CIBAC, UNI-MAD partylists outline legislative agenda

Two partylist groups, vying for congressional seats in the May 14 elections, held campaign sorties in Cebu City yesterday as they pushed for their respective legislative agenda.

The Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) partylist rallied for good governance and anti-corruption, while the United Movement Against Drugs (UNI-MAD) partylist advocated for fight against illegal drugs.

CIBAC Rep. Joel Villanueva yesterday led volunteers and supporters in the city in re-affirming their commitment to participate actively in good governance and fight against corruption.

"With a voting population of more than two million, Cebu can actually lead the way to better our government," Villanueva said, adding that active citizens could force the government to act with transparency, responsiveness and accountability.

CIBAC encouraged the Cebuanos to invest in the fight against corruption while ensuring that the poor and the marginal sector be given roles in decision-making in government.

"I can feel that the Cebuanos are also fired up with the worsening state of corruption in the country and will do everything to better our government," Villanueva said.

UNI-MAD, for its part, vowed to establish a drug rehabilitation center for the poor victims of illegal drugs in every region nationwide, and to tap the help of religious groups to take care of these people after getting out of these centers.

UNI-MAD founding chairman Antonio Rom, in their program launching in the city Tuesday night, said this is the only partylist, accredited by the Comelec, that is waging the war against illegal drugs.

UNI-MAD was organized few years ago and, with already over half a million cardholders nationwide, it had decided to the join the election to have a representation in Congress that would push the fight against illegal drug with legislative power.

Rom said that UNI-MAD had vowed to continue the advocacy and awareness seminars for the youth and parents, from the top to the grassroots level, the menacing effects of illegal drugs.

Rom announced that whatever the results in the elections, UNI-MAD will hold its national anti-drug summit at the Cebu International Convention Center this coming September 21. He said President Gloria Arroyo would grace the event. — Gregg M. Rubio/RAE