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The issue of climate change has come to the forefront and people both in the North and the South have been feeling the devastating effects of global warming. However, the links between the neo-liberal system and the model of over consumption to the climate crisis are not clearly stated.
by Walden Bello
Originally posted by Women in Action and Pambazuka News
Perhaps the most influential orthodox view on the causes, dynamics, and solution to the food price crisis was provided by Oxford University economist Paul Collier in an article that came out in Foreign Affairs[1] Collier, author of the controversial The Bottom Billion[2], asserted that the food price crisis stemmed from the increased demand for food in Asia, brought on by prosperity that was not matched on the supply side owing to three problems: The failure to promote commercial farming, especially in Africa, the ban against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the European Union (EU), and the diversion of around a third of American grain to the production of ethanol instead of food.
In the 1980s and 1990s, it was widely acknowledged that the world had enough food to feed some seven or eight billion and that hunger and malnutrition stemmed from unequal income distribution that translated into unequal access to food. By the turn of the millennium, the problem had become one of production. However, Collier’s diagnosis of the supply constraints left much to be desired. The diversion of corn to agro-fuel production was one cause that was certainly incontrovertible, but the other two factors he identified – the European ban on GMOs and the restraints placed on the growth of commercial agriculture – were questionable.
Focus on the Global South is looking for a Communications Officer to be based in Bangkok, Thailand.
This recruitment comes at a time when Focus is reviewing its communications generally. Focus is therefore looking for a candidate who will work with the Communications team in revamping and reinventing the Focus communications strategy and tools.
International Conference of governments and social movements
Introduction
The core partners in the Regionalisms Programme organised a well-attended Regionalisms Workshop in Belem, which was framed in the
context of the Global crisis. This Workshop, which included a substantive update and exchange of experience from regional networks from ASEAN, SAARC, SADC, Latin America and Caribbean and Europe, ended with a call to engage the governments on the issue of regions as a very important arena for addressing the global crisis. In a follow-up Caucus meeting, which consolidated the next phase of regionalisms work under the framework of the “People’s Agenda for Alternative Regionalisms”, the proposal was made to hold an International Conference in conjunction with the Mercosur Summit, due to be held in Paraguay in early July.
This issue, Focus on the Philippines zooms in on key developments in
Congress, specifically Cha-cha and CARPER, which Rep. Walden Bello
calls “two of the most controversial pieces of legislation this
decade.” On Charter Change and Congress, FOP June includes ‘Politics
failed our Constitution’, the Focus on the Global South Philippines
position on this recent move in the House and Charter Change, which
also identifies progressive provisions in the constitution that should
be preserved. In ‘Burn that House down and rise from the ashes,’ Aya
Fabros writes about her reflections on the House and puts forward some
propositions on where to take things in relation to Congress, in the
short and long term.
The issue also covers reflections, analysis and commentary on the
Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER).
Our new Congress rep, Walden Bello gives his own take on CARPER, in
‘CARPER: Latest episode in the battle for agrarian reform,’ as he
explains his vote and relates some of his own experience in the House;
while Mary Ann Manahan, Focus on the Global South Commons and Agrarian
Reform lead person, presents her own analysis from the point of view of
an advocate in the frontlines.
Finally, reflecting on both the personal and the political, Progressive
Lawyer Arlene Bag-ao, counsel of the Sumilao farmers and close friend
of slain peasant leader Rene Penas, also shares with us a very moving
piece on Ka Rene and their shared struggle to achieve agrarian justice.
by Jenina Joy Chavez, Julie delos Reyes, Herbert Docena, Aya Fabros,
Mary Lou Malig, Mary Ann Manahan, Cathy Ordona, Qiqo Punzalan Simbol,
Joseph Purugganan, Lourdes Torres and Walden Bello/Focus on the Global South Philippines Team
24 June 2009
On June 2, 2009, the House of Representatives outdid ignoble acts of the past by ramming through House Resolution 1109,
the Resolution that seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent
Assembly that will consider amendments or revisions to the 1987
Constitution. Aided by sheer numbers, the House majority not only
successfully abbreviated the debate extremely crucial in such an
important issue as tinkering with the basic law of the land, they also
managed to strip the notorious resolution of dignity by voting viva
voce.
