Tuesday, December 1, 2009

“THE PUBLIC’S EYES ARE WATCHING ON DISARMAMENT” – VILLANUEVA

“THE PUBLIC’S EYES ARE WATCHING ON DISARMAMENT” – VILLANUEVA

“Even with eyes closed, one can still see clearly the bloodied lifeless bodies of innocent men and women who brutally suffered from the inconceivably blood-lusting hands of the perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre,” Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas Party said as he described the chilling effects of the grisly murders of 57 innocent civilians, including several members of the media.

Reacting to the arrest of four alleged gunmen involved in the multiple murders, Villanueva said in a statement that people are now more vigilant and would not even blink until justice has been served.

“The warlords’ monstrosity has opened the public’s eyes widely, never to be shut again to the atrocities of armed violence and criminality,” he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) calls the suspects as “militiamen” under the control of Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Villanueva said that the massacre itself is the overwhelming evidence of the “continuing crime of breeding private armies.”

“We hope this recent arrest is not just a band-aid solution to the problem but the beginning of long-term solutions to the perennial political violence in Mindanao. We will be very vigilant as to the developments in this area,” he said.

“If the government is really sincere in serving justice to the victims, one of the sensible immediate actions to take is to disarm private armies. Disarming private armies not only in Mindanao but in all parts of the country will increase the possibility of a peaceful 2010 elections,” Villanueva added.

He also called on both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP to immediately relieve military and police officers who practically did nothing during and after the massacre, as he called the inaction as “utmost abandonment of duty.”

“It’s high time we weed out the few scallywags who unfortunately taint our military institutions and unjustly drag into the mire the honourable men and women in uniform who remain faithful to their sworn allegiance and duty to our people and nation,” said Villanueva. ###

BRO. EDDIE, BANGON PILIPINAS BETS FILE COCs TODAY

BRO. EDDIE, BANGON PILIPINAS BETS FILE COCs TODAY

With resolute belief in genuine change, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, presidential candidate of Bangon Pilipinas Party, will file his certificate of candidacy today, November 30 at the Commission on Elections.

Villanueva will be joined by a senatorial slate of equal firmness in the hope for genuine change: former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Perfecto Yasay, Jr., broadcast journalists Kata Inocencio and Alex Tinsay, Jr., educator Dr. Israel Virgines, lawyer Ramoncito Ocampo and theologian Dr. Zafrullah Alonto.

“Bangon Pilipinas is now more prepared. Bro. Eddie’s hope for a new Philippines is also now at its peak,” Bro. Eddie said in a statement.

Bro. Eddie’s slate brings with them a political platform of 7Es, which is envisioned to obtain a progressive, prosperous, and peaceful Philippines.

The 7Es are — Empowerment of the people, Emancipation of the people, Educating the people in a quality and progressive way, Energizing the economy, Elevating the living standards of all Filipinos, Eradicating bad governance and Establishing peace and order in the land.

“The country’s long and dramatic history of ups and downs has been stagnant in the down part for years. Oligarchs maintain rule in politics and economics which is why it is no surprise that the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen,” Bro. Eddie said.

He emphasized that corruption in government is at its worst because, for a long time, genuine public service has been sacrificed at the altar of some politicians’ personal vested interests.

“It’s high time that public servants finally keep their end of the covenant of trust that our people loan them when they get elected in public office,” Bro. Eddie added.

Among others, the Philippines has been named by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) as the most corrupt nation in Asia.

“Given a new and right leadership that could rally the nation towards reforms, the Philippines could look forward to the reversal of this unfortunate situation,” said Villanueva.

“Genuine Change” or “Tunay na Pagbabago” is Bangon Pilipinas Party’s battle cry since its inception in 2004.

“We are the change we want to see. Real change begins in every person’s genuine desire to see change in his or her environment. But it takes strong will on the part of the nation’s leaders institutionalize change in the bureaucracy. That is what Bangon Pilipinas’ slate offers to the Filipino people,” Bro. Eddie said.

To recall, Yasay was the first public official who dared to stand up against a president of the Philippines on the issue of corruption, cronyism, and abuse of power. He earned the people’s respect when he not only disobeyed unlawful commands and directives, but also exposed it.

Inocencio, for her part, is a widely respected journalist who has been consistent in her advocacy against corruption in her television and radio programs. She also pioneered Bantay Bata 163, a public service program of ABS-CBN which until today provides assistance to abused children.

Tinsay is also a media man who, in a career spanning three decades, has made a name as a no-nonsense journalist. He has covered four presidents – Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo as a member of the MalacaƱang Press Corps.

