein, Cheating, Lying and Stealing are not tolerated. He needs the support of the CIVIL SOCIETY. CHANGE is a painful process; it takes time.

I would like to encourage each and everyone to pray & help Among Ed, discern, if he should go back to priesthood, run again as Governor or run for a National position.


PATRICK PANTALEON

April 25, 2009

ARTISTANG REBOLUSYON! at si JUANA CHANGE

Greetings mula sa ARTISTSREVOLUTION!

Magsama-sama tayo sa gabing ito! 

365 DAYS TO CHANGE...TODO NA 'TO! MUSIC MUSEUM, 8PM, MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009

Suportahan ang tawag ng mga Artistang Pilipino para sa pagbabago ng mga namumuno sa darating na eleksyon sa May 2010. 

Walang magsasalitang pulitiko pero paguusapan ay politikal. Hahamon ng pagbabago at tataya sa PAGBABAGO!


Tataya ang mga mangaawit na sina Jim Paredes, Bituin Escalante, Yeng Constantino, Isay Alvarez, Robert Sena, Leah Navarro at Cruz-Salonga Duet. Ganundin ang mga bandang Radioactive Sago, Datu's Tribe, Kjwan, at Tempestuous Jones. Ang Philippine All Stars Hiphop champions, sax player na si  Michael Young, drummer na si Paul Zialcita at rapper na si Miko Pepito ay di rin paawat! 
At syempre andun ako bilang Juana Change! Marami kaming pasasabuging mga balita! Abangan.... 

Para sa mga tiket na nagkakahalaga ng P500, P1k, P2k, P3k, P4.5k, at P6k tawagan sina Chingkel, Aissa, at Menard sa 8982913, 8983221 o 8997691 loc 2222-24

Ito ang konsyertong magpapatindig ng inyong balahibo at magpapaikot ng inyong bituka!

Kapartner ang Movement for Good Governance (MGG,) tangkilikin sana nyo ang inititive na ito para sa ikatataguyod ng malinis at mapayapang halalan!

KITA TAYO!

Juana Change

PARTY POLITICS

what is the lifespan of a political party? why should it exist at all? what kinds of leaders does a political party spawn or develop? what kinds of countries are shaped by political parties? is it possible for an individual political activist to make a dent in country politics without belonging to a specific political party?

the world is divided between those with political parties and those without -- those with monarchies and dictatorships whether of one person or a group of persons. of course, there are also those quasi-democratic countries, providing an appearance of being democratic but dictatorial underneath.

nonetheless, political parties are only a political formalization of informal ties that have been developed through the years, ties that are based on economic or social terms. people converge in order to make their voices be heard in society more loudly, in order to increase pressure on the government to do what they want the officials to do, and to advance their objectives and missions.

the danger in belonging to political parties is when a person or a group of persons becomes too strong and then twists the aims of the organizations to make the members follow their dictates, instead of upholding a democratic way of administration. Or worse yet, they make the political parties their steppingstone to reach their personal agenda -- which could be to amass wealth or to continue to be in power permanently.

Wilhelmina S. Orozco

RA 9225 ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Challenge or Accept RA 9225

RA 9225, which took effect on 17 September 2003, declares that
former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign
citizenship through naturalisation are deemed not to have lost their
Philippine citizenship under conditions provided in the Act.

There former Filipinos can re-acquire/retain their Philippine
citizenship by taking the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the
Philippines.
…
What rights and privileges will dual citizens enjoy?

Those who retain or reacquire their Philippine Citizenship under RA
9225 shall enjoy full civil and political rights and be subject to
all attendant liabilities and responsibilities under existing laws
of the Philippines and the following conditions:


Those intending to exercise their right of suffrage must meet the
requirements under Section 1, Article V of the Constitution,
Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as "The Overseas Absentee
Voting Act 0f 2003" and other existing laws.


Under the Act, the right to vote or be elected or appointed to any
public office in the Philippines cannot be exercised by, or extended
to, those who are candidates for or are occupying any public office
in the country of which they are naturalized citizens and/or those
who are in active service as commissioned or non-commissioned
officers in the armed forces of the country which they are
naturalized citizens.


Those seeking elective public office in the Philippines shall meet
the qualifications for holding such public office as required by the
Constitution and existing laws and, at the time of filing of the
certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of
any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized
to administer an oath.


Those appointed to any public office shall subscribe and swear to an
oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and its duly
constituted authorities prior to their assumption of office:
Provided, That they renounce their oath of allegiance to the country
where they took that oath....


