Noli supporters unveil government program

The Kabayan for President Movement (KPM) bared yesterday its 12-point agenda, which the group hopes will be considered by Sen. Noli de Castro for his platform of government if he decides to run for president next May.

Called the People’s Agenda 2004, the list will be handed to De Castro next week for his consideration, KPM spokesman Isko Katibayan said.

This is the first time a platform of government will be handed by the people to a candidate, Katibayan said. Usually, platforms of government are presented by candidates to potential voters.

"(De Castro’s) program of action will be from the ground going up," Katibayan said. "This means (De Castro) will be with the people in implementing the badly needed economic and political reforms."

The KPM’s 12-point agenda calls for:

• Absolute zero graft and corruption in all levels of government and abolition of the pork barrel.

• 100 percent efficiency in government service, streamlining the government bureaucracy and a salary increase for career government employees.

• A comprehensive peace and order program that focuses on the root causes of unrest and discontent, as well as a decisive socio-economic approach to the Mindanao question and a strong response to the problem of illegal drugs.

• Pro-people economic policies on industrialization, an immediate program for the establishment of a national steel industry. Debt relief for five years and progressive tax collections that collect lower taxes from the poor and raise taxes for the rich and large corporations.

• A comprehensive and sustainable development program that is conscious of the environment and the realization of a zero waste program nationwide.

• Enhancement of Filipino culture to instill nationalism and responsible citizenship in the populace.

• A larger share of the budget for education.

• Establishment of a department of housing for a comprehensive housing program.

• Speeding up the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Progressive and sustained agricultural development in terms of allotments and subsidies for the agriculture industry.

• Creation of a department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

• Establishing an extensive tourism industry.

• Establishing a comprehensive energy development program.

Katibayan said there is now a 95 percent chance that De Castro will accept the KPM’s challenge and seek the presidency in 2004.