Ocampo is a lawyer practicing in the United States (US) specializing in family law and immigration law. Over the years, he has helped a significant number of US-based Filipinos with their legal cases.

Virgines has been an educator for almost all his professional life and a well-known personality in the Adventist University of the Philippines which has branches all over the country.

Meanwhile, Alonto comes from the bloodline of the Alonto public servants of Mindanao. He is a brilliant theologian who has written various significant books about Islam

BANGON PILIPINAS CANDIDATES DOMINATE SULU RACE

BANGON PILIPINAS CANDIDATES DOMINATE SULU RACE


“Among all the presidentiables, we see Bro. Eddie as the only credible candidate who can realize our hopes for peace in Mindanao,” said Nur Misuari as he announced his decision to run for the Sulu gubernatorial race under Bangon Pilipinas.

“My decision to run for Governor was brought about by my obsession to achieve peace in Mindanao,” added Misuari.

Bangon Pilipinas issued its Certificate of Nomination to Misuari and his slate that includes Sondosiea Abdurajak for Vice-Governor, Samsula Adju for Representative of the First District of Sulu, Ahmad Jinnul for the Second District, and other major positions for both the provincial and municipal levels.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer, said that Misuari’s alliance with Bangon Pilipinas “is today’s most refreshing news for Mindanao.” He added, “Today, not only that Muslims and Christians unite for a common cause, but also MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) meets eye to eye on the path to finally achieve the seemingly elusive reconciliation, peace, and development in Mindanao.”

Bangon Pilipinas’ senatorial slate includes theologian and former journalist Zafrullah Alonto who also brought with him the support of the MILF.

Bro. Eddie said that the unity between the MNLF and the MILF will have a crucial role to play in the National Peace and Development Commission that Bangon Pilipinas plans to establish. “Peace and development are inseparable,” he said

ARROYO FOR CONGRESS IS A COMEDY – BRO. EDDIE

ARROYO FOR CONGRESS IS A COMEDY – BRO. EDDIE

“While we respect Mrs. Arroyo’s decision to run as congressional representative for the Second District of Pampanga, we believe that her action is a violation of the intent of the Constitutional provision on the ban on re-election,” said Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer.

The candidate also said that “for the thinking Filipino, her decision is a comedy, if not a tragedy, for the nation.”

Bangon Pilipinas senatorial candidate Kata Inocencio for her part said that Arroyo’s plan to run as congressional representative is a reflection of how Arroyo regards power. “Mikey is supposed to be on his last term but Mrs. Arroyo instead got this chance from her own son. If this is what she is able to do to her own child, think of what she could do to the country,” Inocencio explained. .

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

MASSACRES SHOULD NOT DEFINE 2010 ELECTIONS – VILLANUEVA

PRESS RELEASE
For Media Reference:
Andrea T. Echavez


MASSACRES SHOULD NOT DEFINE 2010 ELECTIONS – VILLANUEVA


“Monday’s carnage in Maguindanao is too shocking to describe in human terms.”

Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas Party said as he joined the Filipino nation in condemning the massacre of at least 36 people including members of local media, the worst-ever election violence in the country’s history.

In a press statement, the former human rights activist-turned-religious leader called the massacre as “a crime against humanity” that must be condemned by all decent, peace-loving humans everywhere.

“This is a symptom of the lawlessness that prevails in the country today. This must be stopped immediately by the authorities who are in charge. Massacres should not define the 2010 elections,” Villanueva said as he expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the brutal murders in Maguindanao yesterday.
“While elections next year could be the most contested in all parts of the country in recent history, all Filipinos should condemn all forms of violence that would define such contests,” he added.
Bangon Pilipinas called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately launch a serious investigation on the Maguindanao massacre.
While the Armed Forces of the Philippines has started its own investigation, the PNPshould also launch a parallel action, Bangon Pilipinas said in a statement.
“If the Maguindanao massacre will not be immediately given attention, it might set a ruthless and shameless precedent not only for the local elections but also for the national,” said Villanueva.
The PNP should ensure that election-related violence all over the country in the 2010 elections will be lower than in 2004, according to Bangon Pilpinas. “We do not want a repeat of the election-related violence officially recorded in the 2004 national elections: 189 deaths and 279 injuries.”
“Let us all work together so that the 2010 elections will not only be clean but also peaceful and orderly,” said Villanueva.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

BK’s Advocacy towards POLITICAL CHANGE






“BK’s Advocacy towards POLITICAL CHANGE”

The day was so bright, so I expected that it will end beautiful too with all the presence of the Cibac Scholars and invited participants. This day will be very great I know because this will be the start of the Bangon kabataan in their strive for a change. I believe that there will be a transformation today, renewing not just the feelings, not just the behaviour, not just the circumstances but the minds of the participants.

