Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines
Encyclopedia
The Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines (Bagumbayan-VNP) is a political party
in the Philippines. It is the political party of former Philippine Senator Richard Gordon
. Their slogan is "We are the Instruments of a Movement Dedicated to Transform the Philippines Into a Bagumbayan, A New Philippines."
in Subic Bay
meant the loss of over 40,000 jobs for Filipinos
who were employed in the said base. Also, $ 8 million worth of infrastructure
left behind by the Americans in the base and was in danger of being looted from outsiders, as evidenced by the looting that occurred in 1991 at the Clark Air Base
due to the aftermath of the Pinatubo eruption.
To address the problems beforehand, Gordon led the citizens of Olongapo to mobilize and lobby for the inclusion of a free port concept into the national legislation for the conversion of the U.S. bases. The effort was successful, with the inclusion of the establishment of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone
(also known as the Subic Special Economic Zone) in Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7227, otherwise known as the Base
s Conversion and Development Act, which was approved on March 13, 1992. Section 13 of the same legislation
also provided for the establishment of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA), which was tasked to administer the Subic Bay Freeport Zone
.
On April 3, 1992, Gordon was appointed as the chairman of the SBMA by President Corazon Aquino
. By November 24, 1992, the U.S. Navy completed its withdrawal from the facility and its conversion for civilian and commercial use began. Volunteerism and the high civic spirit of the host community marked the pioneering efforts at conversion - thus the "Bagumbayan Movement" started as a volunteer group whose members served in the SBMA.
on the occasion of the 488th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan, the nation's first victory against the colonial invaders. Leon B. Herrera, president of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Movement, said Bagumbayan's grand launching was timed on the anniversary of the Battle of Mactan because Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero, is one of the movement's inspirations. About 2,000 delegates flocked to the movement's grand launching and national convention that raised P17 Million through individual contributions and which was graced by Senator
Richard Gordon, the keynote speaker. The senator was joined by other guest speakers, to wit: world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., CNN
Hero nominee Efren Penaflorida, Journey band lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, and Chikka.com founder Dennis Mendiola.
Bagumbayan-VNP was officially accredited by the Commission on Elections as a political party on November 17, 2009.
in all levels of the government
bureaucracy
by making the President lead by example, installing full transparency and accountability in government operations, strengthening the independence of the Ombudsman
, and overhauling government agencies long noted for graft.Bagumbayan-VNP proposes high priority to rooting out graft and corruption because it is a major obstacle to national progress and modernization. The spread of graft from revenue agencies to virtually all government agencies is pervasive. Local governments have likewise gotten into the action in a big way. Bagumbayan-VNP proposes the following measures:
and the public services
into a productive, efficient and forward-looking organization by adopting best practices in government
operations, improving government finances through the collection of proper taxes, providing clear roles, guidelines and procedures for each government department and employee, and establishing meritocracy as the basis for advancement in the public service. Recognizing that the role of government has become more central and vital than ever in the new global economy, and considering how weak and ineffective the Philippine government has been for many decades, Bagumbayan-VNP proposes top priority to the transformation of the government bureaucracy into an engine for national modernization and development. Bagumbayan-VNP's key to achieving this are the following measures:
President: Leon B. Herrera
Secretary General: Rey Faizal P. Millan
Treasurer: Rodolfo Reyes
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in the Philippines. It is the political party of former Philippine Senator Richard Gordon
Richard Gordon (politician)
Richard "Dick" Juico Gordon is a Filipino politician and broadcaster who currently serves as the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross....
. Their slogan is "We are the Instruments of a Movement Dedicated to Transform the Philippines Into a Bagumbayan, A New Philippines."
Bagumbayan Movement
The looming withdrawal of the Americans from the U.S naval baseNaval base
A naval base is a military base, where warships and naval ships are deployed when they have no mission at sea or want to restock. Usually ships may also perform some minor repairs. Some naval bases are temporary homes to aircraft that usually stay on the ships but are undergoing maintenance while...
in Subic Bay
Subic Bay
Subic Bay is a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay. Its shores were formerly the site of a major United States Navy facility named U.S...
meant the loss of over 40,000 jobs for Filipinos
Filipinos
Filipinos is the brand name for a series of biscuit snacks made by Kraft Foods. In Spain and Portugal they are produced and sold under the Artiach brand name. Under license to United Biscuits, in the Netherlands they are sold and produced locally under the Verkade brand...
who were employed in the said base. Also, $ 8 million worth of infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function...
left behind by the Americans in the base and was in danger of being looted from outsiders, as evidenced by the looting that occurred in 1991 at the Clark Air Base
Clark Air Base
Clark Air Base is a former United States Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles west of Angeles City, about 40 miles northwest of Metro Manila. Clark Air Base was an American military facility from 1903 to 1991...
due to the aftermath of the Pinatubo eruption.
