This provides reflection paper on the Partisan Civil Society discussion series, arguing the case for political party building in the Philippines.
This latest edition presents updated stories of former Governor Josie dela Cruz of Bulacan, Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Governor Grace Padaca of Isabela, all of whom have lead successful campaigns in the 2007 elections.
Paradoxically, the Maguindanao Massacre gives the country a unique opportunity to address a long-time problem that was not a monopoly of one region or ethnic community. With this massacre, we crossed the line and the country is now on the brink of being a failed state. With this massacre, we are seeing a scale of brutality and evil that we have not seen before. We have seen political and media assassinations and we have experienced massacres of farmers and workers – but not with these targets (women, lawyers, journalists, bystanders and passersby) and not in these numbers. Lines were crossed in Maguindanao and we must all work together, and work very hard, to pull the country back from those lines. Otherwise, the consequences are unimaginable with political clans all over the country possibly believing that they too can act with impunity.
The way forward is to change the country from the base, place by place, island by island. The integration and unity must be achieved with respect to the diversity and plurality of struggles; but a conscious effort is needed by the leaders of these initiatives to connect their struggles and execute a coordinated strategy of taking power at the national level.
Once this political machinery of reform movements in the Philippines wins power, it has both the broad social base and moral ascendancy to bring a developmental and democratic state, which can effectively lead the process of nation-building. This is a formidable challenge, but it has to be done. By building on the basics, we will change the Philippines.
This provides report from the project, COMELEC Budget Watch.
This paper explains the significance of digital convergence to poor countries. It offers a measure to address the insufficiency of the institutional environment to keep up with the convergence process, to clarify policy ambiguities pertaining to the rules of competition and interconnection.
This provides full transcription of the high-profile seminar on charter change in 2008.
This paper argues that Islamic tradition can permit a Bangsamoro Federal Islamic State within a secular democratic system.
This paper is espousing that liberalization of professional and educational services will enhance economic competitiveness of the country in medium to long terms.
This paper prescribes more practicable ways to avoid difficulties in the operation of public utilities, brought about by constitutional limitations.
This paper reviews the recourse to emergency powers by four presidencies and examining the intended and unintended consequences.
This paper on the party list system explains the importance of proportional representation and the nature of the party list as a political party.
This discussion series reflected, examined and investigated the lessons and prospects of the involvements of societal forces in the contestation of state power.