The waiting continues
Today The Philippine STAR turns 29 years old. How time has flown! In those 29 years, the paper has stood firm in its quest for the truth, thereby keeping the respect of its readers.
The founders of the paper are icons to be forever remembered by freedom-loving readers: Betty Go-Belmonte, Max V. Soliven, Louie Beltran and Art Borjal. And the present managers are committed to carry on the tradition of truth-telling their forebears established.
I am proud to be part of the STAR organization.
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The presidential election is just around the corner – nine months and ten days, to be exact – and only Vice President Jejomar Binay has publicly announced his intention to run for president.
That is not my subject in today’s column, however. Instead, let me say a few words concerning the intention of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to make a bid for the same position. In a press interview, Senate President and Liberal Party top man Franklin Drilon said people’s expectation that Mar would be proclaimed the party’s standard bearer is a “reasonable expectation.” His anointment by President Aquino is said to be announced tomorrow. Assuming, and it is a reasonable assumption, that Mar is the anointed one, one big challenge is to determine his running mate – the one who can help him win the election, keep the present administration in power, and carry on its much-vaunted strait and narrow walk.
As of this writing, Sen. Grace Poe is not keen on running as the vice-presidential candidate of Mar; Mar should know what to do, or whom to pick as his partner.
At this point, I can only think of one person who is highly qualified to be Mar’s running mate. Richard “Dick” Gordon. In fact, many, including myself, believe that Dick is qualified to be president of the land.
I’ve observed his sterling performance as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. He has been able to raise the status and capability of the humanitarian organization not just as a blood collector and donor, but in rescuing thousands of victims of natural and man-made calamities. The PRC is now hundreds of times better than before. And his name is unblemished, which is quite important. His honesty and credibility have won him the respect of his colleagues in the International Red Cross, resulting in quick responses to his call for donations to purchase equipment, fire trucks and ambulances for rescue operations and to build shelters and start livelihood activities for victims rendered homeless and without sources of income.
One also looks at his accomplishments as mayor of Olongapo City, as the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, as a Senator, as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and Tourism Secretary. One will remember how he mobilized people to willingly volunteer their services in the rehabilitation of Olongapo in the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo explosion and hasty departure of the Americans from Clark Air Base. For me, Dick is a leader and a doer.
For now, the question is, will Mar consider Dick Gordon as his running mate?
And the other question is, will Dick accept the offer?
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The 2012 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons estimates that currently there are millions of trafficking in persons victims in the world. At least 136 different nationalities were trafficked and detected in 118 different countries.
According to the report, human trafficking happens throughout the world “with millions of victims falling through the cracks of their own societies only to be exploited by traffickers.” Human trafficking is a crime that ruthlessly exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labor and sex. This global crime generates billions of dollars in profits for the traffickers. The International Labor Organization estimates that 20.09 million people are victims of forced labor globally.
Traffic persons can be found in the world’s restaurants, fisheries, brothels, farms and homes. One of the most worrying trends is the increase in child victims. From 2003-2006, 20 percent of all detected victims were children. Between 2007 and 2010, the percentage of child victims had risen to 27 percent. Trafficking originating from East Asia also remains the most conspicuous globally.
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The above data, plus those of the Philippines, will be touched by speakers at a mass mobilization tomorrow, July 29, starting at 5:30 in the morning, at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. The event is sponsored by the Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., together with the Quezon City government. At the core of the Quezon City government participation are Councilor Lena Marie Juico, head of the city Anti-Trafficking Council, and Mary Ruby Palma, anti-trafficking technical working group chair.
The event is a community walk entitled “Walk For Freedom: Wakasan Ang Human Trafficking, Ito’y Ating Tungkulin.” Expected to attend are 5,000 individuals from all sectors of society to raise awareness on human trafficking and modern slavery.
The Walk for Freedom is being held one day ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT). Reason for the advanced date is that the Metro Manila earthquake drill is scheduled for July 30, and everyone is asked to observe it.
The July 29 mobilization event will be festive and call for specific actions such as the full implementation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2012.
Tomorrow’s event will kick off with a Flashmob, 1343 Call Me Maybe by the Bureau of Immigration, followed by a walk around the circle with the Ati-Atihan dance crew and participation of the PNP band and other bands.
Scheduled to speak are QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (keynote speaker), Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman (inspirational message), and Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of Visayan Forum. Intermission numbers will be provided by Celebrity.
There will be a commitment signing by all heads of agencies and local chief executives, and a 1343 Call Me Maybe Dance by heads of agencies and local chief executives.
For inquiries on the event, call 7090711 local 107, CP 0917-5467160 or email [email protected] and [email protected].
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