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For the past 17 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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The Filipino Express recently caught up with the Liza Largoza-Maza, the “woman activist, parliamentarian and internationalist” while visiting New York. She was here on the invitation of Gabriela Network, a Philippine-U.S. women’s solidarity organization.
In this interview, the woman legislator discusses a range of issues affecting the Philippines including recent allegations on electoral fraud during the 2004 elections and the involvement of the president’s family in the jueteng scandal and its potential aftermath.
FE: What do you consider your breakthroughs as a congresswoman representing Gabriela?
LM: In the 12th Congress, I was with the Bayan Muna , I served as the sole woman representative. I was among the authors and a sponsor of the Anti-Traffic in Persons Act of 2003. Another breakthrough legislation that I co-authored was the Anti-Violence in Women and Children Act. These two legislations identified trafficking of women as well battery or violence against them as crimes.
In this 13th Congress, I am now with the Gabriela Women Party. I filed HB 4016, which is a bill introducing divorce in the Philippines. There is a need for this because as you know, all over the world, only the Philippines and Malta do not recognize divorce.
FE: There have been barriers for the bills you mentioned earlier before they were passed into law. Do you anticipate similar barriers for this divorce bill you have filed?
LM: Oh yes. The main barrier is the fact that the Philippines is predominantly a Catholic country and in the Catholic religion, the sanctity of marriage should be protected. Divorce is not accepted by Catholics because it teaches that what God has put together no man should put asunder. But of course I believe also that there should be separation of Church and State. And because now, the current legal remedies for those, for example, in violent and abusive marriages is not enough to address a marital problem. HB 4016 addresses those concerns, which is the main rationale of Gabriela Party behind this legislation.
FE: Do you have enough support from congressmen and senators to have this enacted?
LM: I have the support but I will also find difficulties. When we filed this bill in March, the president readily issued a statement that this is not a priority – the administration’s priority. Which was expected given the Church has a lot of influence in GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] and also because the president has not prioritized what is good for the people, in the first place. But then survey also shows that there is an increasing number of people who are now open to having divorce in the Philippines.
Our initial assessment reveals that indeed the public is ready. It just seems that some politicians are not ready because they are after their, you know, they have this traditional view that the Church has a lot of influence in the outcome of elections. But this is already negated by the fact that this is not true at all. For example, when Erap [former President Joseph Estrada], a known womanizer, and also Ramos [former President Fidel V. Ramos], a protestant, were elected into office. Also, several surveys show that even if politicians run with family planning or the use of contraceptives, which the Church opposes, as part of their agenda, it will not matter to the electorate. They can still win.
FE: Congress is in recess at the moment. Since you were away, two explosive issues came out: the alleged involvement of the president’s family and kin in jueteng and the alleged cheating in the 2004 presidential elections. Can
you comment on this?
LM: Well, even before this jueteng scandal – allegedly involving the husband of the president and her son and about cheating the 2004 elections, there was already a lot of dissatisfaction with the president because of the worsening economic problem in our country. High prices, low wages, unemployment and also corruption: these problems have long persisted, which the president cannot address.
That is why the Pulse Asia survey, the popularity of the president has been consistently declining and of course, the dissatisfaction intensified with the expose on jueteng and cheating. I think, frankly, it is just a matter of time. I think that even though legally the president may extricate herself from these allegations, she doesn’t have the moral authority to rule and that would be a big factor.
The economic policy of the president has remained unchanged, which is still borrowing money and increasing taxes to pay debts. That is why there is no relief for the people.
FE: Recently, Senator Pimentel has asked for the president and the vice president to step down and called for a snap election. Would this be possible? Can you comment on this?
LM: Yes, that’s possible. However, after People Power 1 and 2, I think the issue now is not a change in the presidency or change in the person or personalities but rather, it is looking deeper into what these parties or politicos have pursued or believe in terms of economic programs, political reforms, etcetera. I think the person who should replace the president, if ever, should be able to present an economic and political program that would really address the long-standing problems in the Philippines. That’s very important.
I think a snap election may not be a solution. It can be that it is enough there is a new president. For example, to take her position but also perhaps a transition in government with a council composed of representatives from different sectors. That’s something I think should be considered.
FE: There are also talks that former President Estrada is thinking along the lines of having council run the country. Do you think this constitutional?
