The August 23 Peoples Congress called by the Peoples Initiative to Abolish Pork Barrel (PIAP) is a historic gathering of peoples organizations, citizens groups and concerned individuals. The Peoples Congress is composed of leaders and/or representatives of organizations, groups and individuals from all over the country.
The Peoples Congress aims to: 1) approve the proposed P.I. bill, An Act Abolishing the Pork Barrel System; 2) unite on the P.I. campaign plan and (3) build linkages and cooperation between organizations, groups and individuals at various levels, i.e. national, regional, provincial, city and district.
After the holding of the Peoples Congress, an organizational set-up and machinery must be established to ensure the success of the P.I. campaign. Thus, we propose the setting up of national, provincial, city and district coordinating committees and its respective secretariat:
1. PIAP National Coordinating Committee (NCC) The PIAP NCC will lead and oversee the P.I. campaign nationwide. The preparatory committee of the Peoples Congress will be converted into the NCC. Additional NCC members can be recommended and decided upon by the NCC. The meetings of the NCC may be held in Cebu, Manila, Davao or any other place.
2. PIAP Joint National Secretariat The Joint National Secretariat (JNS) will assist the NCC in implementing the P.I. campaign nationwide. The eight major groups will pool personnel and resources to comprise the JNS. The NCC shall decide where the National Headquarters of the JNS will be located, as well as secretariats for Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao.
3. Local P.I. Coordinating Committees and secretariats Provincial, city and district P.I. Coordinating Committees will coordinate the efforts of organizations, groups and individuals at their respective levels. They shall come up with and implement plans for the P.I. education and signature drive. The local PI Coordinating Committees may establish their respective secretariats and headquarters depending on the need and their capability. Regional organizations shall ensure and assist the building of local P.I. coordinating committees.
The #abolishporkmovement, Cebu Coalition against Pork Barrel, Church Peoples Alliance Against the Pork Barrel, E-Pirma, Makabayan, #ScrapPork Network, Solidarity, and Youth Act Now, the Catholic, Protestant and Muslim groups and other organizations will ensure that their respective allied organizations and individuals, chapters, or constituents link and coordinate with each other. The mobilization and organization of tens of thousands of volunteers is important for the success of the P.I. campaign. The decision-making process of the coordinating committees and secretariats at every level shall be through democratic discussion and consensus building, especially on the PIAPs common stand and joint actions. The independence, initiative and internal processes of each constituent organization and group in PIAP will be respected. The same holds true for those that will join the PIAP after the Peoples Congress. #