STOP (Sa Tamang Oras at Paraan) CHA CHA

Yesterday, in historic Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino, political, religious, business, academic, legal, and civil society leaders gathered to share their thoughts and ideas on how best to to derail Gloria Arroyo's Cha Cha Train. No printed invitations were sent out, each and every person there was either invited by a friend or had heard about it and decided to attend. Although many of us were considered "old" faces from the various anti-Gloria groups, many of the attendess were "fresh" faces, among them , Archbishop Ledesma, former Senator Ting Paterno representing the BBC (Bishop Businessmen's Conference), MAP President Evelyn Singson, normally out of the limelight Hyatt 10 member Johnny Santos, former Representative Antonino, Narzalina Lim, NUSP President Marco de los Reyes and Senator Pia Cayetano. We were grateful for the presence of Cory Aquino, Teofisto Guingona, Senate President Drilon, Representatives Escudero, Magtubo, Baraquel, Rosales, Tanada, Guingona, Cayetano, Golez, Villanueva, Aquino, as well as Mayors Binay and Ejercito. There were a few personalites that couldn't make it to our meeting because of prior commitments but are onboard - Senators Pangilinan, Pimentel, Gordon, Biazon, Magsaysay and Osmena, Representative Neric Acosta. Cesar Buenaventura was under the weather. Bishop Lagdameo was out of town.

As part of the secretariat that put this meeting/workshop against Gloria's Cha Cha, the Black & White Movement, along with members of the Hyatt 10, Akbayan, Laban ng Nasa, UNO and other groups worked over a frenetic two week period to make it possible. We had to be sensitive to the various convictions of those in attendance. Not all of the participants shared the same core beliefs, but what was apparent yesterday was the respect we all had for these beliefs and the willingness to put them aside. Respect, after all, is what Gloria doesn't have for anyone. It was heartening to see it in abundance in Club Filipino.

There were over 150 participants, not counting the media. Apart from the personalities, there were quite a few members from the urban sectors, professors (apart from Randy David), Catholic and Muslim groups, business, and the youth. The whole point of the exercise? To get a good feel of how all those present regard the Gloria Cha Cha train, and how to effectively derail it via a workshop. Cognizant of the attendees' schedules and their general awareness about Gloria's Charter Change Express, the workshop was conducted in an hour, only two questions were asked - how would you describe the present drive for charter change, and what do you suggest we do to promote your stand? Each group of roughly ten people got to report their output for synthesis.

The general sentiment was that the present move for charter change, as opposed to other moves in the past, was not only being hurried, but also, completely lacking in transparency, the amendments were unclear, and immoral. Although there is a need for charter change, this version is unacceptable. The actions proposed were varied. Here are a few - to do a nationwide education and information campaign (some groups are already busy doing forums in many places) via roadshows by members of both Houses, religious and civil society groups, a legal attack via the filing of cases against Cha Cha as well as the gathering of affidavits from people that have been coerced or fooled into signing the initiative (some barangays required those applying for permits to sign before they could get them, others were promised jobs, or were told that they were signing a petition to oust Gloria), and in the event a plebiscite would be held, to aggressively campaign against it.

All in all, a very productive day for all of us. A fitting way to spend a Black Friday, if you ask me. Yes, it is possible to unite to STOP CHA CHA. We are all in this together. Keep tuned in to this blog for updates on our progress.

The Good News

Forgive the lack of posts lately, my colleagues and I have been terribly busy. For the first time, work kept me away from the last Black Friday Protest, hence the lack of pictures, am still waiting for them to be emailed to me. But I am happy to report that there were over 200 folks in attendance, that they floated candles on the Pasig River and made sure they were retrieved (that should please all environmentalists).

It seems the winds are behind us these days, and we are all happy about the Supreme Court decisions against both EO464 and CPR. It would be best that you visit the legal blogs (San Juan Gossip Mills, La Vida Lawyer, The Bystander are my favorites) for explanation and intelligent himay. It is right and good that the Supreme Court as a body is mindful of the legacy it will leave to us. It is also clear that Madame Arroyo and her minions have been set to rights for their blatant misuse of power, the Court voted unanimously both times. These decisions were more than a proverbial slap on the wrist - fellows, the lady's been spanked!