What is it in the Constitution that politicians find so objectionable
that barely a decade after it was promulgated, the administration of
then-President Ramos launched a campaign to revise it, even funding a
Supreme Court-rejected ‘people’s initiative’ campaign through the Pirma
(People’s Initiative for Reforms, Modernization and Action)? The
campaign to change (revise or amend) the Constitution persisted during
Estrada’s short-lived stay in office, and has blossomed during Arroyo’s
over-extended presidency.
When I joined the House of Representatives a few weeks ago, I did not expect to be immediately thrust into heated debates on what have probably been the two most controversial pieces of legislation of this decade: the Constitutional Assembly resolution and the bill extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law or CARPER.
House Resolution 1109 or “Con-Ass” was not too difficult to deal with since it was pure mischief, a transparent ploy on the part of the president’s allies in the House to constitutionally legitimize her indefinite stay in power in order to keep her out of jail when, as mandated by the present charter, she leaves office on June 30, 2010.
CARPER was more complex. I voted for CARPER, reasoning that while it was not a perfect bill, it was a step forward in the long struggle for land reform in this country. It was, however, a vote taken with not a small degree of hesitation on my part and on that of many others who voted the same way.
FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH
A Programme of Development Policy Research, Analysis and action
Bangkok Office
Vacancy for an Activist Researcher Position
Focus on the Global South – Thailand Programme (Focus) is in need of a new staff to join its Reclaiming the Commons thematic programme.
POSITION
The position is located in our Bangkok office. The main work is to undertake research projects to support the ongoing programs and campaigns in the areas of agri-business, natural resources, and trade justice.
The areas of particular interest are: food and natural resources allocation and state policies including transnational corporations’ role in Thailand and the Mekong region.
The researcher will work closely with the Thailand Country Co-ordinator and the Co-ordinator of the Reclaiming the Commons thematic programme, and other Focus staff. His/her research outputs will support Focus' engagement
with networks, campaign coalitions, peoples' movements and other NGOs. He/She will assist in the advocacy networking and partnership building of the Thailand and the Reclaiming the Commons thematic programmes, and will be encouraged to be involved in the regional and international initiatives with which Focus on the Global South is actively engaging.
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong academic background in political economy, agriculture, politics or relevant social sciences.
- Strong commitment to activism for social change.
- At least two years of relevant work experience in research or social justice advocacy. Experience in campaigning and/or organising would be an advantage.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills. Fluent in spoken and written English.
- Native level command in reading, writing and speaking Thai
- Good communication and administrative skills, and computer skill in word processing, spreadsheets, data base and e-mail applications.
- Knowledge of Mekong languages, especially Khmer or Lao, or familiarity with the Mekong region would be a strong advantage.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Thailand and in the Mekong region on work assignments, especially on field research trips.
CONDITIONS
Focus offers a competitive salary plus health insurance, and other benefits package.
Two-year renewable contract, to be confirmed after six months of probation.
APPLICATIONS
Please send your letter of application, CV, two samples of your writing (one in English and one in Thai), and the names of two referees by email to Soontaree Nakaviroj at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
marked "Application: Activist_Researcher".
For more information about Focus, see our website http://focusweb.org
or write to Jacques-chai Chomthongdi
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Applications close on 15 July 2009.
An initial round of interviews will be conducted by phone. Short-listed
applicants may be interviewed in Bangkok.
For Immediate Release
STOP Cha Cha Secretariat: Leah Navarro +63-917-898-1957
We are outraged! We protest and decry the brazen move by the majority faction of the House of Representatives, notwithstanding some dissension within its ranks, to pass Resolution 1109 upon the orders of Malacanang. It is clear that the HOR has been representing the interests of the Palace all along. This is survival at all cost.
