Flash! Padayon

2006-03-31T12:23:00.000+08:00

29 March 2006

Dear PAKISAMA Leaders, Members, Partners and Friends,

Last March 22, the Solidarity Committee (SOLCOM) conducted a joint consultation workshop of PAKISAMA leaders at the Institute of Social Order (ISO) in the Ateneo De Manila University. The result of the consultation would have been the basis for determining the direction of the planned PAKISAMA National Congress (general assembly of affiliates) - whether to dissolve PAKISAMA or unite and reorganize it.

As we have conveyed to you in an earlier communication, some individuals proposed that PAKISAMA as an organization should just be dissolved and its corporate existence terminated, claiming that there is no longer a basis for going on with the organization because the differences among the warring factions are beyond resolution and the best that could be done is for both groups to just go separate ways. To the uninitiated and uninformed this approach would seem to be the most practical and easiest way out.

But to those who have been with PAKISAMA for quite a while -- they who have spent a great deal of their time, talent and resources for the confederation and all the things that it stands for after all these years -- this proposal is a bit overboard. They know that the conflict in PAKISAMA is limited to a few personalities and that the existence of PAKISAMA as an organization should not be sacrificed for the inabilities of a few to come to terms and get along well with one another. PAKISAMA is much even larger than all these individuals and personalities combined that instead of it being sacrificed, it should be the other way around. The few who are in the vortex of the conflict should be made to step aside and give way to a new set of leaders to take over.

With all due respect to opinions on the contrary, this is the core of the position that the group of Ka Aning Loza and Ka Prot Naga, who has the support of a decisive majority of the PAKISAMA affiliates (17 out 28 peasant organizations), has taken in opposing the proposition to dissolve PAKISAMA. Their position supporting the conduct of a PAKISAMA Unity Congress was clearly expressed in a letter they sent to the SOLCOM and signed by the official representatives of the 17 affiliate organizations, along with the minutes of the Joint and Expanded National Council and National Executive Committee Meeting that was held on 18 – 19 January 2006 at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) in the University of the Philippines.

Copies of the letter and the minutes have also been provided to the group of Ka Vic Fabe which, as of this writing, is yet to submit to the SOLCOM a written position on the matter and the other pertinent issues at hand.

Even in the absence of a written and clear position paper from the group of Ka Vic Fabe, the SOLCOM has decided to push through with the joint consultation workshop. Just to facilitate the activity, the group of Ka Aning Loza and Ka Prot Naga concurred with the SOLCOM proposal to allow “equal number of participants” from both sides regardless of the number of affiliate organizations in each group, on the condition that each participant would present a resolution from the governing bodies of their organizations endorsing them as authorized representatives to ensure authentic and legitimate representation.

The group of Ka Aning Loza and Ka Prot Naga, despite the short notice, religiously complied with this requirement. All the organizations under its wings submitted such resolutions required. This fact can be attested to by the SOLCOM Secretariat.

On the very day of the consultation workshop though, the SOLCOM has relaxed this rule to allow many participants from the group of Ka Vic Fabe (who do not have the required documents) to participate. Some participants belonging to the group of Ka Aning Loza and Ka Prot Naga vehemently protested this, but they relented nonetheless, when Fr. Noel Vasquez, the SOLCOM Chair, apologize and convinced them to just let it pass to enable a greater number of people to participate in the consultation, saying that anyway there will be no voting or elections that would be held that day.

According to reports that came in, during the joint consultation workshop, short of making an open declaration, some individuals identified with the group of Ka Vic Fabe were agitating for the dissolution of PAKISAMA as a corporate entity and are not amenable to a unity congress citing numerous issues. This however needs to be confirmed since the group of Ka Vic Fabe as mentioned earlier, is yet to submit its written position on the matter. For the sake of fairness and transparency, we urge Ka Vic Fabe and his group to come out clean and make their position on the matter clear and unequivocal as soon as possible, so the people, particularly the affiliates and members of PAKISAMA, may know.

In an effort to come up with a concrete recommendation and workshop output, the SOLCOM, accordingly on the motion of one participant in the joint consultation workshop, has requested all the PAKISAMA leaders involved in the partisan conflict to step out of the room to allow those who are not involved in the intramurals to deliberate on the direction of PAKISAMA. Reliable sources revealed that when a straw vote among those who were left inside the room was conducted, 21 participants, including those who come from organizations that the group of Ka Vic Fabe has identified as part of their group, support and favored the conduct of a PAKISAMA Unity Congress. Only 4 participants, all coming from the group of Ka Vic Fabe voted against a unity congress and 2 participants expressed conditional support.