As a citizen hungry for the truth, it is a pleasure to know that an obstacle like EO464 has been moved out of the way. I look forward to the continuance of the search by both Houses of Congress. This is a vindication of the actions of both General Gudani and Colonel Balutan, among others - may their tribe increase!

The decision against CPR is so very welcome - we are all elated that the Court upheld our rights to express our sentiments and grievances, to walk proudly wearing any tee shirt on any street. We are also hopeful that the case against Enteng and Dinky will be dismissed.

There is one more decision we hope will be in our favor. We await with bated breath the determination on PP1017. Although we are hopeful, the recent accusations against The Probe Team are unsettling. This proves what a friend said to me, "First, they'll try to buy you. If they can't, then they'll try to scare you into submission". It is gratifying to know that journalists like Cheche Lazaro, Shiela Coronel, Marites Vitug, Ellen Tordesillas, MLQ3, Carlos Conde, and so many others, remain undaunted and feisty.

More good news - the regional trial court of Capiz has granted a 20 day TRO against the election registrar to stop the verification of PIG (People's Initiative of Gloria) signatures. The provincial board of Benguet has also issued a resolution against PIG, declaring the initiative to be "highly irregular". We salute them all! Meanwhile, we await the decision of the Makati trial court regarding a tRO against the spurious PIG, and pray they decide in our favor.

Speaking of PIG and Cha Cha, monitor this blog for important announcements in the next few days. I am confident that many of you will be pleased.

Black Friday Protest Bulletin #7 - Earth Day

Theme:
Huwag Babuyin ang Kalikasan. Huwag Babuyin ang Demokrasya. Say NO to PIG (People's Initiative ni Gloria)!

Designated time and place of flash protest for April 21: Pasig Riverbank (along JP Rizal near Makati Park and Garden) - 5:30 to 6:30 PM

HOW TO GET THERE:

Exact Location is Pasig Riverbank, along J.P. Rizal Ext., Bgy. Cembo, Makati City.
(Note: It is near but outside of Makati Park and Garden, beside the old ferry station)

Landmarks: Across it are Guadalupe Arcadia Square where Mercury Drugstore and Banco San Juan are located (This is where you can park your cars); BLISS Housing and Chapel of Charity of St. John Mary Vianney Parish.

Facing it, across the river, on the Mandaluyong side are the candy-colored Gawad Kalinga houses.

Where to pass: Coming from Makati along EDSA, turn right after Guadalupe Mall before the bridge; alternate route is Lawton Avenue (street across Kalayaan exit from Fort Bonifacio) and turn left when you hit J.P. Rizal.

Plan of action:

1) Wear BLACK, preferably the "Patalsikin Na! NOW NA!" T-shirts. (Visit www.BlackFridayProtest.blogspot.com to see where you can order them)
2) Bring candles.
3) Assemble at Makati Park and Garden (see instructions above on how to get there) between 5:00 to 5:15 PM.
4) When the cue is given, march towards the old ferry station. Some of the leaders will go down to board a waiting banca that will bring them towards the middle of the river. They will lay down candles placed in cut banana trunks to allow them to float. Those who will stay by the river bank will also lay down floating lit candles.
5) The activity is called "Ilaw sa DalamPASIGan, Linawan ang Isipan ng Taga-Malacanang". The general idea is to let the candles float along Pasig until it reaches Malacanang.
6) After the candle floating activity, everyone should assemble along the river bank.
7) On cue, everybody should line up along the sidewalk, facing the street and then do the "Patalsikin" sign. Of course, someone should be taking the picture.
8) Disperse quietly.

Suggested preparations:

1) Invite as many friends, or officemates, as you can.
2) Make sure that you bring candles.
3) If you're coming from the same office, arrange for carpooling.
4) If you own the business, or if you're a manager of a business unit, invite your employees or your subordinates to join you.
5) If you're outside of the Philippines, and there are enough of you to organize a protest action, you can do a similar activity or design your own protest action. Inform your local media about the event. Don't forget to take pictures and email to info@blacknwhite-movement.com and helga1957@gmail.com
6) If you're outside of Metro Manila, and there are enough of you to organize a protest action, select a public place like a park where you can do the same action. Send us pictures, as well.