From: Mario Panlilio, 20 April 2009

PARTIDO KALIKASAN: APRIL 22 is EARTH DAY

TODAY is EARTH DAY!

This commemoration started in the United States of America (USA) in the 1970s as a national teach-in on environmental issues to spark public awareness and actions.

The original Earth Day is March 20 equinox when the night and day are of equal lengths in all places in the world symbolizing equity and unity.

While it has promoted environmentalism world wide, we must remember that we should EVOLVE our OWN KALIKASAN movement from within our cultural experience, and history.

This way we will benefit from the wisdom and inspiration of our collective experience as a people and as a nation.

Macliing Dulag, a Kalinga tribal leader was killed on April 24 1980 fighting off the development of the Chico Dam project.

He said:

"You ask us if we own the land. And mock us. 'Where is your title?' When we query the meaning of your words you answer with taunting arrogance. 'Where are the documents to prove that you own the land?' Title. Documents. Proofs of ownership. Such arrogance to speak of owning the land, when you shall be owned by it. How can you own that which will outlive you?"

On Friday, April 24, let us reflect together as a KALIKASAN Movement on that wisdom and his sacrifice and the sacrifices of many others, known and un known to fight for our communities and our environment.

partidokalikasan@yahoo.com> Wed, Apr 22, 2009

Painting: Henri Matisse, Le Platane

OCA: On Apathy (Pagiging Manhid)

The price of apathy towards public affairs is
to be ruled by evil men.

Quoted by Francis Oca

LAUNCHING KAYA NATIN ANEW

Launching of the new Kaya Natin! Champions of Good Governance will be on April 24, 2009 (Friday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 NN, at the Walter Hogan Conference Center, ISO Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Kaya Natin Founding Leaders Mayor Jesse Robredo, Gov. Grace Padaca, Gov. Eddie Panlilio, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo and Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. together with the Kaya Natin Core Group will be present.

A Covenant of Good Governance and Ethical Leadership will also be signed by all the Kaya Natin Leaders during this day.

Seats are limited email kayanatin@yahoo.com or contact (02) 4265657.

Visit www.kayanatin.com

God's Will and Our Power

Yes it is the Will of God that will move us all but we also should do our job in watching over what (the) representatives of the Filipino people are doing.

Let us allow righteousness and object to wrongdoings by all... whether in the government or in the private sector; it is upon us to do the right things.

We have the power to mold our own future and how we want it to be.

Jack Wong
April 19, 2009

FACTBOX - Paraguay's bishop-turned-president Fernando Lugo

Reuters Mon Apr 13, 2009 7:14pm BST- Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo admitted on Monday he fathered a child in a relationship he had when he was still a Roman Catholic bishop. Here are some facts about the 57-year-old leftist leader.

* Lugo was known as the "bishop of the poor" after serving 10 years as bishop in Paraguay's poorest province, where he met the woman who he now admits he fathered a child with.

* His child, a boy, will be 2 years old in May.

* Lugo won a special dispensation from the Vatican to return to lay status after he was elected president in April last year. He took office in August. The Catholic Church frowns on priests being involved in political activity.

* Lugo speaks the Guarani Indian language as well as Spanish and has stuck to a simple dress style as president, although he has stopped wearing sandals as he did on the campaign trail.

* Lugo is considered the most leftist leader Paraguay has had for many decades and joins a new generation of leftists that has come to power across much of Latin America in recent years, including a former soldier, two women, a former labour leader and a former coca-leaf farmer.

(Compiled by Fiona Ortiz in Asuncion; Editing by Kieran Murray)

NEWS: GLOBAL WARMING

Key role of forests 'may be lost'
By Mark Kinver
Science and environment reporter, BBC News

Conifers (Image: Erkki Oksanen)
Coniferous forests are particularly susceptible to climatic changes

Forests' role as massive carbon sinks is "at risk of being lost entirely", top forestry scientists have warned.

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) says forests are under increasing degrees of stress as a result of climate change.

Forests could release vast amounts of carbon if temperatures rise 2.5C (4.5F) above pre-industrial levels, it adds.

The findings will be presented at the UN Forum on Forests, which begins on Monday in New York.

Compiled by 35 leading forestry scientists, the report provides what is described as the first global assessment of the ability of forests to adapt to climate change.

The fact remains that the only way to ensure that forests do not suffer unprecedented harm is to achieve large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
Professor Andreas Fischlin,
Assessment co-author

"We normally think of forests as putting the brakes on global warming," observed Professor Risto Seppala from the Finnish Forest Research Institute, who chaired the report's expert panel.

