KIKO PANGILINAN URGES CONVENING OF SUMMIT FOR CHANGE

Independent Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today said that "there is a need to reach out to all like-minded groups and individuals and seek to forge a common front for genuine change."

In the last few weeks, several initiatives coming from various sectors have been coming out in preparations for 2010. Pangilinan cited the efforts of the Movement for Good Governance, Kaya Natin, Reform Coalition, The Moral Force, Makabayan, The Indie Group and Change Politics Movement among a number of initiatives now emerging in the country. "Unity is key if genuine reforms are to be realized. A national summit for change should be convened, and efforts to unite the fragmented reform constituency must be its first order of business."

Pangilinan urged personalities to unite efforts to ensure that true public servants will be elected in 2010. "Dapat mag-usap ang mga personalidad tulad nila Chief Justice Puno, Among Ed, Brother Eddie, Dinky Soliman at iba pang koalisyon para sa reporma na magkaisa at magsanib-puwersa upang tiyakin ang pagkapanalo ng tunay na maglilingkod sa bayan."

Pangilinan is a part of the Register and Vote campaign that is set to launch on Wednesday, May 13. He will then issue a statement of unity on the eve of the launch, which will also include fellow reformists Congresswoman Risa Hontiveros, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Naga City Mayor Jessie Robredo, author Alex Lacson, former Bukidnon Congressman Neric Acosta, youth leader and TV host Bam Aquino, Ifugao Governor Teddy Baguilat, Misamis Oriental Governor Oca Moreno and San Fernando, Pampanga Mayor Oca Rodriguez.

"Ilang pangulo na ang nai-puwesto, ilang eleksyon na ang naganap, ngunit kulelat pa rin ang Pilipinas at bulok pa rin ang kalidad ng buhay kumpara sa ibang bans sa ASEAN. Pagkakaisa ng mga puwersang makabago ay dapat ma-isulong upang ma-isantabi nito at talunin sa halalan ang puwersang makaluma."