CHAPTER 27. OUR GLOBAL FILIPINO NATION:

NATION-BUILDING AND GOOD GOVERNANCE¹ 

Our Global Filipino Nation: 

Wherever we may be, Filipinos are fellow nationals

who can also be fellow citizens.  

Tayong mga Pilipino saanman ay kababayan na

maaring maging kapwa mamamayan.  

Preface

      Our Global Filipino Nation (GFN) is fairly new as an imagined or self-defined cultural, social and political community. Its emergence is linked to the increasing waves of Filipino migrants and overseas workers in the last four decades, to the ease of travel, and instant global communication. In fact the GFN is part of the globalization of capital, industry, employment, and communication affecting all countries.  

      Extraordinarily, in 2006 and 2007 alone some two million Filipinos migrated for a better life overseas. Most of them might have been pushed out of our homeland by poverty, unemployment, and population pressure. Yet many professionals, skilled and middle class Filipinos have also joined  the diaspora, adding to the braindrain and loss of trained workers. The demand side of Filipino migration is created by the shortage of skilled and less skilled workers in many of the rich nations, and the advantage to them of the availability of cheaper Filipino labor. Regrettably, migration often separates spouses and children and thus entails a great deal of personal sacrifice and family problems.  

      In varying degrees Filipinos in the homeland and overseas share a common origin, ancestry, parentage or descent, and culture that define their Filipino identity: ang pagkaFilipino. Some of them may also feel they share a common future. First generation Filipino migrants are most likely to keep their identity and sense of belonging as Filiipinos even if they have changed their citizenship. In comparison, second or later generation Filipinos born, educated and living abroad may feel their Filipino-ness diluted by their acquired nationality and citizenship, and their separation from the land of their parents. Inability to speak a Filipino language and infrequency of visits to the homeland add to that feeling. 

      But leaders of the Global Filipino Nation movement assert: "Once a Filipino, always a Filipino." That is to say, whatever else they have become, at heart they are Filipino. Foreign broadcasts of ABS-CBN and GMA networks help keep alive their Filipino identity. Agreeing with their overseas kababayan, many Filipinos in the homeland unite in supporting the laws on their dual-citizenship, absentee voting and active participation in the economic, cultural and political life of the Motherland. Overseas Filipinos are aware that many countries allow dual citizenship and the political participation of dual citizens in the original homeland. 

      I speak and write as a Filipino who has spent, on and off, some 18 full years of my life overseas. And one actively involved in the Global Filipino Nation movement, now led by Victor S. Barrios as Convenor. After earlier meetings in San Francisco, in Honolulu, and in Makati, Global Filipinos held a big meeting at the University of Makati on 8-11 May 2008 to fully organize and plan their activities. I shall discuss this further below.   

In the GFN all are Global Filipinos  

      Pilipinas, our Motherland, is made up of Global Filipinos who live in our home country and Global Filipinos who live elsewhere around the world. They make up our far-flung, borderless Global Filipino Nation. Filipinos in the homeland are close to 90 million and growing. Global Filipinos number more than nine million and both counting. Every year they contribute substantially to our national economy and to the welfare of countless Filipinos in our homeland in Southeast Asia.

      Ideally, more Global Filipinos overseas should also belong and owe allegiance to our Nation-State: the Republic of the Philippines. They should therefore be enabled to enjoy the rights and bear the responsibilities of Filipino citizens in our homeland. Some of them may have to be dual citizens. They should be able to join political parties, cast their votes easily, and freely express their opinion on public issues. To make this condition a reality requires the unstinting cooperation and mutual support of our Government, private sector, and civil society and Global Filipino leaders and organizations everywhere. It also requires the amendment of our Constitution and laws.

      Paulit, bilang mga Filipino, tayo'y mga magkababayan; sana'y maging kapwa mamamayan din tayo ng Republika ng Pilipinas! Wherever we may be, as Filipinos we are all fellow nationals. All, or as many of us, should also be full-fledged citizens of our Republic of the Philippines.

      I have written a vision, Ang Pagbuo ng Mabuting Lipunan (Building the "Good Society" and World that We, Filipinos, May Want). Humbly, I'd like to say that I have evolved the vision over many years since 1987 in my study of politics and governance.  