Important reminders:

1) This is a SILENT PROTEST, not a rally. Please do not shout, sing, pass leaflets, or do anything to disrupt the traffic along JP Rizal.
2) Bring your cameras. The highlights of the protest action will be the floating of candles on the Pasig River and the group's "patalsikin" pose. Let's document these with pictures.

Forward this message to as many friends, relatives, colleagues, and egroups. I've also included below a brief description of the Black Friday Protest Movement, so those receiving your forwarded mail and hearing this for the first time will understand what we're trying to accomplish.

Let's paint the Pasig Riverbank BLACK on Friday.

God bless,

Enteng
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BLACK FRIDAY - A NEW FORM OF PROTEST

The Black Friday Protest Movement was launched by eLagda on March 1 to give professionals, students, businessmen, and other sectors a venue to express their protest against the continuing and escalating acts of repression of the GMA administration as manifested in its series of proclamations – CPR, EO 464, and PP 1017 – all designed to curtail basic rights and oppress the people. Even after PP1017 has been lifted, the repressive measures continue.

Patterned after the flash mob concept, the Black Friday Protest calls on people to gather at a designated time and place every Friday, wearing black attire as a symbol of protest. There will be no programs or speeches. Instead, people will be given specific instructions on what to do, and the whole exercise should last about 30 minutes at most. It's safe, non-confrontational, and within the bounds of the law, even under a repressive one like PP 1017. The mere "flash" gathering of the people is the expression of protest.

How will people get instructions?

Details of the Black Friday Protest action for the week will be published at its blogsite – www.BlackFridayProtest.blogspot.com every Wednesday evening. Those who would like to receive instructions directly can also subscribe to the movement's bulletin service by sending a blank email to BlackFridayProtest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Easter Greetings

From all of us in the Black & White Movement, we wish you and your families the best of Easter blessings!

Khob Khun Khon Thai!

The Thai Embassy had already closed for the day, but we were undeterred. We decided to visit unannounced anyway, so we met up at a nearby KFC, pleased to find Little John, our three year mascot, already there with his folks. We brought yellow flowers and yellow balloons. Our friends in media were in the area as well, probably grateful that we didn't choose a time too early in the afternoon, it was so warm. And so we crossed the street and made towards the Embassy on Rada, noticing a small contingent of police that kept a respectful distance.

We walked over, everyone in jovial mood. We were happy to find a flower box right under the Royal Thai emblem, and so we offered our flowers and balloons, planting them among the greens. Then Enteng read our statement to the Thai people:

We, the Convenors and Members of the Black & White Movement, wish to commend the peaceful people of Thailand that are, to this day, courageously defending democracy and struggling non-violently for responsible government through serene protest. The Thai people have become an inspiration to us, for they have taken the Filipino contribution to the world, People Power, and have used it wisely, compelling their government to take careful heed.

The use of the imperial color yellow as the Thai color of protest reminds us of the way we used it as our inspiration in 1986 to unseat a dictator and bring an end to the stifling of our freedoms through martial rule, giving historic birth to People Power.

The Filipino people are in the midst of another great effort to cause positive change within ourselves and our government. Our movement hopes to achieve this through non-violence and the exercise of our basic freedoms. And so we take heart and courage from the freedom-loving spirit of the Thai people to continue our fight for just, honest governance and accountable leadership.

Khob khun khon Thai!
Mabuhay ang Kalayaan!

After the usual lining up to make our "patalsikin", or in this case, the "paTHAKSINin" sign, we were pleased to find out that there was indeed an Embassy official still at work, he had come outside to see what the lighthearted fuss was all about. Enteng took the opportunity to present a copy of our statement to him, it was addressed to Amb. Asha Dvitiyananda. Then we all began our peaceful dispersal, looking forward to a quiet weekend.

No to PIG, Yes to Snap Elections! - Then Let's Move On

After the flurry of email forwards from both sides of the political fence settled down, nothing much has really changed. We’re still as hopelessly divided as ever.

Consistent with the surveys, only a few expressed outright support for GMA. It really boils down to a battle between those who espouse GMA’s ouster and those who say, “I don’t like GMA, but…” The latter would invariably conclude their piece with the exhortation, “Let’s move on!”

