In President Arroyo’s latest State of the Nation Address, the administration once again voiced out its strong resistance to the removal of VAT, saying that its cancellation would result in huge budget deficit for the government. To justify continuous VAT collections despite growing public outrage, Arroyo attributed infrastructure investments, government subsidies and economic programs to revenues acquired through VAT collections.

We beg to disagree.

We believe that VAT impositions on power and petroleum products as well as the 12 percent mandatory VAT collection on almost all consumer products are a burden that Filipinos, in these hard times, would be better off without.

The Catholic Church, the Opposition and even some of Arroyo’s allies are now open to the idea of removing the VAT on consumer goods to lower prices. Latest surveys show that a majority of Filipino families consider themselves poorer in light of continuous price hikes. Supposed subsidies and revenues from the VAT have not trickled down to common folks. As Congress sessions recently resumed, investigations are underway as to where the reported revenues from VAT have gone to.

We believe that the removal of VAT on power and petroleum products and other basic consumer goods is still the most viable and tangible means to provide immediate economic relief to a public burdened by high prices and bad governance.

It is high time for youth and students to add our voices to the clamor to scrap VAT. It is time for our SUMA-TOTAL campaign, to do the VAT Math and set the figures straight on burdensome VAT.

Stop/End funding for the corrupt Arroyo administration!
Save the poor and the middle class!

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Youth group gives out leaflets in LRT line 2 station

Members of Youth ACT Now! and its conveners, gave out leaflets in the Recto station of the LRT line 2 (Purple line) today at eight in the morning.

According to Youth ACT Now! spokesperson and National Union of Students of the Philippines president Alvin Peters, they chose this area as it is the most people-concentrated area during the morning rush. “We hope to connect with students especially for Youth ACT Now’s national day of action on July 10. However, we are not limiting the call for truth, accountability, and social change to the youth. We are encouraging all citizens to join us in this crusade.” Peters said.

On July 10, there will be a national day of action that will be led by Youth ACT Now!’s conveners, such as National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, Kabataan Pinoy, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, as well as its member organizations.

Youth ACT Now! called on students nationwide walk out of their classrooms on July 10.

“Now is the time for change. Acting now decides the fate of our country.” Peters concluded.

Reference:

Alvin Peters. 09206209362

Youth ACT Now! spokesperson

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:31:00 05/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines — For Joey dela Cruz, a junior Philippine Arts student at the University of the Philippines-Manila, the role of the youth is not just to participate in protest actions but to educate and create awareness through the arts.

“Through casual conversations or through creative means, we can let other youth know of the pressing problems of the country. But rallies are also important because classroom discussions are not enough,” he said.

Dela Cruz is just one of the students who share the same beliefs in pushing for truth, justice, and accountability. He is one among the hundreds of youth delegates from different universities across the country who attended the National Youth Assembly at the University of the Philippines-Diliman on Friday, as the series of protest actions against the Arroyo administration resume.

Different student groups headed by Youth Act Now! Movement declared “vacation is over, let’s strengthen our ranks for youth power.”

“Here are the youth, ready and willing to organize their ranks for protest actions,” spokesman Alvin Peters said.

League of Filipino Students (LFS) president Vencer Crisostomo said the issue was no longer just the national broadband network (NBN) deal scandal, but students would also protest the government’s inability to address other issues including the rice crisis, education problems, and oil price hikes.

“Kung hindi magsasabi ng totoo ang gobyerno, mas magkakaroon pa ng maraming pagkilos ng kabataan [If the government does not tell the truth, the youth will hold many mass actions],” he said.

Crisostomo said there would be nationwide student walk-outs during the opening of classes on June 10, to kick off the series of protest actions as a build-up for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

“Although there was an expected lull from youth during the summer, we are now ready as the start of classes nears,” Peters added.

Groups condemned the government for the: alleged attempted cover-up of evidence possibly implicating the First Family on issues of bribery and corruption; “gross and systematic plunder” by key government officials; the unresolved issues of corruption; and, the alleged misuse of government machinery for the “betrayal of public trust.”

Also present during the assembly were NBN deal whistleblowers Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. and Jose de Venecia III, and Jesus is Lord Movement Founder Eddie Villanueva.

“The youth did not take a vacation” Lozada said. “Rather, we should tell the government, tapos na ang bakasyon nila dahil nandito na ule ang mga kabataan [vacation is over because the youth are here again].”

He added that the government left the youth with a “sovereign guarantee,” where “lahat ng inuutang ng gobyerno kayo ang magbabayad [everything the government owes you will pay for].”

