08 November 2011

Dear Friends,

Greetings from CBCP-NASSA!

I write on account of significant and indicative developments happening all over the world which I think presents judicious opportunity for the Filipino people to bring about systems change.

Since December of last year, we have witnessed a global restiveness that toppled governments and encouraged mass uprisings against the economic monopoly of the rich. First, it was the Arab Spring in the Middle East, and now the Occupy Wallstreet Movement that has swept the coasts of the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. These unrests speak about a people’s desire to triumph over poverty, social injustice, inequality and corporate greed. The Occupy Wallstreet Movement is a resonance of the collective protest of the 99% suffering from joblessness and dislocation with no hope of recourse from their governments.

In the Philippines, a similar crusade is undertaking a birthing process. Initially conceived as a social reform movement, the “Kilusang 99%” is about making the poor the center of development and making the government accountable for the welfare of the majority. It is not about corporate overthrow and proletarian reprisal, but about the promotion of corporate social responsibility. It is the reorientation of business and industry to serve the interest of the poor and the marginalized. It pushes for the implementation of four asset reforms: (1) agrarian reform, (2) urban land reform and housing, (3) ancestral domain reform, and (4) fisheries reform, while seeking an end to policies inimical to the poor and the environment. It calls for the protection of the rights of workers from nefarious labor practices such as contractualization, and the resolution of all human rights violations.

Kilusang 99% harnesses the power of a unified citizenry. The poor, when moving in unity and solidarity for a common cause, is a potent and compelling force. The “Arab Sping” has proven this to be true. Change was prompted neither by a popular leader nor political oppositions, but by a poor young man in Tunisia who set fire on himself and the rest of the Arab world.

Of course, we do not encourage emulating such expression of hopelessness and desperation. We maintain that any act of violence begets anarchy and aggression, such as what’s happening in transition governments in Middle East. Arab Spring only serves as a warning of what can happen when the poor has had enough of suffering and injustice.

In the Philippines, we find similar restlessness brewing among our sectoral groups: the workers condemn the unfair labor practices tolerated by the government, the agrarian reform beneficiaries are holding protests against the glacial pace of agrarian reform, the coconut farmers decry the wrong committed against them by the judiciary and the government, the families of slain journalists, clergy and human rights advocates demand justice for their loved ones, and the indigenous people are fighting against the destruction of their forests and ancestral domains.

This rising tide of discontent, coupled by the indifference of the general public, is sustenance for insurgency which the Church hopes to stem. By convening the Kilusang 99%, the Church brings together all sectoral classes to preclude uncoordinated and aggressive actions. It aims to guide a unified, peaceful, but compelling group of sectors that will present an alternative development paradigm to the government.

Presently, the Kilusang 99% is joined by groups from labor, farmers, fisherfolks, indigenous peoples, environmentalists, the religious, and the academe. We are on the process of expanding the movement to include other sectors that have not yet been integrated into the mainstream social campaigns but are otherwise very crucial in the promotion of peace, justice and equality in the country.

It is for this reason that I seek your alliance and support for the movement. I­ invite you to join Kilusang 99% by organizing your ranks, promoting your social advocacies and decrying policies that undermine the rights of people. I also appeal to your network to mobilize its members to join other sectors fighting for land rights, labor rights, environment, and agrarian reform, among others. A tentative date, November 30, has been identified by the members of Kilusang 99%. On that day, peaceful protests1 will be staged by the sectoral groups all over the country. Members from the provinces can show support by holding a simultaneous solidarity activity in their respective areas, while those based in Manila can join the activities organized by the different sectors who are also members of the Movement. The Kilusang 99% will take care of media strategies to project a nation-wide indignation against crimes committed to the marginalized sectors of society.

This schedule (November 30) coincides with the culmination week of the national Anti-Poverty Summit being convened by the government and NASSA. During this time, we expect to be given undivided attention by the executive department. A nationwide support will strengthen even more the leverage of our sectoral heads in their dialogue with President Aquino after the Summit.

I understand that we are already pressed for time for this activity. But I pray that with your full cooperation and support, and through the determination and hard work of the members of the movement, we will be able to mobilize a social force that will compel our President to finally heed the cries for justice of the poor.

Should you as a Network grant this request, we will be very grateful to receive communications or any updates from your end about it. Please also be informed that we will be having our meeting this afternoon, November 10, 3:00PM at the Pope Pius Center in UN Avenue (in front of Asilo) to further polish our plans. However, if your schedule does not permit you to do so, we will be glad to discuss this with you in person so you may understand fully the concept and plans of the movement. Meanwhile, you may get in touch with Fr. Edu at 0922-8348248 and edugariguez@yahoo.com, or with honey at 09173022552 and hbeso@yahoo.com for any queries you might have.

Anticipating your favorable response to our request as I invoke the blessings of God for you and those under your care.

Sincerely in Christ,

+BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D
National Director