STATEMENTS, LETTERS, AND RESOLUTIONS

In the statement, the Bureau of Liberal International and CALD’s Executive Committee expressed “serious concerns” on the capability of the Philippine National Police to ensure the opposition senator’s safety and security. They added, “That she is still being detained together with suspected members of terrorist organizations is a travesty of justice, especially given the dubious charges against her. Instead of the suggested transfer to another detention facility, the Marcos administration should withdraw the remaining charges against her so she could be immediately and unconditionally released.” marked, “The rallying cry ‘Sa Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat (Under an Honest Government, a Better Life for All),’ swept the hearts of ordinary Filipinos to contribute their personal time, effort, and resources and challenge the formidable money-driven political machinery of the dictator’s son.”

CALD also commended both Robredo and Pangilinan for their “bravery, leadership, and firm resolve to stand up against the widespread disinformation and patronage politics that marked the campaign, and present an alternative vision of a government that truly works for the people.” ulated CALD member Candle Light Party for winning four commune chief slots and 2,176 councilmember positions in Cambodia’s 5 June election. Addressed to both CLP Vice President Son Chhay and Treasurer Mardi Seng, the letter also noted that the party’s 22 percent share of the popular vote was “no mean feat considering the persecution and oppression of the members of the political opposition.”

“We believe that the gains you garnered in this election is just the start,” CALD wrote. “We trust that with your leadership and guidance, the people of Cambodia will see through the struggles and rise above the fears and threats.”

CALD’s 2022 letters, meanwhile, were prompted by more positive events. In truth, while neither Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo nor opposition Senator and CALD Chairperson Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan was able to claim victory in their country’s 9 May elections, their run had inspired Filipinos from all walks of life to unite and have their voices heard amid the din of disinformation.

In letters dated 16 May and sent separately to Robredo and Pangilinan, CALD re-

Regardless of the election results, CALD said, “your campaign has ignited a special kind of energy among your people that cannot be easily extinguished during these difficult times.” It thanked Robredo and Pangilinan as well “for continuing to inspire Filipinos to make a difference.”

In Cambodia and Malaysia, CALD members and friends would win the chance to make that difference within the government. In a letter dated 7 June, the Council congrat-

A CALD congratulatory letter also made its way to Malaysia a few months later. In the letter dated 25 November, CALD congratulated Dato Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim for his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as to commend Pakatan Harapan (HP) “for winning the largest share of parliamentary seats” during Malaysia’s 19 November polls.

“Your victory lit the fire of hope not only for Malaysians but also for us, Asian Liberals and Democrats, who are struggling to fight the sweeping impacts of disinformation, political repression, racism, and corruption,” CALD said in the letter. “Your courage, persistence, and unwavering commitment to the causes of democracy and freedom are an inspiration to us all.”

Highs and Lows, Wins and Losses

For a year that began not quite right, CALD managed to end it with a successful General Assembly in Iloilo City, Philippines that even produced a declaration. On 13 November, CALD adopted the declaration from its 14th GA, in which the delegates resolved “to adopt truth-telling and protection as an advocacy, and to implement programs and projects to this end; to endeavor to address concerns relating to combating disinformation as individuals, organizations, or networks, particularly but not limited to the digital infrastructure, education, culture and the arts, and democratic institutions and processes; and to open lines of communication amongst the participants and other interested players, and to reconvene to further discuss the issue, and report on concrete progress made by the actors.”

A grateful CALD wrote letters of thanks to its Iloilo hosts, sending the missives separately to Iloilo City Jerry Trenas and Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. In the 28 November letters, CALD noted that GA would not have been a success without the “hospitality of the people of Iloilo, particularly the students who…actively participated in the event.”

“The success of the event is the success of Iloilo,” CALD wrote. “We are happy to have organized our most prestigious gathering of the year in your beloved province. Definitely, our CALD members will keep coming back to explore more of its beauty.”