But in a surprising and strange twist, according to reports, the very same person who motioned for the straw vote, a certain Michael from the group of Ka Vic Fabe, after taking a rather long washroom break, belatedly tried to withdraw his motion, but was told instead that the straw voting has been done while he was out and a decisive majority has voted for a unity congress.

Despite the straw vote, no decision was made during the consultation workshop on how to go about with PAKISAMA. Some of the participants though are optimistic that somehow the SOLCOM would consider the result of the straw vote in the crafting of their recommendations to the court. Then too, on a more positive note, the group of Ka Vic Fabe apparently have been overheard to have expressed willingness to abide by whatever decision and recommendation the SOLCOM would make. But then again, it remains to be verified since there was neither an open declaration of such nor a written position from their group.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the recommendations of the SOLCOM and we look forward to receiving from them an official communication regarding the just concluded joint consultation workshop. As soon as we get word from them, we shall keep you all posted.

We can only hope that in the end reason would prevail and that the concerned leaders would realize that all it will take to resolve with finality the situation in PAKISAMA is a little sacrifice from them.

In this respect, insofar as the group of Ka Aning Loza and Ka Prot Naga is concerned, they had long made a decision and took the position that all those involved in the conflict should step aside and give way to a new set of leaders to take over the reins of a united PAKISAMA. As a matter of fact, this is the spirit behind the Joint Compromise Agreement that was signed in October 2005. We urge Ka Vic Fabe to exercise moral leadership on his group to live up to the terms of the agreement of which he is a signatory for and on behalf of his group by authority of the special power of attorney which they have submitted to the court.

Everybody has the right to express opinions, pro or con, and we respect that. But we do believe that the best that can be done at the moment is to let the PAKISAMA leaders and members sort out for themselves the mess. The least that we can do is to support them in this most difficult time as they embark on the road to re-unification.

The majority has spoken and keeps reiterating their desire to see through a united PAKISAMA, let us support them. If in any event, some people for their own private and personal reasons, could not get along with the majority’s decision to move on with a united PAKISAMA, let us respect them and urge them to just go their own ways without dragging the whole institution with them. Membership and affiliation in PAKISAMA has at all times been voluntary, in the same manner, those who want to leave are always free to go anytime. But for as long as a majority of the affiliates and members remain willing to go on with PAKISAMA, let them be.

Thank you for bearing us.

Samson B. Pedragosa
National Coordinator
Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)
Room 7A, Ground Floor, Bonifacio Hall, School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Emilio Jacinto Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 426 7785
Telefax: +632 426 7784
Email: pakisama@tri-isys.com
Web: www.geocities.com/pakisamaorg/
For news and updates log on to http://padayon.blogspot.com

2006-03-16T14:46:00.000+08:00

Joint Consultation Meeting of PAKISAMA Affiliates on March 22, 2006

March 10, 2006 - In its meeting with PAKISAMA representatives yesterday, the Solidarity Committee (SOLCOM) has scheduled a pre-congress consultation to give PAKISAMA affiliates the chance to get more involved in the process of amicably settling the conflict in the confederation.

The joint consultation shall be held on March 22, 2006 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at Room 3, Institute of Social Order Conference Center, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The SOLCOM has allowed each contending party to send an equal number of participants, with 33 each, regardless of the number of affiliates on each side.

Participants however are required to submit beforehand resolutions from their respective organizations duly signed by a majority of the members (if not all) of their respective governing boards. They are also required to submit a certified list of the members of their governing boards for reference. Resolutions in the form of excerpts from the minutes of meetings shall not be honored.

These requirements should be submitted at the earliest possible time before the actual meeting to give the SOLCOM enough time to pre-qualify the participants and verify the authenticity of each resolution to ensure that those who will be participating in the consultations are the actual, recognized and authorized representative of their respective organizations. This is to prevent any misrepresentation and to ensure that each affiliate organization is duly represented in the consultation. Only pre-qualified participants, meaning those who satisfied the requirements, shall be allowed to join the consultation.

The affiliate organizations therefore are requested to submit the requirements at the earliest possible time, preferably not later than March 16, 2006 to give ample time to the SOLCOM secretariat to make the necessary travel and other arrangements.