Building the "Good Society"

We, Filipinos, May Want 

United under God, we shall develop

citizens and leaders who love our country,

and trust and challenge one another

to do our best to solve our problems.  

In our quest for "The Good Life" we shall focus

on the poor, the powerless and oppressed.  

Upholding truth, honesty and excellence,

we shall work together for the common good

of all Filipinos at home and around the world.  

For we are a Global Filipino Nation committed

to the security, advancement, and well-being

of all our people—and humankind.   

We shall build responsive, effective and

accountable institutions —our own families

and all other institutions through which we seek

to satisfy our needs and fulfill our lives.

With creativity, innovation and dedication,

we shall build  "The Good Society" we want

through good citizenship and governance

in dynamic and inclusive democracies

--under  "the rule of law."

A Filipino society united in its diversity,

free, peaceful, egalitarian, and prosperous,

progressive, nationalistic, and global too. 

A just, humane, and civil community

in agreeable, sustainable environments. 

A nation contributing its share as well in building

a peaceful, just, humane and caring world.

    In sum, a Filipino nation-and-global-community

           that is God-centered—infused with His Love—.

whose people love and care for

one another near and far. 
 

      As chairman of the 2005 Consultative Commission to recommend a revision of the 1987 Constitution, I asked my colleagues to support the effective political participation of overseas Filipinos as a modernizing force in our governance and reforms.  

      Responding to my draft vision and mission for our GFN, Victor S. Barrios emailed me in July 2006: "Dear Pepe: We are heartened by the realization that we are all on the same page in viewing the potential role of Global Filipinos in achieving a common vision and mission for the Motherland. We are grateful that you have taken the mantle of being an original 'apostle' for the 'gospel' that we wish to spread. We take the liberty of reproducing below the revised report on our Global Forum Mission to Manila."

*****

REPORT ON GLOBAL FORUM MISSION TO MANILA

28 June to 6 July 2006

By Victor S. Barrios, Convenor

Global Filipino Movement 
 

      Shortly after the release by the Consultative Commission (ConCom) of the proposed revision to the Philippine Constitution (on 16 December 2005), the Global Forum on the Constitution started an international dialogue among Global Filipinos on the impact and merits of the revision. Immediately after the "Great Debate" held in San Francisco on 24 June 2006, the Global Forum sent a delegation to Manila to articulate the position of Global Filipinos. This report covers the mission to Manila from 28 June to 6 July 2006. 

Objectives of mission. The dual objectives of the mission were to (a) generate public awareness and acceptance for the Charter goals of Global Filipinos, and (b) lobby for the charter rights of Global Filipinos.  

Mission composition. The Global Forum representatives joined 20 Global Filipino leaders in the mission to Manila. The Global Forum representatives were (a) Victor S. Barrios, Moderator/Convenor, Global Forum and Chair, Global Filipinos Coalition, and (b) Lito Gutierrez, Moderator/Convenor, Global Forum and Editor in Chief, Philippine News. Leaders from various organizations in different countries included (a) Offie Bakker-Mananquil, Global Forum Adviser, Global Filipinos Netherlands & Singapore; (b) Jun Aguilar, Global Forum Adviser and Chair, Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Global Filipinos KSA; (c) Bong Sukarno, Federation of Mindanao OCW-FEDMOC, Global Filipinos Gulf States; and (d) 17 other global Filipino leaders from various countries. 

Government counterparts. The Global Forum decided to zero in on the architects of Charter change. Accordingly, the representatives met with (a) Jose V. Abueva, former Chair, Consultative Commission and President, Kalayaan College; (b) Hezel P. Gacutan, Undersecretary, Charter Change Advocacy Commission (AdCom); (c) Rita Linda V. Jimeno, Commissioner, AdCom; (d) Lito Monico C. Lorenzana, Chair, AdCom; (e) Raul Lambino, Chair, Sigaw ng Bayan and Commissioner, AdCom; and (f) Ramon S.  Orosa, Commissioner, AdCom.  

