-Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva
While attaining our vision for a Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino or New Philippines, New Filipino will be a long road, we shall persevere in definite stages until we all share in the common hope and say the common prayer that we are making and shall continue to make good progress. Succeeding generations of leaders will have to build on those achievements so that there shall be cumulative growth and development as we aspire to catch up with and finally overtake our Asian neighbors in 24 years.
OUR PRIORITIES AND COMMITMENT
The road to Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino is a long, arduous one. There is therefore a need to prioritize if only to show to our people and convince them that we can do it. We have what it takes to be a world-class nation. We need to break the spirit of indifference and skepticism among our people.
In the first six years, we seek to achieve the following goals, the Seven E’s:
To empower the people, we shall first ensure the integrity of the new automated voting system by subjecting it to various third party audit and stress tests. This will convince the people that the election mechanism can serve the interests of the people in achieving change through the electoral system instead of staging new forms of public protests. Second, press freedom and academic freedom shall be more strongly upheld by executive commitment and legislative support through appropriate laws. Third, there shall be dedicated desks in each public agency to immediately address the complaints of the general public. The Presidency shall monitor and ensure quick action on these complaints.
To emancipate the people, first, a quick judicial review shall be conducted of all outstanding cases pending in the regional trial court, appellate court, Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan and the Supreme Court complete with accountability check. There shall be appropriate sanctions against those found to be negligent, corrupt and incompetent. New cases shall be required to be resolved within reasonable period of time. If necessary, dedicated and special courts of law shall be established. High- caliber public lawyers shall continue to be provided to level the legal playing field. This is all about fairness and justice. Second, and in the latter part, there shall be learning campaigns about the country’s rich cultural heritage while efforts shall be undertaken to achieve cultural revival for the full blossoming of Filipino creativity to help the people realize that indeed they can be proud of their heritage then and now, rather than be ashamed of what we have become. This is all about delivering the minds and spirits of the Filipinos.
To educate the people, we shall do a quick multisectoral, multidisciplinary stock-taking to overhaul the existing educational program in the Philippines starting with first, the curriculum in all levels with emphasis on the sciences and engineering, mathematics and computer sciences as well as English and literature. Second, there shall also be a comprehensive review of all textbooks and other school materials to ensure the world-class quality of Philippine education. Third, there shall be quick and across-the-board adjustment of salaries of all teaching personnel to ensure a corps of dedicated, highly skilled and well-paid educators. Fourth, there shall be a quick review of all existing learning centers to ensure that only quality schools and colleges are allowed to operate. Fifth, a feeding program shall be installed immediately starting with depressed communities and provinces to spread throughout the archipelago to ensure the proper frame of mind and body of the students. In the latter part, two projects are in the pipeline: public libraries in all cities and municipalities shall be built and continuing education and training shall also be conducted for the senior citizens and those who are intellectually and physically challenged.
To energize the economy, a comprehensive 24-year program of economic miracle shall be prepared, leveraging on the existing programs and vision of the Government with a great difference: there shall be greater role for Government to direct the priorities of investment and provision of infrastructures to priority areas and sectors to achieve one overriding goal: to see a New Philippines overtaking its neighbors in 24 years or even earlier. First, massive infrastructure projects shall be implemented to ensure more than adequate road facilities, cheaper power, better utilities and communications. We shall build an integrated transportation system that will link air travel and sea travel to railways and road systems for convenience, safety and economy of the riding public. Research and development shall be harnessed to bring about modern and environment-friendly technology to multiply the efficiency and productivity of sunrise segments of agriculture, industry and services and all their ancillary industries. Second, and to ensure resources are available for these massive undertakings, there shall be a rethinking of fiscal policy: regressive taxation shall give way to progressive, simplified taxation to achieve higher tax collection and contribute to income redistribution. If necessary, new taxes shall be passed while existing taxes especially on financial transactions that stifle rather than encourage economic growth shall either be reduced or abolished. Effective tax mapping of all establishments and households shall be conducted to increase the tax base even while the system is being streamlined. Fiscal incentives to industries shall also be rationalized in favor of the provision of better facilities, services and infrastructures. Quality and directed expenditure shall be ensured. Third, we support a truly independent central monetary authority to ensure low and stable prices while the financial system remains safe and sound. The BSP shall be allowed to float its bonds for monetary stabilization. Its capitalization shall be fully paid and if necessary, increased. Sufficient protection shall be afforded by law to central bank staff and officers to safeguard their independence in the performance of their duties. Fourth, given the increasing need for more lands, the current agrarian reform shall be reassessed and recalibrated as necessary to adapt it to modern agriculture. Illegal occupancy of public lands shall give way to important public projects particularly in industrial and commercial zones. Illegal occupants shall be relocated in new communities where employment opportunities shall also be secured. Legal obstructions like right-of-way, temporary restraining orders by the courts, and so on shall be appropriately dealt with to ensure quick resolution of cases and realization of both domestic and foreign investments.