Needless to say, this activity is an important step in the process of resolving the conflict in PAKISAMA. It is expected that PAKISAMA affiliates would make their decisions concerning the future of their confederation. All the affiliate organizations are therefore urged to participate.

Pre-Congress ng PAKISAMA takdang ganapin sa Mar 22, 2006

(Marso 10, 2006 - Sa huling pakikipagpulong ng SOLCOM sa mga lider ng magkabilang panig sa PAKISAMA kahapon, napagpasyahan na magsagawa ng isang “pre-congress assembly” upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang lahat na kasapiang samahan ng PAKISAMA na makibahagi sa proseso ng pagsasaayos ng samahan.

Ang konsultasyon ay gaganapin sa Marso 22, 2006 mula 8:30 ng umaga hanggang 5:00 ng hapon sa Room 3, ISO Conference Center, Ateneo de Manila University sa Quezon City.

Ang mga dadalo ay dapat magsumite muna ng mga resolusyon mula sa kanilang mga samahan na pirmado ng mayorya, kund hindi man lahat, na kasapi ng kanilang mga namamahalang lupon o board. Sila rin ay kailangan na magsumite ng listahan ng mga kasapi ng kanilang mga lupon o board para gawing basehan. Ang mga resolusyon na hinango lamang mula sa katitikan ng mga pulong ay hindi tatanggapin.

Ang mga rekisitos na ito ay dapat isumite sa SOLCOM sa lalong madaling panahon bago ang aktwal na pagpupulong para mabigyan ng sapat na panahon ang SOLCOM para i-prequalify ang mga dadalo at i-verify ang mga dokumento kung ang mga ito nga lehitimo at tunay, upang masiguro na ang mga sasali sa konsultasyon ay sila nga ang mga aktwal, kinikilala at awtorisadong kinatawan ng kanilang mga kasapiang samahan. Ito ay gagawin upang maiwasan ang misrepresentation at siguruhin na ang bawat kasapiang samahan ay may kinatawan sa nasabing pagtitipon. Tanging ang mga prequalifed participants lamang, yung mga nakapasa sa mga rekisitos, ang papayagan na sumali sa konsultasyon.

Ang mga kasapiang samahan ay inaasahan na magsumite ng mga dokumentong kinakailangan sa lalong madaling panahon, kung maaari ay huwag lalampas sa Marso 16, 2006 upang mabigyan ng sapat na panahon ang SOLCOM Secretariat na ayusin ang mga biyahe at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga dadalo.

Hindi na kailangan pang ipagdiinan na ang gawain na ito ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng proseso ng pagsasa-ayos ng PAKISAMA. Inaasahan na ang mga kasapiang samahan ang magpapasya hingil sa kinabukasan ng PAKISAMA. Lahat ng kasapiang samahan ay hinihimok na makilahok.)

2006-03-10T14:50:00.000+08:00

09 February 2006

Dear PAKISAMA Members, Leaders, Partners and Friends,

We would like to share with you the recent developments in PAKISAMA.

In my previous email, with gladness, I informed you that the two contending parties in our confederation has finally come to settle their disputes amicably and signed a Joint Compromise Agreement at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 90 on 05 October 2005. For your perusal, I have attached a scanned copy of the agreement. In essence, the agreement calls for a sacrifice among those directly involved in the conflict and a cessation of hostilities, to enable PAKISAMA to get back on track.

Unfortunately, it is apparent that the road to re-unification is a road less traveled and full of pitfalls that we have to tread it ever so carefully. There are still a few stumbling blocks that we need to overcome before we would be able to realize our objective of having a united PAKISAMA.

Here are the significant developments.

05 October 2005

Joint Compromise Agreement (JCA) signed by both parties and submitted to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC) Branch 90. The presiding judge, Hon. Reynaldo Daway rendered a decision affirming the JCA and ordering all the parties concerned to “strictly comply with the terms and conditions thereof.”

14 October 2005

First meeting of the members of the Solidarity Committee (SOLCOM) to confirm their willingness to participate in the process of PAKISAMA re-unification. The SOLCOM members include the lawyers of each party, Atty. Sonny Matula (for Aning Loza and Prot Naga) and Atty. Mario Maderazo (for Vic Fabe, et.al), Ms. Dinky Soliman (former Philippine Social Welfare Secretary) and Fr. Noel Vasquez, S.J., who was chosen as the committee chairperson. Fr. Vasquez did not make it to the meeting yet sent word that he is willing to participate. Mr. Prot Naga and Mr. Vic Fabe also attended the meeting which was held at the Kenny Rogers Restaurant, Katipunan Branch, Quezon City. The SOLCOM set the date of the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS on 14 – 15 December 2005.

