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Rem Lucio, Researcher
In the hope of getting the right people elected in the 2010
election, The Kaya Natin! movement has formally launched the comic
book, The Champions, in order to reach the voting public in the
language and medium easily understood by all.
The Tagalog comic book written by Ma. Rowena
Angeles and Lewis Ibanez, depicts the stories of three politicians
who have earned the trust of their constituents—Gov. Ed Panlilio
of Pampanga, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Jesse Robredo of
Naga.
“It’s possible to have good
governance. We can elect good politicians,” said Liza Cornejo,
project head, during the launch of the comics at the Ateneo School
of Good Government on Saturday.
Angeles said it was “a comfort” to write
about the three political leaders. “For me, the problem is
hopelessness, maybe if people read their stories, it will inspire
them,” she said.
Kaya Natin! is a movement that advocates ethical
leadership and change in the government by promoting transparency,
social accountability, people empowerment and electoral reforms.
Panlilio said he is satisfied with Kaya Natin!
for promoting good governance through comics. “The comics tell the
story of advocacies, actions, fulfillment of [the promises] of
governors, chief executives that good governance really happens in
our place,” he said.
Panlilio cited Padaca and Robredo as exemplars
of ethical politics. He said their examples show that good
governance is indeed happening.
Padaca said she firmly believes that The
Champions can achieve a lot in helping people make the right
decisions in the coming elections. “The comics has captured all
the struggles in Isabela, and our victories,” she said.
The Isabela governor said Filipinos
shouldn’t think they are hopeless and ignorant. She claimed that
she is a living proof that anyone can support their advocacies as
long as they fight for what is right.
Padaca said, “We should be thankful our
country still prefers good over bad. That’s why there are a lot of
rallies, a lot are angry because we prefer the right thing rather
than see bad things. When more people know, more will act and if
more will take action then there will be changes in our country.”
Padaca, who is good for one more term, is still
weighing her options between running for governor and gunning for a
Senate seat.
Panlilio, on the other hand, has expressed to
The Manila Times his decision to run for president in 2010. He said
it was the people’s wish for him, as they believe he can help
them. On July 4, he will launch his political organization, Kilos
Na.
Panlilio also said electing the good politicians
will attract investors in the country; thus, the economy will be
boosted, more infrastructures will be undertaken and more jobs will
be created. Investments will also improve the local economy,
resulting in better education for the constituency.
Besides the comic book, Kaya Natin! also
launched its song, t-shirts (printed on it is “Magbabago,
Magkakaisa at Mabuting Pamamalakad”), bumper stickers and color
bands.
The comic book was offered and blest during the
mass, which was presided by Father Robert Reyes. Several key
personalities were present during the event—Congressman June Abaya,
Butch Gaston of the Liberal Party and Ang Ladlad Chairman Danton
Remoto, were some of the few who attended the said event.
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