Bloggers’ Kapihan (http://bloggerskapihan.com) invites everyone to welcome whistle blower Engr. Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada to the blogosphere.

kitakits!

please text ederic (09193458000) or sarah (09193486790) for details

MEDIA RELEASE

Vacation over, full strength anew for youth power

Youth, students nationwide to hold National Youth Assembly on May 30

YOUTH ACT NOW! (Youth for Accountability and Truth Now!) announced in a press conference today that it would be holding a National Youth Assembly at the UP Diliman tomorrow, May 30, to kick off the opening of classes.

The National Youth Assembly will be attended by different schools in Metro Manila from the Taft, Katipunan, University Belt, Aurora consortia. YOUTH ACT NOW! convenors and representatives from De La Salle, College of St. Benilde, UP, PUP, Miriam, Ateneo, Adamson, St. Scholastica, UP Manila, UST, UE, FEU and Trinity College will lead the student delegation.

They will be joined by representatives and student leaders from the National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan, Kabataang Pinoy Party, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, League of Filipino Students and Anakbayan.

Some high school students and out-of-school youth from urban poor communities metro-wide are also expected to participate.

YOUTH ACT NOW! Spokesperson Alvin Peters also announced that delegates from the regions and provinces are starting to arrive in Manila as of press time to attend to the event. YOUTH ACT NOW! coordinators and representatives from Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon, Cebu, Bicol, Panay, Davao, Baguio, Ilocos Region and Iloilo will participate in the youth assembly.

“The National Assembly’s objective is to gather youth and students nationwide to renew their pledges and commitment in the fight for truth, accountability and social change. Vacation is over, expect renewed and reinvigorated strength for youth power,” Peters said.

Peters said that the highlight of the event would be the pledges and planning sessions of youth and students from different areas of responsibilities to carry on with what they have left off during the summer break.

Engr. Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada, Mr. Joey de Venecia and Bro. Eddie Villanueva will be guest speakers.

A firework display at the end of the program will signify the ’start of the school year with a bang.’ ###

Reference: Alvin Peters, 09206209362

May 30, 2008

1:00-5:00 p.m.

UP Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines-Diliman

Download the invitation here.

May 17, 1:00-5:00pm Basic Drawing
Lecture-workshop on the fundamentals of editorial cartooning. It starts with basic techniques followed by exercises on conceptualization. Class offers a survey on the history of the cartoons as a protest form.
Instructor: Prof. Neil Doloricon, Former Dean, College of Fine Arts, UP Diliman

May 24, 1:00-5:00pm Creative Writing
Introductory workshop on poetry writing in English and/or Filipino. It encompasses formal and informal writing techniques.
Instructor: Prof. Gelacio Guillermo, Art Critic and Lecturer on Emergent Literature
Richard Gappi, Chairperson, Neo-Angono Arts Collective

May 31, 1:00-5:00pm Improvisational Theater
A fun-filled introduction to theater using body improvisations, voice projection, listening skills, confidence and imagination. It involves exercises on breathing and relaxation, exploration of the performance space, creative movements and facial expressions.
Facilitator: Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA)
Instructor: Fernando “Tata Nanding” Josef, retired CCP Board of Director/Film Director Carlito Sigueon Reyna

Culinary Arts Workshop
An introductory course in cooking and food presentation. Professional chefs are invited to give a lecture.

June 7, 1:00-5:00pm New Media and Journalism 101
Will tackle the ethics and principles of responsible blogging. Forum will be co-sponsored by Bloggers’ Kapihan.
Speaker: Ms. Ellen Tordesillas, columnist for Malaya and renowned blogger

June 17, 1:00-5:00pm Leadership/Speakers Training
An introductory course for youth and student leaders, student council members, debaters and public speakers.
Facilitator: National Union of Students of the Philippines
6pm onwards – Commencement and Closing Program

Admission is Free!

For registration, please contact Ipay, 09293614592 or email youth.act.now@gmail.com

YOUTH ACT NOW! goes to Baguio
SC should uphold ‘public privilege’ over executive privilege

YOUTH ACT NOW! (Youth for Truth and Accountability Now!) joined other concerned sectors and groups today in the “Lakbayan para sa katotohanan at katarungan” to Baguio.

YOUTH ACT NOW! Spokesperson Alvin Peteres called on the Supreme Court to uphold ‘public privilege’ or the people’s right to know over executive privilege in the Neri ruling.

“We call on the SC to reverse its decision on the Neri case. There is considerable clamor from youth and students for the Senate hearings on the ZTE to resume, especially this summer vacation when students can vigilantly witness the proceedings without being limited by school work and classes,” Peters said.

Peters also renewed its challenge to CHED Sec. Romulo Neri. “The youth’s appeal to the SC judges also applies to Sec. Neri. Quit hiding under the cloaks of ‘executive privilege’. Our offer of support still stands if he chooses to speak up.”

Peters said that YOUTH ACT NOW’s delegation to the ‘Lakbayan’ to Baguio is part of the alliance’s ‘Beat the Break’ campaign for the summer vacation.