02 November 2005

The SOLCOM met to discuss the JCA and the details on how to conduct the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS. They agreed that Dinky Soliman will lead the preparation of the congress design and facilitate the actual conduct of the congress. The two lawyers will take care of the legal matters and requirements. Mr. Prot Naga and Mr. Vic Fabe also attended the meeting which was held at the Mocha Blend Café on Matalino Street, Quezon City.

08 November 2005

The SOLCOM met at the office of Fr. Noel Vasquez in the Jesuit House on Gonzales Street, Loyola Heights Subdivision. All the SOLCOM members were present. Mr. Aning Loza, Mr. Prot Naga and Mr. Vic Fabe also attended the meeting. Fr. Noel promised to put upfront funds for the initial operations of the SOLCOM until such time that the restrictions on the PAKISAMA funds are lifted to finance the process.

19 November 2005

The SOLCOM met at the Institute of Social Order (ISO) in the Ateneo de Manila University to discuss plans for the regional caucuses that will be conducted as part of the process.

30 November 2005

The SOLCOM met at the CSP Building at the Ateneo de Manila University where an office was established for its operations. The SOLCOM decided to move the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS to 13 -14 January 2006 to give enough time for the preparations.

02 December 2005

The SOLCOM conducted consultation with PAKISAMA Affiliate Organizations in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao

04 December 2005

The SOLCOM conducted consultation with PAKISAMA Affiliate Organizations in Davao City, Mindanao

07 December 2005

The SOLCOM met with the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) of the Group of Mr. Aning Loza and Mr. Prot Naga at the CSP Building in the Ateneo De Manila University. They concurred with the decision to hold the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS to 13 -14 January 2006.

08 December 2005

The SOLCOM met with the National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) of the Group of Mr. Vic Fabe.

10 December 2005

The SOLCOM conducted consultation with PAKISAMA Affiliate Organizations in the Visayas in Iloilo City.

14 December 2005

Sam Pedragosa turned over one (1) unit of desktop computer to the SOLCOM Secretariat for its use.

19 December 2005

The SOLCOM conducted consultation with PAKISAMA Affiliate Organizations in Luzon (Group of Mr. Aning Loza and Mr. Prot Naga).

20 December 2005

The SOLCOM conducted consultation with PAKISAMA Affiliate Organizations in Luzon (Group of Mr. Vic Fabe).

10 January 2006

The SOLCOM met with Mr. Aning Loza, Mr. Prot Naga and Mr. Vic Fabe. Dinky Soliman presented her proposal that instead of conducting the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS, the SOLCOM would just facilitate the orderly dissolution of PAKISAMA, purportedly because, according to her, the wounds and conflict in the organization is beyond healing and repair. Mr. Aning Loza and Mr. Prot Naga vehemently protested against the proposal and declared that dissolution is not an option. They said that the conflict in PAKISAMA is limited to only a few people, including them, that is why the JCA specifically bar these people from participating in the elections, to give PAKISAMA a new set of leaders who are united. The SOLCOM proposed that both groups consult their respective affiliates regarding this proposal.

11 January 2006

Sam Pedragosa turned over to the SOLCOM the original FPSDC Certificate of Special Deposit No. 0001 covering the initial amount of One Million Five Hundred Philippine Pesos (Php 1,500,000.00) but now has grown by more than a hundred thousand in interest earnings. The SOLCOM will use the money for their operations and other expenses that will be incurred in the process.

18 – 19 January 2006

The group of Mr. Aning Loza and Mr. Prot Naga conducted an Expanded Joint National Council and National Executive Committee Meeting to discuss the “Dinky Soliman Proposal for PAKISAMA Dissolution.” The meeting was attended by representatives from 16 (out of 28) PAKISAMA affiliate organizations plus representatives from PAKISAMA-affiliated national sectoral federations, LAKAMBINI (women) and MAMAMAYAN (fisherfolks). The group decided that dissolution is not an option, that the mandate of the SOLCOM is to conduct the PAKISAMA UNITY CONGRESS and not to DISSOLVE PAKISAMA and terminate its existence. The group decided to write the SOLCOM a letter expressing their decisions.

