Government blamed for the public's ignorance of partylist system

CEBU, Philippines - The Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy partylist Representative Jun Alcover said he is dismayed by failure of the government and Commission on Elections to educate the Filipinos regarding the partylist representation.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted between January 22 and 26, 2010 shows that nearly seven out of ten Filipinos remain unaware of the partylist representation in government with three months to go before the Philippines’ first nationwide automated elections.

Alcover said that the government should have educated the Filipinos right after the passage of the said law.

“Kulang sila sa effort, unta gi-apil na sa curriculum sa mga tinun-an o kaha sa matag barangay gipahibalo ang katawhan kalabot niini,” said Alcover during the Tapok-Tapok sa Kia yesterday.

Alcover also urged the government to vigorously pursue and sustain its security operations against the terrorist’s insurgency and all other threat groups here in Visayas and the country as a whole.

Alcover also acknowledged the support of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and other local officials in their campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminality.

“I must emphasize that many declarations, could not just remain, without the active support of our PNP, Army and other units, all joining hands, to solve the insurgency problems here in Cebu,” Garcia said in thanking Alcover.

Cebu and Bohol provinces have been considered as insurgency-free provinces in the region.

The ANAD partylist will celebrate its 22nd founding anniversary on February 14.

The celebration starts with a Mass at the Sto. Rosario church at 7 a.m. After the mass ANAD officers, member’s coordinators and supporters will converge at Sacred Heart Center along D. Jakosalem St.

Different speakers who are pioneers in the organization will speak about ANAD during the program, one of the highlights of the program is the visual presentation on the history of ANAD partylist which will be explained later by Alcover.   — Johanna T. Natavio and Jose P. Sollano/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)