Group advances call for special polls

The Peoples Assembly for Genuine Alternatives to Social Apathy (PAG-ASA) yesterday advanced its call for a special election to peacefully resolve the long festering political crisis that it said is paralyzing the country and pushing it to the brink of civil war.

In a statement, PAG-ASA said its proposal calls for the resignation or non-violent ouster of President Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro, the replacement of "corrupt" officials of the Commission on Elections, deep electoral reforms, and the conduct of a special presidential and vice-presidential elections within six to 12 months after toppling the administration, "to install a new and credible political leadership and government."

PAG-ASA seeks electoral reforms to include, among others, the revamp of the Comelec, re-registration of all voters, cleaning of voters’ lists and polling districts, equitable media exposure for all candidates, and the computerization of electoral returns.

To make these electoral reforms possible, PAG-ASA proposed the setting up of a "body of stewards" to oversee the process while acting as a transitional government after the removal of Mrs. Arroyo.

PAG-ASA explained the body of stewards will come from the various sub-sectors of civil society, business, and government and will be gender-balanced and geographically dispersed.

According to the group, members of the body of stewards "will have integrity, expertise in their field of work, track record of achievement, service-oriented, capable of working under pressure, organizational capability and are visionary and/or reform-minded."

PAG-ASA said the body of stewards will "self-terminate once Filipinos establish a new and legitimate government through clean and honest elections."

PAG-ASA suggested names as possible candidates for the body of stewards, as it noted the list is "meant to stimulate nationwide discussion and debate."

This is the reason why we do not have names for some sectors, the group said.

The people in the list have not been approached "and may not even agree with the idea of a special elections," it stressed.

Spiritual and human development sector: Joaquin Tan, Honey Carandang; health: Chi Sur, Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan; religious sector: Fr. Albert Alejo, Yasmin Lao; professionals: Fr. Joaquin Bernas; education: Sr. Mary John Mananzan, Bohol educators; art: CB Garrucho, Noel Cabangon; indigenous peoples: Al Santos; media: Che Che Lazaro, Conrad de Quiroz, Howie Severino, Sheila Coronel; POs: Pam Fernandez;

Social movements sector: Prof. Randy David; environment: Atty. Antonio Oposa; youth: Gang Badoy; women’s sector: Remmy Rikken; sector on globalization: Walden Bello.

Political movements: Ronald Llamas; local government units: Gov. Grace Padaca, Mayor Santiago Barcelona; political parties sector: Mayor Jess Robredo; small and medium enterprises: Joe Magsaysay.

PAG-ASA emphasized that its call for a special election "is not a simplistic solution to the complex societal problems that the country faces.

"It is a beginning of a long process to restore genuine democracy in the Philippines."