Anti-corruption forum in Toronto

Anti-corruption forum in Toronto

By Rodel J. Ramos

TORONTO–An Anti-Corruption Consultancy Forum will be held at Mayette’s Restaurant at 2038 Danforth St. (Woodbine & Danforth, close to Woodbine subway) on May 1, 2004 from 2-4pm. Filipinos interested in voicing their concerns and ideas may join the forum. Contact person is Terry Olayta at 416-783-8740, head of PYFFA and coordinator of the Anti-Corruption Consultancy Forum.

The mission of the Forum is to analyze the effects of corruption on the lives of Filipinos, inform the overseas Filipinos and to gather support to the fight against corruption. Paul de la Cruz, President of Philippine Press Club – Ontario (PCC-O), will moderate the Consultancy Forum.

The Forum is a joint project of the Parents & Youths, Families & Friends in Action (PYFFA) led by Terry Olayta, Knights of Rizal headed by Canada Commander Lapulapu Cana, Philippine Independence Day Council with Pempe Saavedra as President; Gene Lara of NDP; Connie Sorio of Philippine Network for Justice & Peace, Ma. Deanna Santos of Centre for Equity and Human Rights-York University, Levi Frias of Filipinos Promoting Justice Restoration, Philippine Chamber of Commerce led by Rafael Nebres, President and several other community organizations.

A power point presentation will be made by Marvin Bionat who is coming all the way from Boston. Marvin is a Master of Liberal Arts, Major in Government, Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and has Bachelor of Arts & Science from University of San Agustin and Ateneo University. He is the Founder/Moderator of Talsik (anti-corruption network) with thousands of members around the world; editor/publisher of emPower Publishing; editor, columnist, researcher/writer, Webmaster of various websites and publications.

Corruption is the major problem of the Philippines and is the root of poverty and other problems.
Money from drug dealers, smugglers and filthy rich can buy justice. It can buy policemen and military to free criminals or they can connive to commit more crimes. Military sells arms and supplies to the enemies or to crime lords or private armies. Politicians and government officials and employees can be bought.

Corruption makes all products, and services more expensive and of poor quality.

Illegal activities like prostitution, smuggling, kidnappings, organized crime syndicates, drugs and even selling of human parts flourish. Corruption taints many public transactions from vehicle registration and road repair to the manufacture of textbooks for public schools.

(PRESS RELEASE)