By that, they mean “leave GMA alone to focus on governance, and let her finish her term until 2010”. They, of course, assume that GMA will govern under the status quo. I doubt if any of them ever anticipated the reckless charge towards charter change.

Why the indecent haste in shifting to a parliamentary form of government?

GMA’s worst fear is to go down in history the same way Erap did – discredited and shamed. For it will besmear not only her own legacy, but that of her father as well. She will do anything and everything to finish her term up to 2010.

On June 26 of this year, the opposition is poised to file another impeachment complaint. With the 2007 election just around the corner, many Congressmen will be mindful of their reelection bid. And it becomes risky for some of them to be associated with GMA, given her consistently low trust ratings at the polls. The opposition might just get the numbers needed to send the impeachment complaint to the Senate.

Even if she survives this year, the 2007 elections will alter the present configuration of Congress. Going by the prevailing anti-GMA mood reflected in the surveys, it is not unlikely to see more opposition-leaning solons in the next Congress. And it becomes more likely that she will be impeached in 2008.

The palace-formulated ChaCha is designed to preemptively neutralize all such efforts to remove her from office. The target is to convene the existing Congress as the interim parliament when it opens its session sometime July. This will hinder, if not completely bar, any impeachment proceeding. And with automatic term extensions for the incumbents embedded in the transitory provisions, GMA is trying to preserve the composition of a subservient Congress until the end of her term in 2010.

When Speaker JoeDeV could not get the numbers to transform Congress into a Constituent Assembly, GMA had to resort to a little known provision of the constitution called “people’s initiative”, in spite of a Supreme Court ruling declaring there is no enabling law to exercise this right.

GMA’s choice of a metaphor for this initiative – a train, is ironically, quite appropriate. It reveals their true intentions – to railroad the process and to destroy everything that gets in its way, including institutions and democratic processes.

But I like the metaphor used by Akbayan better. They call it “People’s Initiative of Gloria” or PIG for short. For that is what it has become… “babuyan na talaga”.

If you have read this far, you’re probably one of the politically astute few who is keenly interested in current political affairs. But I’m also willing to bet that you have not read the proposed charter change, and appreciate it enough to endorse or reject it. And yet, GMA would like us to believe that an obscure advocacy group, without funding support, has sufficiently explained it and managed to convince 8 million people to endorse it in a span of two weeks, enough to make them sign a petition. And they even have the gall to proclaim that “the people have spoken!” What an insult to the intelligence of our people.

What shall we do, then? How do we move on?

The root cause of our present political crisis is the question of legitimacy of the GMA presidency. It is evident by now that the palace-sponsored charter change is part of an elaborate scheme to skirt the issue and window-dress the remaining term of GMA with a semblance of legitimacy. But it will not work.

The solution is to confront the issue squarely. Let GMA seek a fresh mandate from the people through snap elections, to settle once and for all the issue of legitimacy.

The trick is to engage all sectors to abide by the results of the election. GMA can show good faith by using the vast resources of her office to “influence” the revamp of the Comelec into a more credible body. (She might even be surprised at how much goodwill this will generate for her.) In exchange, the anti-GMA groups will commit to stop all protest actions if the people decide to give her a fresh mandate.

Some might argue that there are legal obstacles. But I think they are much easier to hurdle than the obstacles facing the chacha train today. And if GMA’s strategists will only look at this option objectively, they will discover this to be a far better means to resolve the crisis in GMA’s favor. She has the advantage of the incumbent. And if, as they claim, the opposition remains fragmented – they could probably never agree to rally behind a single candidate.

And to those who keep asking, “Who is your alternative?”… Well, the answer now lies in your hands. More importantly, this will put a closure to the legitimacy issue that all started with the Garci tape.

NO. Charter change is not the answer. The answer is SNAP elections.

If you want to end the current political crisis, I invite you to sign up in our online petition www.petitiononline.com/no2PIG. We may never reach 8 million petitioners but if there are enough decent Filipinos who will join this clamor, then maybe we can influence our leaders to make it happen.

Then and only then can we all truly say, “Let’s move on!”

Black Friday Bulletin # 6 - Pa-THAKSINin Na. Now Na!

