Perlas campaigns in Cebu

by Jhunnex Napallacan (Inquirer Visayas)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100213-253024/Perlas-campaigns-in-Cebu

 
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas launched his campaign in Cebu on Saturday with a promise to rid the government of corruption within his 100 days in Malacañang if he wins the presidency.

Perlas particularly cited what he described as the most corrupt agencies in government, the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“I will clean up the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue”, Perlas told a crowd of students at the University of San Jose Recoletos during an environment forum that was part of his activities in Cebu to launch his national campaign.
Perlas said it is not be impossible to stop corruption as many Filipinos think.

“It can be done. The first 100 days is important to demonstrate (the) political will,” he said.

He also promised to get rid of the smoke belching problem in Metro Manila during his first 100 days and in other cities during his first year in office.

Perlas said he would also issue an executive order revamping the anti-poverty commission and ensure a more comprehensive anti-poverty program.

Unlike the other presidential candidates who came with huge entourages in their university visits, Perlas was accompanied by a few of his campaign staff when he arrived at the university.

He spoke earnestly about his advocacy, the protection of the environment and how to prepare for the effects of climate change.

Unfortunately, attendance at the forum was not that impressive. The 600-capacity Center For the Performing Arts hall on the university’s fourth floor was barely half-filled.

Perlas told the students that he chose to launch his campaign in Cebu because he wanted to also give importance to areas outside of Metro Manila, stressing that progress should not be concentrated in “Imperial Manila” but also in the countryside and provincial cities.

Cebu was also the best place to launch his campaign because of its historic significance in resisting foreign colonization, referring to the death of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the hands of a Mactan Island chieftain, Lapu-Lapu.

“I want to start my campaign here because we will resist all traditional politics,” Perlas said.

He also lambasted an unnamed business leader in Cebu who, according to him, explicitly excluded him from the list of presidential candidates during a recent forum here for presidential candidates.

From the university, Perlas proceeded to the Carbon Market at noon to greet vendors and market goers.

Perlas said his intention was not just to campaign but also to listen to issues and problems raised by different sectors so these could be included in his platform of government.

From the market, Perlas attended an urban forum at the Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City.

Perlas was scheduled to officially launch his campaign at 4 p.m. at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, to be followed by Mass at the Basilica del Santo Niño.