CENTER FOR LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

Y! Power

2007-02-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

Your Vote, Your Choice, Your Future!

The outcome of the coming May 14, 2007 elections will be decided by the youth. Either through active participation or through passive indifference our choice will determine the nation’s fate for the new millennia.

One cannot over emphasize the importance of the coming elections and its would-be outcome. After EDSA 2, “EDSA 3”, the “Hello Garci” scandal, two aborted impeachments and the failed automation of the election process, it is this election that could salvage the country from ruin.

Amidst all this, the emotional stirrings, the nonstop bickering of politicians, the political carnival has begun! And one sector is left pondering in the middle – the youth. While the issue of whether ‘to vote or not to vote,’ is still there for some of us, the dilemma who to vote for in the upcoming national polls is one of the biggest challenges we are facing.

Politicians from various shades of the political spectrum are shifting their campaign to focus on the youth or at least claim to represent the youth’s cause and interest. No politician is crazy enough to ignore our votes.

Comprising more than 40% of the total voting population, it is undeniable that we can dominate the forthcoming national elections. Our opinions, attitudes, and expectations should, therefore, be an eye-opener not only for politicians and for marketing specialists, but also for economists, social planners, political scientists and opinion makers concerned with the future of this country. Our age group, after all, will inherit this earth after the old ones were gone.

Mr. Antonio C. Abaya wrote on his essay regarding the youth’s fate relative the 2004 elections: “What do they think we are bequeathing to them, a potential paradise or a certain hellhole? I would be happy if they thought they would be taking over a nondescript, unspectacular, boringly ordinary but, at least, reasonably functioning and reasonably livable slice of the planet.”

After all the events that took place after 2004 Mr. Abaya would be displeased to know that their generation is more likely to leave the youth with a “hellhole” legacy than the nondescript, boring, ordinary place he prefers.

But then again the choice of a potential paradise or a hellhole is a decision that the older generation is not to make. Like the choice of who to vote come Election Day it is a decision entirely up to us to make if we are willing to take the responsibility.

The next question is; Are we willing to take on the responsibility? Are we ready for it? Are we committed enough?

There are mixed answers to these questions. Since 1999, there has been youth participation in the Philippine society has been growing. Youth organizations with various advocacies have sprung up like mushrooms. From civic causes to charitable endeavors, there are youth groups that address these concerns but it is sad to note that youth organizations dealing with political issues did not share the same popularity or growth.

Maybe it is because many young people see politics as dirty. Some observe that this is because the youth are passive and are unwilling to participate in a process were money and influence is the name of the game.

I see the political processes as a tool and this tool’s value depends on who is using them. Like a knife in a butcher’s hands ends life while in a surgeons hand it can extend life. I believe that the youth can maximize the political processes to take charge and be catalysts of positive societal changes if we are organize and willing to work towards a common goal.

A great sage once said, “Democracy can only work if the people are willing to take an active role in it”. Democracy is for, by, and to the people, we have to keep it in mind that public officials do not solely shoulder the responsibility of governance but it is a responsibility in every individual.

During elections in a representative democratic state the political power returns to the people and as they cast their votes they decide the fate of the nation by giving up their political power to persons they think is best capable of forwarding their interest and carrying out their goals and aspirations as a people.

Let the Filipino youth in its more than 10 Million strong electorate member uphold the political power we posses. Let us use the May 14, 2007 national elections to effect the changes we desire for our nation by electing the proper individual to positions in government. Let us judge them by their character, track record, platform of government and integrity.

We have more information and tool in our hands to push this country beyond the personality politics our patriarchal society had come to develop. We are better in seeing through the mask most politicians take on to entice voters. We are better in discerning the genuine from the fraud.
Let us go out then and carefully examine all candidates that would stand on election come May 14. And let us vote with the future, our future in mind!

Your choice, your vote, your future!

