Standing by Roco

A number of the supporters of Alyansa ng Pag-asa standard-bearer Raul S. Roco have abandoned their candidate, but there are party members who are sticking it out with him – come hell or high water, in sickness and in health. These are the loyal friends of the former education secretary who is currently abroad for a medical checkup. Among them are the senatorial candidates, two of whom are my personal friends and whom I recommend that you vote to the Senate in the coming May 10 elections. The two were featured in Channel 21’s Strictly Politics, with Pia Hontiveros as host.

There is Frank Chavez, who in the TV show was his usual articulate self, saying that sticking it out with Raul’s party is like drinking coffee – to the last drop.

And there’s Perfecto "Jun" Yasay, son of a pastor and a Bible woman and public school teacher. Today’s column will feature Kidlat, and Saturday’s Frank, one of my volunteer lawyers helping defend me in libel cases filed by the powers-that-be during the martial law years.

Jun is popularly called "Kidlat" probably because of his speedy resolution of cases on his hands. Born Jan. 27, 1947 in Kidapawan, Cotabato, Jun finished law at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He is currently chair of the board of trustees of Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.

He was chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000, where he led reforms which some detractors did not particularly savor, but which were intended to attract more capital investments in the country in order to create more jobs and income for the people and to provide the average Filipino the opportunity to become wealth creators as stockholders of big business corporations.

A principled and dedicated former public servant, he risked his life by bravely standing up against corruption and abuse of power. He received the EDSA People Power Freedom Award for undaunted courage in proclaiming the truth, as a key witness, in the historic impeachment trial of then President Estrada on Feb. 25, 2001.

The magazine Business Week recognized him in its July 3, 2000 issue as one of 50 outstanding leaders in Asia in the forefront of change, "striving for a firmer foundation for Asia and mending the social fabric torn by crises."

He is a charming and friendly person, supporting the right of the youth and students to accessible quality education, and opposing any proposed tuition free increases, at this time of economic hardship.

He wants the speedy resolution of civil disputes through a modernized judiciary, and sustained streamlining and professionalization of the criminal justice system. He wants to abolish the death penalty.

During the martial law years, he practiced law in the United States, vigorously defending and championing the cause of Filipino exiles and overseas workers.

What are the elective candidates’ stand on reproductive health and population? Non-government groups are providing the opportunity for them to speak on their views in a grand rally organized by the Reproductive Health Advocacy Movement (RHAM) at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City this afternoon. The "Hataw Sambayanan sa Halalan 2004" will be attended by 15,000 RH and population advocates. RHAM is composed of four lead NGOs – the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare (PNGOC), Friendly Care, Foundation for Adolescent Development, and the Philippine Legislative Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), together with NGOs, informal and business sectors, and civil society.

The activity will kick off with rallyists taking off from the Quezon City Hall area, Department of Agrarian Reform, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Philcoa. The program convenes at 4:30 at the Amoranto Stadium. A message will be delivered by Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, PLCPD chair, whom we must re-elect for his bold, unwavering stand on population issues. At 5:30, presidential, vice-presidential, senatorial and local candidates will present their agenda. A covenant signing will follow.

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