PHILIPPINES

CLD Voter Education Program Kicks Off with Film Screening and Panel Discussion

On March 1, 2025, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines' (PUP) academic organizations, successfully launched #YouthVote2025, CLD’sVote Protection Program at the Tanghalang PUP Theater in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The event featured a screening of the 1995 documentary Tupada '92: The Philippines in the Year of the Elections by Fruto Corre. The film showcases the political atmosphere of the 1992 national elections and highlights the uncertainty faced by 31 million Filipino voters. It emphasizes the chaotic election campaign and includes a foreboding glimpse into the future, including the return of the Marcos family to power.

After the screening, a talkback session was held with various panelists, including Fruto Corre, Director of Tupada '92 who attended via Zoom, former Congressman Erin Tañada, DLSU Political Science Professor, Kiko Dee, Executive Director of the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation, and Yanyan Arana, Project Manager of the FNF Philippines. They shared their thoughts on the documentary and its relevance.

Atty. Erin Tañada spoke about how candidates often make promises but fail to deliver, drawing parallels between the 1992 elections and the 2025 elections while Mr. Kiko Dee focused on the flawed transfer of power, noting that while there may not be violence, the political transition is often improper, marred by cheating and even coup attempts. He urged Filipinos to remain hopeful, stressing that elections are a way to hold politicians accountable.

On the other hand, Ms. Yanyan Araña discussed the importance of thorough research before deciding who to vote in the upcoming elections, especially for students, and pointed out the biases women face in politics. Director Fruto Corre then shared that the film was born out of his curiosity about the political situation. He noted that, even after 33 years, many similarities remain between the 1992 elections and today’s political environment.

The audience was then given the opportunity to ask questions. One student question revolved around the discussion about a noon time variety show contestant who seemed unaware of the COMELEC and its purpose. The panelists responded with an emphasis that political education should be included in the Constitution.

Another audience member asked about solutions to corruption, to which the panelists explained that it is a long-term process and that electing the right people in 2026 is key to improving the situation.

The final question was directed to Fruto Corre, who was asked about the disheartening feeling the film evoked. He shared a memory from his time in Eastern Samar, where vote-buying was prevalent.

The event also included remarks by Vernon Relox, Lead Convener of KALAYAAN and Kagawad from Rodriguez, Rizal, and Angela Tiamzon, a representative of the Young Thinkers for Freedom League as they introduced the #YouthVote2025 Voter’s Education Series.

The voters' education series focused on the responsibilities and rights of voters, emphasizing the importance of making an informed vote, both for local elections and party-list representatives and also safeguarding the electoral process.

Through the activity, CLD aims to secure collaboration with educational institutions to amplify the reach and impact of the program.

The activity concluded with the CLD encouraging everyone to take an oath to be responsible citizens who participate in political processes with honesty and integrity. This was part of the Panatang Malaya, Makatao, Makabayan segment, led by Geno Cumla, CLD Program Officer. Participants were then invited to sign a printed version of the oath as a way to show their support.

The crowd also chanted “Baliktarin ang Balota, Baliktarin ang Tatsulok,” emphasizing the importance of checking both sides of the ballot to ensure they vote for the right candidates and giving people from the poorer sectors a fair chance at reaching leadership positions.

CLD collaborated with academic groups from PUP Manila, including Youth for Animals-PUP Main, PUP Sintang Pusa, PUP Political Science Society, PUP Future Business Teachers’ Organization, PUP Society of Information Technology Educators, and PUP Guild of Livelihood and Technology Education Students, to ensure the event's success.

CLD Hosts 2025 Sectoral Summit in Manila to Shape Inclusive Policies for a Sustainable Future

A week before the official launch of the Voter’s Education Program, the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Philippines, hosted the 2025 Sectoral Summit: "Shaping Inclusive and Sustainable Policies for a Liberal Future" in Tondo, Manila.

Around 140 representatives from different sectors, including women, indigenous people, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and civil society organizations, attended the event. Its goal was to bring together these groups to discuss and prioritize legislative agendas that address the needs and aspirations of different sectors through a roundtable format.

The summit will help guide policymakers and members of Congress in developing laws that benefit everyone while being aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CLD Chairperson Gerry Bulatao opened the summit by welcoming the attendees and speakers and emphasizing the importance of event like this in strengthening democracy.

Atty. Leila De Lima, former Congressman Erin Tanada, and former Congressman Teddy Baguilat then delivered inspiring speeches where they highlighted the importance of voting as the first step in ensuring that the concerns of each sector are heard and addressed.

Following the speeches, sector representatives shared their concerns and aspirations. These will be compiled by CLD to identify critical issues and challenges faced by each group. This information will help create a roadmap for a comprehensive legislative agenda that reflects the priorities of all sectors.

CLD recognized the importance of initiating this project before the upcoming elections to lay the foundation for a legislative agenda for newly elected politicians. With the growing neglect of social issues in the Philippines, there is a pressing need for policymaking that is inclusive, grounded, and responsive to the needs of all sectors.

The SDGs provide a global framework for addressing various challenges. To effectively tackle these issues at the national level, legislative agendas must reflect the diverse and evolving needs of society’s different sectors.

Participants then signed the "Panatang Malaya, Makatao, Makabayan," symbolizing the commitment to include every sector in the policymaking process. This pledge is a step toward creating laws that are fair, inclusive, and beneficial to all, which is at the heart of democracy.

The summit wrapped up with a dinner, providing an opportunity for attendees to discuss their concerns in a more relaxed and open atmosphere. This final gathering aimed to encourage transparency and foster more open communication among the different sectors.