One Voice

Isn’t it about time that Filipinos speak with one voice?

Well, a group of us has decided to do just that. One Voice is the name of a new movement composed of concerned citizens who wish to remind all players in the political realm to attend to our people’s needs before their own self-interests. This movement was launched this morning at the social hall of the Ramon Magsaysay Center along Roxas Boulevard, Manila. It was a simple launch that started off with a prayer offered by the Most Reverend Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, D.D. Then came a brief presentation entitled, “What is real?” by fellow blogger and writer Manolo Quezon. One Voice lead convenor Christian Monsod presented the position of One Voice, which contains a five-point proposal:

1. discontinuance of the present people’s initiative;
2. a social reform program now;
3. elections in 2007 as scheduled, as an indirect referendum, and electoral reforms now;
4. if necessary, a Constitutional Convention (not a “con-ass”) after the 2007 elections, and not for the benefit of incumbent politicians;
5. a collective effort to rebuild the trustworthiness of democratic institutions.

The panelists for the presscon, aside from former Comelec chair Monsod, were: Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference national co-chair Ricardo Pascua, Professor Benjamin Tolosa, Jr. of the Ateneo de Manila University Political Science Department, Elvie Balabad, representing the agrarian sector, and Manolo Quezon. I played a modest role as moderator of the event.

If you wish to join One Voice, please register online with www.onevoice.org.ph. Help us promote a better way towards real, deep and meaningful change.