"But over the next few decades, damage induced by climate change could cause forests to release huge quantities of carbon and create a situation in which they do more to accelerate warming than to slow it down."

Debate defining

The scientists hope that the report, called Adaption of Forests and People to Climate Change - A Global Assessment, will help inform climate negotiators.
Dead spruce forest (Image: John Innes)
Warm winters have allowed spruce beetles to cause widespread damage

The international climate debate has focused primarily on emissions from deforestation, but the researchers say their analysis shows that attention must also be paid to the impacts of climate change on forests.

While deforestation is responsible for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, forests currently absorb more carbon than they emit.

But the problem is that the balance could shift as the planet warms, the report concludes, and the sequestration service provided by the forest biomes "could be lost entirely if the Earth heats up by 2.5C or more".

The assessment says higher temperatures - along with prolonged droughts, more pest invasions, and other environmental stresses - would trigger considerable forest destruction and degradation.

BBC : April 18, 2009

PROPHETIC WORD

A major change will take place in the political arena this year 2009 paving the way for a new administrative system. Single men single system will be replaced by a coalition of forces that will elect their own into a position of power. A consensus will be found among various groups to collaborate together for national interest. Past coalitions have not worked until now; an elected person with the consensus of the majority in the coalition will lead the nation.


The Spirit of God shows me it will be a smooth transition into the next era; This will be a surprise to many. The violence, corruption often related to the Philippines will be minimal. The street demonstrations will not be needed anymore as the people who are regal and destined for a better hope of a greater future will lead the pathway to change. The political climate will change drastically this year 2009. This is the defining moments of the nation in the history of this nation. There will be a miraculous appreciation of all for the change in leadership to take place. This welcomed change will usher in the years of amazing development and progress.
…
The Lord has seen the afflictions of the poor and needy in the land and He Himself will intervene in their affairs and defend their case. The orphan, widows and the poor will see the vindication of God. The redistribution of wealth in the nation will be entrusted to godly men like Joseph. The system currently flourishes with the greed and covetousness of men. This corrupt act is destroying equal and proper spread of His resources for His people. "The days of plunder (are) over," says the Lord. The days of plenty will flow into the nation….

Quoted by Mila D. Aguilar in mila.d.aguilar@gmail.com
Thu, Apr 9, 2009 at 5:26 PM

Abaya: HERCULEAN POLITICAL TASK

It is gratifying to note that in the past two weeks, developments in the political arena have been focused on the need for moral renewal, on the need to search for and find leaders whose primary selling point would be their perceived capability to bring about a moral revival in our public life.

For a country seemingly hopelessly mired in immorality, from the top down, this is a Herculean task. Can our new moral leaders succeed in cleaning up the Augean stables? Or will they be swept along by the culture of immorality that pervades our political culture and be co-opted by the Forces of Darkness without making a dent on their armor?

We shall see what we shall see.

Quoted from “Moral Force” by Antonio C. Abaya, April 13, 2009, Manila Standard Today, April 14 issue

Guernica, Picasso painting

SARILING WIKA

Gamitin natin ang sariling wika o kaya wika ng bawat region upang higit na maunaawaan ng ating mga kababayang botante ang nais na maparating sa kanila. Mauna ang ating wika sa ilalim lang ang wikang banyaga, sa kadahilanang sa ngayon diyan sa atin kahit high school graduate hirap pang umintindi at magsalita ng wikang English. Pagpalain nawa tayo ng ating Panginoong Diyos.


HENIE DELA CRUZ
San Diego,CA 92111

DIEGO RIVERA Painting, Two women and a child

INPUT FOR DREAM TEAM

Baldomero Falcone suggested landmark inputs to the program of Government of Among Ed and Manong Ernie as the team “is so radically different from the traditional politicians' line-ups, their platform of government must be radically different, real sea-changes from the tradpols' pie-in-the-sky promises that are quickly and conveniently forgotten once their lordships are securely installed in their voted-albeit- bought positions, clothed with priveleges undreamt of by ordinary Pinoys, e.g. chauffered low-numbered cars preceded by multiple bodyguards on motorcycles with loud blaring sirens cutting across daily traffic snarls suffered by ordinary Pinioys, international junkets during congressional off-seasons( all government financed), un-earned and undeserved high salaries and per diems and even higher un-auditable barrels of ‘pork.’”

