IN FOCUS

Supreme Court Justice Adolf Azcuna, the “Father of the Writ of Amparo” in the Philippine Jurisprudence, said the people has the right to revolt against a reign unresponsive to their best interest.

The honorable justice stressed that the basic premise of ethical governance is ‘to protect and serve the people, that it is very important for public officials to be ethical in their practice of governance.’

“Hon. Justice Azcuna’s words can’t ring louder and can’t be more timely and relevant. So many corruptions of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her family, and her government, are just too deafening to the people” Sister Cecil Ruiz of the regional human rights group Karapatan explained.

Entrenched

“Corruption in the present system is so entrenched and unbridled posing continuing problem on the lives of the people particularly the workers, the peasants, the urban poor, the small professionals and even the small businessmen. There is a pressing need to confront the issue head on and seek a permanent solution” Sister Ruiz furthered.

IN FOCUS

Honorable Justice Azcuna with former Guagua Vice-Mayor Atty. Jun Canlas of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) chapter in Pampanga.

Pampanga Governor Ed “Among” Panlilio, the gathering’s main speaker spoke on “Practical Application of Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance on Pampanga.”

“Good governance is leadership by example among other things. Ethical governance can be done, this I can tell from my heart with the seven months of my watch, I have not compromised my Christian convictions” Gov. Panlilio said.

The day-long conference was jointly sponsored by the Church and Lawyers Peace makers Conference which is a group of church people and lawyers from Central Luzon committed to the defense of human rights and peace advocacy; the Kapampangan Marangal, Inc. advocating for transparency and accountability in governance and responsible citizenship in the province.

The conference drew the representation of 150 from different sectors of the province particularly from the church, academe, civil society, law community and cause oriented.

Notably present were Vice-Mayor Vicky Vega of Angeles City, former Guagua Vice Mayor Atty. Jun Canlas of the Inegrated Bar of the Philippines Pampanga chapter, Roman Polintan of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Central Luzon, Joseph Canlas of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson, Pol Viuya of the Workers Alliance of Region III, Fr. Archie Tapang, Rector of the Chevalier School of Angeles City, Dean Averell S. Laquindanum of College of Arts and Sciences of the Holy Angel University and St. Scholastica Principal and host Sister Celine Saplala. xxx