Another three

Several more Third Force type movements have emerged. So far nameless, a movement led by Independent Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, actress Sharon Cuneta, Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros Baraquel, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and former Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta has surfaced. It looks pretty much like a Liberal Party faction as Pangilinan, Robredo and Nereus Acosta are LP members and Rep. Riza Baraquel is expected to be on the LP senatorial ticket.

Their target — register nine million voters in the next six months. As we said in an earlier column, estimate at least P5 per voter you recruit and register. That amounts to P45 million. Who is funding the group? Mar Roxas? A silent administration ally? Looks like admin strategists are on a “divide and rule” game.

Divide the opposition, divide the independents. Fund some opposition bets, fund Third Force groups. Neat.

The other new group advocating change and good governance is Artists Revolution headed by singers Jim Paredes and Isay Alvarez. In a TV interview, Isay Alvarez said their objective is to help young people nurture love of country. Their posters say “365 days to change.”

The third: ChangePolitics movement headed by former GMA DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman promises voter education and poll watching programs.

These new groups should now go to Congress and express their opposition to Cha-cha because if Cha-cha is rammed through, there will be term extensions and therefore there will no change. –Amb. Ernesto M. Maceda, Daily Tribune