Mission activities. The mission activities covered interactive discussions with key stakeholders and media, including (a) interactive meeting with government charter change counterparts; (b) follow-on meeting with Dr. Abueva; (c) meetings with Global Filipino organizations; (d) press conference; (e) interview in ABS-CBN ANC Talk Show; (f) meeting with the Philippine Daily Inquirer publisher, editor-in-chief and other senior editors; (g) meeting with Loida Nicolas Lewis, NaFFAA Chair; and (h) the formation of remittance/membership card development team cum Nationlink, a Philippine IT/communications company. 

How Global Filipinos feel about Charter change. Based on an opinion tally of Global Filipinos taken by the Global Forum, there is unanimity on the need to change the Constitution. There is also unanimity on what Global Filipinos want out of Charter change.  

However, there are divergent views on the content, timing and mode for effecting change. The Global Forum takes no position concerning a parliamentary system and federal structure. The Global Forum focuses on the promotion of what Global Filipinos want if there is to be Charter change. 

What Global Filipinos want out of Charter change. The charter aspirations of global Filipinos are basic, based on their rights as citizens and without asking for special treatment as economic heroes. They seek equality for all Filipinos: "At home and abroad, all Filipinos have the same rights."  

Equality means, in particular, direct and proportional representation for all, i.e., the uniform application of the formula of one Member of Parliament for every 250,000 people. 

Instead of relying on the legislature for the details of their rights, Global Filipinos would rather that the Constitution should enshrine basic principles without the need for legislation: (a) "Once a Filipino, always a Filipino"; and (b) convenient and secure absentee voting. 

Global Filipinos advocate the retention of the Party List Law to genuinely integrate unrepresented groups. They prefer that unrepresented groups have a direct mandate from the people rather than allegiance to dominant parties that would appoint them as "Partylist" representatives, as proposed in the Charter revisions. 
 

Extent of public awareness and reaction. The Philippine public was generally unaware that, without any positive action, Global Filipinos will have inferior Charter rights. There is general consensus that Global Filipinos should have the same rights as onshore Filipinos [Filipinos in the Philippines]. There is also a general recognition of the economic values Global Filipinos generate for the Motherland. 

Issues discussed with Global Filipino organizations. The Global Filipino organizations fully concurred with the position of the Global Forum on the Charter rights of global Filipinos. They all affirmed their affiliation with Global Filipinos Coalition and its commitment to the Global Forum. 

Global Filipino leaders urged the Global Filipinos Coalition to continue the past initiatives of integrating different Party List groups representing overseas Filipinos into one political force. They committed their organizational resources toward attaining a cohesive effort in the 2007 elections as scheduled. However, they stressed the necessity of providing adequate resources to support the cohesive effort, tentatively estimating the funding requirements at P60 million for the successful election to three Party List positions. 

The Global Forum representatives advised the Global Filipino leaders of the NaFFAA-sponsored 4th Filipino Global Networking Convention to be held in Hawaii in September 2006. They also referred to the International Conference to be organized by Global Filipinos in Sydney, Australia in September 2007, which will also host the 5th Filipino Global Networking Convention. 

Issues discussed with Government Charter change advocates, the Advocacy Commission (AdCom). There was general acceptance of the principle of equality of Charter rights for all Filipinos. The principle "once a Filipino, always a Filipino" had a positive resonance with the Charter change advocates.  

On the issue of Philippine territorial residence for MPs (Members of Parliament) the Global Forum representatives stressed the importance of electing the MPs of Global Filipinos, domiciled abroad, to promote and protect their rights in their host countries. AdCom Chair Lito Monico Lorenzana suggested the possibility of a Global Filipino to return to his/her designated hometown/province to run for office there to represent that place but not to represent overseas Global Filipinos. 

In response to the request of the Charter change advocates for supporting information, the Global Forum representatives reported that a total of 85 countries in the world allow dual citizens to run for public office. The European Union (25 member states) and the Commonwealth of Nations (53 member states) have adopted the concept of supranational citizenship. Under this concept, the citizen of any member state may run for public office in the Parliaments of the EU or Commonwealth nation parliaments, as the case may be. In addition, there are 8 other countries, notably the U.S., that allow dual citizens to run for public office.  