Pa-THAKSINin Na. Now Na! FRIDAY PROTEST

Designated time and place of flash protest for April 7:

In front of the Thai Embassy (along Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati) - 5:30 to 6:15 PM

We commend the Thai people for the peaceful resolution of their political crisis. We congratulate the People's Alliance for Democracy for leading a sustained protest action modeled after our very own people power which pressured Thaksin to call for a snap election. And we commend Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for heeding the true sentiment of the people as reflected in the results of the snap election, putting the interest of the nation above his own personal interest, and offering to resign his post for the sake of unity and the future of the nation.

We will offer flowers at the Thai embassy to express our support for them. At the same time, we call upon our leaders and our people to come together and follow the example of Thailand. Pa-THAKSINin Na. Now Na!


Plan of action:
1) Wear BLACK, preferably the "Patalsikin Na! NOW NA!" T-shirts. (Visit http://www.blackfridayprotest.blogspot.com/ to see where you can order them)

2) Bring yellow flowers. Yellow is the color of Thai royalty and Thai protest.

3) Assemble at any location, probably a cafe, or a parking lot, near Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati, between 5:00 to 5:15 PM.

4) March towards Rada St. in front of the Thai Embassy and target to be there by 5:30 PM.

5) Wait until all of the different groups have converged in front of the Thai embassy.

6) When the cue is given, everyone should lay down the flowers at the sidewalk right in front of the Thai embassy.

7) On cue, everybody should line up along the sidewalk, facing the street and then do the "Patalsikin" sign. Of course, someone should be taking the picture.

8) Disperse quietly.

Suggested preparations:
1) Invite as many friends, or officemates, as you can.
2) Make sure that you bring yellow flowers.
3) Agree on the exact location near Rada St. where you will meet to assemble. If you're coming from the same office, arrange for carpooling.
4) If you own the business, or if you're a manager of a business unit, invite your employees or your subordinates to join you.
5) If you're outside of the Philippines, and there are enough of you to organize a protest action, you can do the same action in front of the Thai embassy. Secure a permit, if your host country requires it. Inform your local media about the event. Don't forget to take pictures and email to info@blacknwhite-movement.com or helga1957@gmail.com.
6) If you're outside of Metro Manila, and there are enough of you to organize a protest action, select a public place like a park where you can do the same action. Send us pictures, as well.

Important reminders:
1) This is a SILENT PROTEST, not a rally. Please do not shout, sing, pass leaflets, or do anything to disturb the people and businesses along Rada St.
2) Bring your cameras. The highlight of the protest action is the laying down of flowers in front of the Thai embassy and the group's "patalsikin" pose. Let's document them with pictures.

Forward this message to as many friends, relatives, colleagues, and egroups. I've also included below a brief description of the Black Friday Protest Movement, so those receiving your forwarded mail and hearing this for the first time will understand what we're trying to accomplish.

Let's paint the Thai Embassy BLACK on Friday.

God bless,

enteng
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLACK FRIDAY - A NEW FORM OF PROTEST

The Black Friday Protest Movement was launched by eLagda on March 1 to give professionals, students, businessmen, and other sectors a venue to express their protest against the continuing and escalating acts of repression of the GMA administration as manifested in its series of proclamations – CPR, EO 464, and PP 1017 – all designed to curtail basic rights and oppress the people. Even after PP1017 has been lifted, the repressive measures continue.

Patterned after the flash mob concept, the Black Friday Protest calls on people to gather at a designated time and place every Friday wearing black attire as a symbol of protest. There will be no programs or speeches. Instead, people will be given specific instructions on what to do, and the whole exercise should last about 30 minutes at most. It’s safe, non-confrontational, and within the bounds of the law, even under a repressive one like PP 1017. The mere “flash” gathering of the people is the expression of protest.

Where will people get instructions?

Details of the Black Friday Protest action for the week will be published at its blogsite – www.BlackFridayProtest.blogspot.com every Wednesday evening. Those who would like to receive instructions directly can also subscribe to the movement’s bulletin service by sending a blank email to BlackFridayProtest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

How Baboy Naman the PIG

THE manner in which the administration is conducting the People’s Initiative of Gloria (PIG) reminds us of a phrase made famous by Mrs. Arroyo’s alma mater: “how baboy naman the pig.”

