The Asia Foundation and VERA Files will be presenting their latest work, Democracy at Gunpoint: Election-Related Violence in the Philippines, on March 2 at 5 p.m. at the Magellan Room, 41/F of the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
In the 2010 elections, The Asia Foundation partnered with VERA Files in producing a series of journalistic accounts—news, features, in-depth reports on election-related violence in nine provinces that were traditionally considered as election hotspots. VERA Files consolidated the journalistic pieces into a book to provide a comprehensive, in-depth report that examines election-related violence in the Philippines.
The 212-page Democracy at Gunpoint: Election-Related Violence in the Philippines examines why election violence happens in 10 provinces known for being hotspots. While violence was the thread that stitched all provinces together, each one had particular characteristics that aggravated the problem.
“That violence still happens more than two decades after the ouster of Marcos and the restoration of democracy, and well into 21st century Philippines is cause for consternation and frustration,” wrote book editors Yvonne Chua and Luz Rimban in the preface.
They added: “The outbreak of election-related violence reminds us that there are parts of the country that stagnate in long ago times when warlords and gunmen ruled and decided election contests, when the so-called will of the electorate is determined at gunpoint.”
The chapters were written by Carolyn Arguillas (Maguindanao); Artha Kira Paredes ( Abra and Masbate); Carlos Marquez (Nueva Ecija); Ven Labro and Reyan Arinto (Eastern Visayas); Ryan Rosauro (Lanao del Sur); Jules Benitez (Sulu and Tawi-Tawi); Antonio Manaytay (Basilan).
Thanks for this info Ellen. This should be a great read. Is this event open for public, or by invite only?
This is public. Look for me.
Monopoly of Power in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
by LtGen Antonio E. Sotelo
the AFP has too much power and that this power is in the hands of a well knit elite group composed of PMA graduates.
Remember that GMA was installed as President by the AFP, under the leadership of the late Gen Reyes, a PMA graduate, then Chief of Staff. When there were attempts to overthrow her, her generals (which she doubled in number during her tenure) were there to protect her government. Naturally, she lost her ascendancy over her generals. Unmitigated corruption followed.
As we speak, the PMA graduates have wove themselves into the centers of power in the executive and legislative government. In the military and police organizations the PMA graduates have absolute control which I characterize as monopoly of power . No other group can now provide the check and balance essential in a democratic system.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/nick-sotelo/monopoly-of-power-in-the-armed-forces-of-the-philippines/10150106291390825
jug, isn’t Sotelo a former PAF Chief?
May mga nakita akong sketches na nagbibigay pakahulugan sa “DEMOCRACY”.
May isa ang sabi; “If you will not come to democracy, democracy will come to you.”
Yung isa naman; “Democracy” We deliver!
Aguy, agay! Aruy, aray!