31 January 2006

Sam Pedragosa transmitted the minutes of the Expanded Joint NC-NEXCOM Meeting, including the letter, to the SOLCOM.

02 February 2006

The SOLCOM met with Mr. Aning Loza, Mr. Prot Naga, Mr. Vic Fabe and Mr. Roger Paglinawan. Dinky Soliman did not make it to the meeting. The meeting discussed the results of the meeting that the group of Mr. Loza and Mr. Naga conducted. The SOLCOM decided to conduct a PAKISAMA Pre-Congress Assembly to determine whether a majority of the PAKISAMA affiliates prefer UNITY CONGRESS or a CONGRESS OF DISSOLUTION.

07 February 2006

Sam Pedragosa turned over to the SOLCOM eight (8) Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (MBTC) and one (1) Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) passbooks for the following PAKISAMA accounts:

1. RCBC PAKISAMA Account No. 8-193-00109-3 (US$ 2,429.57)
2. MBTC PAKISAMA-IGP Account No. 093-3-09350175-7 (PhP 217,153.26)3. MBTC PAKISAMA GRF Account No. 093-3-09350703-8 (PhP 53,316.55)
4. MBTC PAKISAMA GOF Account No. 093-3-09350060-2 (PhP 955.53)
5. MBTC PAKISAMA Bilance (BED) Acct. 093-3-09350131-5 (PhP 5,574,65
6. MBTC PAKISAMA INC. Account No. 093-3-01133209-9 (PhP 43,421.49)
7. MBTC PAKISAMA Arbieter Account No. 093-3-09350135-8 (PhP 157,855.22)8. MBTC PAKISAMA Minor Account No. 093-3-09350136-6 (PhP 54,692.39)
9. MBTC PAKISAMA Miserior Account No. 093-3-09312908-4 (PhP 20,394.13)

08 February 2006

Sam Pedragosa turned over to the SOLCOM the original MTBC METROFUND Confirmation of Participation (COP) No. 103388 in the name of PAKISAMA covering the initial amount of One Million Pesos (PhP 1,000,000.00) but has now grown by more than two hundred thousand pesos in interest earnings.

The SOLCOM will meet again on 07 March 2006 to discuss details on how the PAKISAMA Pre-Congress Assembly shall be conducted. I have already informed our affiliate organizations about this good news, since they were the ones really insisting to have this activity and we are glad that the SOLCOM has finally relented to their demand. They are eagerly awaiting the results of the next SOLCOM meeting, specifically on the manner of participation and representation in the PAKISAMA Pre-Congress Assembly.

As I mentioned earlier in this letter, the road to PAKISAMA re-unification is full of unseen pitfalls and stumbling blocks. We have come to realize that there are really shadowy individuals who are too eager to see PAKISAMA die. Just like vultures, hovering around a dying mammal, waiting for it to take its last breathe, and then feasting on its carcass, these people want to see our confederation dissolved and then they will pick up whatever is left of it to form an organization that they hope would be malleable enough to suit their own grand design. Woe to the peasants and the basic sector!

We have it from very reliable sources that some people identified with the other group in PAKISAMA, are leaving no stones unturned trying to convince some of our affiliates into boycotting the PAKISAMA Unity Congress or whatever activities aimed at re-unification. They prefer instead to see PAKISAMA dissolved and its existence terminated. For whatever reasons, they are doing this, we do not know, but certainly it is driven by self-interests.

We have come to realize that from the very beginning, this was the grand design. It is now up to our members to decide for themselves, this is the best time to prove that the right to self-determination is not just an empty rhetoric and slogan.

We do not ask anything of you more than that whether PAKISAMA shall endure or not, it should be a decision that only the members alone should decide, and must be done in a manner that is transparent and judicious, through a process that respects the right of our members to decide for themselves.

We come to the negotiation table with clean hands and in good faith. This is manifested by our constant turning over of pertinent PAKISAMA documents not limited to our financial accounts. This is borne out by the desires of our members and leaders to once again see a united PAKISAMA, and the majority has spoken against the dissolution, and they are eager to prove it during the pre-congress assembly of all the PAKISAMA affiliates and at the PAKISAMA Unity Congress.

We hope the SOLCOM shall remain steadfast in the pursuit of its mandate and respect the will of the majority.

