PHOTOS BY AUBREY MAKILAN
Posted Feb. 13, 2007, 12:46 p.m.
At the start of the campaign for the May 14 elections, progressive partylist groups vying for seats in the House of Representatives have started doing the rounds to make known their platforms and programs.
Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo crammed himself into the Light Rail Transit (LRT), walked inside the train and shook hands with passengers. He also handed out roses to women while explaining the partylist system. But the LRT administration prohibited the distribution of Bayan Muna flyers inside the LRT premises.
Early this morning, the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) handed out symbolical hearts and flowers to women in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The activity was dubbed as “Mahalin mo ako: A vote for Gabriela is a vote against violence!”
GWP also joined Migrante International and the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters (FAME) in a rally at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The protesters in a motorcade proceeded to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in Intramuros, Manila.
Meanwhile, the Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People) Partylist wooed their Moro brothers and sisters in Muslim communities in Quiapo and Taguig.
In the afternoon, Bayan Muna, GWP, Suara Bangsamoro, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist and Kabataan (Youth) Party will be having an joint rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. The five partylist groups will also be having a major campaign in Rizal on Feb. 14.
Bayan Muna, which first ran for Congress in 2001, topped the partylist race that year. It competed for the second time in 2004 and once again emerged as the topnotcher with all their first three nominees gaining seats as they did in 2001. Meanwhile, Anakpawis currently has two representatives in Congress, while GWP has one. (Bulatlat.com)
