Meeting with US Senators on WWII Fil-Vets

Senator Richard Gordon meets with US Senators Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii(left) and Patrick Leahey, D-Vermont(2nd from left), and expresses his appreciation to the two influential lawmakers for their continuing support to the passage of an equity bill for Filipino World War II veterans. Senator Inouye, chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, is sponsor of SB 57, a bill seeking equity for Filipino veterans, while Senator Leahey is member of the Committee on Appropriations and chair of that committee's Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. Also in photo is Philippine AMbassador to the US Willy Gaa(2nd from right).

ON JUDICIAL KILLINGS

WASHINGTON DC - Senator Richard Gordon continued his lobby for Philippine interests at the Capitol Hill when he met with United States Senators Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) chairman, US Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), chairman, US Senate Judiciary Committee and tackled the issue of extra-judicial killings in the Philippines.

Gordon said during the meeting that Senators Inouye and Leahy asked about the current situation regarding this matter and efforts being made by the Philippine Government to address this issue.

Recently, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said he will call a summit to discuss how the Judiciary can address the issue of extra-judicial killings, while members of the Philippine Senate are inclined to investigate the same under the current Arroyo administration.

Gordon, who is a staunch advocate of justice and liberty and whose father was a victim of political violence, welcomed the U.S. Senators' concern over the matter and their willingness to help the Philippines on this issue.

Commenting on his discussion with Senators Inouye and Leahy on this issue, Senator Gordon stated "There is unfortunately a sad history of political violence in the Philippines. However, I don't believe that there is a Government policy and an organized effort behind this violence for that would go against the basic duty of the State to protect and serve the people under the Constitution. It is more likely that this has been due to actions of various parties in conflict and rogue elements in the security forces."

Aside from sharing his views on the issue and informing the Senators of the measures being taken by the Philippine Government to effectively address this problem, Senator Gordon noted that U.S. assistance, particularly those that would help enhance the technical and forensic capabilities of law enforcement authorities would help the Philippines resolve this problem.

In addition, Senator Gordon nevertheless said "I gave my assurances to Senators Inouye and Leahy that the Philippine Government is committed to resolve this problem, and that I, as a member of the Philippine Senate, have stood up and spoken on this issue on the floor and will continue also to see to it that the rule of law is upheld and people's rights are adequately protected."

Gordon gave a high premium on justice as part of the basic duty of the State to protect and serve the people. He has denounced the extrajudicial killings of journalists, judges, politicians, activists, etc. through several privilege speeches in the Senate and called for action to deliver swift justice. He has also fought numerous times to protect the fundamental liberties of the people guaranteed by the Constitution under threat by extrajudicial killings and abductions, Calibrated Preemptive Response (CPR), Presidential Proclamation No. 1017, etc.

Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross dedicated to alleviate human suffering and protect life and dignity especially of the most vulnerable, Senator Gordon made the following call: "All parties in this issue, such as the military and the insurgents, I urge all of you to adhere strictly to the rule of law and conduct yourselves accordingly under the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and exercise respect for basic rights and civil liberties."

SUPPORT FOR WORLD WAR II FILIPINO VETERANS

Philippine Senator Richard J. Gordon, following his meeting with U.S. Representative Bob Filner of California sponsor of Fil-Vets Equity Bill, called on the Filipino American community in the United States to exhibit political strength and make the community’s presence felt to their respective U.S. legislators on the issue regarding the struggle of Filipino World War II veterans to achieve equity for their heroism as they fought side by side with American troops in World War II for the cause of freedom and democracy.

GORDON CALLS FIL-AM SUPPORT FOR VETERANS EQUITY BILL

Following his meeting today with U.S. Representative Bob Filner of California, Philippine Senator Richard Gordon called on the Filipino American community in the United States to exhibit political strength and make the community’s presence felt to their respective U.S. legislators on the issue regarding the struggle of Filipino World War II veterans to achieve equity for their heroism as they fought side by side with American troops in World War II for the cause of freedom and democracy.

During his meeting with Representative Filner, Senator Gordon expressed his appreciation for Representative Filner’s efforts and commitment in his capacity as sponsor and Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs to pass HR 760, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007. Senator Gordon noted that Representative Filner is a true American patriot who has shown through the years his deep appreciation of the significance to effectively address this issue and give to Filipino World War II veterans their due for their sacrifices and gallantry in World War II.