To address the problems beforehand, Gordon led the citizens of Olongapo to mobilize and lobby for the inclusion of a free port concept into the national legislation for the conversion of the U.S. bases. The effort was successful, with the inclusion of the establishment of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay Freeport Zone , which is known simply as Subic Bay, is the Philippines' first success case of a into a tax- and duty-free zone similar to Hong Kong and Singapore, operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA. It covers the fenced area of the former U.S...
(also known as the Subic Special Economic Zone) in Section 12 of Republic Act No. 7227, otherwise known as the Base
Military base
A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by or for the military or one of its branches that shelters military equipment and personnel, and facilitates training and operations. In general, a military base provides accommodations for one or more units, but it may also be used as a...
s Conversion and Development Act, which was approved on March 13, 1992. Section 13 of the same legislation
Legislation
Legislation is law which has been promulgated by a legislature or other governing body, or the process of making it...
also provided for the establishment of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
The Subic Bay Freeport or what was the former US Naval facility in Subic Bay into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities .-History:...
(SBMA), which was tasked to administer the Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay Freeport Zone , which is known simply as Subic Bay, is the Philippines' first success case of a into a tax- and duty-free zone similar to Hong Kong and Singapore, operated and managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA. It covers the fenced area of the former U.S...
.
On April 3, 1992, Gordon was appointed as the chairman of the SBMA by President Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino
Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office in Philippine history. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines...
. By November 24, 1992, the U.S. Navy completed its withdrawal from the facility and its conversion for civilian and commercial use began. Volunteerism and the high civic spirit of the host community marked the pioneering efforts at conversion - thus the "Bagumbayan Movement" started as a volunteer group whose members served in the SBMA.
Bagumbayan Party
The Bagumbayan Movement composed of more than 30,000 volunteers was officially launched on April 27, 2009 at the historic Manila HotelManila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is a 570-room, five star hotel in Manila, Philippines, located in the heart of the Manila Bay area. The Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines, built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, and opened in...
on the occasion of the 488th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan, the nation's first victory against the colonial invaders. Leon B. Herrera, president of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Movement, said Bagumbayan's grand launching was timed on the anniversary of the Battle of Mactan because Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero, is one of the movement's inspirations. About 2,000 delegates flocked to the movement's grand launching and national convention that raised P17 Million through individual contributions and which was graced by Senator
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines...
Richard Gordon, the keynote speaker. The senator was joined by other guest speakers, to wit: world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr., CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
Hero nominee Efren Penaflorida, Journey band lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, and Chikka.com founder Dennis Mendiola.
Bagumbayan-VNP was officially accredited by the Commission on Elections as a political party on November 17, 2009.
Peace and security
Bagumbayan-VNP's position on peace and security is to uphold the authority of the Philippine Government in all provinces and regions of the country by establishing peace and order, bringing an end to the communist insurgency and Muslim secessionist rebellion, dismantling all private armies, and keeping the peace in all communities through effective local law enforcement.To achieve this, Bagumbayan-VNP proposes establish peace and security throughout the archipelago by implementing the following measures:- Enforcing the authority of the State in every community, every province and every region in the country.
- Bringing an end to the Communist insurgencyInsurgencyAn insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents...
and the Muslim secessionist rebellion through the process of peaceful negotiation if possible, or by force of arms if necessary. - Disarming and disbanding of all private armies in the country.
- Improving law enforcement through the reorganization of the Philippine National PolicePhilippine National PoliceThe Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
and the greater participation of local governmentLocal governmentLocal government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
units and local communities in keeping the peace within their jurisdictionJurisdictionJurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility...
. - Waging a vigorous campaign against organized crimeOrganized crimeOrganized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
, the drug trade and illegal gambling.
Graft and Corruption
Bagumbayan-VNP's stand to curb graft and corruptionPolitical corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
in all levels of the government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
bureaucracy
Bureaucracy
A bureaucracy is an organization of non-elected officials of a governmental or organization who implement the rules, laws, and functions of their institution, and are occasionally characterized by officialism and red tape.-Weberian bureaucracy:...
by making the President lead by example, installing full transparency and accountability in government operations, strengthening the independence of the Ombudsman
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between an organization and some internal or external constituency while representing not only but mostly the broad scope of constituent interests...
