SOME 100 non-government organizations and civil society groups on Thursday endorsed the senatorial bid of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and four others out of 50 vying for the Senate for championing transparency in the national budget and exposing the graft-ridden pork barrel system.
The budget watchdog Social Watch Philippines, which counts as members 100 NGOs and civil society groups, made the formal endorsement before some 3,000 students, members of the academe and professionals at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
“I am humbled and inspired by your recognition of my qualifications as deserving of a seat in the Senate. I want to thank everyone for this invaluable endorsement and show of trust and confidence in my senatorial bid,” Romualdez said.
SWP lead convener and former national treasurer Leonor Magtolis Briones said the selection of the candidates went thorough research on the platforms of the aspirants for the national post using standards based on public finance and socio-economic development.
“We monitored their position on pork barrel and the national budget as well as respective development plans. After the consolidation of reports, five out of 50 senatorial aspirants were selected to be supported by the organization. If other senatorial candidates will come out with their positions and platforms, additional names will be announced,” Briones explained.
SWP is part of an international network of citizens’ organizations struggling to eradicate poverty and the causes of poverty, ensure equitable distribution of wealth and to protect human rights.
“Let us advocate the return of malasakit to public service by ensuring the transparent use and disbursement of public funds,” said Romualdez, head of the House Independent Minority Bloc and a three-term congressman who is running for the Senate under a platform anchored on compassionate governance.
Romualdez and Philippine Constitution Association, of which Romualdez is president, were among the petitioners in the Supreme Court that declared unconstitutional some key provisions of the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program.
Briones said Romualdez consistently fought for a transparent budget aimed at addressing graft and corruption concerns in the pork barrel system.
“Congressman Romualdez has been steadfast in opposing pork barrel,
lumpsums, special purpose funds and discretionary funds that are prone
to corruption. He deserves our support,” Briones stressed.
“We have said time and again the vulnerability of lump sum funds, pork barrel and redefined savings and budget transfers in the national budget. Their presence has made accountability in budget spending difficult to establish. We have also been proactively pushing for the realization of social development objectives through monitoring the progress and delivery of commitments of the government on social development and financing for development,” she said.
Entitled, “The Future I Want: An Inclusive Philippines,” Briones said the forum aims to guide the youth and the public on the agenda that they need to consider in selecting candidates for the national post and not just relying on the leaders for the future of the nation.
SWP, one of the most notable corruption and socio-economic development watchdogs in the country together with PUP-Students’ Party for Equality and Advancement of Knowledge (PUP-SPEAK), a socio-political students’ organization built on the pillars of Transparency, Accountability and Excellence are the organizers of the forum.
Briones discussed the importance of public finance and socio-economic development as standards in selecting candidates in the first part of the program.
She led the endorsement of senatorial candidates who their groups have consensus with the advocacies they have been campaigning for years.
“In light of the 2016 elections, Social Watch Philippines wants to inform the voters, especially the youth, about the issues that should be addressed by the candidates. Addressed to mostly first time voters, it is Social Watch’s advocacy to introduce candidates in the senatorial race who have a clear and progressive stand and platforms in public finance and socio-economic development. SWP and PUP-SPEAK are committed to support candidates who have genuine agenda for the improvement of our country,” Briones said.
“Likewise, this activity intends to get away from the traditional politics of personality-based campaign and wants to set a higher bar on selecting the next set of public officials. It also aims to promote a platform-based politics,” she added.
Apart from Romualdez, endorsed by SWP were former Senator Panfilo Lacson, president of the Reform Philippines Coalition Greco Antonious Belgica, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares and former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello.
“Hence, it is important for citizens to intervene through the power of the vote. Guided by the core principles of public finance and social development, let’s go out and choose the leaders that represent our goals and aspirations for the country. And whoever assume office, let’s show our active participation in governance by remaining vigilant of their future actions and holding them accountable to fulfill their campaign promises,” Briones stressed.
The next round of discussions will be for the presidentiables and vice-presidentiables, Briones said.