By Atty. Howie Calleja
1SAMBAYAN … YELLOW? RED? ELITE? Many comments since the launch of 1SAMBAYAN have been hurled towards the movement. It has been given and tagged with many false assumptions which are mostly unfounded and meant to malign the very core objective of unifying all democratic forces. Four months after the launch, recurring accusations and false “labels” have been given by the uninformed and skeptics refusing to believe that unity is achievable.
Let me start by saying that 1SAMBAYAN has and will continue to strive for a United Philippines — a unity of democratic forces — with unity of purpose for good governance and a better Philippines for all. Whose immediate plan of a regime change is to have a unified Presidential, Vice President and Senatorial line-up to be presented to the Philippine electorate come May 2022 elections.
1SAMBAYAN’s ultimate agenda goes beyond the Synchronized National and Local Polls of 2022. It envisions an inclusive, pro-active and unified approach towards nation building beyond 2022. It will be at the forefront of the fight for Philippine sovereignty, good governance, rule of law, socio-economic development and jobs for all.
To dispel all these false assumptions and negative labels of being “Dilawan”, “elitist”, “red”, etc., allow me to give a little bit of history of how 1SAMBAYAN evolved and flourished from an mere “idea” or “thought process” to now 45 chapters in the Philippines, 20 overseas chapters and 50 allied coalitions, parties and civil organizations.
The idea started from a simple conversation sometime in July 2020 among a small group of businessmen and civic leaders. The idea was placed into motion to which the group designated me due to my neutral stand (having no political affiliation — not yellow, not red, not admin) which hopefully can bridge most if not all possible personalities and or candidates having been either personally known as friends, clients and/or associated with as an election lawyer.
1SAMBAYAN’s early beginnings started with our talks with Bro. Armin Luistro and Fr. Albert Alejo. In my mind, if I could have rivals Ateneo and La Salle in one table that could symbolically start this envisioned unity for the country. This was then followed by our talks with Justice Tony Carpio, who is a very capable leader with similar thought and aspiration for a unified democratic force. Then came Justice Conchita Carpio Morales and Amb. Albert Del Rosario, which added the gravitas that would inspire and encourage other similar pro-Filipino individuals to join the movement. Of course, to manage and make transparent all our financial transactions, Com. Heidi Mendoza gladly joined as well.
Succeeding discussions were then with former Cong. Neri Colminares and Cong. Tonchi Tonio from the legal left while rear Admiral Jude Ong (an expert on the West Philippine sea) and Don Santiago of Magdalo to bring in the right wing and Military. As for labor sector, we have Sonny Matula and Rene Magtubo from the Nagkakaisa Labor Coalition.
From this initial group our convenors, now 24 present member-convenors have broadened our coalition with the inclusion of two youth represent Rene Co (current UP student regent ) and Rae Reposar (student leader from De La Salle). Other Sectoral Convenors includes: Dra. Leni Jara (for public health); Akbayan’s Etta Rosales (for Human Rights); Sec. Ging Deles (for women empowerment and peace process); Cherry Barnuevo (for urban poor); Roslyn Legal (for farmers and fisherfolks); Joanna Concepcion (for OFW/Migrant Workers); Amb. Mac Lanto (for Muslim Affairs); Dindo Manhit (for political concerns) and Ricky Xavier (for inter-religious dialogue). Government luminaries which includes former Gov. Lito Cosculluela and former BSP Dep. Gov. Diwa Gunigundo rounds up the composition.
Yes we have grown, and we are still expanding and strengthening our ranks. We will continue our conversations and dialogues with all Pro-Philippine democratic loving Filipinos regardless of their political ideology. So how can we be called “dilaw” if a majority of us did not serve the previous Aquino Administration? We supported various candidates in 2016 and none of us played a major part in Otso Diretso in 2019. How can we be called “red” when the group is composed of both ends of the ideological divide? 1SAMBAYAN’s table of unity is based on what is best for the Philippines; and whose organizational integrity can never be tainted by the politics of personality, pay-off and patronage.
Moreover, while we are in open talks with perceived admin supporters or previous Duterte allies, these do not mean that we are pro-admin. It only means that inclusivity equally demands looking at common objectives and principles to move the country together.
To borrow the words of Sen. Frank Drilon, 1SAMBAYAN is trying to provide a “big tent” where all parties can be equally sheltered in a common clout for the betterment of the country. A Unity table where the interest of the country is foremost and personal political agenda on the back burner. We need to see the big picture, we cannot be out in one label or be a purist. We have to embrace and broaden our reach for a unified victory.
As the filing of candidacy nears and the election seasons begins, a lot of individuals and parties will join and align themselves in different forms and degrees of engagement but above all what is paramount is that we are all unified under one candidate for a better Philippines.