, and overhauling government agencies long noted for graft.Bagumbayan-VNP proposes high priority to rooting out graft and corruption because it is a major obstacle to national progress and modernization. The spread of graft from revenue agencies to virtually all government agencies is pervasive. Local governments have likewise gotten into the action in a big way. Bagumbayan-VNP proposes the following measures:
- Make the position of OmbudsmanOmbudsmanAn ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between an organization and some internal or external constituency while representing not only but mostly the broad scope of constituent interests...
a nationally elected position. - Declog the SandiganbayanSandiganbayanThe Sandiganbayan is a special court in the Philippines which was established under Presidential Decree No. 1606. Its rank is equivalent to the Court of Appeals. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Presiding Justice...
in the prosecution of corruption cases. - Eliminate presidential pardon for government officials found guilty of graft.
- Establish full transparency in executive projects, and include cabinet officials under judicial and congressional oversight.
- Punish all those who offer bribes and corrupt members of the bureaucracy.
Government Modernization
Bagumbayan-VNP's platform to transform the bureaucracyBureaucracy
A bureaucracy is an organization of non-elected officials of a governmental or organization who implement the rules, laws, and functions of their institution, and are occasionally characterized by officialism and red tape.-Weberian bureaucracy:...
and the public services
Public services
Public services is a term usually used to mean services provided by government to its citizens, either directly or by financing private provision of services. The term is associated with a social consensus that certain services should be available to all, regardless of income...
into a productive, efficient and forward-looking organization by adopting best practices in government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
operations, improving government finances through the collection of proper taxes, providing clear roles, guidelines and procedures for each government department and employee, and establishing meritocracy as the basis for advancement in the public service. Recognizing that the role of government has become more central and vital than ever in the new global economy, and considering how weak and ineffective the Philippine government has been for many decades, Bagumbayan-VNP proposes top priority to the transformation of the government bureaucracy into an engine for national modernization and development. Bagumbayan-VNP's key to achieving this are the following measures:
- Undertake from day one a full performance auditAuditThe general definition of an audit is an evaluation of a person, organization, system, process, enterprise, project or product. The term most commonly refers to audits in accounting, but similar concepts also exist in project management, quality management, and energy conservation.- Accounting...
of the entire government bureaucracy in order to determine what agenciesGovernment agencyA government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
must be retained, strengthened, or eliminated because of obsolescence. - Create clear roles and goals for each department to perform and meet in the modernization effort.
- Establish meritocracy as the rule for advancement in the civil service.
- Raise the standards for entry in the civil service.
- Adopt best practices in government management and operations.
- Eliminate wasteful spending in every agency of government.
Economy
Bagumbayan-VNP's position in improving the Philippine economy to a new level of growth and global competitiveness by investing in the modernization of national infrastructure, releasing the energies of the private sector, simplifying and streamlining the rules and procedures for doing business, raising domestic and foreign investments in the economy, and raising productivity in agriculture, industry and services. Government’s role in the economy is central and vital to national success. The economy cannot be delegated merely to the private sector. Government must lead the way. To meet this objective the following programs will be implemented:- Energy Sufficiency and Efficiency — The current power crisis and the continued volatility of oil prices highlight the need for a long-term and focused energy program to achieve both energy sufficiency and efficiency. Bagumbayan-VNP promotes a comprehensive energy program that should include 1) overhauling and strengthening the Department of Energy, 2) setting clear targets for expansion of power generation capacity, 3) setting targets for the replacement of oil imports with alternative clean energy sources, and 4) setting standards for energy conservation and efficient energy utilization.
- Food Security and Agricultural Development— Food security and sufficiency is the primordial challenge facing the country every year as a result of typhoons and droughts. Bagumbayan-VNP believe Government must commit assign top priority to agricultural modernization.
- Tourism Development and Jobs Creation—Tourism is an export industry and it's a tremendous jobs creator. With the passage of the Tourism Development Act, attention must now focus on making it come to life through the right implementing rules and regulations, and effective reorganization of the Tourism machinery, and effective management. Bagumbayan-VNP sets as a minimum the target 5 million tourist arrivals and one million new tourism jobs by 2013.
- Infrastructure Modernization and Jobs Creation—Infrastructure modernization is a must for national development and for Philippine competitiveness in the global economy. This is a challenge that the nation cannot shirk because of lack of resources or whatever. The public investment must be made in the modernization of the nation’s highways, transport systems, ports, airports, and communications. What government cannot provide in terms of capital, the private sector will be encouraged to supply. And whatever domestic investments cannot raise, foreign investments must fill the gap. Bagumbayan-VNP sets the achievement of $20 billion direct foreign investments in three years.