He said that: “The Dream Team's Platform of Government must finally be TRANSFORMATIONAL of Philippine society, rather than TRANSACTIONAL: the heretofore character of Philippine governance, illfully motivated by greed for money and lust for power, lasting power.

Following is one among so many of his suggested landmark inputs to the platform of government that the Dream Team “can uniquely present to the growingly despondent Filipino public, namely the Small Peoples' Bank or PAX Bank for short.

”Sad but true, the whole Banking Industry in the Philippines is owned and controlled by a few families, less than the number of fingers in your hand.(The patriarchs of these very few and identifiable oligarchic families regularly land in the Forbes List of the World's Richest.)

Indeed, credit does not flow to the countryside despite governmental edicts like the Agri-Agra Law that mandates all banks to set aside 25% of their loanable funds for agricultural credit, but provided a myopic escape clause, an alternative option: investing in government securities.

Professionally run by trained bankers, PAX Bank and its nationwide network of modest branches will function like any of the current commercial banks,i.e.departmentalized with a Credit and Trust Departments with this BIG DIFFERENCE:

PROFITS AND DIVIDENDS FOR ITS OWNERS WILL NOT BE ITS BE- ALL AND END- ALL, AS THIS BANK HAS NO IDENTIFIED OWNERS. ITS INITIAL EQUITY HAS BEEN THE GENEROUS VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF MOSTLY UN-NAMED DONORS AND SO ITS INTEREST RATES on LENDING WILL BE RADICALLY LOW,(single digit, vs.the inaccessible double digit charge of the prevailing banking industry) thus accessible by the least of our DILIGENT brethren in the cities and countryside, from Aparri to Jolo.

Its Trust Department will be open to countryside small entrepreneurs and cooperatives in the co-activation of Asset Pool Trusts, co-issuing quality bonds and securities for proven viable countryside projects. PhilGuarantee( ExImbank) and other guaranteeing institutions may be asked to be true to its charter to provide a wrap and cover to these provincial and countryside bonds and securities so that being credit-worthy and investment grade they can be bought safely and soundly by Filams and hi-networth individuals and entities besides targetting and effectively mobilizing for countryside development and employment the billions of trust money otherwise just lying"idle"and speculative- ready in the Trust vaults of the current banking industry.

…..In a way, it can be said that this small peoples' bank , motivated by the Dream Team, initiated by the Ex-sems and encouraged, blest by the Church's hierarchy, exemplifies in the concrete the small people empowering themselves to escape the menacing clutches of impending extreme poverty.”


--Working Together Poster

History FRANCE: Third Force

The Third Force (Troisième Force) was a French coalition during the Fourth Republic (1947-1958) which gathered the Socialist SFIO party, the UDSR centre-right party, the Radicals, the Christian-Democrat Popular Republican Movement (MRP) and other centrist politicians, opposed both to the French Communist Party (PCF) and the Gaullist movement. The Third Force governed France from 1947 to 1951, succeeding the tripartisme alliance between the SFIO, the MRP and the PCF. The Third Force was also supported by the conservative National Centre of Independents and Peasants (CNIP), which succeeded in having its most popular figure, Antoine Pinay, named President of the Council in 1952, a year after the dissolving of the Third Force coalition.
The Third Force was organised after the dismissal of vice-premier Maurice Thorez and four others Communist ministers from Paul Ramadier's government during the May 1947 crisis which can be summarized as: "The Communists' refusal to continue support for the French colonial reconquest of Vietnam on one hand and a wage-freeze during a period of hyperinflation.
--- quoted from Wikipedia on Third Force in France.

Monet: Impression, Sunrise (Painting)

PAX - Ex-Seminarians' Voice in Society

Dear Mediaclab,

May I rectify some matters regarding PAX which may be confusing to some:

1.PAX or the Philippine Alliance of X-seminarians is an on-going bonding of all Filipinos-who-came-from-(the) seminary. In this regard, even cardinals, archbishops,bishops, monsignors, parish priests, assistant parish priests, ex-priests and ex-seminarians are automatically POTENTIAL members of PAX.

Potential because all -xseminarians(taken broadly as in the above) are in an awakened mode to enlist each other and possibly all ex-seminarians(taken broadly)to be ACTUAL and be actively participative in the much-needed rebirth and moral regeneration of our country.That Dr. Ernie Ramos came from a seminary, makes him automatically a PAX member. That he acceded to the PAX request to head the ex-seminarians(taken broadly) in the US and abroad made him an ACTUAL PAXIAN.