Senator Gordon likewise stressed to Representative Filner that it is time for America to act decisively on this issue as this is not merely an issue of cost and money, but it is more an issue that delves into matters of honor and values among longstanding allies and friends. As a beacon for justice and equality, America must take this opportunity to live up to the standards and values it has set for itself.

A key part to this struggle to achieve justice and equity for Filipino World War II veterans is the sizeable Filipino American community in the United States. Senator Gordon says “The Filipino American community, especially those who vote in U.S. elections, are crucial in this struggle. Their advocacy in this cause would be of high value and necessary in efforts to get Representative Filner’s equity bill passed.” In addition, Senator believes that it is time for the Filipino American community to become a more visible component of the U.S. political landscape.

As such, Senator Gordon stated that “the next 30 days is critical and I call on the Filipino American community to unite behind this issue as this struggle for justice and equity by Filipino World War II is a matter of honor. Call, write or even visit your respective Congressman and Senator, it is high time for the Filipino American community to make its numbers and influence felt to U.S. politicians and legislators.” He further added that “The issue concerning Filipino World War II veterans is an issue of honor and principle and there is no better issue around which the Filipino American community can rally around and express their collective strength in the political arena.” END.

NO MORE SLOW COUNT (21 May 2007)

"161 and 451. Those are the number of days before the 2007 barangay
elections and the 2008 ARMM elections respectively, and ample time
within which the Comelec can show its sincerity in delivering fast,
clean and honest elections by modernizing the electoral system."

"Automation was shelved this year, despite the fact that Congress
passed a law mandating automation in 6 cities and 6 provinces in
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Lack of time was the primary excuse for
not implementing the automation law last May 14, in spite of the fact
that Comelec was included in deliberations for the law as early as
October 2005. This time there can be no more excuses."

"Let this be the last election that subjects the electorate to a slow
manual count, rampant cheating and dagdag bawas, delayed proclamation
of winners and questionable election results. It's time to move
forward."

Automate It

Sen. Richard Gordon again called for the automation of elections Monday after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) failed to proclaim the winners in the senatorial race a week after the elections.

“We have a very antiquated system, one that creates and promotes a perception of massive cheating, a culture that creates and fosters electoral violence, vote-buying and disenfranchisement of voters. Enough is enough,” he said.

Gordon, Senate committee on constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws chairman, blamed the slow count on COMELEC officials who refused to work for the automation of elections.

“I have always said that we should fix the problem and not the blame,” he said.

“But the inaction of the COMELEC on automation, its refusal to even bother to try it in two provinces as mandated by law, has cost us the credibility of yet another election.”

Gordon said automation can be applied during the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October this year.

“On October 29 this year, we are holding the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” he said.

“COMELEC has a good seven months to prepare for it. Implement RA 9369. Elections are the bedrock of our democracy.

“A clean, fair and honest election will foster unity among our people. Automation will restore the confidence of our people and the international community in our country.”

Gordon said automated election is a worthy and apt solution to our “messy” electoral process.

“RA 9369, as proposed, requires a verifiable paper audit trail and allows electronic transmission,” he said.

“Within a couple of hours, we will know the results. This will obliterate the tedious and dangerous process of lugging around ballot boxes.

“It eliminates manual mistakes and propagation of dagdag bawas. The old system requires too much paperwork. It taxes our people and institutionalizes vote-buying.”

After Congress passed the Automated Elections Law last January, the COMELEC adamantly refused to automate the May 14 elections allegedly for lack of time and resources, Gordon said.

Exactly one week after the May 14 elections, the counting has not yet been concluded.

Media reports are flooded with allegations of election violence and massive cheating. Edu Punay, Christina Mendez, Joyce Segui

COMELEC canvass delayed
By SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

The Philippine Star

ON AUTOMATION AND 2007 ELECTIONS 6 June 2007

6 June 2007

“After 23 days and 2 postponed proclamation dates, still only 10 out of the 12 senatorial candidates are ready to be proclaimed according to the Comelec. The last two are stuck in limbo. When will they see the results?”

Senator Richard Gordon, sponsor of Republic Act 9369 which provided for election modernization, posed the question to the Comelec, which after 3 weeks has failed to release the complete 2007 election results.

“We have an antiquated system, characterized by a dismayingly slow count where the legitimacy of results is always questioned. The country held its first elections in 1935 and we have not moved since then.”

“Likewise, the reported incidences of election violence are alarming. This year alone, there were 217 violent incidents, 126 of which resulted in death, and in some cases policemen themselves were involved in shootings. The rule of law is being replaced by a culture of violation of the law.”