We shall keep you updated on every twist and turn on the saga that is PAKISAMA, this we assure you.

Samson B. Pedragosa
National Coordinator
Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)
Room 7A, Ground Floor, Bonifacio Hall, School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Emilio Jacinto Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 426 7785
Telefax: +632 426 7784
Email: pakisama@tri-isys.com

2005-10-05T14:19:00.000+08:00

05 October 2005

Dear PAKISAMA Leaders, Members, Partners and Friends,

We would like to share the good news with you!

Before the sala of Judge Daway of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 90, the contending parties in PAKISAMA signed a joint compromise agreement to settle finally the lingering disputes in the confederation.

The agreements are as follows:

1. A PAKISAMA Unity Congress shall be held in November 2005 at a specific date to be agreed by the parties;

2. A court-supervised SOLIDARITY committee shall convene and facilitate the PAKISAMA Unity Congress following the Constitutional framework of PAKISAMA. The Committee shall ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election including the smooth transitions and stabilization of the leadership of the newly elected officers. The following shall be the members of the Committee:

2.1 Fr. Noel Vasquez, SJ - Chairperson
2.2 Dinky Soliman - Member
2.3 Atty. Sonny Matula - Member
2.4 Atty. Mario E. Maderazo - Member
2.5 To be identified - Member
2.6 To be identified - Member

Additional members shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall likewise be authorized to mobilize and tap the services of the committee staff duly hired and engaged for the said purpose, as it deem necessary in the course of the performance of its function and give effect to its authority outlined in this agreement.

3. The committee tasked to convene and facilitate the congress shall be authorized to utilize the existing PAKISAMA funds held in banks and other financial institutions for this purpose. The court shall cause the lifting of restrictions over these funds to enable the committee to carry out its mandate.

4. New PAKISAMA Confederation officers shall be elected during the congress of unity. The elected officers shall serve office until the next regular PAKISAMA National Congress and shall be vested with all the authorities of their office as provided for in the PAKISAMA Constitution and By-laws, the Corporation Code of the Philippines, and other applicable and related Philippines laws.

5. The new set of PAKISAMA Confederation officers shall decide all issues of accountabilities concerning the confederation.

6. Participation and representation to the congress of unity shall be proportional and based on the actual, updated, and paid membership dues of each PAKISAMA affiliate organization covering the period 01 January 2003 to 30 September 2005. Each affiliate organization shall have until the first day of the congress, specifically during the registration period, to update and pay the required and outstanding membership dues.

7. The members of the National Council (NC) and National Executive Committee (NEXCOM) during the term 2002 – 2005 shall be allowed to participate in the Congress of Unity, to vote in the election but by their mutual agreement shall NOT run or run as candidates for any position at least during this congress.

8. Each party shall refrain from any retaliatory acts against each other.

9. Both parties shall cause the withdrawal of any, and all cases filed against each other.

10. All legitimate expenses incurred by both parties during the pendency of the controversy sought to be settled by this agreement shall be paid through the funds of PAKISAMA deposited in various accounts in different banks. Legitimate expenses shall mean those expenses duly receipted and properly audited. This include but not limited to the payment of SSS, Pag-Ibig, BIR, unpaid salaries, office rentals, legal expenses, among others.

We hope that with these agreements a stronger PAKISAMA shall emerge. With your support, we believe we can do it. We thank you for bearing with us.

2005-08-23T17:30:00.000+08:00

04 April 2005

Dear PAKISAMA Leaders, Members, Partners and Friends,

We would like to update you on the developments in PAKISAMA.

This year being a PAKISAMA congress year, we are trying to reach out to all concerned parties in an effort to have them cooperate in the holding of the 7th PAKISAMA National Congress, the general assembly of PAKISAMA affiliate organizations.

We hope that this time we could convince them to join rank with us, once and for all, to resolve with finality the lingering disputes in our confederation so we could all move forward a united PAKISAMA that would once again be able to focus its efforts and resources to its core business of advocating peasant issues and implementing projects for the betterment of the lives of its constituents and members – small farmers, fisher folks, rural women and indigenous peoples.

To convince all parties to come to the fold, we have proposed the following:

1. That in order to expedite the resolution of the conflict, both parties shall agree and consent to an alternative mode of dispute resolution in the form of having a court-appointed receiver acceptable to both parties, to manage PAKISAMA ad interim for the specific purpose of preparing and convening the 7th PAKISAMA National Congress in August 2005.

