Left-wing party list groups launched the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) yesterday, a party for “the politics of genuine change…politikang mula sa masa [politics of the masses.]”
The event was marked by the attendance of such non-traditional politicians as Senators Manuel Roxas, Maria Ana Madrigal (the senator formerly known as Jamby) and Francis Pangilinan, as well as Pangasinan Rep. Jose De Venecia, Jr.
Also in attendance was Gina De Venecia, who, while not a politician per se, is married to one, and is planning to run for office in 2010.
“It will be politics as usual if we elect leaders without a clear platform and vision,” De Venecia, who served five terms as Speaker of the House under politics as usual, told the assembled mass leaders.
Madrigal praised the militant lawmakers from Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anak Pawis for being “the only party [that] is willing to die for its philosophy,” adding that they would not let themselves be bought by traditional politicians.
After which, in a show of support for non-traditional politics, “the staff of Roxas and Gina de Venecia distributed paper fans bearing their faces to help ward the heat off the packed hall of the Bahay ng Alumni in the University of the Philippines.”
A scheduled song-and-dance presentation of “The Internationale” was reportedly cancelled at the last minute when The Eat Bulaga! Babes, who were supposed to perform with guest politicians that afternoon, complained that the communist anthem was too old fashioned.
“We can’t bump and grind to this beat po,” an EB Babe told the disappointed crowd.
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