PP OFF TO A GOOD START

"Pinatulo vs. Pinatubo" This is how Dr. Sixto Roxas described politics in the country.Pinatulo politics is politics from the top, the elite, the rich dominating it, and with the people as mere followers. Pinatubo is where the people choose the candidates, elect and then "enthrone" them into their seats.

Yesterday's meeting of the Peoples' Primaries drew a lot of leaders from various non-government organizations and majority of whom have now signed up to be involved more deeply in its conduct nationwide.

Some of the issues that cropped up and suggestions on improving the mechanics of the PP were:

1. Mr. Rafanan, the governor-that-should-have-been of Ilocos Sur, fighting the number one domineering individual there, said that the PP has very little time to conduct the selection process and campaigning; so everything must be speeded up;

2. Ester Pacheco, vice Nina Galang of Miriam College (Peace and Environment) said that many administrations have not really focused on environmental problems. Hence a need exists for a voice in the government that will articulate the aims of the movement;

3. The PP basic document has to be translated into the various regional languages, said Mr. Manuel Faelnar. By the way, Emma has already done a powerpoint presentation in Pilipino;

4. A need exists to emphasize the word "democratic" in the documents, as the conduct of PP is mainly to democratize politics in the country, where, Dr. Roxas said, we need to establish a government of the people, by the people and for the people;

5. Ricky Xavier articulated the need to have a media group that will oversee the releases of news, activities of the PP;

6. Philip Camara also explained the mechanics of the PP, how the District Coordinators play a big role in making the PP really succeed; and

7. Roy Cabonegro ably facilitated the proceedings and was able to get the majority of the participants to lend their expertise, their support, and even their hard-earned and extra money to fund the snacks for the meeting.

The next moves of the PP will be to establish District Coordinators in 219 districts in the country. Anything less than that will not really strengthen the movement to go all out to erase the elitist and patronage politics currently prevaiing in the country, according to Dr. Roxas.

-- reported by Emma S. Orozco

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