There was no clear signal on the stand of AdCom on the position of the Global Forum about retaining the present Party List Law. 

Recognizing the potency of Global Filipinos in effecting governance change in the Motherland, Dr. Abueva suggested the formation of a Global Filipinos Party. The Global Forum representatives stressed the non-partisan stance of the Global Forum and its convenors. However, they indicated that it was a proposal that deserves the serious consideration of Global Filipinos and would include it in their report to the Global Forum. 

AdCom views the then ongoing People's Initiative as the only viable route to Charter change, given the obstacles associated with Congress acting as a Constituent Assembly (ConAss). However, the extent of Charter changes envisioned via the People's Initiative would be narrowed to comply with constitutional requirements.  

The Global Forum representatives expressed the thought that, should the ConAss and People's Initiative fail to materialize, perhaps a Constitutional Convention could be a Solomonic method that would not impact adversely on the tenure of incumbent President Arroyo. [Both the People's Initiative and the proposed ConAss did fail in 2006.] 

In response to a query from the Global Forum representatives about having a Philippine institution of learning assisting in continuing its advocacy program, Dr. Abueva, Kalayaan College President, indicated that its Institute of Federal-Parliamentary Democracy could be a potential collaborator. 

Mission conclusions. Notwithstanding the uncertainty over the future of Charter change, there is need to continue the momentum in advocating the Charter rights of Global Filipinos. The majority of Filipinos favor Charter change, although there is a diversity of views on the mode for effecting change, in addition to the fundamental core issues of the form and structure of government. It seems that it is only a question of time when Charter change will take place. 

When Charter change finally takes place, it is necessary for public opinion to be clearly in favor of the Charter rights of Global Filipinos. Hence, there is great merit in focusing on consensus building in the midst of uncertainly over pending Charter change. On a parallel track, there is need to strengthen the ranks of "enlightened" and independent voters—an objective that requires considerable resources and focus of Global Filipino leaders and committed organizations. 

Global Filipino leaders fully support the goals of the Global Forum and are firm in the conviction that the Global Filipino community needs to throw its support behind one party. The decision to field one party representing Global Filipinos in the 2007 scheduled elections is premised on the availability of adequate human and financial resources. 

It is timely, then, for motivated and committed groups, outside of the Global Forum and Global Filipinos Coalition, to seriously consider the strategic suggestion of Dr. Abueva to form a Global Filipino Party. [Emphasis added.] 

Recommended next steps. On the basis of the observations and conclusions drawn from the field observations, the Global Forum recommends to (a) convert the Global Forum into a movement for continuing to vigorously and consistently promote the Charter rights of Global Filipinos, e.g., Equality for All Filipinos Movement ("EQUAL"); (b) launch a Non-Governmental Organization for the support of the movement, mobilization of voters and education of voters, e.g., the U.S.-Philippines Good Governance Foundation; (c) encourage Global Filipino groups to organize a unified party representing Global Filipinos, their families and all Filipinos who share the same governance goals, while maintaining the non-partisanship of the Global Forum and Global Filipinos Coalition; and (d) enlist volunteers and form working committees to flesh out and implement the details of the above next steps.

***** 

Forming Unlad Pilipinas: Party of Our Global Filipino Nation 

      In due course I acted on my proposal to establish a political party for the Global Filipino Nation. For this I used the occasion of the launching by Atty. Raul Lambino of their Party List political party, Banat. Here is my keynote speech in launching our new GFN political party.

Forming UNLAD Pilipinas  (UP):

Partido ng Pandaigdigang Bayang Pilipino 

Party of Our Global Filipino Nation

25 January 2007, Sulo Hotel, Quezon City  

A Vision for Our Global Filipino Nation  

Global Filipinos are Kababayan at Kapwa Mamamayan

Global Filipinos are Fellow Nationals and Citizens. 

      Inang Bayan, our Filipino Motherland, is made up of Global Filipinos who live in our home country in Southeast Asia and Global Filipinos who live in over 100 countries around the world. Indeed, we are now a far-flung, borderless Global Filipino Nation. Global Filipinos at home are now 88 million and growing. Global Filipinos overseas number some nine million and counting. Every year they contribute a great deal to our national economy and to the welfare of countless Filipinos in our homeland. They can do more for the modernization and development of our Homeland if we empower them to do so.

