June 28-29, 2010

FNF features “Liberal Philippines” on websites

The culmination of the two-day conference on Asian Liberal Parties in Power: Getting There, Remaining There, organized by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and supported by the Friedrich Nauamnn Foundation for Liberty (FNF) was the delegates’ attendance to the inauguration of the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno Simeon Aquino III on June 30, 2010.

Mostly members of parliament, the CALD delegates that included Red Liberal de America Latina (RELIAL) President Otto Guevarra Guth and Liberal International President Hans van Baalen, MP, along with more than half a million Filipinos endured the sweltering mid-day heat to observe democracy’s most distinguishing hallmark – the peaceful transfer of power from a nine-year rule of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to a liberal president. Mr. Maung Maung, Secretary-General of the National Council of the Union of Burma, described the event as a “marvellous sight,” especially for someone like him who lives under a despotic regime that shows no signs of giving up power.

Aquino’s inauguration served as the highlight of the CALD event. The conference on June 28-29, 2010 focused on issues of practical relevance such as launching successful campaigns, building coalitions, and forming and sustaining governments. Recalling Graf Otto von Lambsdorff’s words, CALD Chairman Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha, MP, succinctly summed up the message of the conference: “Liberals must strive, after achieving power, to ensure that the people always stay empowered.”

See the event Photo Gallery.