Namfrel on Marcos’ call for its abolition

This has reference to the news item that “MARCOS URGES ABOLITION OF NAMFREL.” In said item, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. was quoted as having said: “The country was deeply divided because of allegations of fraud during the 2004 and 2007 elections and Namfrel has done nothing about it. I think it’s about time we abolish Namfrel.”

The task of getting rid of electoral fraud cannot be the lone responsibility of one movement but a joint effort by both government and civil society. That is why in a free society, people are encouraged to participate in good governance, even to form themselves into organized movements and associations that will help rid it of corrupt and fraudulent practices, as well as safeguard and sustain the true meaning of democracy which is “the rule of the people.” Public officials who advocate the curtailment of this freedom and participation of the people are dangerous to the survival of democracy. They must be reminded that in a democracy, “government is created by elections.”

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections – NAMFREL – was the lone CSO that dared to monitor the conduct of the 1986 Snap Elections and against all odds, braved the barricades to try the impossible – free and fair elections in the age of the dictatorship.

It is sad and alarming that a public official calls for the decimation of a Civil Society Organization that is synonymous with the 1986 Peaceful People Power Revolution, especially at a time when the legacy of beloved President Cory Aquino has once again stirred the hearts and minds of Filipinos to value our freedom and democracy and never again allow the tyranny of corrupted power to oppress us. And NAMFREL continues to be pro-active in the preservation of our freedom and the flourishing of our democratic institutions.

I am reminded of a Biblical passage that would be applicable for all concerned in this unfortunate situation: “HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN LET HIM CAST THE FIRST STONE.”

(signed)
Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa
Namfrel National Chairperson