The Black & White Movement believes that the so-called People’s Initiative is not the voice of the people. It is the shrill whistle-blowing of the Lubao Express. Speaker Jose de Venecia wants to take credit for it and calls it the Dagupan Express, but he is only waving from the caboose of an Arroyo-initiated, Arroyo-led, and Arroyo-centric effort.

The manner in which the Constitution is being treated is just the latest manifestation of the total disregard Mrs. Arroyo has for the letter and spirit of the law. Change is not the objective of the administration’s efforts. Self-preservation and self-perpetuation is what they seek.

The path to genuine change and reforms is through a Constitutional Convention, freely elected and as non-partisan as possible. The only way to resolve the crisis of democracy in our country is through Special Elections, to provide our country with leadership that enjoys a genuine mandate.

The Black & White Movement says: how baboy naman the PIG! No to Gloria’s Cha-Cha, Yes to Special Elections! Let us not be fooled by a railroading effort disguised as a great debate. We cannot cast Constitutional pearls before swine.

Thai Rak Thai!

Just about an hour ago, I received texts from two friends - Thaksin Resigns. To be sure, I went straight to CNN International and INQ7. The stories were there, under breaking news alerts, in black and white. Thaksin is resigning in deference to King Bhumibol who is celebrating his 60th anniversary as sovereign, and to end the massive expressions of people power that have been going on for weeks. Thaksin says "I want all Thais to reunite". He is truly living up to the name of his party - Thai Rak Thai means Thai People First.

MLQ3 sent a sobering text saying that although Thaksin intends to step down, it will happen only when Parliament convenes, but no one knows when that will be. That may be true, Manolo, but he made his promise, I believe he will keep it. Makes me think about the Usurper in the Palace - she's never kept a promise she's made to us, and she has no shame, no dignity, no delicadeza, no need to keep the Filipino here or united.

Gloria Arroyo exemplifies some of the the worse traits of the Filipino - utter disregard for his fellow man when his back's against the wall (even when only slightly pressed against it, in many instances), selfishness, and greed. Thaksin called for snap elections, and when he saw the numbers weren't adding up in his favor, turned the tables his way by bowing out like a gentleman. A text from Enteng says "Buti pa ang mga Thai, may Thaksin na nagmamahal sa bayan. Tayo may Taksil na ang tanging mahal ay kaniyang sarili". All Gloria Arroyo wants to do is protect herself from being brought to justice by foisting this PIG (Palace Initiative of Gloria) on us, by diverting attention from the terrible issues that surround her. She is content to drive wedges between institutions, weakening them by bribery and coercion. This is all she wants, she wants to get away with murder. Forget what she wants for the people. She wants nothing for us.

Ok, we don't have a King Bhumibol, but what makes us, the Filipino people, chopped liver? Once again, we have been upped by the Thai people. They learned that people power can truly bring peaceful change, they learned from us better than we've learned from ourselves. We continue to deepen the divisions between us, arguing back and forth, unwilling to work together against a common enemy. I ask again - what will it take for us to drop all the arguments so we can finally see that what should bring us together is love for our country, not love for Gloria?

Another text from a friend says "Buti pa si Thaksin, hindi siya makapaga... ah... este... makapal!"

PA-THAKSIN NA! NOW NA!

A Jolli Black Friday

Our latest Black Friday Protest was celebrated at three Jollibee locations - Makati Avenue, St. Francis Square, and Katipunan. Instead of the usual early evening time frame, we chose to meet early in the morning for a change. That made it possible for our friends to bring their families, as did some members of the media.



To the credit of Jollibee Corporation, the staff at all three places never put up a fuss, even if we didn't bother giving them a heads up on our plans. They didn't stop the media from doing interviews of either protesters or restaurant patrons.



The regular patrons did not seem bothered by our presence at any of the locations. Some of them came up to engage us in conversation, many were very sympathetic to our cause. Unlike some of the comments made on this blog and our sister blog, blackfridayprotest,no one said we were bothering them. Some offered some pretty good suggestions for future Black Friday Protests, and other ideas on how to rid ourselves of the Gloria scourge.



And so, with our hunger satisfied by Jollibee breakfast fare, we stood outside and took our pictures while flashing the "patalksikin" sign, leaving as peacefully as we arrived.