The House Majority is violating the constitution with this highly unpopular move, blatantly ignoring the bicameral nature of Congress. This cabal of GMA lackeys has ignored its constituents by ignoring the need for rigorous consultation, because it is aware of public distaste for charter change at this time. This is frightening – the use of a simple resolution aimed at changing our future, and not for the better.
The administration’s avowal of elections in 2010 is a seemingly empty promise, as not even the Speaker of the House can aver as to what this convention is set to accomplish. That ignorance should be enough to raise the hackles of the most apathetic. This administration is used to subterfuge and lies, do not expect it to tell us the truth any time soon.
We give honor where it is due. We commend our earnest and hardworking members of the House Minority and the select, brave members of the majority for their valiant defense of our constitution. These lawmakers are aware of their place in history.
We invite the media to a special conference on Thursday, 4 June, 10:00am, Gabaldon Room, Club Filipino in Greenhills featuring presidential aspirants that are against this latest crime against our people. As of this writing, the following have confirmed their attendance - Sen. Mar Roxas, Mayor Jojo Binay, and former president Joseph Estrada. We are awaiting the confirmations of Sen. Ping Lacson, Sen. Manny Villar, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Richard
Gordon, Among Ed Panlilio, JC de los Reyes. - - END
This May, FOCUS ON THE PHILIPPINES brings together commentary on the
party list and the upcoming elections. Here, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Mon
Casiple and Men Sta. Ana discuss the significance and the implications
of the Supreme Court decision, which paves the way for 32 more party
list representatives in Congress—including FOCUS senior analyst and
Akbayan rep Walden Bello, whose first privilege speech, tackling the
crisis, is also contained in this issue. This new twist in Congress
underscores the character and contradiction of the kind of ‘democracy’
we have in the Philippines. According to our analysts, the good news is
that we can somehow expect substance and some intelligent discussion in
the House, with more platform-based groups gaining entry through the PL
system. The bad news is, with the likes of Presidential First
Sister-in-Law Marilou Arroyo and General Palparan sneaking in, the
party-list continues to serve as a backdoor for trapo groups, political
dynasties and ‘fly-by-night’ organizations, adding notoriety to an
already discredited institution; all this presenting a preview of next
year’s catch not just in the party list but in the over-all national
elections and a case to push for changes in the law.
In any case, a lot of attention is geared toward 2010, for various
reasons. May signals the run up to the next elections, eagerly awaited
by many-- if only because it marks the final stretch, the beginning of
the end, the last year of Gloria Arroyo and her cronies-- among them
FOP editor Aya Fabros, who cranks it up in Welcome to Verwirrung.
There’s also a growing number of emerging groups and movements banking
on the possibility of reform arising from the ‘excruciating slow,
incremental’ processes of electoral and institutional change. While
there are sections that do not see any gains arising from the routine
exercise of elections under a democracy held hostage by elites, there’s
still this reverberating call for greater vigilance, with Cha-cha
schemes, parliamentary plots and other similar attempts threatening to
prolong our agony and accelerated deterioration under GMA. Here, as we
ask ‘Can Alternative Reform Candidates Win in 2010?’ we are also
reminded: ‘Gloria Forever: She Will If She Can.”
As we find ourselves confronting twists and turns in the political
scene, as we enter this blitzkrieg of TV ads, tarpaulins and televised
politicovelas, as we start counting down from 365 to 1, we’re compelled
to take note: this is not a good time to just sit and wait things out.
It’s going to be a bumpy ride ahead. Make sure you’re not stuck in the back seat.
Focus on the Global South, a programme of development policy research, analysis and action, opens its 2009 Volunteer/Internship Program. The Focus internship is a non-salaried programme that is designed to provide exciting opportunities and exposure to highly-motivated college students, graduate students and fresh university graduates. Accepted interns/volunteers will have a chance to assist in a research on climate change.
ASEAN People's Forum
February 20-22 2009
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
VISIT THE APF WEBSITE
For further information contact:
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or
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Wall Street: The Causes of Collapse
by Walden Bello
Updated: 18 October 2008
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