To elevate the living standards of the people, the manifesto of a common man shall be heeded: the State shall promote an environment where job and business opportunities will make it possible for every Filipino to have: (1) decent and affordable housing by rationalizing all government agencies involved in housing, leveraging on the resources of the GSIS and SSS or a new provident fund system with stronger terms of reference; (2) clean and safe water, electric connection and communication facilities by requiring current water, electric and telecom concessionaires to devise a consolidated system to benefit from economies of scale; (3) decent and affordable medical care by overhauling public hospitals and clinics and providing them with sufficient personnel and logistical support; (4) well- built and well-lighted streets, public parks and playgrounds through effective coordination between the local and the national governments especially in the efficient use of the internal revenue allotment; (5) reliable and secure post office facilities by overhauling the current system and increasing the pay scales of post office personnel; (6) regular garbage collection by institutionalizing performance review of all contractors and sub-contractors; and (7) adequate police protection by overhauling the PNP. Within six years, with ample resources from robust tax collection and a conscientisized bureaucracy, we want to improve on the old Philippines where public services worked and were highly-prized and Filipinos would never trade staying in the Philippines with living in other countries. Overseas employment is no longer a necessity but will be reduced to a simple choice.
To eradicate bad governance, we shall, first, encourage a covenant to be signed by the President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court that they reiterate their oaths of office and their commitment to carry out their respective mandates to achieve good governance, free of corruption in all agencies of Government under their jurisdictions. This is possible because with a robust economy yielding higher public revenues, salaries of all public personnel shall be increased to reduce their vulnerability to corruption. At the same time, performance review shall be institutionalized as basis for higher rewards for good public servants and severe penalties for the inept and the corrupt. And second, we shall establish greater transparency and clear-cut mechanisms for reporting and prosecuting cases of graft and corruption to achieve zero-tolerance for corruption among those in government and even in the private sector.
To establish peace in the land, first, the full force of Government shall be used to bring the Mindanao peace process to a fruitful resolution without compromising the integrity and sovereignty of the Philippine Republic; second, we shall invite the rebel forces to the negotiating table to impress upon them that under a new, prosperous and honest dispensation, all their causes shall be addressed under the umbrella of one Republic of the Philippines; third, while we speak softly, we shall carry a big stick by strengthening our land, air and sea defenses with modern equipment and weaponry as well as by providing high-level training for a leaner but meaner military force; and fourth, we shall strengthen our ties with both regional and global allies to more effectively address issues and concerns that transcend national boundaries and in the process establish the credibility and leadership of the Philippines.
What was the basic educational background of Bro. Eddie? Bro. Eddie completed tertiary education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now PUP, where he was a student leader and consistent academic scholar. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Economics and minor in Finance, in 1969. He was adjudged PCC’s “Best Debater of the Year” (SY 1967-1968).
Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.
He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.
Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.
The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right. Eduardo “Jon-Jon” J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Edelisha “Jovi” J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).
Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.
In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008). He has also received various honorary degrees: Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003); Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003); Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997); Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995); Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).
Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.
Aside from these, he was also given the “EDSA People Power Freedom Award” for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 (2001) and the “Gintong Ama” (Golden Father) Award from the Golden Mother and Father Foundation (1996).
Bro. Eddie has also completed various special studies: Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute (1987-1988); Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1984); Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1983); Basic and Advanced Bible Courses under Dr. E.W. Kenyon (1979-1980); Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School (1978); 14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI (1977); Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1977); Regular and Advanced Speech Courses, Speech Training Center (1970).
Peace and development go hand in hand, and we believe the solution to conflict issues in Mindanao and other parts of the country should never be settled through violent means.
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