Sa panulat ni Mr. Rey De Guzman

Originally posted at www.getinvolved.wordpress.com

In Defense of Free Trade

2007-02-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

By Kai Jager

The embodiment of free international trade has been a matter of interest for liberals for centuries. Free trade is closely related to globalization, but trade between people from different countries is not a new appearance and has always existed in human history. The theoretical explanation why free trade benefits the economy was developed by Adam Smith and David Ricardo in the 18^th and 19^th century. Since then, a lot of controversial discussion on the issue have taken place. Nowadays, there is a going outcry against free trade by globalization opponents. Their message is that these “neo-liberal” market reforms will lead to higher unemployment in the developed world and exacerbate the situation in poorer countries. What can liberals offer in the debate to refute these arguments?

Originally posted at FNF Asia publication site

Liberalism and Federalism

2006-10-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

By Ronald Meinardus and Gerhard Raichle

Federalism in Germany: “The Federal Republic of Germany shall be a democratic and social federal state.” This is one of the key paragraphs of the German constitution, as it establishes the principles the state is based on. The writers of the constitution deemed federalism so important that they included this provision among the few elements that are not amendable under any circumstances. Federalism has long become a part of the Germans’ political culture. Often, they refer their our country simply as “die Bundesrepublik” – the Federal Republic. This shows how central the concept of political decentralization has become for them.

In Germany, the 16 federal states have substantial authority. The citizens of the states do not only elect their own state parliaments, who then choose their own state governments headed by veritable prime ministers. Importantly, these politicians wield genuine political power. They are responsible for all affairs pertaining to culture, internal security, the media, local government and regional taxation. In addition, the “Laender” have a significant say in national affairs. More

Metro Manila Billboards - Unsightly Signs of Danger

2006-10-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

By Rep. Ruffy Biazon
Lone District
Muntinlupa City

As we hold our sessions today, a significant part of our country is still suffering the effects of typhoon Milenyo. The headline of the Philippine Daily Inquirer says, “Millions Still Have No Power, Water.” My family and I are included in those millions, as well as a big number of my constituents.

IN 1995, the last time that a typhoon directly hit Metro Manila, the roof of my house was blown away, exposing my home to the ravages of wind and water. This time around, though my roof is still intact, the felled trees, and downed utility posts cut off the basic necessities such as light and water. For several hours after Milenyo had left the Metro, I was even cut off from the outside world due to the blockage of roads leading out of my residence.

The wrath of typhoon Milenyo, which had winds of up to 165 kilometers per hour, surely reminded us of the power of Nature, of which even the technological advances of man have proven to be no match against. More

NEVER Again to Dictatorial Rule

2006-09-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

They did not die or disappear in vain
By Senate Minority Leader Nene Pimentel

Thousands were arrested without cause. Thousand were killed without legal reason. Thousands disappeared without trace under the brutal regime.

We are gathered here to honor those who died or disappeared in our struggle for the restoration of our freedoms in the dark days of martial rule. More

Today: September 21, 2006
By Mr. Rey De Guzman, Jr.

A couple of decades ago, a historical proclamation were enforced to the entire Filipino nation. It would be the precursor to thousands of death, the military take over and political chaos of gigantic proportions. More

Almost two decades of dictatorial rule has passed and we will never allow it to happen again! Let us keep the vision of Liberal Democracy in the Philippines ALIVE – Center for Liberal Leadership

I would vote 203 million times “NO”

2006-09-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

By Jovito R. Salonga
Former Senate President &
Former Liberal Party President

Today, we have finally summoned the political will to stand up and end 470 years of foreign military presence here in the Philippines. To be sure, this decision is not without its cost. There will be temporary dislocation and hardships all around, especially in Central Luzon. But we should learn the lesson we should have learned long ago—namely, no nation can become truly free without sacrifice. The trouble with some of us is we want freedom and independence without sweat and without tears. But there is no other way.

"Salamat na lamang at hindi na tayo nagdaan ngayon sa isyung ito sa isang malupit at maduging digmaan. Ang sabi ng ating mga kaibigan—“Kayo po naman ay hindi nakadanas ng paghihirap. Maawa namankayo sa amin na nawalan ng trabaho.” ("I am grateful that we did not have to tackle this issue in abitter and bloody manner. Our friends who work in the bases told me—“You have never known poverty. Please have pity on us who will lose our jobs.”)

