Statement - Is change foremost in Cebu candidates' vision?

Pagbabago! People's Movement for Change (Pagbabago! Cebu) challenges Cebu electoral candidates to commit themselves to genuine change in our country.

We recently presented findings on the track record and platforms of the local candidates (gubernatorial, congressional, mayoral) and we found out that most, if not all politicians fall short in charting plans for genuine economic progress, which will provide employment for our people.

The People's Criteria is summed up into five main points: Truth, Accountability and Justice; Economic Progress and Environment; People's Welfare; Peace and Equality; Love of Country.

We believe that for genuine development to take place, implementation of land reform and development of basic industries are imperative.

We are alarmed that local politicians allied with the Arroyo Administration pursue amending the Philippine Constitution to allow foreign ownership of lands. We are similarly apprehensive of their interest in turning the whole Cebu island into an Economic Development Zone (Ecozone). Instead of developing domestic industries, ecozones give incentives to foreign business but trample on labor rights.

Most local candidates accuse each other of corruption but few condemn the corruption scandals of the Arroyo Government.

We are somehow relieved that some congressmen, even if Arroyo allies, have supported bills against human rights violations such as torture and enforced disappearances. Apart from this, most candidates do not pursue human rights protection.

We also urge the politicians to take note that a lasting peace can only be achieved through justice and equality, and not through total war.

Similarly, we are saddened that programs for gender equality, defense of our national patrimony/national sovereignty, and protection of the environment are not given much attention.

There are token promises on people's welfare, but a decisive stand on the prioritization of education and other social services in the budget are somehow lacking.

On top of all this, the most important element in societal change: Propagation of love of country is non-existent in all the candidates' platforms.

But we are a people of hope. As a wake-up call, our challenge to the candidates may facilitate decisive steps in heeding the yearning of the Filipino people for genuine change.

Rev. Jessie Primacio

Co-Chair

Pagbabago! People's Movement for Change Cebu