“This is why we need to modernize the electoral system A.S.A.P. It could’ve been done in a few areas last May 14, even as proof of concept. I would have welcomed it in Olongapo, at nandiyan din ang Davao, ARMM, Sulu, Basilan, Isabela, Negros, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, or Quezon City.”

“We live in a world where speed is the norm. A fast count plus instant electronic transmission of results means less human intervention, no time for dagdag-bawas, and less opportunity for election violence. Fast, seamless, secure, peaceful, credible, honest elections. That is something we can be proud of.”

GORDON ON PHILHEALTH: "Insurance is savings"

Senator Richard J. Gordon invited representatives from the health sector to a public hearing last week in light of several issues of concern surrounding the threats of “hospital strike” by private hospitals nationwide. “The public hearings focus on looking at our health insurance, particularly PhilHealth, as a solution to the concerns of the private hospitals who are in protest of the new Hospital Detention Law,” Senator Gordon said.

“I have always said that insurance is savings. While the indigent program of PhilHealth is laudible, it should not inspire a culture of dependence among our people. Once enrolled in the program, ideally, these people would see that the system works well for them and will seek employment to sustain that insurance for them and their families,” said Gordon.

“PhilHealth will play a great role in all of this. A competent system will encourage paying members because they know that they have something to fall back on when the need arises. We have to ask now, through the hearings, How PhilHealth can improve? Is it sustainable? Then we will know if it is truly a viable solution to our health care problems,” Senator Gordon said.

Senator Gordon stressed that there is no need for PhilHealth to be defensive about previous statements made by its officials during the first public hearing about its financial stability. “We fix the problem and not the blame. Beyond looking into the fraudulent claims that PhilHealth revealed during the meeting, the hearings are focused on looking into PhilHealth as a viable solution to the concerns of the health care system. It is an opportunity for PhilHealth to likewise brandish its accomplishments, if they wish,” he said.

During the first hearing, PhilHealth officials revealed several “maladies” –specifically, fraudulent claims amounting to Php 4 billion. Several news articles have quoted PhilHealth officials denying their statements during the hearing. “This is precisely the reason why we are holding the public hearings –to clarify the statements through competent evidence they are willing to produce. We want to see how Philhealth, if it is indeed as healthy as they claim it is, can provide a solution through expansion of their services and paying members. If we discover that the system has flaws, then we find ways to fix these flaws,” Senator Gordon explained.

GORDON ON PHILHEALTH: “Action, Not Retraction”

Senator Richard J. Gordon invited representatives from the health sector to a public hearing today in light of several issues of concern surrounding the threats of “hospital strike” by private hospitals nationwide. “The public hearing is a continuation of the one we conducted last week. As I explained then, the hearing focuses on looking at our health insurance, particularly PhilHealth, as a solution to the concerns of the private hospitals who are in protest of the new Hospital Detention Law,” Senator Gordon said.

At the heels of recurring retractions on statements made by PhilHealth officials during the earlier hearing, Senator Gordon stressed that there is no need for PhilHealth to be defensive about their previous statements. “We fix the problem and not the blame. Beyond looking into the fraudulent claims that PhilHealth revealed during the meeting, the hearing is focused on looking into PhilHealth as a viable solution to the concerns of the health care system. It is an opportunity for PhilHealth to likewise brandish its accomplishments, if they wish,” he said.

During the previous hearing, PhilHealth officials revealed several “maladies” –specifically, fraudulent claims amounting to Php 4 billion. Several news articles have quoted PhilHealth officials denying their statements during the hearing. “This is precisely the reason why we are holding the public hearing –to clarify the statements through competent evidence they are willing to produce. We want to see how Philhealth, if it is indeed as healthy as they claim it is, can provide a solution through expansion of their services and paying members. If we discover that the system has flaws, then we find ways to fix these flaws,” Senator Gordon explained.

“I have always said that insurance is savings. While the indigent program of PhilHealth is laudible, it should not inspire a culture of dependence among our people. Once enrolled in the program, ideally, these people would see that the system works well for them and will seek employment to sustain that insurance for them and their families,” said Gordon.

“PhilHealth will play a great role in all of this. A competent system will encourage paying members because they know that they have something to fall back on when the need arises. We have to ask now, through the hearing, How PhilHealth can improve? Is it sustainable? Then we will know if it is truly a viable solution to our health care problems,” Senator Gordon said.