      Ideally, more Global Filipinos abroad should belong and owe allegiance to our Nation-State: The Republic of the Philippines. They should therefore be empowered to enjoy the rights and bear the responsibilities of Filipino citizens in our Homeland, even if some of them also have a foreign citizenship by birth, choice, or sheer necessity. 

      All Filipino citizens overseas should be able to cast their votes easily, freely express their opinion on public issues in the Philippines, and join political parties. And anyone of them who is qualified should be able to run for public office. To make this condition a reality requires the unstinting cooperation and mutual support of our government, private sector, and civil society, and Global Filipino leaders and organizations at home and around the world. It also requires amendments to our Constitution and laws.

      Bilang mga Filipino, tayong lahat ay mga magkababayan at sana din kapwa mamamayan ng Republika ng Pilipinas! Wherever we may be, as Filipinos we are all fellow nationals and citizens. All or most of us should be full-fledged citizens of our Republic of the Philippines.

      With God's blessings, let us put our minds, hearts and wills together to fulfill our vision for our Global Filipino Nation made up of Filipinos at home in the Motherland and millions of others living abroad.

      Let us begin by forming UNLAD Pilipinas: Partido ng Pandaigdigang  Bayang Pilipino, (Onward Pilipinas: Party of Our Global Filipino Nation)! And let me offer a statement of our Vision and Mission.

Vision/Pananaw

      A nation committed to the sustained reform and renewal of her people and governance, for the progress and welfare of the Global Filipino Nation; carrying out the Unfinished Revolution of 1896 initiated by our great heroes; and contributing to global peace and development.

      Isang bansang patuloy sa pagpapabuti at pagbabago ng tao at ng pamamahala, para sa kaunlaran at kapakanan ng Pandaigdigang Bayang Pilipino; Na nagsusulong sa Naudlot na Rebolusyon noong 1896 na sinimulan ng ating mga dakilang bayani; At umaambag sa kalinaw at kaunlaran ng buong mundo.

Mission/Misyon

      The development of good citizens and leaders and appropriate institutions, policies and governance that will enable us to achieve our desired Freedom, Democracy, Peace, Equality, Justice, Prosperity, Environment, and Solidarity under a Loving God. United in forging and enforcing the needed constitutional, political, economic, social, cultural, and spiritual reforms.

      Ang pagbubuo ng mga mabubuting mamayan at pinuno, at mga angkop na institusyon, patakaran at pamamahala, upang lubos na makamtan ang ninanais nating Kalayaan, Demokrasya, Kalinaw, Pagkakapantay-pantay, Katarungan, Kasaganaan, Kalikasan, at Kapatiran sa ilalim ng Mapagmahal na Diyos. Nagkakaisa sa pagbubuo at pagpapatupad ng mga kailangang repormang konstitusyonal, pulitikal, pang-ekonomiya, panglipunan, pang-kultural, at pangespiritual.

      With God's blessings, let us put our minds, hearts and wills together to fulfill our vision and mission for our Global Filipino Nation made up of Filipinos at home and millions of others living abroad.

A Political Party to Pursue Our Vision and Mission  

      UNLAD Pilipinas: Partido ng Pandaigdigang Bayang Pilipino is the proposed political party of our Global Filipino Nation that we are founding today!  

      Ang tanong ko sa inyo mga kapatid, kababayan, at kapwa mamamayan ay ito: Kayo ba'y sumasangayon sa pagtatatag natin ng UNLAD Pilipinas: Partido ng Pandaidigang Bayang Pilipino? Do you approve the founding of Unlad Pilipinas: Party of the Global Filipino Nation? [All of us who gathered at Sulo Hotel expressed approval.]

      UNLAD Pilipinas is a different kind of political party from most other parties. Overwhelmingly, we are a party of citizens who are not politicians. We are global, not parochial. We are driven by an ideology and a specific program for good governance, development, and reform for which we shall be responsible and accountable to the people.

