Make good on vows to redeem Philippine politics - Gordon

Senator Richard J. Gordon (Ind.) called on the country to make good on vows to redeem Philippine politics and revive the transformational values that made the EDSA revolution possible.

Gordon noted that many had aired vows to continue the causes inspired by former President Cory Aquino and said that the awakening of the peoples' conscience was one more thing that the former President should be thanked for.

"After our nation grieves, we must stand and face the challenge of redeeming our country from the rot of transactional politics. We must put national interest above our own; we must believe we can achieve a vision of ourselves as ennobled, enabled, and free; and above all, we must do all the hard work that this will entail," said Gordon.

The senator said that vows are a good start, but explained that ensuring that they are fulfilled involves a lot of back breaking and heart-rending work.

"When my father, who was the first Mayor of Olongapo was killed, I vowed to save my town from the crime and corruption that led to my father's assassination. With no money and just a platform of governance, I ran and won as Mayor of Olongapo. With the help of my town mates, we were able to transform Olongapo from a Sin City to a Model City - but it took a lot of hard work and sacrifice," said Gordon.

The senator stressed that the elections in 2010 will give the country a chance to begin a process of transformation that would lead to better governance, the eradication of corruption, better education, the creation of jobs, peace in Mindanao, and an end to the yearly cycle of poverty and disaster.