The Philippine Community Council of NSW will be having their annual general meeting (AGM) on 7 February 2010 at 1.00 pm at Chester Hill Community Centre at Chester Hill.   The AGM will be immediately followed by the annual PCC elections at 2.00 pm. And as always, the elections are not without controversy.

To ensure the elections are carried out properly, incumbent President, Ronaldo Villaver has taken the initiative to conduct an internal audit of the Council’s membership.  All clubs will be scrutinized to ensure that they comply with rules and regulations as embodied by the current constitution.

All affiliates were initially sent a renewal form and were advised to provide their minimum of ten member list and their activity (or activities) for the year as stated in the constitution.  Those who failed to comply would be subject to a review. However, the burden of proof remains on the club/association itself.

This initiative is being carried out to ensure the legitimacy of the clubs voting on the day and that representatives belong to the clubs they say they belong to. 

As expected, the review has been received mixed feelings. When asked the question “Do you agree with the PCC clean-up?” past PCC presidents had varying responses.  Manny Diel, Lolita Farmer, Malyn Andres-Chun, and Neria Soliman have replied with a resounding “yes, most definitely!”  Ric de Vera said he was in favour but disagreed with the timing.  Ruben Amores said “of course” but claimed that it was the wrong time and “clearly electioneering.”  (Unfortunately, we were unable to contact the first PCC president Jess Diaz for his comments.)

Other community leaders like Cesar Bartolome and Rod Dingle have also given their nod of approval.

During a radio broadcast, Manny Diel said, “When a complaint was lodged after the 88-98 election results that elevated Amores to the presidential seat in 2007, recommendations were given to the board then, but nothing has been done.”   “It’s really time to clean PCC once and for all, he added.”

Rey Manoto, immediate past president is also in favour of the clean up and is a member of the “Clean-up” committee headed by Elsa Collado, current internal vice-president for PCC and a candidate for the presidency.

During a recent radio interview on Pinoy Radio, opposing candidate, Cen Amores expressed her disgust and stated that it was “a conflict of interest” for a candidate to be chairing the committee.

However, committee members have clarified their stand and reiterated that Ms. Collado would not be advantaged by the clean-up. It was pointed that the membership is the task of the internal Vice President, it is mandated in the constitution.  “Besides, we don’t hold the hands of the voters. All we’re doing is ensuring that all affiliates comply with the constitution,” said a committee member.

Ms. Collado explained during a radio interview, “As a member of the current PCC board, Ms. Amores has initially expressed her “congratulatory remarks” to the committee. All the committee did was collect the information and submit it to the board for approval. Those who are placed under review may seek approval at the general assembly.”

In response to the question on timing and “why now?” the committee responded that this is the most appropriate time to review. As has been seen in the past, clubs appear during election and disappear throughout the year only to reappear at the next election.  In some instances, the ghosts of the past are reincarnated around this time.

“It is not the intention of the Board nor of the election committee to disadvantage or aggrieve anyone in any way.  While we regret having to do this laborious and contentious task, it has to be done. It is time that we put our records straight for the benefit of all,” said a committee member.

“We aim to bring back the integrity of the PCC as the representative body of the Filipino community,” said Villaver.  “We hope to put an end to past allegations, without pointing fingers, which we may be able to continue to serve the community in accordance with the goals and objectives as stated in the PCC constitution.”

“Together, in a spirit of trust and cooperation and working together in harmony, we, the Filipino community, can really make a difference,” he adds.