Dear Friends of Philippine Liberalism:


Understanding that the integrity of the electoral process cannot be left to the government alone, our alumni gathered together to discuss how civil society could take a more active role in safeguarding the democratic process. They met with representatives from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and from the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE). Atty. Dioneda of COMELEC gave a short review of the automated electoral procedure, while Atty. Medina of LENTE spoke on working together with COMELEC in educating the public on protecting its right to vote.

Education is also another issue that liberals believe should not be left to the government. Freedom of choice in education was the focus of the Council of Liberals and Democrats forum in Sri Lanka. Participants discussed obstacles to quality education and talked about solutions. They explored innovative ideas such as a voucher system, conditional cash transfer and the private sector having free reign in managing the education system.

Until next time … stay tuned!


Siegfried “Siggi” Herzog

IAF Alumni Group Discusses the Electoral Process

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty International Academy for Leadership (IAF) alumni gathered at the Foundation’s office in Makati City on 18 February 2010 for its annual meeting. The IAF alumni group serves not only as a network but as an institution to further the development of liberal ideals and democratic processes. More: http://www.fnf.org.ph/news/iaf-alumni-group-discusses-electoral-process.htm


Excellence in Education: CALD Forum Discusses Freedom of Choice

Education is significant for liberals because it enhances individual liberty and promotes equality of opportunities. To discuss the need for quality education and hindrances to this, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, held a conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1-3 March 2010. Hosted by the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka, the conference’s aim was to assist participants in identifying possible and specific policy recommendations to improve the state of education in their respective countries. More: http://www.fnf.org.ph/news/excellence-in-edcation-cald-freedom-of-choice.htm

Episode 47: Human Rights Issues for the Next Administration

Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima analyses the country’s human rights situation. She discusses this as a reminder that the platforms of candidates for national elections must center on what does not change: freedom. Freedom is about the protection of human rights. While there is no country that protects all human rights, there are some that are closer than others. Unfortunately, the Philippines is not one of those nations. She therefore proposes two areas where a solution from the next administration is needed. Listen here: http://www.fnf.org.ph/podcast/news/episode-47.html

31 July - 13 August 2010
Utrecht, the Netherlands

The International Human Rights Academy is a human rights course, organized every year in South Africa or in Europe under the auspices of:

• Ghent University (Belgium)
• Utrecht University (The Netherlands)
• University of the Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)
• American University Washington College of Law (United States of America)
• University of Pretoria (Republic of South Africa)
• Free University of Brussels (Belgium)

Please e-mail letters of intent outlining responsibilities and relevance to the seminar and latest CVs to liberal@fnst.org. Deadline for applications is: 19 April 2010. The Foundation shall only contact short-listed candidates.

We have an upcoming seminar for young leaders:

"Strategic Planning"
6-18 June 2010

Please send letters of intent and short CVs to: liberal@fnst.org. Deadline of applications is 31 March 2010. The Foundation shall only contact short-listed candidates.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty
Makati Central Post Office Box 3196, Makati City, 1271 Philippines
Tel.: (63)(2) 8403728/29
Fax: (63)(2) 8103189
Website: www.fnf.org.ph
Send comments to: liberal@fnst.org
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