Make a difference in the coming Philippine elections by joining VforCE

VforCE, or 1 Million Volunteers for Clean Elections, is a nationwide movement of volunteer individuals and organizations, committed to providing voter education and volunteer training to protect the integrity of the elections, to fighting fraud and violence, and to working for long-term political and social reform.



My daughter and I are asked to help out in the data encoding during elections. We will be attending the briefing this Saturday at St. Peter Church - Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City and will post more developments on that soon.

Christmas Message from One Voice Convenors

A Christmas message from the conveners of One Voice
to our signatories and valued allies:

We thank you all for speaking out when the cha-cha train threatened to misuse democratic processes for self-serving purposes, and many were silent. We thank you for the trust and the unwavering commitment. Together, we battled in the trenches when it mattered the most. As we all look back and survey the havoc and waste that the battle left in its wake, we may wonder if it was worth the effort.

We may wonder if this is indeed a new beginning to finally get the country and the government we deserve or if this will be just another lost opportunity, another inconsequential footnote in our history. We may wonder if, after the back-slapping and merriment of the moment and the hopeful picture of solidarity, we will again go back to our separate lives and leave the country to the political games and agendas of those who were voted to serve but have repeatedly failed the people.

We think we can all say it was worth it. But we cannot let history repeat itself for the nth time. Our country is too precious and too often betrayed to be left alone to face that fate. Let us celebrate the moment and enjoy the good cheer, and then prepare for the many more battles ahead.

Remember our 5-point program:
(I) stop the so-called people's initiative;
(2) social reform program now;
(3) electoral reform now and credible 2007 elections as an indirect referendum on the present administration
(4) a constitutional convention, not a constituent assembly. if necessary;
(5) work collectively in restoring the trustworthiness of our democratic institutions

Much has been achieved. But clearly, there is more work ahead of us, more difficult
than before. But there are more of us now, The silent majority are finding their voice and are speaking out loudly for our leaders to hear -- we want real change.

We will work with all groups who want real change. We will learn from one another, share our expertise and resources and take the lead on issues and concerns when that leadership is called for. Otherwise, we are all foot soldiers in the service of a nation. What is important is to broaden and deepen the national dialogue and to work together harmoniously for the good of all, but especially for those who deserve a better life than what democracy has given them.

After the holidays, after we have spent time communing with our families and friends, after we have renewed our faith in the real meaning of Christmas, and have thanked the Lord for His many blessings, let us get together, pray together and plan for the days ahead. There is work to be done.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Ituloy AngSulong - WATCH and PRAY Magmalasakit sa Bayan Prayer Rally

One Voice will come together at the WATCH and PRAY Magmalasakit sa Bayan Prayer Rally on Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta.

Reference:

• Watch and Pray: A Sequel
• Watch and Pray: Magmalasakit Para sa Bayan
• Watch and Pray for Self-serving Representatives
• Please. No to Con-Ass, yes to Con-Con

Ituloy AngSulong against the proposed Charter Change!

One Voice Chairman Christian Monsod just issued a press statement on the House of Representatives Constitutional Convention proposal.

Manuel Quezon III, grandson of President Manuel Quezon and a member of One Voice, said the House of Representatives "is now refusing to recognize any limits on their ambitions." He encourages everyone to take a stand on the matter by voicing our opinions and ensure that we are all registered voters. If you haven't registered, the deadline is by the end of this year. (Also, check out - Let them eat Concon)

I truly believe in uniting people through prayers, regardless of religion. Those who have experienced being in a life-or-death situation, will surely know what I meant by this. We need to pray for enlightenment and courage. We need to take a stand in our own way - even by just blogging our concerns, showing that we care on the impact of this issue to our country.

The events that can happen this week will have a great effect to all of us - our work, business, the Christmas preparations for our children, and worst, deflect our attention on areas where it is needed the most - such as our countrymen who were affected by calamities.