September 25,2010
In Defence of Democracy:
Champions of Liberalism Remembered
There are three ways for democracy to fail: 1) when a foreign power
intervenes in local affairs; 2) when the national government suppresses
political action and curtails human rights; and 3) when the citizenry
turns a blind eye to their nation’s dismal state. But then
there are leaders who will stand up and
fight for the principles that they believe are right, who
will steadfastly uphold liberal values in spite
adversity. The Liberal Party is proud to have had leaders such as
Dr. Quintin “King” Doromal and Gov.
Rafael “Raffy” Nantes who lived their lives
according to the liberal tradition of greatness and honour.
Sen. Jovito Salonga |
On 25 September 2010 at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in Quezon City,
the
National Institute for Policy
Studies (NIPS), with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation
for Liberty (FNF), gathered people from civil society groups to
look back and reflect on the
nation’s struggles to
achieve and maintain democracy.
Liberals have
always been in the forefront in the
fight for freedom.
Notably, Senator
Ninoy Aquino gave up his life
to end Martial Law, and
Senator Jovito Salonga
led the senate that said “No!” to American bases. These
showed that neither the national government could diminish democracy
nor any foreign power could demean the country’s sovereignty.
The event also called to remember the contributions of Liberal
Party stalwart Dr. King Doromal. Senator Salonga,
mentor and close friend of Dr. Doromal enumerated the impressive
credentials the former chair of the Presidential Commission on
Good Government (PCGG). Senator Salonga highlighted Dr. Doromal’s
educational achievements that included an MBA from the Harvard
Business School and three
Dr. Florangel Braid |
honorary doctorates, and his teaching
profession at the University of the Philippines and stint as president
of Siliman University.
Dr. Florangel Braid who sits at the National Director
of the Liberal Party with Dr. Doromal relived the good natured way
of her colleague. “Beyond his many accomplishments, what many
fondly recall are his endearing human qualities – his rare
gift of empathy, his regard and respect for everyone, regardless
of his station in life, and his knack in establishing rapport, thus,
bringing out the best in the people he worked with,” expressed
Dr. Braid.
Rep. Manny Mamba |
The Liberal Party position for Treasurer was left vacant by
Gov.
Raffy Nantes. Former LP Director General Ms. Chit Asis
expressed her heartfelt gratitude on how the governor was always
ready to give financial support to party operations and activities.
Former Representative
Manny Mamba shared that when
he and Governor Nantes were still both in congress, they signed
the impeachment complaint against Former President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo. This resulted in their Priority Development Assistance Funds
(PDAF) being withheld by the administration. Congressman “This
was a difficult time, but never did I sense Governor Nantes waver
from our position against a corrupt government. He was resolute
to pursue truth and justice,” said Congressman Mamba.
NIPS awarded Plaques of Recognition for the contributions of
Dr. Doromal and Governor Nantes to Mrs. Pearl Doromal and Mrs.
Betty Nantes and their families.
Dr. King Doromal
September 13, 1928 - April 30, 2010
|
Gov. Raffy Nantes
January 4, 1957 – May 17, 2010 |