Youth Caucus in the Summer Capital

YOUTH ACT NOW! meanwhile announced that, like the Supreme Court, the alliance would also hold a session in Baguio.

He said that they would hold a Youth Caucus on April 16, after the ‘Lakbayan’ programme of activities.

Member councils, publications, youth and student groups and volunteers in Baguio City and nearby provinces are expected to attend the Youth Caucus.

“Our objective is to firm up our Beat the Break campaign with our coordinators here. Baguio as the summer capital would prove instrumental in carrying on the fight for truth, accountability and meaningful change, especially among vacationing students and their families,” Peters said. ###

Reference:
Alvin Peters, Spokesperson, 09206209362

On April 15, the Supreme Court en banc is set to take up the Senate’s Motion for Reconsideration on the question of executive privilege during its summer session in Baguio. Various groups will hold a caravan from Manila to Dagupan to Baguio to call on the SC to REVERSE its decision on executive privilege and uphold the public’s right to know. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE HIGH COURT UPHOLD PUBLIC INTEREST AND NOT BE A PARTY TO THE CONTINUING COVER UP OF CORRUPTION UNDER THE ARROYO ADMINISTRATION.

APRIL 14 – DEPARTURE FROM U.P.

10:30 am – Assembly and orientation of participants – UP Diliman Vinzons Hall Parking Lot for vehicles and All-UP Academic Union office for participants

11:30 nn – Mini-press con, symbolic action and send off

1:00 pm – All aboard – Departure for Dagupan

6:00 pm – Expected Time of Arrival in Dagupan

6:30 pm – Orientation of participants by Lay Formation House by our hosts in Dagupan

7:00 pm – billeting of participants

7:30 pm – Dinner

8:30 pm – discussion on SC decision, Senate MR, motion to inhibit and implications on the fight for truth, accountability and change (note: need lawyer to discuss points)

9:30 pm – prod work, fellowship, rest

APRIL 15 – DEPARTURE FROM DAGUPAN TO BAGUIO

6:00 am – Wake Up Call, Morning activities

7:00 am – breakfast

8:00 am – Departure for Baguio (travel time is between 1.5 to 2 hours)

9:30 am to 10:00 am – Arrival at Baguio and assembly at UP Baguio

10:00 am to 11:00 am – Protest program near SC rest house

11:00 – 12 noon – March along Session Road to People’s Park

12:00 nn – 1pm – Lunch break, rest for participants from Manila

1-3:00 pm – Rest and sightseeing for Manila Participants

1:30 pm – Press conference of Baguio groups with Jun Lozada – Truth Center (CRC Hall Bishops House)

3:00 pm – Interfaith activity with Jun Lozada at the St. Louis Center Social Hall

4:00 pm – Departure for Manila

for inquiries, leave a personal message or contact Alvin Peters of YOUTH ACT NOW! (09206209362)

Summer ‘08 Beat the Break!
YOUTH ACT NOW! sets up Summer Camps today

YOUTH ACT NOW! (Youth for Accountability and Truth Now!) members, students and volunteers today set up Summer Camps to showcase the youth alliance’s program of action this summer vacation.

Dubbed ‘Summer ‘08 BEAT THE BREAK!’, YOUTH ACT NOW! said that its summer campaign aims to provide venues for youth and students to sustain the campaign for truth and accountability and ‘prepare for bigger things ahead.’

“We commit our efforts and energy to ‘beat the break’ because we do not plan to spend our summer vacation in the usual ways. Summer vacation does not mean that students are taking a break from the youth’s fight for truth and accountability,” said YOUTH ACT NOW! Spokesperson Alvin Peters.

Summer ‘08 BEAT THE BREAK will be composed mainly of three components:

* Summer Camps will be composed of campaign teams from different schools with the goal to set up as many ‘truth centers’ in schools with summer classes, communities, local parishes nationwide.
* Summer Workshops on film-making, theatre and the arts, skills and leadership, and other discussions will be offered – all with the aim to train and encourage the youth to express their opinions and voice out their protest in their respective output.
* Summer Jam will consist of big events such as concerts, dance contests, sports fests, and medical missions with a ‘truth twist.’

“We will be announcing pre-registration dates and details of our Summer Workshops in the next few days,” Peters said.

All will culminate in a Grand Youth Action Day at the end of the summer vacation.

YOUTH ACT NOW! is also set to send a contingent to participate in the Mass for Truth sponsored by Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz in Dagupan City tomorrow, April 4. “This is to renew and reiterate our support for Mr. Jun Lozada. The youth will never waver in the fight for truth,” Peters said, on reports that Lozada is ‘at a loss’ without Pres. Corazon Aquino. ###

Reference:
Alvin Peters, Spokesperson, 09206209362