NEVER Again to Dictatorial Rule

They did not die or disappear in vain
By Senate Minority Leader Nene Pimentel

Thousands were arrested without cause. Thousand were killed without legal reason. Thousands disappeared without trace under the brutal regime.

We are gathered here to honor those who died or disappeared in our struggle for the restoration of our freedoms in the dark days of martial rule. More

Today: September 21, 2006
By Mr. Rey De Guzman, Jr.

A couple of decades ago, a historical proclamation were enforced to the entire Filipino nation. It would be the precursor to thousands of death, the military take over and political chaos of gigantic proportions. More

Almost two decades of dictatorial rule has passed and we will never allow it to happen again! Let us keep the vision of Liberal Democracy in the Philippines ALIVE – Center for Liberal Leadership

I would vote 203 million times “NO”

By Jovito R. Salonga
Former Senate President &
Former Liberal Party President

Today, we have finally summoned the political will to stand up and end 470 years of foreign military presence here in the Philippines. To be sure, this decision is not without its cost. There will be temporary dislocation and hardships all around, especially in Central Luzon. But we should learn the lesson we should have learned long ago—namely, no nation can become truly free without sacrifice. The trouble with some of us is we want freedom and independence without sweat and without tears. But there is no other way.

"Salamat na lamang at hindi na tayo nagdaan ngayon sa isyung ito sa isang malupit at maduging digmaan. Ang sabi ng ating mga kaibigan—“Kayo po naman ay hindi nakadanas ng paghihirap. Maawa namankayo sa amin na nawalan ng trabaho.” ("I am grateful that we did not have to tackle this issue in abitter and bloody manner. Our friends who work in the bases told me—“You have never known poverty. Please have pity on us who will lose our jobs.”)

To read the full speech - click here

Blast From the Past

Last Friday, during my People's Time in my district office, I received a surprise visitor from the past.

Alex, a batch mate of mine from elementary to high school in Malate Catholic School, came to my office to seek my assistance. He is not a resident or of my district but he decided to go to me instead of the congressman where he lived since he felt that being a long-time schoolmate, I would readily receive him. In spite of that, he told me that he still had a slight apprehension in going to me since I might not give him the time or opportunity to talk to him. More