Excerpts
In a phone interview Wednesday, Rodel Rodis shared with FilAm Star some of the views held strong by “U.S. Pinoys for Noynoy-Mar,” formed in September 2009 to help the Aquino-Roxas tandem win the Philippine presidential elections in May this year. Following are the excerpts:
On the choice of Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas tandem over others
We are greatly impressed with the competence and integrity of both Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. Unlike their major opponents, there has not been any whiff of scandal or financial impropriety connected with them. Moral corruption-free leadership is essential for the Philippines to develop and progress.
On the number of votes the group expects to deliver from the U.S.
There are not that many registered voters in the United States, but I believe more than 75 percent of us will vote for the Noynoy-Mar ticket because our votes cannot be bought and we have the ability to appreciate the value of personal integrity as an essential requirement for leadership.
On how U.S.-based Pinoys can make a difference in the polls
Filipinos in the U.S. have relatives, friends, and acquaintances in every barrio, town, city and province in the Philippines. We remit much of the $15-B a year that has propped up the Philippine economy all these years. If we can get Filipinos here to use their influence to persuade their relatives, friends and acquaintances in the Philippines to vote for Noynoy-Mar, then we will have made a big impact on the outcome of the elections.
On how the group plans to gain national (U.S.) strength, despite distance, lack of cohesive local/state groups, and other logistical constraints
We’re doing it. As we speak, there are chapters of U.S. Pinoys for Noynoy-Mar being formed all over America. This is unprecedented. No other political campaign has ever mobilized the Filipino community in the U.S. the way the Noynoy-Mar movement has. The great thing about it is that none of us are being paid to organize. It’s all purely voluntary. With the use of modern technology, we are able to communicate with each other more efficiently and effectively than ever before. Everyone is just one email click away. And through our website, noymar2010.com, we are able to organizationally connect with each other.
On the pledge to raise at least $2 million for the Noynoy-Mar campaign
We hope to raise the amount by April 2010. We would rather have 100,000 Filipinos contributing $25 each than 100 Filipinos giving $2,500 each. The amount is not as significant as the number of people who contribute. Each one becomes an investor in good governance.
On what the group intends to recommend to Noynoy and Mar if they win
Eliminate the private armies of the warlords and destroy the warlord system. Eliminate the corruption that siphons off so much of the resources of the country. Develop green technology. Support passage of the Reproductive Health Bill that will deal with the overpopulation problem of the country and substantially reduce the 500,000 abortions that take place annually because of unwanted pregnancies. Be more supportive of our overseas workers and protect them from the abuse they constantly receive.
On making a difference now
It is so easy for us Filipinos to just complain about the many problems of the Philippines with the corruption embedded in the culture. But complaining is counterproductive if we do not work to elect competent and honest leaders who can move the country forward. The Noynoy-Mar ticket is the Filipino people’s ticket to prosperity and greatness. We have this chance to effect change and we all better seize the opportunity now. Let’s support Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas.
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