QUESTION AND ANSWER by: Lawrence Villamar
We had an opportunity to ask Jan Argy Tolentino, Candidate for IFLRY Vice President, on many things from personal to trivial to issues that affects most of us. We lined up 30 questions on the occasion of IFLRY’s 30th General assembly.
Lawrence: Why did you decide to run for IFLRY VP?
Jan Argy: Honestly after Andorra last year, I was hesitant and thinking of concentrating my work in Asia, and just help IFLRY on the background. But well-meaning friends in the Federation approached me and asked if I’d be interested to join them in helping the Bureau. And how could I say no to a challenge especially if it’s coming from friends. Also I think it’s about time that IFLRY strengthen its presence in Asia, and an Asian voice could better convey IFLRYs’ message. I want to be of help, at least in this lifetime i’ve done a few things worth remembering, like serving in the worlds largest assembly of young liberals.
L: What set you aside from other candidates for IFLRY?
Jan Argy: All the other candidates are equally qualified. I’ll be running for the second time, but if ever I win, this will be my first time to be in the Bureau, and I do believe that’s an asset. IFLRY is after all for the young and it’s up for novelty. The inclusion of a new—not to mention, Asian—in its leadership highlights IFLRY’s quest for dynamism in diversity. What I offer is a different perspective, an alternative vision for IFLRY, without sacrificing its youthfulness, modernist approach. I also offer my experience and expertise serving as executive officer in KALIPI and YLDA.
L: New Year’s not far, what’s your resolution for IFLRY?
Jan Argy: New Year’s resolution? Let me think…You mean what changes I plan to introduce? Let’s see. Well, I’m basically running as IFLRY’s voice in Asia, so strengthening IFLRY’s presence in this vast continent would be the first of my priorities, Second is on strengthening the Secretariat. Right now, it’s technically manned by the Boss-the Secretary General- and the Executive Director. That has to change. The whole Bureau has to take charge and responsibility. Aside from that, a worldwide federation shouldn’t be manned by one person alone that is why the task of the Treasurer to raise funds for the federation is crucial as well. Third on my list would be programs. That is- it has to be assessed. We have to assess the way we do our campaigns, our seminars. Its good right now but I’m sure it could be better and effective. But I’m not limiting myself to only three, the programs of the next Bureau has to be a convergence of all our collective inputs-the Bureau and the MO’s and so I have to adjust to that.
L: If you can have dinner with great men and women of Liberalism, who would that be, and why?
Jan Argy: Dinner? I think I would prefer breakfast. Lao Tzu, John Locke, and Jose Rizal. It would be good to ask Lao Tzu if the so-called “Asian Values” and Liberalism are compatible. To John Locke, nothing to say, I just would want to meet the man. Jose Rizal, I’d ask him if he is happy with what’s happening in our country right now.
L: What’s the one thing that you’re most certain about?
Jan Argy: I’m certain about many things but right now i am certain that I want to be part of the next IFLRY Bureau. To be able to extend my hand and create meaningful change to a movement I so love dearly.
L: You had witness two people power in your country. What is your opinion on people power? How did the phenomena affect you?
Jan Argy: I was ten when EDSA 1-People Power Revolution happened, and former President Marcos was overthrown. Even at that age, I knew it was an important moment in my people’s history. There was shouting in the streets, and there was singing. EDSA II was about a fight against corruption and misgovernance. The two EDSAs were the complete manifestation of my people’s longing and love for freedom, democracy and a better future. And I remember that. I mean, no one should forget that?
L: You had been to Pakistan. If you have ten-seconds with President Musharraf, what would you say to him? Just ten seconds.
Jan Argy: Just ten seconds? Then afterwards, I’ll get arrested (laughs). I’ll tell him, ‘Back home, my mother doesn’t take no for an answer, but at least she doesn’t call it a democracy.
L: If you can travel to the past, what particular event in history would you like to witness?
Jan Argy: French Revolution. Not that I want to see Marie Antoinette get beheaded, but if you’re a liberal, it’s like you witnessing how you’re born.
L: If you have superpowers, what would that be? Why?
Jan Argy: Superpowers! Well, I love to have Superman’s. Minus the x-ray vision. I don’t wanna invade anyone’s privacy. (smile.)
L: Some food enthusiast says Philippines’s balut is the weirdest food in the world. What can you say about this? Ever eaten one?