LM: I would like to think that the constitution is anchored on the sovereign will of the people. If people believe that to be, then it is within the spirit of the constitution.
FE: So, this brings us back to Edsa Tres, you think so?
LM: Maybe. But that is something I cannot say. It is the people who should decide but as I said, more importantly, they have to learn lessons from Edsa 1 and 2. I think for many, it is becoming clear that it is not enough to change the president. What is important is look into a new direction, in terms of economic and policies and programs – to veer away from what the Philippines has pursued, which is import-dependency, debt-driven and export oriented economy. There is no self sustaining and nationalist economy that was pursued, no genuine land reform, not truly representative and democratic government. So these are, I think, issues that must be addressed if we are to put our country on the right track.
FE: You’ve mentioned economic and political problems of the country. Are there other problems besides these?
LM: Human rights violations. We can journalists, human rights defenders, church people, lawyers, and women getting killed. Not only the usual suspects but those who are protesting against the policies of the government, those who have legitimate grievances and those who want to express their grievances—they are being killed. And this is approximating martial law.
This is a very serious concern and now the president has issued an executive order for the institution of a national ID system, which is some of national dossier.
The anti-terrorism bill is also being discussed in Congress with Draconian measures such as warrant-less arrest, 15-day detention without charges, terrorist listing of organizations. Since I’m a member of the Committee on Justice, I am following up and monitoring these closely. The anti-terrorism bill is a direct attack against all our basic and fundamental freedom and the bill of rights enshrined in our constitution: freedom of speech and expression, presumption of innocence, due process, freedom of association, etcetera.
FE: If you were asked what to prioritize between a change of government and a change in the presidency, what do you think would this be?
LM: Actually, even without the change in government there are people’s demands that can be immediately addressed. For example, the workers have been asking for a P125 wage increase – that is reasonable. This is something that can be immediately granted considering that the standard of living has increase tremendously.
Another is debt-servicing. Other countries, even the U.S. have said they are open to negotiating debt relief. At the moment, close to 40 percent of our national budget is used for debt-servicing, which is automatically appropriated. This means that a large chunk of our resources are put into payment of debts while basic services in health, education, housing, subsidy for commerce, funds for job creation, etcetera are compromised. These are immediate concerns that can be addressed now, much more so, if a new government is in place.
FE: Congress has allowed the president to exercise VAT – the value added tax. What do you think is the impact of this if the president exercises her authority?
LM: It is going to ignite – the social volcano will erupt. It will really impact the everyday life of the Filipino people. With VAT, practically all consumers – all the ordinary Filipino buys everyday will increase. Not only that: Electricity, water, transportation, etcetera will double and even with a wage hike in sight, talagang magiging problema yan. Even members of Congress have recognized that when they were deliberating this. That is the reason...you are igniting a revolution.
FE: There are about six representatives from progressive parties. There are reports about progressive supporters in the provinces and urban areas being threatened, harassed or even killed. Can you comment on this?
LM: We think there is a policy to eliminate progressive party lists like Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis and Gabriela. Since 2001 when we started to participate in electoral politics and in parliament, we have successfully articulated the issues of the people, the political and economic demands of the most marginalized, we have exposed corruption, we have exposed human rights violations. It is no wonder those who are in power do not like us and would not want us to continue to participate in parliament.
Lately, it has been intensifying. They really employ all kinds of legal as well as extra legal means including extra judicial killings to stop us or isolate us from the people. However, so far, the elections in 2004 show that we have the support of the Filipino people.
We are saying that it is a policy because of the impunity and also the method. Now they have a CD Power Point presentation called “Know Thy Enemy” which they show to all the armed forces of the Philippines and the police identifying us as the enemy of the people, the so-called “front organizations.” They put up posters and the like demonizing the leaders of the party list and its leaders.
FE: Has there been any instance where any of the progressive congressmen and women experienced harassment or the like?
LM: Oh yes, For example, they bug our telephone and conduct surveillance. They host rallies that bear our pictures in their placards with all sorts of label.
FE: How do you cope up with this?
LM: We have the support of the people and because of this, it gives us confidence to fight. We know also that no matter what they do there is always someone to replace us. What we uphold are principles and we represent the programs shared by the marginalized sectors of our society. That is why I am not afraid. Even if they eliminate me, they cannot kill our ideas, they cannot kill the hope we collectively share for our country.