2. The court-appointed PAKISAMA receiver shall be vested with full authority to perform its duties and to accomplish the purpose of its appointment. These shall include, but not limited to, the power to mobilize, utilize and dispense existing PAKISAMA resources, including funds and equipment, subject to the usual and legally accepted accounting procedures, to accomplish the mandated purpose of its appointment, and all other authorities as may be necessary and required to effectively and efficiently carry out the mandated tasks.

3. Both parties shall respect and abide by the decisions of the court-appointed receiver with regards to the way and manner in which the 7th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress shall be conducted, subject to the applicable provisions of the PAKISAMA CBL, the Corporate Code of the Philippines and other related Philippine laws, and to the following conditions:

3.1 The recognized affiliate organizations of PAKISAMA shall have equal representation in the 7th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress.

3.2 All elected officers during the 6th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress and other personalities (including members, staff and employees) and institutions known, identified and perceived by either or both parties to have been involved in the conflict either directly or indirectly, and in any manner whatsoever, shall not be allowed to participate in the 7th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress or even be allowed to get anywhere near the venue of the activity and its premises.

3.3 Only official delegates shall be allowed to participate in the 7th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress. To be acknowledged and recognized as such, affiliate PO representatives shall be required to present three (3) copies of duly notarized and certified resolutions from the Board of Trustees (BOT) of their organizations and/or other equivalent governing bodies or authorities, declaring them as their official delegates to the 7th PAKISAMA National Congress.

4. That both parties shall abide by the decisions of the 7th PAKISAMA National Congress, a report on the proceedings of which shall be submitted and manifested to the court for official sanction and for record purposes.

5. That the receiver shall turn over the management of PAKISAMA to the new set of officers that will be elected during the 7th PAKISAMA National Congress.

6. That both parties shall take cognizance of and acknowledge the new set of officers elected during the 7th Regular PAKISAMA National Congress as the sole and legitimate authority in PAKISAMA henceforth.

We have made these proposals in good faith to resolve with finality the disputes in PAKISAMA for the sake of the confederation and its constituencies. We could only hope that enlightenment will finally descend on all parties and personalities concerned to welcome this proposal with an open mind and work towards the healing of PAKISAMA.

Together we shall save PAKISAMA or we shall all perish with it.

At this juncture, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and for standing with us during this difficult time.

2005-08-23T16:27:00.000+08:00

Coming out, Pitching in!

(31 December 2004)-Out of the shadows of the sad and dark chapter in our history in 2003, we trod on and a new PAKISAMA has emerged in 2004.

A PAKISAMA that is finally free and independent, ready to pursue its own interests without fear or favor, and find its own rightful place of honor among the ranks of the great social movement.

Despite limited resources, we pursued our advocacy efforts with vigor and vitality. In tandem with our friends and partners, PAKISAMA participated actively and engaged in various activities aimed at further revitalizing the Confederation and regaining lost ground for the causes that we love and hold dear –agrarian reform and social justice.

We successfully launched a new ID system and injected new impulses on our membership information system, participated in major activities, and rekindled ties with our partners both old and new. We have established partnerships with government institutions and non-governmental organizations to explore possibilities for common and mutually beneficial projects and activities.

The year just passed have seen our unwavering resolve to make our organization work, despite the odds stacked against us. Modesty aside, we surmise, we did fairly well. Thanks to our new found strength in coming together and closing ranks. Our members and affiliates who remained steadfast and loyal to our cause has been our most warming revelation. When push came to shove, they responded overwhelmingly to our calls for self-sacrifice and commitment, even digging out of their own pockets just to go on with our activities.

We have only accomplished so much, and we need to do more than our fair share of seeing PAKISAMA through and realize its vision of a society where justice, freedom, and democracy reign supreme.

A new year is about to begin and we do not know what it has in store for us in PAKISAMA. We can only hope it is a better one. We are very optimistic that when we put our minds and hearts together, we shall overcome.

The year 2005 ushers in a new beginning, and with it new challenges. Our task is to continue our sojourn to make our confederation stronger and stable. Certainly, we will need the cooperation of everyone to fulfill this shared dream.

Victory and redemption is at hand, let us seize every opportunity that comes our way to make PAKISAMA great again.

In retrospect, the sad and dark chapter in our history has brought to the fore one incontrovertible fact, now we know who our real friends are and realized that the survival of our organization rest on our very own shoulders. There is nobody or any institutions; we can depend on but our membership to see us through as the last year has proven.

