We, the representatives and leaders of different political parties and organizations, re-affirm our support for the peace processes in the country, expressing our preference for negotiated approaches to address the issues of poverty and inequality, human rights violations and injustice, social exclusion and discrimination which underlie the armed conflicts in the country.
We resolve to protect human rights, putting an end to political killings and unresolved human rights violations. We intend to put a stop to electoral violence which in the past has become part of our contentious electoral contests. We will work to build the peace that comes from meeting the basic needs of our people such as jobs, land and livelihood; homes, health, and education, and the safety and security of our communities – especially as the world confronts the present economic crisis and the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.
We pledge to put people at the heart of our politics; to put principles over patronage, and to forge a common sense of purpose as befits public servants who will heed the cry of the most vulnerable in our society as well as respond to the hopes of future generations.
We commit to protect and expand democratic space so that the diverse voices in our society are given due respect and that social change comes about in ways that are more inclusive and collaborative since the peace we pursue is far too important to become another casualty of partisan politics.
We will together – though we belong to different political persuasions — build a more peaceful and prosperous future that our children deserve.
20 May 2009
Peace/Human Rights NGOs:
Ateneo Human Rights Center
Center for Peace Education – Miriam College
Human Right Defenders in Cebu
Human Right Defenders in Negros
Human Right Defenders in Tacloban
Initiatives for International Dialogue
Interreligious Solidarity Movement For Peace- Zamboanga
Mindanao Integrated Network Development Center
Mindanao Peaceweavers
Pax Christi Pilipinas
Peace Advocates Zamboanga
Philippine Action Network on Small Arms
Philippine Campaign against Cluster Munitions
Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Visayas
Waging Peace in the Philippines
World Without Wars
Youth:
Generation Peace
Kids for Peace
United Youth for Peace and Development
Youth Aid Philippines
Religious:
The OMI Communications
Academe:
Ateneo School of Government
Environmental:
Climate Imperative
Women:
PILIPINA
TOUCH Foundation, Inc.
Women’s Action Network for Development
Women’s Feature Service
Business:
Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development
Makati Business Club
Media:
Foundation for Media Alternatives
National Alliance of Broadcast Unions
PeaceComm
Other CSOs:
Action for Economic Reforms
Institute for Autonomy and Governance
Kusog Mindanao
Peace and Equity Foundation
Basic Sectors:
PAKISAMA
Individuals:
Amina Rasul
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ
Augusto Miclat Jr.
Bro. Ellis Gil Luciano, Augustinians of the Assumption
Cesar Vilanueva
Florencia Casanova-Dorotan – WAND
Fr. Jun Mercado
Jasmin Nario-Galace
Loreta Castro
Mardi Mapa-Suplido
Marites Guingona-Africa – The Peacemakers’ Circle Foundation, Inc.
Prof. Ed Garcia
Prof. Randy David
Sen. Santanina Rasul
Sen. Wigberto Tañada
Sr. Vida Cordero, SFIC
Guarantor:
Commission on Human Rights, Philippines