(If Bobby Reyes came from a seminary, that qualifies him to be a PAX member.May we ask from what seminary did Bobby Reyes come from?)

2. As head of the ex-seminarians abroad, Dr. Ernie Ramos has been selected to be one of the keynote speakers during the national convention of the x-seminarians at Christ the King Seminary come April 25-26.(the 25th is simply for camaraderie and bonding among us ex-seminarians, the 26th will be the occasion to hear the key speakers which include Mons. Pete Quitorio, the spokesman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Fr.Among Ed, governor of Pampanga, hopefully Rene Sarmiento, Commissioner of the COMELEC and Dr. Ernie Ramos.PAX deems it a great honor to be accorded the presence and brilliant action-thoughts of the above key speakers during its National Convention.)

3. Time and again, we have made it known that any PAXIAN may join a political party as an individual. It is obviously a PAXIAN's right to do so; feeling that his individual commitment to the rebirth of our weeping Motherland is best expressed and actualized in a concrete political party

I, a Cebuano and an ex-seminarian from Palo, Leyte. Diocese of Palo, individually and gladly join DPP because having read its Constitutions and objectives, I honestly believe that as a new concrete political party, it can bring about in the soonest possible time, the emancipation and flowering of the Philippines, together with other NON-tradpol groupings like Kaya Natin, Ang Kapatiran, MGG, PPP etc.working together, kapit-bisig, sagip-bansa.

Never had DPP invited PAX as PAX(the alliance of x-seminarians, potentially numbering more than a million now) to become its member: the invitation had always been on a voluntary, individual, personal level, and it continues to be so and progressing beautifully.For at this moment in our history, when our beloved country is internationally ridiculed to be "the most corrupt nation in the world", a "moral pariah",the "most dangerous place on earth for journalists", the "nation of servants" and in international dictionaries equating "filipina" to domestic help etc.. ad nauseam...no ex-seminarian worth his Christian seminary immersion(as well as any patriotic,proud Pinoy for that matter) can afford to be a mere fence-sitter.

WE CAN'T AFFORD TO SEE OUR MOTHERLAND WEEP FOREVER.


Bal Falcone, MA Philo, Trust, MBM
chair, political affairs committee, PAX
proud to be an ex-sem

Sent through Email as a reply to: ofcouncil, on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:01:34 -0700
Subject: [ofcouncil] Setting the records straight

History, 2000: NICARAGUA THIRD FORCE

A coalition offering itself as an alternative to the two major political parties fell apart in June, but former armed forces chief Gen. Joaquin Cuadra formed a new party to run a candidate for president in 2001.

The third-force movement came out of the growing disdain for the power-sharing pacts negotiated between the governing Partido Liberal Constitucionalista (PLC) and the Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional (FSLN) since 1997 (see EcoCentral, 1997-04-24).

In late 1999, an independent political group, the Coordinadora para la Defensa de la Democracia, emerged to protest constitutional reforms proposed in PLC-FSLN pacts. The group quickly turned its attention to the arrest and jailing of former Comptroller General Agustin Jarquin (see NotiCen, 1999-11-18) and to President Arnoldo Aleman's management of international-aid funds following the destruction brought by Hurricane Mitch (see NotiCen, 1999-12-09).

In February, several small political parties organized a third-force coalition to oppose the PLC and FSLN. Included in the coalition were the Proyecto Nacional (PRONAL), Movimiento Nosotros Podemos, Unidad Social Cristiana (USC), Alianza Popular Conservadora (APC), Movimiento de Unidad Revolucionaria (MUR), Movimiento de Renovacion Sandinista (MRS), and Movimiento Democratica Nicaraguense (MDN).

Only PRONAL and MRS have won enough votes in the last general election to gain legal standing as registered parties.

Included in the coalition leadership were Luis Humberto Guzman of the USC, former President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro (1990-1997), Dora Maria Tellez of MRS, Cuadra, and Jarquin. Guzman said the coalition could take up to 30% of the vote in the November municipal elections.

Potential presidential candidates among third-force leaders were Chamorro, Cuadra, and Jarquin.

But Sandinista Assembly deputy Edwin Castro shrugged off the third-force threat. Seeking party registration under the MDN banner, the third force was an unlikely union of disparate political persuasions. "If they think they can beat the FSLN with that, they are wrong," he said.

In early June, with 86,000 signatures on its petition to qualify for the November elections, the MDN stunned its third- force partners by joining with the Partido Conservador de Nicaragua (PCN). PCN president Noel Vidaurre said the fusion was "irrevocable and indissoluble" and would confront "the two-headed dictatorship" of the PLC and FSLN.

