Sigaw resurfaces, forms new political party

Following its failure to amend the Constitution through the people’s initiative, the Charter change advocate group Sigaw ng Bayan resurfaced yesterday in its bid to participate in the May 14 polls.

The people behind Sigaw, including lawyer and spokesman Raul Lambino and former University of the Philippines president Dr. Jose Abueva, formally launched a new political group, Unlad Pilipinas, or Unity for National Advancement of the Philippines.

Lambino told a news conference during the launching of the new political party that they will field their own candidates for the national and local level.

He said the 1,500-strong league of municipalities and league of councilors all over the country has thrown their full support behind the new political party.

Lambino described Unlad as the "people’s force," which represents every sector of society, or the third force as alternative to the administration and the opposition party.

He said their election campaign strategy is still being worked out in consultation with various groups, which will also recommend their candidates for the Senate and local positions.

At the launching ceremony, UP secretary general Ferdinand Topacio announced they are endorsing Lambino as senatorial candidate for the party.

Lambino, however, politely thanked Topacio and said he has yet to think that over.

Lambino said their launching of Unlad does not conflict with its advocacy to rewrite the Constitution for a unicameral parliamentary system of government.

He said they would still support any move for a people’s initiative after winning the elections.

On the part of the administration, at least four congressmen, three Cabinet members and two governors have been included in the senatorial lineup for the May elections.

According to Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, the administration is finalizing its list of senatorial candidates which he said is made up of "new faces, new ideas."

Pichay, who claimed to be privy to the negotiations, said some local officials may be included in the slate.

He named Tarlac Rep. Gilbert Teodoro and Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson as among the possible senatorial candidates. — With Helen Flores, Michael Punongbayan