Book on political campaigns to be launched during LP celebrations

Amid the traditional context of Philippine campaign politics, there has emerged a breed of reform-oriented politicians determined to transform the practice of politics and contribute towards reshaping peoples orientation on the political system.

The book entitled The Dilemma of Philippine Campaign Politics: Alternative Campaign Strategies in the 2004 National Elections, provides a closer look at the experiences of Bukidnon Rep. Neric Acosta and Batanes Rep. Dina Abad during electoral campaigns.

The book will be launched on Thursday, Jan. 19, 1:00 p.m. at the Dusit Hotel in Makati as part of the series of activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Liberal Party of the Philippines.

The two Liberal party congressmen are celebrated as alternative politicians who are keenly aware of the problems besetting political practices and who attempted to employ methods that would increase awareness of issues among voters during campaign period.

It is saddening to note that our people have grown cynical of our political leaders because of personality-based politics, corruption and electoral fraud. This book promises to be an instrument in letting the public know that political reform still have a chance in this country, Senate President and Liberal Party head Franklin Drilon said.

Dr. Ronald Meinardus, resident representative of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Manila, will give the opening statement. Dean Antonette Palma-Angeles of the Ateneo School of Government and Ma. Lourdes Tiquia, founder and general manager of Publicus, will give a critic on the book.

Six decades of organized Philippine liberalism through the LP will be showcased in various events from Jan. 19 to 21, chiefly through an international conference, simultaneous celebrations in Liberal provinces nationwide, and a testimonial luncheon for the Partys Chairman Emeritus, former Senate President Jovito Salonga.