Some third-force members accused Aleman and FSLN secretary general Daniel Ortega of engineering the defection. Whatever the reason, the move left the remaining third-force parties without the necessary signatures to qualify for legal status in the coming elections.

With the absorption of the MDN by the PCN, some remaining elements of the third force decided to support MRS, which will run Tellez for mayor of Managua.

The Consejo Supremo Electoral (CSE) refused to return the 86,000 signatures, forcing the coalition to begin again collecting the minimum 65,000 signatures by July 25 to participate in the November elections.

The MRS is pressuring the CSE to nullify the signatures collected for the MDN. Former CSE president Mariano Fiallos said nothing prevents the CSE from ruling in support of the MRS petition, freeing the people who signed the petition to sign for some other party.

Chamorro asked the CSE to return her signature on the MDN petition, but CSE vice president Emmet Lang said the signatures belonged to the MDN and only it could release them.

Commenting on the fate of the third force, Aleman denied his party had anything to do with the coalition's collapse. He said that, in Nicaragua, there were only two political forces, "the good and the bad," or the PLC and the FSLN respectively.

In late June, Cuadra, a former Sandinista, launched another third-force attempt, registering the Movimiento de Unidad Nacional as a political party. Cuadra described the party as centrist, avoiding the political extremes of the PLC and FSLN.

Cuadra attacked the electoral reforms of 1999 worked out in a PLC-FSLN pact. He said the new, stiffer requirements to achieve legal party status "do not allow for healthy, democratic competition."

Following Cuadra's announcement, Ortega invited him to rejoin the FSLN. Cuadra declined, saying, "I am convinced that the solution to Nicaragua's problems is not in either of the pactista parties."

Cuadra said his party is open to anyone, including Liberals, Sandinistas, and third-force voters who wish to support the party after the November elections. The party is looking for new people who are free from the vices of the political class, Cuadra said.

By September, Cuadra expects to have the necessary signatures to run a presidential candidate.

Although he has not announced his candidacy for president, Cuadra started what sounded like a campaign, attacking Aleman as a "tinhorn dictator."

In an interview with the Costa Rica daily La Nacion, Cuadra said, "The Aleman administration has taken the country into very dangerous deterioration. There is a deterioration of institutionality, no independence of [state] powers, and much toleration of corruption."

He said Aleman had ruined the chances for reconstruction after Hurricane Mitch because he could not account for the aid funds, "since the money for reconstruction was used to build houses and mansions for government officials."

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27995281_ITM

Do we observe political ethics?

The field of political ethics examines three specific areas: 1.) Church-state relations, 2.) responsibilities of the state towards its people, and 3.) the responsibility of the people towards their state.

INDIA: Left, key regional parties launch ‘third force’

Tumkur, Karnataka: Launching the ‘third force’, the Left and major regional parties joined hands to take on the Congress and the BJP in the upcoming general elections, saying both of them had failed to address people’s grievances.

Addressing a massive rally here, leaders of these parties announced that they had come together to provide a ‘new alternative’ to the voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

“This is a historic get together of all democratic, secular and Left parties in the country to declare that we are all coming together to constitute a third force in this country,” CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said.

He said that the third force stood for the interests of the vast masses for the firm defence of secularism against communal forces. The platform, he said, would fight for social justice for the oppressed sections.

Joined by CPI leader A.B. Bardhan, TDP chief N.Chandrababu Naidu and former prime minister and JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda among others, Karat said: “Today we have come together because the country needs a new alternative.”



Posted: PTI, Thu, Mar 12 2009. 9:00 PM IST

DECLARATION OF UNITY -PRG Third Force

Philippines for Righteous Governance
March 26, 2009

WE, FILIPINOS OF DIFFERENT CREEDS, DECLARE AND BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF A DIVINE BEING WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND EARTH, THUS, IN GOD WE TRUST.

We, are citizens of the Republic of the Philippines comprising of individuals and various organizations, hereby state a DECLARATION OF UNITY in common vision for RIGHTEOUS GOVERNANCE and GENUINE SYSTEMS CHANGE. Because of this declaration of unity, we do hereby state the following:

That the Philippines today is in a state of MORAL DECAY perpetrated by our present leadership who has shamelessly displayed the absence of morality in governance, integrity, justice and love of country.
Our nation is tainted with crimes against God and humanity where HUMAN RIGHTS are systematically violated resulting in the disappearance and death of over a thousand victims. The past several administrations had never instituted a GENUINE LAND REFORM that could have resulted din economic prosperity, promotion of nationalism and morality, dignity in the Filipino, thus we cannot anymore stand as mere spectators of dismal and flagrant display of historical failures to bring about GENUINE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS.