      Our immediate program is to push for constitutional reform: a parliamentary government; a Federal Republic following a transition of greater local autonomy; major electoral, political party, and judicial reforms; and liberalization of the economic policies to bring in more foreign investments for the good of all our people.

      Above all, we are committed to changing the sociopolitical structure of our society for the empowerment of all our people in whom sovereignty resides. .

Our thanks

      Mga kababayan at kabalikat ng UNLAD Pilipinas: thank you for the honor and privilege of presenting to you our founders' Vision for Our Global Filipino Nation, and our proposed Vision/Mission for UNLAD Pilipinas. What we have done today in founding UNLAD Pilipinas is a historical, sociopolitical innovation.

      We thank Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe and our Redeemer, for bringing us together today on behalf of present and future members of UNLAD Pilipinas. May He bless all our endeavors in the days and years ahead. 

      Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas!

      Mabuhay ang UNLAD Pilipinas: Partido ng Pandaigdigang Bayang Pilipino!

      Mabuhay tayong lahat: mga Pandaigdigang Pilipino! 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Report of the First Global Filipino Conference 

by Victor S. Barrios

University of Makati, Makati, Philippines

8-11 May 2008

      Overseas Filipinos from around the world gathered at the First Global Filipino Nation International Conference, which opened at the University of Makati on 8 May. The four-day event was touted as the biggest gathering of overseas Filipinos.

      More than a hundred leaders, change agents, and key influencers representing organized groups of 10 million overseas Filipinos and their local beneficiaries converged at the University of Makati. The Global Filipino Hymn – music by Maestro Henry Torres, lyrics by Lanie Aquino, and interpretation by the University of Makati Chorale Madz Et Al. – was launched, together with the official debut of the University of Makati Chorale Madz Et Al as Global Artists.  

      The Conference started with the theme "Building the Global Filipino Nation for Effective Governance," which focused on high impact action programs geared towards the realization of economic, social, and political reforms and progress in the country. It concentrated concentrate on substantive issues of concern which will have logical frameworks that can be implemented and actualized. 

      Other event highlights are a job fair (local and overseas employment), and trade and art exhibits. The art exhibit was free for all comers and the works of various artists presented by Galerie Francesca. 

The Global Filipino Nation 

      The Global Filipino Nation (GFN) comprises overseas Filipinos and onshore Filipinos (those living in the Philippines) sharing the common goal of promoting effective governance for Filipinos the world over. We also serve as a global association of leading Filipino organizations onshore and offshore. 

      GFN is an unincorporated association of leading organizations and leaders onshore and offshore, including those in academe, law, think tanks, peasant groups, labor, media, grassroots organizers, business, banking and investments, consulting, OFW/migrant rights advocacy, youth, indigenous peoples, and foundations. 

Vision Statement of Ends

• Good governance in the Homeland, anchored on grassroots economic empowerment and resolution of issues facing migrant workers and their families, and with raised consciousness of a nation ready to move as one
• A strong and prosperous Philippines, under united, just and peaceful governance, strengthened by an effective political system where accountability and the rule of law prevail, with Filipinos in all parts of the world proactively participating in the mainstream activities of their Homeland and host countries, and whose migrant citizens proudly assert: "Once a Filipino, always a Filipino"

Mission Statement of Means

• Through a coalition and linkages with global and intracountry organizations and civic leaders, build a community of Filipinos worldwide and onshore, who are responsive, committed and empowered economically, socially and politically

To that end:  

• economically: develop (a) modalities for converting small and medium enterprises into world class players, and (b) innovation and technology collaboration between onshore Filipinos and the rest of the world
• socially: develop a program and mechanism to redress prioritized urgent issues facing migrant workers, whose families account for more than half of all Filipinos
• politically: mobilize overseas Filipinos for a strategic role in the Global Filipino Nation's struggle in nation-building and good governance for the welfare of all Filipinos in the homeland and around the world.

      As a result of the last Conference, the Global Filipino Nation was able to meet its objectives by producing action-oriented log-frames on various initiatives with a clear mandate from stakeholders. It has an all-inclusive drawing in of stakeholders from 22 countries and all sectors, especially the urban grassroots, which are the economically-deprived segment of society.  The log-frames defined the institutional mechanism to support the implementation of action programs.

