SEN. Edgardo Angara asserted Monday that a stronger political party system is the key to effecting major reforms in the country, lamenting that the lack of it not only “stunted development of true democracy but also restrains foreign investments and hinders Philippine progress to political maturity.”

Attending the International Leaders Forum (ILF) at the August 25 to 29 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, where Democratic presidential bet Barack Obama will formally accept his nomination, Angara acknowledged that the Philippines needs stronger, stable and ideology-based political parties before the country can derive benefit from dramatic and meaningful reforms in its social, political and economic landscape.

Angara admitted that weak democratic institutions and a fragile party system breeds corruption. “Political parties that lack strong ideological foundation are more prone to resort to fraud and money politics,” he said. “We cannot say we live in a representative democracy unless political parties have a definite and clear platform of government.”

Unlike their counterparts in the West, Angara conceded that Philippine political parties today play a significantly diminished role and have considerably less prestige because of an unhealthy politics of personalities.

“Our political parties struggle for recognition and even existence. Few political parties can stand by themselves, and are often forced to seek the embrace of vested interest and dirty money,” he said.

He, however, reported at the ILF in Denver that the Philippine Senate is now pushing for the passage of the Political Party Development and Campaign Finance Act, which will transform political parties into public institutions and provide state subsidy to political parties that will adopt an internal code of conduct and agree to public audit of their financial transactions

The ILF, hosted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) since 1984, is attended by 500 international leaders including current and former heads of state, speakers of parliament, elected officials, cabinet ministers, political party leaders and ambassadors from over 100 countries.

Angara is participating in the convention upon the invitation of former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, chairman of the board of directors of the NDI.

Participants take part in a series of bipartisan panel discussions on the US political process, foreign and domestic policy issues  and media coverage of the presidential race.

About 70,000 poor to continue basic education

SOME 70,000 out-of-school youths and adults living in poor and isolated communities will be given a chance to catch up on their basic education this year, according to the National Antipoverty Commission (NAPC).

Government to embark on expansion of farmlands planted to cassava

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is embarking on a large-scale propagation of high-yielding and pest-tolerant cassava varieties as part of efforts to develop additional production areas under a three-year program to meet local demand for the commodity.

RP to seek protection for migrant workers from other countries

AS MANY developed countries view migration as a measure to augment their declining population, the Philippines, as the fourth world’s largest sending state for migrant workers will seek commitments from foreign states in protecting the rights of migrant workers when 192 United Nations members convene in Manila in October for the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GMFD).

Pscijourn, PFRB call for bigger R&D budget

TWO of the Philippines media advocacy groups joined forces in prodding the government to allocate bigger budget for science research and development (R&D) programs, particularly in agriculture.

RP needs strong party system to lure more foreign investments

SEN. Edgardo Angara asserted Monday that a stronger political party system is the key to effecting major reforms in the country, lamenting that the lack of it not only “stunted development of true democracy but also restrains foreign investments and hinders Philippine progress to political maturity.”

Atienza assures careful study of issues in proposed Iloilo coal-fired power plant

WITH the strong opposition posed by various stakeholders to the proposed expansion of a coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza vowed to carefully study all matters and issues related to the proposal.  

Ex-NPA leader supports CARP extension, says DAR should focus on support services

CAPAS, Tarlac—Lawmakers should pass the bill extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to distribute lands to landless farmers.