Kabataan Partylist

First posted 03:52:15 (Mla time) 2007-01-13
Inquirer

http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/theenvironmentreport/view.php?db=1&story_id=43173
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=43173

IN 2004, all candidates were required to undergo a drug test before the Commission on Elections would approve their petition to run in the elections. I think not one candidate was found guilty of using illegal drugs. (They were not drug dependents, just drug lords).

For the 2007 elections, why not require candidates — from senatorial “wannabes” down to would-be local chieftains — to plant a tree in their respective “barangay” [villages or neighborhood districts]. Before approving a petition for candidacy, the Comelec should require a candidate to submit a certificate, signed by a barangay chairman, that he/she has planted a tree this year. Imagine the thousands of trees which will be planted in 79 provinces, 115 cities and 1,500 municipalities. This undertaking will complement the Green Philippines Highways project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Luntiang Pilipinas [Green Philippines] of former Sen. Loren Legarda and the one-billion-trees program of Speaker Jose De Venecia. (more…)

The Kabataan Partylist today urged national and local candidates to have a ‘green’ platform in response to the distressing recent findings released by environmental experts concerning climate change. (more…)

January 11, 2007

The Kabataan Partylist today urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to require candidates for public office to plant a tree before filing their candidacies next week.

“Planting of trees is the least candidates can do for the environment. Candidates will consume tons of paper for their election paraphernalia. They will dot the nation with huge streamers containing their smiling and ugly faces and many of these campaign ads will be posted in trees,” Kabataan Partylist president Raymond Palatino said.

“Why not require candidates for the 2007 elections, from senatorial level down to the local districts, to plant a tree in their respective barangays. A candidate can be compelled to submit a certificate signed by a barangay chief that he or she planted a tree this year.”

“Imagine the thousands of trees which will be planted in 79 provinces, 115 cities and 1,500 municipalities. This undertaking will complement the Green Philippines Highways project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Luntiang Pilipinas of former Senator Loren Legarda and the one billion trees program of Speaker Jose De Venecia.”

Palatino said the proposal is not a difficult requirement and has actually been imposed in a government program in 2004. He cited Student Assistance Fund for Education and Strong Republic or SAFE for SR which required scholarship grantees to plant trees before getting their subsidy.

He added that the COMELEC also required all candidates in 2004 to undergo drug testing before their petition to run in the elections can be approved.

“We should be more firm in obliging politicians to plant trees. They always profess their concern for our children and love of country. Well, one way to prove it is to plant trees for the future of this nation.”

“This proposal will in part instill a pro-environment consciousness among public officials. Environmental protection could be added in their election agenda. After winning or losing in the elections, candidates may continue with this ‘green’ crusade,” he pointed out.

He said the project will also be an opportunity to ridicule politicians who are known coddlers and operators of illegal logging, large-scale mining and timber smuggling.

“Imagine how embarrassing this activity can be for a candidate whose business requires the destruction of our environment,” he said.

“Perhaps nature will guide the superstitious on whom to vote in the next elections. The good leaders will breed tall and strong trees while bad politicians will produce only dead treelings.”

Produce more ‘environment warriors,’ education officials urged

The Kabataan Party today urged lawmakers and education officials to evaluate the present curriculum in all levels and integrate modules on climate change in light of the distressing findings recently publicized in the Stern Review. (more…)