Today is YouthVOTe Orientation and Voters’ Education Campaign. YouthVOte Philippines or YVOTE is a consolidated force of progressive, reform-minded youth groups and organizations working toward voters’ education and empowerment. What YouthVotePhilippines does is give Filipinos young and old the tools to make educated votes that each voter can stand for. And it is very timely to involve in this kind of activity since the Bagong Kabataan was also planning to conduct the same to their members and other partnered organization.

Around 54 youth leaders from General Santos City was oriented and put into short workshop. First activity was a Vision and Mission exercise. A question of What kind of nation they want by 2010 was raised. The two groups draw their vision. Both express how they wish to have a country that is corrupt-free, having leaders who are honest and dedicated for public service and a government that practice good governance. They are looking forward that if there will be a change of leadership by 2010, then by 2020, the Philippines will not be belong to Third World Country/ Underdeveloped nations anymore, but the Philippines that time will be belong to the Developed Countries. So what is their mission in achieving their vision? The participants felt their social responsibility in the coming election. AS YOUTH, they must exercise their right to vote. But still they can do it individually. They should encourage other young people the implication of voting. So another workshop was given. The human knot activity will foster camaraderie and teamwork towards the group. This activity will test how commited they are to their mission and vision. If they are serious to start the change then along with creating a change in their respective communities are the values that they have to instil within themselves. Their mission will put into waste if they don’t have the same values and teamwork. HONESTLY, FAITH IN GOD, LOVE, PATRIOTISM and RESPECT were the values that have strongly believed by the group that would be bridge towards CHANGE. In bringing voters’ education, voters’ agenda and voter’s registration to their respective schools and organizations, those values will be their guiding principles.

The group itself signified their full commitment to be a willing volunteer and A MEMBER OF YVOTE PHILIPPINES-GENSAN CHAPTER. Their will be a continued and separated skills-training for this group in order to equip them with knowledge, skills and attitudes as YVOTE members.

It is amazing how BAGONG KABATAAN members has a heart for our nation. It is indeed incredible having this kind of young people who is more than willing to give their time and share their talents to pro-active activities as this.

IKAW, AKO, TAYO ANG PAGBABAGO, the logo statement of the BAGONG KABATAAN is truly not just a mere declaration of the org’s advocacy but an advocacy IN ACTION. It is really true that our youth is the trustee of posterity.

The BAGONG KABATAAN is now partner of the YouthVOTE Philippines in educating and giving enough information to their fellow youth regarding the significance of voting. We are now part of the advocacy of providing tools to make educated votes that each voter can stand for, we will not tell you whom to vote but we aim to give you information so that YOU will know WHY you made certain choices. As responsible adults, we cannot make decisions lightly and then know why we did them. Everyone has the right to DISCERN for themselves who their leaders should be. YOUTH SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT CHOICE. And the BAGONG KABATAAN will help YVOTE PHILIPPINES. so that whatever, and whomever you choose, you know that you can stand up for those choices.

MABUHAY ANG KABATAAN. MABUHAY ANG BAGONG KABATAAN.

by:Irenn Casas/BK President-GENSAN chapter

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Christian group’s Bro. Eddie to announce 2010 plans on Friday


CBCP News

MANILA, August 20, 2009— Jesus Is Lord Christian group leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s political plans for 2010 will be known on Friday.

Villanueva earlier said there is pressure from various groups and his sympathizers for him to make a public answer whether he is running or not.

So the decision, said his Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement, could be learn on August 21.

Villanueva will make the announcement during his group’s commemoration of the patriotism of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, with thousands of his supporters present.

The movement, which espouses the setting up of a righteous leadership in government, believes that in order to have national renewal, the principles of justice must be instituted in the country.

The born again leader has been saying that he will run in the 2010 elections depending on their network and political machinery.

Villanueva is also calling on his followers and supporters to join their commemoration of Aquino’s 26th death anniversary.

“The heroic death of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino is best honored by the birth of a new Philippines,” said Villanueva.

Some 10, 000 Bagong Pilipinas supporters will join Villanueva in paying tribute to Aquino outside Barasoain Catholic Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

The activity, called Sigaw ng Pilipino: Parangal ng Bulakenyo para sa Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino,” will also gather multi-sectoral groups supporting Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas Party.

A mass march from four points of convergence going to Barasoain Church will show Villanueva’s force: Kapitolyo, Crossing, Cathedral and Barasoain.

"The Movement is holding the activity in Bulacan because the province is undisputedly the 'Bayan ng mga Bayani'," said Villanueva who is also one of the most prominent sons of Bulacan. (Roy Lagarde)