That the Philippines today needs GENUINE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS that will be mustered by NON-TRADITIONAL POLITICIANS and a few exceptional traditional politicians at all levels of public governance, from the Presidency down to the Barangay Captain level. They will run the Philippines to be a great country with righteous governance, with shame; who will possess integrity, selflessness and not greed; must dispense proper justice, promote peace, push for poverty alleviation, put the country back to order, enhance ecological balance, uplift morality, good values, and LOVE OF FAMILY, and be more nationalistic through LOVE OF COUNTRY.

Your PRG-TF Contact Persons

Pastor Melo Go 09198180313

Pete Arce 09295870073

Jay Menes.4096751 . Romano Clemente 09179277447

Atty. Luke Espiritu 09084128633.

A Blessed Sunday to each and everyone! –Patrick Pantaleon

Reflections

BOOK: Poetics, Plays, and Performances: The Politics of Modern Indian Theatre by Vasudha Dalmia

Published by OUP India
India • Theatre, drama
ISBN: 978 0 19 569505 2
Format: Paperback
Pages: 380
List price(s): 13.99 GBP 30.00 USD
Publication date: 30 September 2008


Full description
This book addresses the political and aesthetic concerns of modern Indian theatre, tracing its genealogies, and looking in particular at its appropriation of 'folk' theatre, as it sought to constitute itself anew after independence. Vasudha Dalmia delves into the past, to the plays of Bharatendu Harishchandra in 1870s Banaras, and to Jayshankar Prasad and Mohan Rakesh, landmark figures in the history of modern Indian drama. Dalmia then focuses on the intense urban interaction with folk theatre forms, their politicization in the 1940s and later again in the 1970s. With an overall focus on the politics of modern Indian theatre, particularly the action and reaction inspired by official policymaking in the capital of the nation as also its international representation, the book will be of interest to theatre students, critics, cultural historians, scholars of South Asian theatre, as well as general readers.

from the Convenors' Corner

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace and Love to each and Everyone! thank You for your comments. Brother Bart, do you think that you could represent us at South Bay and Los Angeles? Pastor Melo and i had a good long talk a few days ago re PRG....the 3rd force. please email him for more info. To our Friends from other States in the USA or other Country's we need Good Leaders to represent and work with us, We are slowly expanding our memberships in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao also. Our goal is simple, to help unite GOOD LEADERS for the 2010 elections. The next eight months will be very crucial. We now have a group of people working on the details. A Blessed Easter to You and your Family, God Bless. Patrick

A Nation of (caregivers)

We should be called a nation of carers, giving care to a wounded world. Here is PerryScope's take to a HK journalist's cheap shot at us:


“In August 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo proclaimed, “We will be sending ‘super maids’,” when she announced the launching of a new training program for Filipino domestic workers. Today, out of approximately 3,500 Filipinos leaving each day for overseas jobs, about 70% are domestic workers. A few years ago, there were only 40,000 Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong. Today, there are 130,000. And it’s probably in this context that Tsao used the pejorative term, “nation of servants.”
In Europe, particularly England, a servant is called “Filipina.” Is it more acceptable for an Englishman to call his maid, a “Filipina,” than a Chinese man to call his maid, a “servant”?
But let’s not even deal with that because the real issue here is that the Philippine government is in the business of exporting domestic workers. Today, out of the 8.7 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), a large number is employed as domestic workers."
Quoted from PerryScope, datedTue, Apr 7, 2009 at 5:30 AM. perrydiaz@gmail.com
About Chip Tsao, HK-based journalist who called the country, “a nation of servants.”

EU woos young voters through MTV

BBC NEWS: 14:55 GMT, Thursday, 9 April 2009 15:55 UK

Elections can be funky - that appears to be the message of an EU campaign using the MTV entertainment network to stir interest among young Europeans.

"Can you hear me Europe?" involves a series of TV adverts aimed at getting young people to vote in the European Parliament elections on 4-7 June.

They will be able to express their wishes and ideas on a website called www.caneuhearme.eu.

A new survey suggests 53% of Europeans are not interested in the elections.

The latest Eurobarometer opinion poll, conducted by the European Commission, concluded that "interest in the elections is not increasing". It surveyed 27,218 Europeans in mid-January to mid-February.