Jan Argy: I lost count, but it’s really tasty if you get open-minded about it. I’ll let my friends in IFLRY taste it when KALIPI gets a chance to host an event for the federation.
L: If Bill Gates would let you appropriate some of his money for anything in this world, what would you do?
Jan Argy: Let’s see. I’ll ask him to buy me a BMW… Just kidding. It’s his money, let him decide. I’m sure Mr. Gates has good ideas on how to use it. But if it was my money, I’ll spend it on Youth programs. Programs that will eventually prepare them to a larger challenge in life.
L: You travel a lot. Where’s the most fun place you’ve been?
Jan Argy: It’s not that many. Well, no place beats home. Batanes and Palawan are two of the most amazing places in the world. But I’m a history buff as well so Athens, Rome and Paris are the other places which I enjoyed the most. These are the places where great men and women and even notorious people walked.
L: If you could change the haircut of Dr. Jose Rizal, your country’s National Hero, how would you change it?
Jan Argy: Just leave it as it is. Our hero’s is a a liberal himself, his self expression, sense of style must be respected (laughs). Every one has his quirks, even a national hero.
L: Time had named YOU, 2007 Person of the Year, do you agree?
Jan Argy: No. I’d say the resilient people of the world deserves such recognition. But I think they’ve been in the cover. I’m just not sure what year. I sure hoped they’d be more creative than sticking a mirror in their cover.
L: You’d been with KALIPI, for a long time. Fourteen years? How was it working with the people younger than you, particularly teenagers?
Jan Argy: Younger? Only in numbers. Working with teenagers, makes you younger, even. Youth is as contagious as any disease could be. (laughs) honestly it gives you new and different perspectives.
L: If you got elected as an IFLRY VP, you’re gonna attend a lot of functions and meeting. Now, here’s the question, slacks or jeans?
Jan Argy: Jeans, its more fashion forward, and more youthful. But slacks are okay. Just that those jeans could keep up with my energy. But that really depends on the occasion.
L: What can you say about the celebrity meltdown going on in Hollywood? Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton…
Jan Argy: Well, there goes climate change.
L:Ever listened to Bjork?
Jan Argy: They’re popular in Europe, right? Nope, I just saw an album in my sister’s collection. And I am more of a ballad, mushy and R&B person.
L: Your country had hard time dealing with human rights issue. How would that affect your views on human rights?
Jan Argy: A lot of discussions had been had about the human rights issue. The UN report on political killings and forced disappearances’ gave interesting recommendations. It made me more aware, engaged, and in-depth with human rights and its importance. I mean, somehow it is the basis of our existence. It gives us the feeling that the fight is not over, and people like us,liberals, must not stop in pushing for change and reforms.
L: Russia just had their election, and international observers say it wasn’t a fair fight. Do you think Russia could use more democracy?
Jan Argy: Use more Democracy? Is it a democracy in the first place. Clean, fair and honest election is a prerequisite to it. And the people who are expressing themselves peacefully in the streets, that’s democracy. They can’t just arrest people expressing discontent with the status quo, and call their system democratic. Liberalism is also about being tolerant toward dissenters.
L: The Middle-East had always been a volatile region, and much important. In the past few years, some expert says it had become more volatile and caught in rising tensions and violence is women, and their children. What do you think could be done?
Jan Argy: More attention should be focus to the individual plight of these women, and their children. They are the real victims of war. These people need voice to air their dreams and aspiration. And if I would have the power to do so, I’ll replace all heads of state in that region and replace it with women. I’m sure they could resolve the conflicts much easier. By the way, the next IFLRY President is a woman.
L: India has awakened to be a true economic powerhouse, yet a government agency reported that 70% of its population remains below India’s National poverty line. What do you think is the problem?
Jan Argy: The problem, I think, lies in the lack of equal opportunities. One of government’s raison de ‘etre is to guarantee fairness and equality of opportunities. The poor needs opportunities. They need a shot, and every government in the world must be willing to give them a shot to riches. And somehow the Caste system is still there, so its also cultural. We have to break that kind of thinking.
L: You come from the Philippines, a member-nation of ASEAN. There had been much talk that ASEAN’s policy of non-interference has contributed to Burma’s worsening human rights violations. How would you explain this?