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JERSEY CITY --- When a senior’s workshop was held March 2005, many Filipino grandparents complained that their grandchildren didn’t know how to respect their elders. Some kids yelled to their parents and boorish in their behaviors. These kids, born in America, have lost the right Filipino values of courtesy and nice manners.
In an attempt to inculcate Filipino values of respect to elders and other inherent virtuous and culture, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) is holding a Filipiniana 2005 classes for six Tuesdays, from June 21 to August 16 to students. The classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 618 Newark Ave., suite 104. The classes are open to all middle school and high school students who want to trace back their heritage and discover their Filipino identity.
Linda Mayo, executive director of PACCAL, said many young Filipinos have no knowledge of Filipino values and culture. “They are identifying with their American peers and have problems with their identity,” said Mayo. Because of this, Mayo expressed concerns that the youth could easily be swayed to join gangs, take drugs and be involved in violence.
“We need to teach Filipino history, values and culture to these young people,” Mayo said.
Filipina Vergie Oroc, social studies teacher at St. Aedan’s Catholic school will teach the students Filipino history, national heroes, traditions, values of Filipinos. She will also share her experiences growing up in the Philippines and teach the students the historical and scenic places in the Philippines.
Oroc lamented that many students were impolite and rude to their elders. Unlike their counterparts in the Philippines, where children usually say “po” and “opo” when they reply to their elders, students born and raised in America are very blunt and many throw insults to their elders. Some students could be brilliant in class but very ill-mannered.
“The students should learn our values and be proud where they came from,” said Oroc.
During a rehearsal of Filipino dances, Isabel Tamayo, 9, was excited of learning some steps of a Filipino folk dance. “ It’s fun. I want to learn more about Filipino traditions,” said Tamayo.
Ivan Payumo, 17, said it was exhilarating to learn Filipino culture through dances. “Dancing Filipino is a celebration of my culture. I feel a degree of pride learning a native dance,” Payumo said.
“The youth is the hope of the future. We have to continue teaching to our children our culture and heritage,” said Mayo.
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In a bid to recover the historical Bells of Balangiga, Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Borongan, Samar, will be in New York on June 24, to drum up support in the retrieval of the two bells being held in an airbase in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Bishop Medroso is carrying with him signatures of 2,800 town parishioners from the Diocese of Borongan pressing for the return of the
Balangiga Bells to their province. He is on a US tour to promote a petition drive that was launched on May 8, 2005.
The bells reflect the historical ties that bind the U.S. and the Philippines and a symbol of spiritual connection between the two countries.
Other invited speakers are Professor Sharon Delmendo of St. John Fisher College and Bernadette Ellorin of the NY Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP).
The event sponsored by Philippine Forum and the Carlos Bulosan Heritage Center, will also feature a film on “Two Bells, Two Worlds.”
The film was directed by Bernard Stone.
“We are honored to have His Eminence Bishop Medroso as our guest for this screening with the Filipino-American community,” said Robert Roy, executive director of the Philippine Forum, a Queens-based organization fighting for the rights of Filipino immigrants, workers, and youth in NYC. “The struggle to bring the bells back home to the people of the Philippines is a long-running struggle for us Filipino-Americans.
We must continue to raise awareness of this forgotten footnote in American history, and uphold the struggle for justice for the victims of the Balangiga Massacre of 1901. We must support the call to bring the bells home to the people of Balangiga.
As an outgrowth of the Spanish-American War, dated 1899 , the U.S. attempted to annex the Philippine Islands, which led to a decade-long war against the Filipino people. By portraying a contemporary controversy over the return of war booty, two church bells, taken by the American military in 1901, this video brilliantly presents the realistic, untold story of that war and its legacy—the painful struggle that was waged, the bitter debate in the U.S. at that time over justifications for the conflict, and the ongoing debate today over its historical significance.
Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, the video interweaves archival film and photos with contemporary footage and interviews shot in the Philippines and the U.S. with descendants of participants from both sides of the war.
Historian Howard Zinn would comment on the history of American expansionism and its contemporary relevance.
For information, call Philippine Forum at: 718.565.886
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