      There were a total of 10 workshops, including (1) Economic Module: Converting small entrepreneurs into world class players; (2) Social Module: Program and mechanism to redress prioritized urgent issues facing migrant workers, whose families account for more than half of all Filipinos; (3) Political Module: Mobilize overseas Filipinos for a strategic role in the Global Filipino Nation's struggle in nation-building and effective governance for the welfare of all Filipinos in the homeland and around the world; "Innovation and Tech Collaboration" covering 6 interventions, viz: (4) Architecture and  engineering; (5) IT as a tool to empower global Filipinos; (6) Resiliency in Philippine Education in Year 2020 (RiPE2020); (7) Human Capital Generation; (8) Health care; (9) Bayanihan sa Hanapbuhay; and (10) Media as Change Agent (Media as a tool to empower global Filipinos).

      Overseas Filipinos and their families, in close collaboration with onshore Filipinos, are drawing up the blueprint for "Building the Global Filipino Nation for Effective Governance." [The blueprint consists of the following modules] (1) Economic Module, (2) Social Module, 3. Political Module, "Innovation and Tech Collaboration," (4) Architecture and Engineering, (5) IT as a Tool to Empower Global Filipinos, (6) Resiliency in Philippine Education in Year 2020 (RiPE 2020), (7) Human Capital Generation, (8) Health Care Initiative, (9) E2 Remittance System, (10) Media as Change Agent. 
 

Affiliated Organizations 

Global Filipinos Coalition. A major organization of overseas Filipino organizations and leaders. 

National Federation of Filipino and American Associations (NFFAA) The umbrella organization of Filipino-American groups/leaders. 

Filipino Migrant Workers Group. A major organization of Filipino contract workers 
Governor "Among" Ed Panlilio of Pampanga 

Economic Resource Center for Overseas Filipinos. A non-profit entity carrying out initiatives for overseas Filipinos and their families 

UGAT Foundation. A center for Filipino advocacy issues. 

Center for Strategic Studies. A think tank group at Loyola Heights, Q.C. 

OFW Congress. A major organization of OFWs in Saudi Arabia. 

Overseas Filipino Caucus for Development. A European-based group of overseas Filipino organizations.  

Institute of Migration Studies of Miriam College 

The Universality of the Rule of Law

      The 1959 (Delhi) International Congress of Jurists emphasized three principles of the Rule of Law:

• The individual is endowed with rights and freedoms, which the State is mandated to protect.
• There is an absolute need for an independent judiciary, bar and judicial mechanisms.
• An enabling economic, social and cultural environment engenders a life with dignity and the attainment of legitimate aspirations.

      Building on those elements, the Global Filipino Nation asserts these resulting universal truisms:

• The rule of law and its universality are one and indivisible.
• No one is above the law: the law should be applied fairly and equally to all members of society.
• The rule of law is a necessary condition to the country's political stability, economic prosperity, social mobility and positive positioning in the community of nations.
• Its absence abets disguised authoritarianism, while subverting the law creates anarchy in the administration of justice and sets back the country's development.
• Flouting and misapplication of the rule of law destroy moral values, especially the sense of honesty, and hinder the evolution of a mature nationhood, a painstaking process enough without hindrances placed in its path.
•  Citizens have an implicit trust that a functioning democracy guarantees the rule of law and, therefore, the behavior of the entire citizenry should be consistent with that expectation.
• Those in elected office should be faithful to the trust reposed on them, and those in the judiciary, genuinely free press and security forces should protect that trust.
• Those in public office whose actions are overtly or implicitly above the law have lost that sense of trust and legitimacy.

Recent and past extraconstitutional acts of military elements contravene the principles of the rule of law and resulting universal truisms. Assaults on the rule of law violate the oath of allegiance to protect the basic principles of our democratic society.

The restlessness of military elements reflects legitimate grievances against the Armed Forces' hierarchy.  Disciplinary and legal action may address transgressions. But, unresolved festering issues ensure a steady flow of undeserving players on stage.

Military restlessness mirrors sympathetic societal dissatisfaction with deep-seated issues in public sector governance. It is essential that there be a closure or an open, objective assessment of these corrosive issues: inter alia, the Garci tapes, the fertilizer scam, the North Rail contract and human rights violations.