Human resources
Bagumbayan-VNP's stand on the improvement of the Human Resources is to provide for quality basic education to every Filipino child, modernize our education system from elementary to tertiary level, relieve once and for all the classroom shortage, modernize our public health system and provide health insurance for every citizen.Education
Bagumbayan-VNP's position to improve the education are the following:- Undertake a comprehensive review of educational priorities and reorganize the Department of EducationDepartment of Education (Philippines)The Department of Education , is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the management and governing of the Philippine system of basic education. It is the chief formulator of Philippine educational policy and is responsible for the Philippine primary and secondary...
- Add two years to basic education
- Meet the classroom shortage and reduce the average number of students to 50 per class within three years
- Increase the salaries of teachers to a minimum of P40,000 per month to attract top graduates to teaching.
- Provide sturdy, electronic book reader to public school students to lower costs for books and give them IT knowhow.
Health care
Bagumbayan-VNP's position to improve the health care are the following:- Extend free public health services to cover all citizens, especially in the rural areas.
- Increase the salaries of doctors and nurses in order to keep more of them in the country.
- Establish compulsory healthcare savings account for all Filipinos.
- Establish more Botika ng BarangayBarangayA barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
outlets nationwide.
- Promote responsible parenthood.
Party officials
Chairperson: Former Senator Richard GordonPresident: Leon B. Herrera
Secretary General: Rey Faizal P. Millan
Treasurer: Rodolfo Reyes
Candidates for the Philippine general election, 2010
National Candidates
- Richard GordonRichard Gordon (politician)Richard "Dick" Juico Gordon is a Filipino politician and broadcaster who currently serves as the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross....
for President of the PhilippinesPresident of the PhilippinesThe President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
(lost) - Bayani FernandoBayani FernandoBayani Flores Fernando is the former Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority .He has announced his intention to run for President of the Philippines in the 2010 election. However, after talks with Richard Gordon, he agreed to slide as Vice President for Gordon's newly-established...
for Vice President of the PhilippinesVice President of the Philippines-Description:The Vice-President is the first in the Philippine line of succession, assuming the Presidency upon the death, resignation, or removal by impeachment and subsequent conviction of the incumbent. The position was abolished by Martial Law in 1972, and was not included in the original text...
(lost)
Basilan
- Ibno Tubarin for Representative of Basilan
Marikina City
- Donn Carlo Favis for Representative of Marikina's 2nd district
Quezon City
- Catherine Violago for Representative of Quezon City's 3rd district
Zambales
- Anne Marie Gordon for Representative of Zambales' 1st district
Iligan City
- Mayor
- Ismael "JOEL" Naga
- Councilors
- Fred Echavez
- Ronie Espina
- Joe Booc
- Jun Silva
- Boy Ortaleza
- Alan Amantiad
Hilongos Leyte
- Mayor
- Jose Roble
- Vice-Mayor
- Crispin Fulache
- Councilors
- Montano Go
- Garry Villaquer
Marikina City
- Mayor
- Vice-Mayor
- Boy Bolok Santos
- Councilors
- Frankie Ayuson
- Bojie Bernardino
- Carissa Carlos
- Mel David
- Siso Dela Cruz
- Roy Delgado
- Dondie Reyes
- Ponchie Santos
- Jaime Cruz, Jr.
- Annie Dayao
- Federico Ifurung
- Manuel Orara
- Jojo Ortiz
- Roberto Ponce
- Wilfred Reyes
- Bong Ubaldo
Olongapo City
- Mayor
- James Gordon, Jr.
- Vice-Mayor
- Cynthia Cajudo
- Councilors
- Rodel Cerezo
- Aquilino Cortes Jr.
- Elena Dabu
- James De los Reyes
- Edna Elane
- Romeo Guerrero
- Eyrma Marzan-Estrella
- Gina Perez
- Eduardo Piano
Incumbent Government Officials
- Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando
- Marikina City Vice-Mayor Marion Andres
- Marikina City Councilors:
- Frankie Ayuson
- Bojie Bernardino
- Carissa Carlos
- Jojo Ortiz
- Roberto Ponce
- Wilfred Reyes
- Bong Ubaldo
- Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr.
- Olongapo City Vice-Mayor Cynthia Cajudo
- Olongapo City Councilors:
- Gina Perez
- Rodel Cerezo
- Aquilino Cortez
- Edwin J. Piano
- Ellen Dabu
Official websites
- Official Website of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Party
- Archived Official Website of the Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines Party