To read the full speech - click here

Blast From the Past

2006-09-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, during my People's Time in my district office, I received a surprise visitor from the past.

Alex, a batch mate of mine from elementary to high school in Malate Catholic School, came to my office to seek my assistance. He is not a resident or of my district but he decided to go to me instead of the congressman where he lived since he felt that being a long-time schoolmate, I would readily receive him. In spite of that, he told me that he still had a slight apprehension in going to me since I might not give him the time or opportunity to talk to him. More

Effective Revenue Collection: A Liberal's Legacy

2006-08-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

The nation owes to the Liberals of the 12^th and 13^th Congresses the present state of revenue collection in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). During the 12^th Congress, Republic Act 9282 was enacted into law while the 13^th Congress gave birth to Republic Act No. 9335. The enactment of these two sensible and dynamic pieces of legislation came at a time when the government needed them most. As a result, the BIR has reached its target beginning the first quarter of 2005. In 2006, the BIR did the same feat and is headed towards a more effective tax collection effort. BOC, on the other hand, barely missed its goal in 2005 but its performance is a far cry from its dismal achievement in the previous years. In 2006, BOC boasts of exceeding the targets set by the Department of Finance. More

Liberalism and Education

2006-08-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

A rough characterization of the liberal spirit might be "live, and let live". A friend would always remind me that it would be illiberal to insist on everyone following Socratic rule to examine and reflect on what is valuable. Liberals must let people live unexamined lives; their concern arises only when such people try to stop others getting on with their own preferred life-style.

If liberals should let people get on with their lives, always, except infringements on the equal liberty of others, it might seem that liberals should let people get on with bringing up their children, pretty much how they like. Unexamined modes of life can be reproduced. Let people get on with it. More

What is it like being a youth supporting liberalism and democracy in Cambodia today?

2006-08-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

By Sorn Sarath

Democracy and liberalism in Cambodia is still in an immature phase. That is why youth participation is needed to supporting these, either directly or indirectly.

The youth can promote democracy and liberalism directly by getting involved in educative and participatory programs. The youth can be part of activities which target other youth like themselves. The Students' Movement for Democracy (SMD), for instance, holds workshops which focus on democracy, youth leadership, youth participation in politics and good governance, and the advantages of clean and fair elections. More

My Fave quotes from Emperor's Club

2006-08-07T02:04:00.000-07:00

"Ignorance can be educated...but stupidity last forever".

Have you watched 'Emperor's Club? If not, take time to read this entry and some posted comments on it and understand the other side of - 'being educated'.

These are some of my favorite quote from one of my favorite movie of all time:::

“Great ambition and conquest without contribution is without significance. What will your contribution be? How will history remember you?"

"Aristophanes once wrote, roughly translated; "Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but STUPID lasts forever."

"A great teacher has little external history to record. His life goes over into other lives. These men are pillars in the intimate structure of our schools. They are more essential than its stones or beams, and they will continue to be a kindling force and a revealing power in our live"

"The worth of a life is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success."

"However much we stumble, it is a teacher's burden always to hope, that with learning, a boys' character might be changed. And, so, the destiny of a man."

"History will tell us that you may not swim in the same river twice. Because an opportunity lost is lost forever. however, the water I find myself swimming in is very familiar to so many years ago.The waters in which we found ourselves swimming, were precisely as lovely as those we had earlier only imagined. But if time had made concessions for love, it made none for death."

"Socrates: It is not Living that is important, but Living rightly."

"The End Depends upon the Beginning."

A man's character is his fate...for most of us, our stories can be written long before we die.

More for comments

(taken from Prof. Jan Tolentino Blog - jaBlog)

A First Hand Account of the Seige in Beirut

2006-07-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

The following is a first hand account of a young Filipino-American woman who happened to be in Beirut when the attacks started. Some things have changed since then. The death toll has gone up.
Her uncle is a friend of mine who told me of her story last weekend over a few drinks. I reprint it with her permission. The experience, as well as the impressions and opinions expressed below are hers. I post this because it may be of interest to some of you and not because I am expressing any of my own opnions about the situation.
I have my opinions about what’s happening but do not feel the need to express them now. (More)

(Taken from http://www.rickycarandang.com - Ricky Carandang Reporting)

Some thoughts on SONA 2006

2006-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

What an... interesting SONA.

