The need for continued vigilance vs. corruption is clear and urgent. All Filipinos who dream of a better country, a more honest and transparent government, of participative governance should set aside precious time to stay vigilant vs. all forms of abuse and corruption.
We are happy to note that former chief justice Reynato Puno has shared his legal expertise to alert us all about the power of the electorate to abolish pork barrel. How to do this?
According to Republic Act No. 6735, the citizenry has the power to directly propose, enact or approve a law provided: 1) at least 10 percent of Filipino voters sign the petition. As there are about 52 million voters in the country, so the petition needs to be signed by at least 5.2 million people or 2) at least three percent in all the legislative districts sign up the petition. The Commission on Elections will verify the signatures in the petition and set the election date for the Filipino voters to choose to abolish pork barrel or not.
Can 5.2 million Filipinos or more rise to the challenge and make history by abolishing the pork barrel themselves, through their own initiatives and action?
The Cebu Coalition vs. Corruption announced a resounding YES! to this challenge and has, since its last announcement this week, increased from just 50 and 70 organizations pledged to attain the goal of abolishing the pork barrel system.
Already, there are those that say the people's initiative will not prosper and that 5.2 million signatures will be impossible to attain. Let the Filipino people show their strength and unity and make history. Let us, as a people, show ourselves and the world who are the real bosses in this country. Let honesty, transparency, real unity shine through from here on. Padayon, all genuine Filipinos who love to see a better Philippines for all!
Please check the Cebu Coalition vs. Corruption Facebook site for more details about this National People's Initiative for the Abolition of the Pork Barrel System. Your signatures are urgently, crucially needed by all Filipinos, now and in the future! Make your signature count!
Rudy Alix of the Cebu Coalition wrote, "From out of this unity and strength of faith in the Almighty, we are reaching out to all organizations and movements and individuals of the country to unite around the proposed People's Initiative. Do join us as we embark on this initiative and carry it to its fruitful conclusion!"
There is another noble cause awaiting your precious vigilant protest and signature soonest please. Balbino Guerrero has started a signature campaign to help save the 154 trees along the 3.1 kilometer highway from Naga City to Carcar City, south of Cebu, Philippines.
The DENR has granted the DPWH the permit to cut these trees for the Naga-Carcar road widening.
Please go to https://www.change.org/petitions/denr-secretary-ramon-j-p-paje-dpwh-secretary-rogelio-singson-protect-the-trees-from-naga-to-carcar.
Again, please add your voice and your signature to save these 154 precious trees. As Golly Ramos wrote, "Our right to a healthy environment carries with it the responsibility to protect our life support system, and not destroy them. The people shall be the voice of the Trees."
This Save the Tree petition is not just for the trees. These trees represent history, life, sustenance. More importantly, the trees remind us about God who is the only One who can make, create trees. Trees vs. roads, God vs. human planners.
Cannot the DENR and DPWH find creative ways to meet human needs without destroying God's creations for His people?
Please, please, find the time to share your precious signature and unite with the rest of the genuine Filipinos to create a better country for all and preserve God's creations as well for all.
Please sign the various petitions online and please ask all others to sign as well. Padayon ta for good, God, and for all!
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Email: cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com