It cannot be business as usual!—K99 People’s Reform Agenda

Manila—Members and supporters of Kilusang 99 gathered in a forum to discuss the K99 People’s Reform Agenda focusing on Asset Reform, yesterday.

It cannot be business as usual!

“Kilusang 99 or K99 is about putting the poor at the center of development through the unified effort of basic sectors in calling on the government to implement people-centered and inclusive development paradigms” said Bp. Broderick Pabillo of CBCP-NASSA, lead convenor of K99.

The forum with the theme “Tunay na Reporma, Ipatupad! Katarungang Panlipunan Para Sa Lahat!” focused on the different issues raised by marginalized sectors, including indigenous peoples, informal settles, fisher folks and farmers, and workers.

Dr. Susan Reyes of Asian Social Institute, one of the organizers of said forum, said that majority of problems plaguing the country like poverty and insurgency can be traced to government’s inability to level the opportunities and services it gives the people. “Philippines reflects the realities of other countries – where the 99% of the population is held hostage by the unfair development policies controlled by the 1%” said Reyes.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations participation is welcomed here as it is believe that civil society participation in government processes will allow for transparency and accountability of government structures.

K99 members and advocates add the need for social justice—one that is moral, constitutional and leads to equitable socio-economic development and growth for Filipinos.

“The country will only be able to move towards genuine national development if the government will truly listen to the cries of the 1%. Equity will gradually be realized if the asset reform programs are implemented,” Pabillo concluded.

K99 is likened to the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon. Mark Mason, one of the Organizers of Occupy Wall Street sent a letter to K99, which stated:

“The goals of the Kilusang 99 movement are shared with the Occupy movement here in the US. Those goals are dignity and justice for the many.

The organization advocates the end of poverty, fair land reform, safe housing for all, protection of indigenous rights, and the protection of fisheries. Here in the United States it is a simple matter to advocate for progressive economic change and justice. Here, we have little state repression. Advocacy for the rights of the poor and the indigenous cultures is a courageous act in the Philippines.”

Kilusang 99 (K99) is a multi-sectoral and non-partisan movement in the Philippines composed of people’s organizations, sectoral groups, church insitutions, the academe and individuals who push for social and political system changes and for an incorruptible justice system.

For more information:
Teddy Brul, K99 Media Committee, +63928.952.2002 <kilusangninetynine@yahoo.com>
Honey Besso, K99 Secretariat, +63917.302.2552

Press Release
28 March 2012

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