The President appeared to be in an upbeat mood... and was probably a little bit too excited for her SONA, as she stepped up to give her speech even before the singing of the National Anthem. Whoops. I expect several Protocol Officers to get a really good tongue lashing later, as well this little incident getting blown totally out of proportion by the media and her enemies. More

Let's start the Grand Debate on Constitutional Reform

2006-07-20T01:56:00.000-07:00

As promised, CLL has posted some related articles on Constitutional Reform to start up the GRAND DEBATE on whether the Philippines should shift to Parliamentary-Federal System or continue with Presidential-Unitary System.

The first batch of articles was taken from different website sources written by respected personalities and groups advocating and opposing constitutional reform.

Enjoy reading, start thinking!

CLL - Constitutional Reform Blog

A Boost for Cha-Cha from Spain?

By Domini M. Torrevillas

Many other Lands Revising Charters

By Jarius Bondoc

What People don’t know about the Proposed Cha-Cha

By One Voice

Liberalism and Federalism

By Ronald Meinardus and Gerhard Raichle

We are also encouraging you to join us in this online debate and see what is better for our country. How far can we go? Let’s see…

Eric Caliboso
ecaliboso81.blogspot.com

SONA. .. What's in a Name?

2006-07-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

The State of the Nation Address

· Derived from the State of the Union Address of the President of the United States

· First delivered during the Commonwealth Period by Pres. MLQ, 1935 during the Opening of the First Session of the 1st National Assembly.

More on J. Malaya Blog

Putting a Price on Learning

2006-07-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

To say that the modern public puts a premium on education is to state the truly obvious. It seems hard to imagine a world with high levels of ignorance and illiteracy.

Especially with the advent of the “Information Age,” one’s education determines the options that one has in life. A good life and a successful career are usually linked to the quality and level of one’s education; mavericks like Bill Gates and the Tai Pans – who never finished or took up a college education – of Southeast Asia are usually exceptions rather than the rule when it comes to accomplishment. So for most people, even a high school diploma is usually the key to a better future. More

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IS REAL

2006-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Reports say, our generation is highly engage to sexual practices, especially when curiosity among the young arises. Probably, many of these sexually active individuals are enjoying in whatever sense it is. But that does not mean they can not be attacked by sexual disorders, with a simple thought that it is just normal. And you might be one of them. And admit or not, you might be suffering from it. More

Wretched

2006-07-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

Camila can hardly wait another year to finish her undergraduate degree program in a state-run university. She stopped going to school for six months to work as a full-time customer service representative in a call center. Both her parents were laid out from work so she had no other choice but to find a job and earn big money. She has plans to go abroad and settle with her family there eventually. More

Express yourself via CLL blog

2006-07-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

CLL blog is up and ready for your articles & comments.

We are encouraging all members of the liberal family to take an active part in this blog by submitting your article to cll.liberal@gmail.com or by leaving your comments to the posted articles.

Of course when we say liberal family it includes members of the following groups;

Liberal Party (LP)
Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI)
LP Ladies
Liberal Caucus of Congressional Staff (LCCS)
Liberal Professionals
National Institute for Policy Studies (NIPS)

Parliamentary Caucus
Liberal Local Leagislators League (4L)
Caucus of Local Chief Executives

Friedrich Naumann Stiftung (FNSt)
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD)
Liberal International (LI)
Young Liberal and Democrats of Asia (YLDA)
International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY)

The blog is also open for all liberal-minded individuals, professionals, politicians, members of the academe, students, and all individuals who would like to join us in our discussions on various issues of the country.

As of today this blog contains CLL background, objectives, services offered and the following departments: Politics, Election and Governance; Economy, Globalization and Development; Education; Health; Environment; and Human Rights. For more information, please explore this blog.

Lets make this blog interactive. Find some time to put your opinions in writing and discuss it with us - the Filipino Liberals. Lets do it in liberal ways- DISCUSSION and DEBATE.

