November 9, 2000, The Philippine Star, Anti-Estrada groups draft M'danao dev't agenda, by Edith Regalado,

November 9, 2000, The Philippine Star, Anti-Estrada groups draft M'danao dev't agenda, by Edith Regalado,

DAVAO CITY – Various opposition groups here have drawn up an alternative development agenda for Mindanao which they will present to Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Arroyo is expected to arrive here on Saturday to consult with local political leaders and non-government groups regarding her proposed program of government should she take over the presidency once President Estrada resigns. 

"We have to make sure that Mindanao will not be left out once a new government takes over," said Irene Santiago of Aksyon Demokratiko and Kusog Mindanaw Foundation. The proposed development agenda, drafted during the Kusog Mindanaw meeting here last week, includes an immediate ceasefire between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, demilitarization of areas where hostilities continue, and speedy delivery of relief assistance to over 200,000 evacuees. 

Santiago said the opposition groups also sought a review of the organizational structures and functions of existing agencies focusing on Mindanao concerns such as the Mindanao Economic Development Council and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Regional Concerns. Meanwhile, Arroyo has sought the support of the people of Pampanga, the birthplace of her father, former President Diosdado Macapagal, to press for Mr. Estrada's resignation. 

Leaders of the Coalition for the Ouster of Erap (CORE), organized in Angeles City two weeks ago, said Arroyo has volunteered to lead anti- Estrada rallies in the province. "We have a tentative schedule for a rally on Monday, and if things materialize, the Vice President will lead it," said CORE spokesman Alex Cauguiran. Various multisectoral groups and left- leaning organizations have coalesced under CORE to press for Mr. Estrada's resignation. 

Three of Pampanga's four congressmen have bolted the administration Lapian ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP) following the jueteng expose of Ilocos Sur. Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson. CORE is staging a rally today at Plaza Miranda in Angeles City. Tomorrow, a prayer vigil for the "enlightenment" of Mr. Estrada will also be held in the city. 

In Baguio City, some 500 people staged a rally yesterday to demand Mr. Estrada's ouster. The rally was organized by the 14 convenor groups of the oust-Estrada movement in the city, led by the Free Legal Assistance Office.