Published: August 6, 2025
MONROVIA — Blamo N. Toe, a presidential hopeful in the upcoming Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL) elections, has unveiled his campaign platform, ELEVATE LEGISPOOL, pledging a new era of professionalism, access, and accountability within the institution.
“We are contesting to lead LEGISPOOL not for the title, but to fulfill a mandate to redefine professionalism, promote transparency, and empower every member of our press family,” Toe said during the launch. “Our vision is rooted in transformative leadership — one that is ethical, collaborative, innovative, and firm in defending press freedom and institutional integrity.”
Institutional Reform and Member Support
A key component of Toe’s 12-pillar agenda is constitutional reform. He plans to establish a Constitution Review Committee to revise vague provisions, introduce a formal logo or emblem, clarify eligibility criteria, and implement member-driven reforms in line with Article 18 of the current charter.
Toe also emphasized welfare and professional development. His platform calls for the creation of a Welfare Committee to assist members during emergencies, launch targeted support programs for those in critical need, and encourage mental wellness and peer solidarity.
Excellence, Accountability, and Growth
Under the ELEVATE platform, Toe intends to strengthen capacity building through partnerships with organizations such as Internews, civil society groups, and government agencies. These collaborations would support regular training workshops, mentorship opportunities, reporting grants, and innovation incubators.
His administration would also establish a Legislative Journalism Fund to support in-depth coverage of legislative oversight, budgeting, and transparency. Toe proposed an annual LEGISPOOL Awards Night to recognize excellence, coupled with a fundraising gala to support investigative journalism and capacity-building efforts.
Transparent Governance and Representation
Toe has committed to ensuring financial transparency through timely financial reporting, budget discipline, and the enforcement of member dues. He also plans to appoint coordinators in both chambers of the Legislature to enhance inclusivity, member representation, and rapid communication.
Integrity and Editorial Independence
Toe pledged zero tolerance for threats to LEGISPOOL’s institutional integrity. He vowed to reject partnerships that could compromise member dignity and promised to create confidential reporting channels for member feedback and safety.
He also said his administration would enforce the Article 17 Code of Conduct “without fear or favor,” resist partisan manipulation, and preserve editorial independence across the institution.
A Platform Built on Values
The ELEVATE platform stands for Empowerment, Leadership, Ethics, Visibility, Accountability, Transparency, and Excellence — principles that Toe described as the foundation of a “collective movement.”
“It’s time to ELEVATE LEGISPOOL — where members are supported, journalism is dignified, and leadership is responsive,” he said.
Toe’s campaign team includes Jerromie Walters as vice president, Zac T. Sherman as secretary-general, and Feona Benson-Kollie as assistant secretary-general.
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