Posters Urge Boycott of Inquirer
This poster, which urges people to boycott the Philippine Daily Inquirer, has been posted at one of the branches of Taps, one of the more popular "tapsilog" restaurants in Davao…
Cha-cha and Corruption: A Shallow Solution to a Deep-Rooted Problem
The current ?people?s initiative? for Cha-cha is itself a mockery of the essence of genuine people?s governance because it reportedly involves bribing voters and local government officials — a classic example of graft and corruption.
By Antonio Tujan Jr.
Ibon Features
MANILA — The shift to a parliamentary system under the proposed charter change (Cha-cha) would ?significantly reduce? corruption in the political system, according to House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
De Venecia said the proposed shift would set elections on a five-year cycle and provide state funding to move the country towards a strong two-party system. He added that a parliamentary government tainted by corruption could fall through a no-confidence vote introduced in parliament but a presidential system offers only the difficult process of impeachment to remove a president.
But the proposed shift to a Parliamentary system is a shallow response to a societal problem that is more deep-rooted that government realizes, or cares to admit.
(more…)
Cha-Cha to Worsen Economic, Environment Degradation, Says Virador
DAVAO CITY -- Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador said yesterday that the Charter Change being pushed by the Arroyo administration will "give more teeth" to the Philippine Mining Act. This,…
Suara Bangsamoro Denounces GMA for Anti-Terror Bill Push
DAVAO CITY -- The partylist group Suara Bangsamoro denounced last week President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for pushing the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill by using the recent Jolo bombing as justification.…
Anti-Chacha Signature Drive Kicks Off in Davao
President Arroyo says Thursday: “The true power of the people is being felt with the signature campaign to change our form of government?
By Jetty Ayop-Ohaylan
davaotoday.com
DAVAO CITY ? Several progressive groups from this city launched on Thursday a signature campaign against Charter change, in an attempt to counter an alleged deceptive campaign by the Arroyo administration to railroad the shift to a parliamentary form of government.
In Tagaytay City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo openly declared her advocacy of constitutional amendments through a ?people?s initiative,? which involves the gathering of the signatures of at least 12 percent of registered voters nationwide.
In her keynote speech at the 2006 Philippines Development Forum, Arroyo said, “The true power of the people is being felt with the signature campaign to change our form of government.? She labeled as “petty politics” the opposition to the amendments.
“This is why charter change is so important: to help break the back of petty politics of the status quo that may put headlines in the paper but does nothing to put food on the table,” the president said.