Bigkis Pinoy, RAM to sign unity pact

Leading non-government organization Bigkis Pinoy, with more than 200,000 card-carrying members nationwide, and the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) have formed an alliance and will sign a Joint Declaration for Unity, Peace and National Renewal starting at 4 p.m. today at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Bigkis Pinoy and RAM will gather together their forces to form a national consensus upon which national governance can be based. They aim to achieve unity, peace, economic progress and national transformation. Leaders of the two groups said it is their contribution to the first anniversary celebration of EDSA II and the triumph of democratic forces on Jan. 20, 2001.

Retired Commodore Domingo Calajate, chairman of RAM’s executive committee, said, "The joint declaration of Bigkis Pinoy and RAM will serve as a platform for concerned Filipinos to call upon our political leaders to prioritize the people’s interest over their own and put a stop to the culture of relentless political bickering which is doing little to move our country forward."

Calajate declared recently that RAM is now part of the mainstream and will no longer take part in any coup attempt. RAM, originally called the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, played a key role in the historic EDSA people power uprising which toppled the Marcos dictatorship in 1986.

On the other hand, Edward King, executive director of Bigkis Pinoy, said, "We asked RAM to join us in the call for enlightened governance, a process which can only be achieved through an honest and competent judiciary, a professional armed forces and a government made up of both administration and opposition leaders unified and committed to implementing people-centered policies and programs. Tao muna bago pulitika."

"Bigkis Pinoy is committed in the fight to alleviate poverty by providing livelihood opportunities to poor Filipino families," King added.

A massive show of solidarity by members of the two groups coming from all over the country is expected to fill up the Cuneta Astrodome to overflowing as they take part in the rally. Highlight of the event will be the signing by Bigkis Pinoy and RAM leaders of the Joint Declaration.

Both King and Calajate said their alliance is a prelude to the formation of a greater movement which will instill love of country and patriotism among Filipinos.