With camaraderie and diligence, we shall endeavor to make our PAKISAMA bear fruits even in the harshest of seasons, and all shall be sweet.

2004: The Year That Was.

PAKISAMA and PMBA transferred its offices on 22 February 2004 and formally inaugurated them on 29 March 2004 with PAKISAMA leaders, partners, and friends in attendance.
The Batanes Farmers-Fishermen’s Association conducted a gender awareness seminar for its women members as part of PAKISAMA’s gender advocacy program. LAKAMBINI lead the activity.
PAKISAMA participated in the 36th World Farmers Congress in Washington DC, USA on 28 May – 6 June 2004. Sam Pedragosa, (National Coordinator) represented PAKISAMA.
With support from TRIAS of Belgium, PAKISAMA Conducted training activities on transformative leadership and logical framework in May and June 2004. About 70 farmer leaders participated in the activities.
PAKISAMA actively supported the PMBA on its 3rd National Convention on 26 – 28, 2004 at the Albay Hotel in Legazpi City. The affair drew a crowd of about 300 persons mostly PAKISAMA members and affiliates.
PAKISAMA and PMBA participated in the Financial Base Strengthening Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand on 14 – 20 November 2004. AGRITERRA sponsored the workshop with SorKorPor of Thailand as host. Ka Prot Naga (PKSM Vice President) and Sam Pedragosa represented PAKISAMA.
PAKISAMA participated in the Third Country Training Program on Building Capacities of Asian NGOs on 2 – 23 November 2004. Roberto Arevalo of ABRAC represented PAKISAMA. JICA and ANGOC conducted the activity.

Other PAKISAMA Activities in 2004

Jan 26 – 27 NEXCOM Meeting
Feb 2 – 3 National Council Meeting
Feb 5 – 6 Visayas RC/REXCOM Meeting
Feb 9 – 10 Luzon RC/REXCOM Meeting
Feb 10 – 13 NAPC Basic Sector Gen Assembly
Feb 20 KALAHI Launching – Aklan
Feb 20 DIWA-PKSM Meeting, NE
Feb 21 – 22 Mindanao RC/REXCOM
Feb 22 Transfer to new office at UP SOLAIR
Feb 26 CS Conference on Elections, ISO
Feb 26 NAFC Cereals Subcom
Mar 16 CS Conference on Elections – ISO
Mar 18 NAFC Fruits/Vegetables Subcom
Mar 18 Bukidnon Prov’l Coop Congress
Mar 25 NAFC Food Crops Subcom
Mar4 25 ANGOC Book Launching
Mar 29 Inauguration of PKSM/PMBA HQ
Mar 29 – 30 NEXCOM Mtg.
Mar 29 – 31 NAPC/BFAR Fisherfolk Conf.
April 1 Trade Liberalization Forum
April 2 Rice Campaign
April 14 – 16 Philrice Planning
Apr 16 SARD-FSE Workshop
May 22 – 23 Mindanao RC/REXCOM Meeting
June 14 – 16 Philnet RDI Training on Marketing
June 19 – 20 Luzon RC/REXCOM Meeting
July 6 ALNI Task Force Media Meeting
July 8 – 9 Visayas RC/REXCOM Meeting
July 16 LAND Partnership Workshop
July 18 SAMBA-LAKAMBINI
July 7 PAKISAMA MIS Orientation
Orientation Seminar
August 17 – 19 TRIAS Asia Regional Strategic Workshop
Aug 23 – 25 Gerard Pierik Visit to Batangas, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon
Sept 3 Asia Japan Partnership Network Launching
Oct 1 Philrice Meeting
Oct 3 – 5 PMBA BOT Meeting
Oct 6 – 7 PKSM-PMBA Retreat
Oct 8 Pakisama Leaders’ Caucus
Oct 23 DIWA General Assembly
Oct 28 Coco levy Consultation
Oct 29 PAKISAMA Visayas Leaders’ Meeting
Nov 23 – 25 ILO Seminar on Decent Work
Dec 15 – 16 PMBA BOT Meeting
Dec 17 PKSM-PMBA Christmas Party
Dec 17 – 18 NEXCOM Meeting

For comments and suggestions:

pakisama@tri-isys.com
pakisama-national@pksmutual.org
+632 426 3650 / +632 426 7784