Philip S. Chua - A One-Dollar Moral Crusade Against Graft and Corruption

A message and challenge to all Filipinos who love our country and want honesty and transparency in governance as espoused by Pampanga Governor, the Rev. Father Ed Panlilio.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS*
Chairman, Filipino United Network (USA)

How would you like to launch a historical fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines and "buy" back morality in our government --- all for just One Dollar?

You and I have always abhorred the corruption among our government officials in the Philippines, from top to bottom, and deplored the sad state of our country, where more than 70% of our people wallow in massive poverty. While the issue is a complex one, the most obvious etiology of this shameful malady is the overwhelming graft and corruption among our amoral and decadent government leaders.

Would you be willing to invest a dollar --- yes, one single US dollar --- in the fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines?

Our inspiration in this battle for national transformation is a man of God, the Reverend Father "Among Ed" Panlilio, the newly elected "Miracle" Governor of Pampanga, a man of dignity and integrity.

What happened in that province is amazingly unbelievable. A humble priest, without political experience, without a bank account, without a political machinery, beating two "unbeatable" seasoned, well-funded, and powerful political giants. "Impossible," said the political gurus when "Among Ed" first started his crusade. But the Greater Power above obviously had a grander plan for "Among Ed," and proved the pundits wrong. Suddenly, there was hope for the Philippines.

Armed with his unblemished character, moral ascendancy, love of country, and a strong commitment to honesty and transparency in government, "Among Ed" handily won the election, in spite of widespread vote-buying and rampant cheating. It was evident that a visionary leader with integrity can truly inspire and bring out the best in the Filipino.

The billions of "missing" revenues from the Lahar collection in the past, which Governor Panlilio has exposed since he assumed office June 30, 2007, is only the tip of the iceberg of the invasive cancer of graft and corruption afflicting every level of government in the entire country.

Unfortunately, an honest man makes some people uncomfortable, so there is now a move to eliminate "Among Ed, or oust him thru a Recall, Recount, or, as rumored (hopefully not true), by "Requiem."

One can easily imagine what a man of God, of honesty and decency, of principle and genuine love of country, can do when elected President of the Philippines. A dream, yes. A tall order, definitely. An impossible task? No, not with the Divine Providence, with YOU, and people power on his side!

Governor Panlilio has adopted Gawad Kalinga as the pillar of his vision for Pampanga and the nation. His crusade is gaining speed and momentum, and like Tony Meloto's GK, it will soon be unstoppable. Two giant national religious groups, and many other segments of society, are now supporting "Among Ed." Filipinos around the world are rejoicing and rallying behind him. And we want you to be a part of this historical transformation.

Come and fly high with Governor Panlilio in this moral crusade, to get rid of gutter politicians and immoral officials. Our country and our neglected poor need heroes like you in our battle for morality in government, for justice and dignity for our people. This is, indeed, a revolution. Not a revolution of arms where blood will be shed, but a revolution of ideals and of principle, where dreams and vision, sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.

All this crusade needs is your personal commitment and moral support, an investment for the future of the Philippines. Let's not miss this opportunity. Let's use our power to help change our country for the better. The Reverend "Among Ed" Panlilio is heaven-sent and is the hope for our ailing nation.

The Filipino United Network Drive (FUND) for HOPE is a commitment of overseas Filipinos to rally behind the crusade against graft and corruption in the Philippines. We invite you to be a patriot and join us in this historical revolution.

Please make your donation payable to: FUND FOR HOPE, c/o Dr. Ale Ragaza, M.D., Multicare Medical Center, 232 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460, USA. In the Philippines, any contribution to FUND for HOPE may be sent to Buenaventura Suite 201, 62 E. Osmena St., Guadalupe, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines.

For your convenience, whichever country you are in, including those in the Philippines, you may also donate thru PayPal with your credit card, a globally accepted, encrypted, and very secure online mode of payment managed by eBay. (Please visit www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com and click on the orange DONATE button. For transparency, all donors will be published on this website. No amount is too small or too large for this vital revolution. We are all together in this moral crusade.

More than the dollar or peso, your commitment and support are what we need. Kindly include your full name and email address for our Historical Archive. Be a patriot. This will be the best dollar/peso investment you'll ever make, and help in this revolutionary nation building crusade. Please do visit the FUN website at www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com

Each token dollar or peso "invested" symbolizes one Filipino patriot who is coming to the aid of our country, and is committed to support this moral crusade for a better Philippines.

FUN is extending its full assistance to Kapampangan Marangal, Inc. (KMI), a benevolent group supporting this moral crusade in the Philippines. They will be used to purchase media time and space (local and national newspaper, radio, TV), for printing of flyers, posters, newsletters, brochures, etc. needed in the crusade against graft and corruption. The Filipino United Network is also a staunch supporter of Gawad Kalinga in its noble program of providing land for the landless and building homes for the homeless and the poorest of the poor. Part of the fund will also be used for the purchase of computers for public high schools, with programs to educate the students about good citizenship, honesty and transparency in governance, vigilance, voting obligations, self-reliance, industry, and other proactive and progressive disciplines.

The time is ripe for this moral crusade and national cleansing. Join this revolution, help our country and our people, and leave a proud and lasting legacy for our children and the future generations to cherish with honor and dignity.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS LETTER TO ALL YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS AND REQUEST YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME. NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DO NOT FORWARD THIS APPEAL, BUT SOMETHING GOOD DEFINITELY WILL, IF YOU DO. THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

*Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana, USA, trained at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, is Chairman of Filipino United Network (FUN-USA), Vice Chairman of Filipino American Leadership Council (www.FALCONadvocacy.com) and Vice President for Far East of Cardiovascular Hospitals of America (www.cvhospitals.com), Wichita, Kansas. He is a columnist for five newspapers and one magazine in the United States and five newspapers and one magazine in the Philippines. Google him for more information. His email address is scalpelpen@gmail.com

Be a patriot. Join this moral crusade. Please go to the www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com and click on the orange DONATE button. Or, you may simply click donate or the Donate button below:

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.