We can no longer tolerate the flagrant violation of the citizens' trust. We now call on all concerned: the military and police, those in elected office, the judiciary, the media and the entire citizenry. Let us never again allow the wanton disregard of the rule of law. Only then can we thus collectively attain our common goal of building a nation marching as one.

It is the responsibility of civil society, including the Global Filipino community, to act with resonance and dispatch should the authorities and military elements continue to disregard the rule of law.

Partido ng Pangdaidigang Pilipino (PPP)

Party of the Global Filipinos 

      Acting on my advice that overseas Filipinos organize a political party, and perhaps encouraged by our launching in January 2007 of UNLAD Pilipinas: Partido ng Pandaigdigang Bansang Pilipino, a number of Global Filipinos in the Middle East organized the PPP. Several of their representatives participated in the conference of the Global Filipino Nation Movement in Makati. For its part the Global Filipino Nation Movement decided to remain a civil society organization of onshore and offshore Global Filipinos. What unites these organizations of overlapping membership is their common goal of contributing to the improvement of governance in the motherland, whose many defects and shortcomings exacerbate the condition of so many Filipinos in the homeland, including their own relatives.    

      In its website the PPP explains its nature and purpose as follows. 

The Partidong Pandaigdigang Pilipino (PPP) is the organized, purposive, and strategic contribution of Filipinos overseas to the long-term enhancement of governance in the Philippines. The PPP aims to organize Filipinos around a comprehensive, coherent, far-seeing, and feasible Program of Government responsive to the specific needs of various Filipino publics and constituents, present and future.  

The PPP offers a venue for national conversation, a discourse of discourses among Filipinos overseas and in the islands for identifying key national issues and concerns and for developing and evaluating alternative approaches. 

In bringing various Filipino groups into habitual debate on Filipino concerns, the PPP will strain towards national cohesion, always ensuring the generation of more light than heat.  

The PPP aims to eventually field Filipino men and women of integrity and competence who will harken to the Filipinos' yearning, and actualize their potentials for Good Governance. 

The conscience of the people, in this time of grave national problems, has called into being a new party—the Partidong Pandaigdigang Pilipino, born of the Filipinos' sense of nationalism, social and economic justice, quest for progress and demand for effective governance in the Motherland. We of the Partidong Pandaigdigang Pilipino dedicate ourselves to the fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations espoused by our heroes and forefathers to stand with the Filipino pride, and in today's reality - wherever we are. Join the (Overseas Filipinos Worldwide) OFW-Led Political Party Chapter nearest to your home, or jobsite. 

Join the (Overseas Filipinos Worldwide) OFW-led Political Party Chapter nearest your home, or jobsite. 

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Unity of GFN and FUN-USA 

      The unity of Global Filipino Nation (GFN) and Filipino United Network (FUN)-USA augurs well for the voice and influence of overseas Filipinos, their families and their homeland allies.  Led by Dr. Phillip S. Chua, FUN-USA is a benevolent humanitarian organization and an advocacy group composed of Filipino leaders overseas from various professions. The organization joins the movement to possess love of country and believe in the principles of justice, honesty and transparency in governance. FUN-USA aims to provide leadership, inspiration, and assistance from overseas Filipinos to aid in rebuilding and transforming the motherland. The ultimate objective is to make poverty history and restore the pride and dignity of the Philippines and the people of our Global Filipino Nation.    

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Our Global Filipino Nation, Nation-Building

and Governance: Some Implications for UP  

      Some Overseas Global Filipinos have worked hard to lobby for the enactment of the laws on dual citizenship and absentee voting. Thus far the novelty of these laws and the difficulties of registering by personally going to a Philippine Consulate have discouraged  most overseas Filipinos from availing themselves of their new rights. Internet voting is being considered. Learning from the rights of some overseas European and former British Commonwealth citizens to run for office in their homeland, it is suggested that overseas Filipinos be similarly empowered. If constitutional amendments can change our presidential government to parliamentary, it is proposed that overseas Filipinos be allowed representation by their own elected overseas representative in the Parliament.