In the UK, 30% of respondents said they would definitely not vote - far more than in other EU member states. The next largest "definitely not" group was in Poland - 19%. The EU average in that category was 15%.

About 1,000 people are polled in each member state in the standard Eurobarometer surveys, conducted twice-yearly.

In the first European elections, in 1979, voter turnout was 63%, but it has declined steadily. In 2004 it was 45.7%.

'Roaring sound wave'

The European Commission is spending 1.9m euros (£1.7m; $2.5m) on the election ads broadcast by MTV Networks, which include Music Television (MTV), VH1, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central.

MTV channels are broadcasting three TV spots showing young people hanging loudspeakers in London, Paris and Rome. MTV is also inviting young people to take part in a "roaring sound wave" across Europe on 30 April, when they will all shout "Can you hear me Europe?"

"Young people are the future of the European Union. We need their ideas and their active involvement. They need to know that their voice counts," said Commission Vice-President Margot Wallstrom.

Antonio Campo dall'Orto, Executive Vice President of Music Brands for MTV Networks International, said "empowering young people, engaging with them in building a future... is a priority for us, and Europe can and should play a fundamental and positive role in this".

want to comment?

Please feel free to post your ideas in this blog. It is here to open dialogue with all sectors on what is happening in our midst, especially in our preparations for 2010 elections.

Thought for the day...

"I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?"

— Robert Redford

ANNOUNCEMENT

PRG-Third Force is putting up an office that will be accessible to everyone. Donations are welcome at anytime -- office supplies, equipment, and cash or any kind. Please contact Bro. Melo or Patrick Pantaleon care. Email: gocarmelo@yahoo.com, or patrickdpantaleon_2005@yahoo.com. Also, romano_clemente@yahoo.com.

Announcement made during the last meeting of PRG-ThirdForce, 6 April 2009.14:55

the sin of omission

THE SIN OF OMISSION

Margaret E. Sangster

It isn't the thing you do dear,
It's the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of a heartache
At setting of the sun.

The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
Are your haunting ghosts at night.

The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother's way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;

The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had no time nor thought for
With troubles of your own.

Those little acts of kindness
So easily out of mind,
Those chances to be angels
Which we poor mortals find-

They come in night and silence,
Each sad, reproachful wraith,
When hope is faint and flagging,
And a chill has fallen on faith.

For life is all to short, dear,
And sorrow is all too great,
To suffer our slow compassion
That tarries until too late;

And it isn't the thing you do, dear,
It's the thing you leave undone
Which gives you heartache
At the setting of the sun.

quoted by Willie Buyson Villarama in his email to Nedy Bart, April 8, 2009

Peanuts says

SAMU'T-SARING BALITA

***3 April 2009 PRG-Third Force supporters met and discussed problems of governance especially by non-traditional politicians who attain power.

***It was deemed important that democratization, empowering the people are also important or most important after winning in the elections. In dealing with non-supportive citizens, it is best for officials to cultivate understanding and compassion rather than resorting to legalisms in resolving conflicts with them.

*** It was announced that certain groups will hold primaries. PRG-TF shall hold its own primaries prior to joining the bigger primaries where all groups for good governance will converge.

***2 April 2009 Convenors, Brother Melo and Patrick Pantaleon met with El Shaddai Brother Mike wherein they had walked with him for 12 kilometers from PICC to Sukat Paranque to join a mass. They only stayed for 45 minutes with Buhay Partylist (of ES), Willie Villarama.

***Bro. Mike, 70 years old, is being urged to run.

***Mano Alcuaz commented in the latest meeting that Manglapus and Romulo could not make it (as presidents) despite their non-traditional political qualities. He is mulling over the possibility of TF-PRG admitting tradpols who are anti-corruption instead of maintaining a stance only for non-traditional politicians.

***Atty. Luke commented further that it would be good if we can build alliances across social classes. In the history of struggles, transitions occurred when the middle forces merged with the progressive military and the progressive classes. Another was when the middle forces and the masses which can conduct their own initiatives, created a movement.

"We can work with the mass movement, the Middle Forces and progressive military. Everyone should unite. We don’t have to exclude. Dapat malakas ang agenda natin, and not following the agenda of others.

In response, Bro. Melo read the statement of Declaration of Unity.


Bro. Melo said: "If these (groups batting for non-traditional politics) all get together we can win. Kailangang magbigayan ang mga tao. Sa ngayon, kanya-kanya.