Jan Argy: I think ASEAN could still serve as an instrument of policy change in Burma. Even with the organizations’ policy of non-interference and constructive engagement, still, there are ways to bring change. We know for a fact that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called for the release of Suu Kyi. Thats a big leap forward and I hope other leaders would follow soon. But the real instrument that could bring change is Peoples Organization and NGO’s. They’re not afraid of anything. S the task is to bring all of these organizations to a common platform and synchronize their action. Just like what we did in East Timor. And remember we had a bigger enemy then, Indonesia-the big brother of ASEAN. In the fight for freedom in Burma, every individual counts.
You know whatever they say about our cultures-Asian- I have a firm belief that somewhere there is a longing for freedom and democracy in the hearts of our people. We waited 20 years before the dismantling of Marcos’ Martial Law. And it was ignited by a sacrifice, the assassination of Liberal Party Secretary General Ninoy Aquino. I’m sure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s sacrifices would come to fruition. A happy ending. And this the Junta must remember and fear- that everything comes to pass.
L: North Korea’s and Iran’s nuclear program has become a global interest, if not a problem. How do you think could its Asian neighbors help in easing out the tensions?
Jan Argy: This is a problem much closer to home, than any place. These two countries—Iran and North Korea—are quite wary of intervention coming from the West. It is time that Asian leaders like India and China should demonstrate their diplomatic power and help in any way they can. I am not really a security expert; maybe we should consult Essa on this. I think her Master’s thesis dealt on national security.
L: One of the hotly debated topics today, is the issue of climate change. Do you think private enterprise should take a pro-active role in making Earth cooler, and greener?
Jan Argy: The issue of climate change affects every organism in the planet. The search for solution should be a cooperative effort, and I believe private enterprise has a great role in this quest. The conference being held now in Bali, Indonesia; I hope could come out with a more concrete step not just for governments but for everyone to find ways to avert or if not solve this crisis. History shows us what can individuals do, and history might as well repeat itself this time.
L: Next year, USA would have its presidential election. If the winner asks you to draft its change of policy toward Iraq, what would you change about it?
Jan Argy: The war must stop immediately through a calibrated withdrawal of troops. But whoever wins in the US Presidential elections, I’m sure its gonna be a Democrat, the fight for more democracy in the middle east should continue. The work on restoring democracy in Iraq should be a concerted effort not only from its neighbors but from the global community. And hey, why do you keep on asking me these questions, I’m not applying for UN Secretary General. (laughs)
L: Southeast Asia is hot spot for piracy. What’s your stand on the intellectual property rights, and its protection?
Jan Argy: Intellectual properties should be protected from piracy. If we do so, we encourage individuals and enterprises—both public and private—to continue to create and invent. But how would you sell to people who don’t have money? And so little charity wouldn’t hurt i guess; it’s up to the inventor.
L: President Hugo Chavez has nationalized major industries in Venezuela. Do you think it’s a healthy move toward democracy in Latin America?
Jan Argy: I’m a believer of free market and self-determinism. Was there more economic freedom because of Chavez’ move? I doubt it. Chavez’ claims his move was for the prosperity of people of Venezuela, but could the private individuals prospers under the grip? Let me tell you of my experience about Hugo Chavez. Its not that I met the man. When I was in Indonesia just last week I’m having a casual chat with one of the young leaders of Megawati Sukarnoputris’ Party-PDIP. And ‘lo and behold, his role model for national development is Chavez and Morales. These are the things that the liberals have to assess, how these people did end believing in these megalomaniacs. The debate has not ended and as liberals we must continue to sharpen our ideas and let the liberal message be sent to the people clearly, that ours is the right message.
L: If you will become an animal in your next life what would you be, and why?
Jan Argy: I’ll be a bird—an eagle, but in one condition—-no more game hunting in the future. I didn’t become a bird to get shot. (laughs) I wanted to fly and to feel free.
L: Say, you’re walking in a park, and people are smiling at you, why do you think they’re smiling?
Jan Argy: They’re smiling because I’m smiling…
L:Ms. China won Ms. World. It’s China’s first. Do you find anything significant in China’s win?
Jan Argy: Honestly, I don’t wanna muddle her victory just because people think Hu Jintao,the Chinese president, wants to make political capital about her win. She is pretty,confident and intelligent, period. Talk about globalization.
L: Any message for the Young Liberals of the World?
Jan-Argy : What else can I say—ahhh—Together we can change the world and change starts the day you put my name in your ballot. “Jan Argy for IFLRY Vice president” (shouts!)