Eric Caliboso/ Donna Babadilla

2006-06-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

CENTER FOR LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

Propagating Liberalism among Youth

CLL SERVICES

2006-06-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

A. Workshops and Seminars on Liberal Values and Principles

This is a common activity requested by KALIPI Chapters and other youth organization, especially if the seminar on liberal values being requested is the Basic Orientation on Liberal Democracy (BOLD), the prerequisite activity for membership in KALIPI and its allied sectoral organizations. Activities within this cluster deal with education on the basic principles and concepts of liberalism.

B. Workshops, Seminars and Youth Camps on Leadership and Good Governance

CLL gives importance on leadership and good governance component of organization. CLL believes that in order to function more effectively and efficiently, organization should understand the basic of leadership and its practice, and the best way to address this is through seminar- workshops and youth camps.

This service aims to develop the skills and know-how of the officers, operations personnel and members of the organization. These are usually 3-day-2-night affairs with as much practical application activities as there are lectures.

C. Discussions and Seminars on pertinent economic, political and social issues

CLL is also providing a venue that would tackle pertinent economic, political and social issues through discussions and seminars. This would help KALIPI members and other liberal-minded youth in having clear liberal positions. This is in effect helping the Filipino youth in having an in-depth understanding of specific issue concerning not only their sector but the country in general.

D. Skills Development

It aims to impart with the young liberals some knowledge, tips and strategies on how to develop their skills on writing, media-handling and communication (which includes website developing, blogging and podcasting), resource mobilization & management, organizing an event and campaigning.

E. Campaign Management Training

KALIPI is a political organization. Inevitably, it and its chapters must engage in the foremost of political activities: electoral exercises and issue advocacy. This cluster aims to train chapter members in the conduct of programs and policies that will effectively meet the objectives of their campaign, whether it be to put into office one of their own, or to advocate a particular position in an issue.

F. Strategic Planning Sessions

Planning and mapping out the direction of an organization are important activities, sometimes even more so than the actual execution. This cluster aims to assist chapters and other youth organization with the same democratic ideals in the identification of and development of their programs and goals and the means in which these goals can be met.

G. Governance in Action

This cluster deals with facilitating the need of KALIPI members and liberal-minded youth for a viable practicum to fulfill their requirements for graduation or to qualify for a job. CLL will make extensive use of the liberal network to ensure that they get the most effective hands-on training available and appropriate for their chosen discipline.

H. Research and Development

The CLL will also act as a clearinghouse for information regarding the many issues confronting the youth sector (and beyond). CLL also needs a comprehensive program of research and development to keep its programs and techniques effective and up-to-date. This cluster aims to provide CLL – and KALIPI – and other youth organizations with same democratic ideals with the knowledge base necessary to properly fulfill its mandate.

OBJECTIVES OF CLL

2006-06-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

Stimulate research and practical application in the areas of liberal leadership, issue advocacy and organizational operations.

Develop the skills and knowledge of KALIPI members and other liberal-minded youth through various training activities.

Support the leadership and governance development agenda of KALIPI by inculcating the necessary skills and knowledge among its membership.

CENTER FOR LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

2006-06-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

To say that training activities are important to the viability, continuity and even very existence of an organization, especially those involved in political action, is an understatement indeed.

Through seminars, forums, workshops, focus group discussions, leadership camps and other activities, members of an organization gain the skills and knowledge necessary for them to be effective in their membership, thus greatly increases the ability of the organization to achieve its goals. Training activities also allow an organization to pass on the experience it’s older and more seasoned members gained through long years of operations and forge a bond between the old and the new.

It is within this context that the Center for Liberal Leadership (CLL) was conceived. The Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (the young liberals of the Philippines), one of the oldest and most active youth organization in the country, has had a long tradition of providing training for its chapters and other youth organizations pursuing same democratic ideals.

But these activities were more or less done in a per-need basis. But the increase in frequency of such activities in the last five years has allowed KALIPI’s National Secretariat to develop protocols and procedures that have become norms in the conduct of each activity. The CLL was thus created in order to gather these practices into a formal doctrine, and to allow for greater development of mechanisms and techniques for training members of the youth wing.